Today is our final full day in Italy. I have to give a presentation in class today that I am fairly stressed about--I hate having to speak in front of a group. Oh well, soon enough that will be over and I will be a better person because of it. Or something like that.
It's still a pretty busy day for us, we have class followed by an excursion up to a monistary way outside the city. Then tonite, we have the closing dinner and karaoke! Somewhere in there, I need to find time to pack. We actually had to pick up an extra suitcase for our return, having purchased so much stuff while we were here. Plus, I was already 3 pounds above the limit on my suitcase on the way over, so the 14 euro we spent on the suitcase (no fee for an extra bag) was way cheaper than the $30 per pound they charge you for being over. Yeah, $30 PER POUND!
There is so much fun stuff here to buy. There are these little vendor shops EVERYWHERE all selling the same leather products and souvenir items-- and each of them fight for your busienss. It's like complete innundation with stuff--and although I need none of it--walking thru these markets you start to feel like you must have it. Thankfully, I've resisted the urge to come home with a(still rather expensive) leather jacket. Some of this stuff is great if you live in Italy -- but the purple leather laptop bag (looking in your direction, Amy) is a bit much! haha
I am guessing this will be my last post, since I am done with school today, I will not have access to a computer lab. So ciao for now and I will chat with you all when I return! :)
Final day
Reflections on Italian culture
As we are wrapping up our trip, I wanted to share some thoughts I had on Italian culture.
I have not watched TV at all here, it’s been fabulous. There is too much to do. This would likely be different if I lived here, but maybe not. Italians like to go out for a late dinner--usually around 8 or 9. We've been doing this as well. Then, they don't just go home after dinner, but walk around the city, usually gathering at a public space such as a fountain or square to socialize. These locations are also full of tourists, vendors and musicians. I find it interesting to see locals willing to mingle with the tourists like that. Cafes are full of locals just standing at the counter drinking their coffee. There is no such thing as a to-go cup here. Americans would likely be irritated to walk in and see a crowd of people just standing with their coffee at the counter. It makes it difficult to order. Additionally, you have to pay to sit at a table--your coffee is several Euros cheaper if you stand and drink. Yes, several Euros cheaper. But, they seem to love it --again it gives the locals a chance to socialize.
There is no violent crime here to remark of. There was not a single time I ever felt unsafe, even walking (somewhat) late at night with just one other person. There is plenty of pick pocketing, but you don't really have to worry about being strong armed out of your money. Or having a gun shoved in your face. I've been way more scared of the traffic.
Speaking of traffic, Italians have it right. They all drive tiny cars and scooters. We've honestly seen 2 SUVs since we've been here. Smart cars are everywhere. And they are fast, scooters are even faster. Sometimes I swear they go 80 down our street. And scooters don't have to follow the traffic laws, so they just weave in and out of the cars and busses, vying for the pole position.
It's been fabulous being back in a classroom learning again. I realize how much I miss college and the lack of everyday adult responsibilities that went along with that! haha
There are a lot of Italians that speak English. Not that all of them are very happy about having to do it, but most of them can. I know a second language, but rarely have to use it. I imagine most Americans would be irritated if people from other countries just showed up and expected us to know their language. And as I seemed to recall there was recently a push to make English the official language of the US. Double standards, I guess.
All in all, it's really been an amazing trip. I feel so fortunate to have had this opportunity and although I look forward to catching up on my sleep and seeing my dog -- I still don't want the experience to end!
Nearing the end
Our time in Italy is going by so fast. Today we went to Sienna - see Amy's post for more details. Sorry about the lack of information here, but between school and work - my personal computer lab time is limited.
One thing I have noticed is that Italians are stylin. Two trends here I am watching, popped collars on polo shirts and Chuck Taylor high tops. So excited Chuckies are back in, not so much about the polos. Wonder how long until we see these styles in the states.
Weekend adventures
We went to Venice over the weekend and it really was as cool as I thought it would be. I am still totally amazed by the engineering of that city, with all the buildings right on the canal. It was nice not to have to worry about dodging scooters and smart cars for a day! The streets of Venice were exactly what I pictured Italy to be, small and windey--everything was so quaint. I wish we could have stayed the night there, but we only had about 7 hours. Enough to explore, get lost and find our way back to the train station again. I am sure Amy will go into detail of the train ride, so I will save that for her.
Yesterday, it was nice to just sleep in. We've been so crazy go go go that I've only been getting a few hours of sleep each night. Being sick, I needed the rest. Thankfully some nice pharmacist helped me pick out some cold medicine that is keeping my cough in check. After we got up, we just bummed around the city for a while. It was super hot again yesterday (95+) , so we went back and played some cards out on our covered balcony. A nap, then dinner with the group, followed by gelato. Good, mellow day.
I got me my Italian leather shoes yesterday too. I could not leave Italy without some new shoes, so my mission is complete.
Even though we've only been here a little over a week, it feels like an eternity. Totally in a good way. I am bummed it will have to end so soon, it's really been an amazing journey!
So hot. But, so cold.
It's been so hot over here and like usual, I did not pack correctly. I was expecting it to be cooler. Had to buy some very expensive Italian t-shirts. Made in Turkey. Still on the look out for some cool shoes to bring back. Because you all know I don't have enough shoes!
With the heat comes mosquitos. Ginormous mosquitos. That leave even more ginormous welts. They actually have some little plug in machine that is supposed to help with the control of mosquitos, but ours doesnt seem to be working.
I've also seemed to have caught myself a cold. I am guessing it's from all the go-go-go and not enough sleep. So, working on getting more sleep and not being sick.
We've been discussing bruta forma in class, in English it literally means brute form. Apparently, it's a way for Italians to refer to unappealing behavior. Guess we Americans are known for it. I was somewhat embarrased the other night when our group was hanging out, enjoying some gelato, when some 18ish year old kid --already drunkerd--came into the shop asking loudly for soemone that spoke English. The woman at the cashier meekly responded that she spoke a little. He continued to yell slowly at her about a bar, they were in search. Bar means something very different in Italy -- it's just a place to grab some coffee and a pastry. There is likely alcohol there, but it's nothing like an American bar where you go to get beer, play pool and hit on chicks. Which is obviously what said drunkard was looking for. It was obnoxious and I was so happy when he left -- without getting the answer he was looking for.
Speaking of gelato, I've had a lot. Actually branched out from the normal chocolate and had some pistacchio, hazelnut and carmel. One of these times I need to try the fruit flavor, they always look so nice in the display case.
And speaking of display case, we saw some relics yesterday that were nicely displayed. My fave was the portion of middle finger of St. John the Baptist. Not sure I understand the whole relic concept. Holy finger. heh
Off to the last day of class, for this week.
Tomorrow, Venice!!
More Florence
I actually have more than 5 mintues to sit down and post. Unfortunately, I keep forgetting about everything I want to blog about. We've already seen so much, it's been a bit of a whirlwind so far. It's non-stop going. But really, who wants to come to Italy and sleep??! Rome seriously was a blur. See Amy's blog for details of our last night. And my deoderant fiasco. And I believe she has posted some pics too.
Florence is much more laid back, nobody is in a hurry here. Guess that is common in Italian culture. This city has been really good so far, the history here is amazing. It really pays to go with a class where you can learn the background of the Reniassance, then go out and see it all. Makes it much more meaningful. I wonder why Americans call it Florence when the real name is Firenze. I would never call an Italian person by another (Americanized) name--so why do we do it with cities/countries?
The food here has been awesome. I'm living on various risottos and mozerella tomato paninis. Yum. Wine is cheap (mostly) and it flows freely. I also picked up a Duff beer last night '-- for real, they sell Duff beer here. Otherwise, I've had very little beer. (I KNOW!) Very few options for soda, only: coke, coke light, sprite and orange fanta. I miss my dew. We walked thru a huge market yesterday where various vendors set up sho
I've learned a little Italian, but I really wish I knew more. Most people here know English, but I would like to communicate more/better with the people I am coming in contact with.
Like I said, the group I am with is really cool. We've had so much fun together. We end up doing alot, even outside of class, as a group. Last night we hung out on the balcony, drank wine and chatted it up. Good times.
Off to the Uffizi Gallery to see DaVinci!
Firenze
I finally have a keyboard to type on. Except I keep missing the shift and hitting the strange character on the euro keyboard. So, please still scuzi the typos.
Traveled by bus up to Florence yesterday, the countryside is beautiful. Florence is beautiful, different than Rome --not nearly as crazy.
Out hotel is awesome, its like a dorm, we all just hang out with our doors open. And somehow we got the room with the party deck. We have this huge balcony that overlooks the street. Its amazing!
We started class today, very interesting. We went to a central market where the locals shop. Just this huge open space with vendors selling food stuffs. Whole skinned animals hung in their shops. This afternoon will be more walking around the city, starting to see different galleries.
Off to lunch!