Munich last weekend for my 21st birthday was incredible! Such a great city with such nice, friendly, and genuinely happy people. Some interesting things to start: BMW World, Haufbrauhaus, Spring Fest, considered the northernmost Italian city.
We arrived on a Thursday evening and acquainted ourselves with the city. Friday (my birthday!), Jennifer met us and we went on an amazing bike tour! It was our tour guide's first official tour, which might strike apprehension in some, but it was very good. The tour showcased the highs and lows of Munich and Germany's history. There are lions everywhere, marking one of the first rulers of Munich. There are some WWII memorials. Our tour guide actually got choked up at one. The memorial commemorated the deaths of 7 students and their professor who spoke out against Nazi rule. They were found and guillotined in a public square. It was especially poignant for us since these students were our ages, etc. fighting for what was right. The way Germany deals with their history and involvement is very interesting. They acknowledge it and try to move on. On the bike tour, we stopped for lunch in the English Garden, a stunningly beautiful park in the middle of the city. The river that flows through it actually makes a great spot for surfers! There's also a nudist meadow!
After the tour, we decided to search for lederhosen and derndels, the traditionally Bavarian garb. The girls succeeded completely, while I found some knock-off, costume-esque lederhosen for 5 euro. I knew they wouldn't be accepted well, but I had to buy them! We suited up and hit the town. Our waiter at one of the beer halls told me I looked like a jerk, and I said "I know. I'm sorry!" But that was the worst of it. Munich was like Disney Land with lots of beer: the happiest place on earth.
We repeated this routine in our outfits again the next day, meeting some cool people from all over the world in the process.
Sunday met us early the next morning when we checked out. We had most of the day in the city still, so we decided to pay a visit to Dachau, one of the first concentration camps in Germany. That day was the 65th anniversary of its liberation, so some high-up officials were in attendance for the ceremony. Our tour didn't conflict with the ceremony, though. It was chilling. You walk through a small gate with words translating to "Work will set you free" above. Then the processing center where people were documented and showered. The barracks are across the courtyard and are absolutely horrifying. I couldn't stay in them for more than a moment. I was reminded of Elie Weisel's accounts in his best-selling "Night." Unfortunately, we didn't have as much time at Dachau as we would have liked, but I am very happy to have seen it.
We made it back to Florence for our last week of class before finals. Mike was able to find some flights and come to Florence this weekend. It's good timing. I get to play tour guide for the last time just before leaving. Only one more week in the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance. :(
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Cose ad Amsterdam e Alitaliaccia
Last Thursday, Amsterdam came calling and we answered promptly! We flew Alitalia through Rome straight in to Amsterdam. Hilliary and I had to check our bags, so we went to the baggage claim when we got there. Her backpack came right on out...my bag did not, which is hard to fathom since we checked in together. I filed a report and all I could do was wait for some news. So we motored on. After checking in to the hostel, we explored our food options. Amsterdam is such an international city that you could eat anything you wanted whenever you wanted. I started with a bagel and soup. I decided that I should probably invest in some change of clothing since I would be there for 4 days--and who knows if my bag will ever show up. Luckily, Amsterdam also has some great shopping. We went to a second-hand vintage store that sold gas masks. I abstained.
The next day, the rest of the group met us later in the afternoon. We got our bearings just in time to head to the Crystal Castles concert a few metro stops away. It was insane! I had never really listened to their stuff before, but they are quite the entertainment. The lead singer reminded me of Coraline. Kind of freaky. But ridiculous in a way that only Amsterdam could embrace. It truly is a city that has anything and everything anybody could ever want out of life. Seriously.
Saturday, we stumbled upon a carnival that was gearing up for the Queen's Day celebration the following weekend. Orange, the color of Amsterdam, was everywhere. It felt like a European version of the state fair. We rode the tall ferris wheel to get a view of the entire city--beautiful. Afterward, we ate lunch along a canal and went to the Heineken Experience. It was pretty cool! It was a very hands-on type of museum. I helped brew some beer...and then we went on a ride where we got brewed! How creative. The ticket included some beer, so we hung out in the brewery's bar for a little while after the tour. That night, we walked through the Red Light District. It's funny, because none of us felt like that was obscene or inappropriate. I guess I'm embracing that European attitude more each day. And I guess that's how Amsterdam blends it all seamlessly together.
Hilliary and I found ourselves at Anne Frank's house. Such a poignant story. And the house was very cool, too, because Otto Frank, Anne's father, personally guided its development. He is quoted a few times throughout the museum. In the last room, the Freedom2Choose room, Otto clarifies that the house isn't meant for people to dwell on the past, but rather to move forward, forgetting prejudices and bigotry. I think I will try to visit Dachau, a concentration camp outside Munich, this weekend. It could be a nice little parallel.
That afternoon, we had to head to the airport to come back home. I went early to pick up my bag (the airline called me Saturday saying they'd found it. I didn't see any merit in wasting time getting it with only one night left). So I found it. Put my new purchases in and proceeded to check in. Of course, I had to check my bag again. However, due to our 20 minute connection in Rome, none of our bags made it to Florence! All I could do was laugh. I had worn the same clothes for 4 days. No toothpaste. No nothing. But I was home. And that's all that mattered.
Two days later, my bag was delivered. I emailed Alitalia to see what they would do for me. I'm still waiting for a response.
The next day, the rest of the group met us later in the afternoon. We got our bearings just in time to head to the Crystal Castles concert a few metro stops away. It was insane! I had never really listened to their stuff before, but they are quite the entertainment. The lead singer reminded me of Coraline. Kind of freaky. But ridiculous in a way that only Amsterdam could embrace. It truly is a city that has anything and everything anybody could ever want out of life. Seriously.
Saturday, we stumbled upon a carnival that was gearing up for the Queen's Day celebration the following weekend. Orange, the color of Amsterdam, was everywhere. It felt like a European version of the state fair. We rode the tall ferris wheel to get a view of the entire city--beautiful. Afterward, we ate lunch along a canal and went to the Heineken Experience. It was pretty cool! It was a very hands-on type of museum. I helped brew some beer...and then we went on a ride where we got brewed! How creative. The ticket included some beer, so we hung out in the brewery's bar for a little while after the tour. That night, we walked through the Red Light District. It's funny, because none of us felt like that was obscene or inappropriate. I guess I'm embracing that European attitude more each day. And I guess that's how Amsterdam blends it all seamlessly together.
Hilliary and I found ourselves at Anne Frank's house. Such a poignant story. And the house was very cool, too, because Otto Frank, Anne's father, personally guided its development. He is quoted a few times throughout the museum. In the last room, the Freedom2Choose room, Otto clarifies that the house isn't meant for people to dwell on the past, but rather to move forward, forgetting prejudices and bigotry. I think I will try to visit Dachau, a concentration camp outside Munich, this weekend. It could be a nice little parallel.
That afternoon, we had to head to the airport to come back home. I went early to pick up my bag (the airline called me Saturday saying they'd found it. I didn't see any merit in wasting time getting it with only one night left). So I found it. Put my new purchases in and proceeded to check in. Of course, I had to check my bag again. However, due to our 20 minute connection in Rome, none of our bags made it to Florence! All I could do was laugh. I had worn the same clothes for 4 days. No toothpaste. No nothing. But I was home. And that's all that mattered.
Two days later, my bag was delivered. I emailed Alitalia to see what they would do for me. I'm still waiting for a response.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Amici e le Cinque Terre: il bellissimo luogo
After Jennifer and company left Florence last week to continue their Italian excursions, the Florentine routine resumed. Although hardly a routine, we frequented our familiar establishments and discovered some new ones as well.
Last Thursday, Accent arranged for the TCU group to go see Momix, a modern show that could be described as Cirque du Soliel meets Blue Man Group. The show actually started in the United States, but must be on a tour of Europe. We saw it at Teatro Verdi, a beautful old theatre near Santa Croce. We got to sit in a balcony for the performance! Every scene was amazing. There was no dialogue, but the incredible soundtrack said it all. The show moves through the four seasons in extremely unique ways. The performers were some of the most talented I've ever seen. I highly recommend Momix to anyone.
Saturday, we decided to go to the Inter Milan v. Fiorentina futbol game! What an experience! Inter is one of the top teams in the world and Florence hosted them right in our backyard. Fiorentina scored first within the first 15 minutes and held Inter for most of the game. In the second half, Inter snuck in two back-to-back goals. Fortunately, Fiorentina answered them right away to tie it back up at 2-2. The clock ran up at 90:00, so a short overtime ensued. At the end of overtime, neither team managed another goal, so the game ended in a tie. At least Fiorentina didn't lose to one of the best teams in the world! We also had some extra entertainment in the stand when a Milan fan haphazardly identified his affiliation amidst a sea of diehard Fiorentina supporters. We seriously feared for his wellbeing. It almost got real ugly. I suppose that is why they had hundreds of crowd-control personnel seperating the fans. And this was just a normal game! I can only imagine Johannesburg this summer.
The school week was pretty slow. That is, until I found out we had a quiz Thursday in my Italian class. Normally, that wouldn't have been a problem. But, when Jennifer was in town, she let me know that she would be in Cinque Terre, a 2-hour train ride from Florence, for her 21st that week. Of course as a best friend, I had to go! I had planned on leaving Wednesday morning after class as to only miss my Thursday morning Italian class. Well, the quiz was worth 5% of my final grade--and it's date was non-negotiable. I really cannot complain about the effect on my grade, since it is technically in the syllabus. It just angered me that the ONE class I miss (of a 3 day/week 8am class), it would be worth 5%. Woe is me.
Cinque Terre: the most beautiful place on the planet!
I arrived Wednesday afternoon before Jennifer. The train station was literally on the beach! So I soaked up the ambience, then headed for the hostel. I checked in at the top of the hill in Riomaggiore. The room, however, was at the bottom of the hill near the water's edge. It was a hidden little door down an alleyway/maze--only in Italy. I met some of the others staying in the 11-person room (one of the girls actually knew some TCU people!) and headed for the beach. After I finished reading, I went back to see if Jennifer had made it for her 21st and she had! We got ready for dinner and headed up the hill. To our surprise, there were only three restaurants in the whole town--luckily they were open (and the only things open!). We had some great seafood followed by some great mojitos (thanks, Rick Steves!). We finished the night with wine on the marina.
The next day, we woke up and hiked from Monterosso to Vernazza, the hardest trail of the five towns. We made it back to the hostel where we met some more roommates. Tom, a 23-year old kiwi from New Zealand. After spending 5-months in Fort Lauderdale and gaining his deck-hand experience for boating, he traveled through Western Europe. Cinque Terre was his last stop before meeting his port of call just south. He signed on as a deck hand for a 44-metre yacht, owned by a middle-eastern oil tycoon. The yacht isn't even completed yet. It has a crew of 9...for a six-person family! That must be nice! His contract is for 7 months--all exepenses paid. I'm slightly envious. And James, a 23-year old masters student in London who originates from Canada. The two of them joined us for some of our adventures on Friday and Saturday.
We spent all-day Saturday on the beach! It was PERFECT weather in a PERFECT place for relaxation. We picked up a picnic lunch at the local market: foccacia, pesto, mozzarella, salami, grapes, apples, and white wine. I know...rough life. It was great, though, to have those moments to relax with great friends (Spain was a great spring break, but one of those vacations that demands a vacation afterward).
Now it is Saturday and I am back in Florence with the weekend still ahead of me! Granted, I have alot of schoolwork to catch up on this weekend before a week of papers and presentations. We will leave for Amsterdam on Thursday!
Last Thursday, Accent arranged for the TCU group to go see Momix, a modern show that could be described as Cirque du Soliel meets Blue Man Group. The show actually started in the United States, but must be on a tour of Europe. We saw it at Teatro Verdi, a beautful old theatre near Santa Croce. We got to sit in a balcony for the performance! Every scene was amazing. There was no dialogue, but the incredible soundtrack said it all. The show moves through the four seasons in extremely unique ways. The performers were some of the most talented I've ever seen. I highly recommend Momix to anyone.
Saturday, we decided to go to the Inter Milan v. Fiorentina futbol game! What an experience! Inter is one of the top teams in the world and Florence hosted them right in our backyard. Fiorentina scored first within the first 15 minutes and held Inter for most of the game. In the second half, Inter snuck in two back-to-back goals. Fortunately, Fiorentina answered them right away to tie it back up at 2-2. The clock ran up at 90:00, so a short overtime ensued. At the end of overtime, neither team managed another goal, so the game ended in a tie. At least Fiorentina didn't lose to one of the best teams in the world! We also had some extra entertainment in the stand when a Milan fan haphazardly identified his affiliation amidst a sea of diehard Fiorentina supporters. We seriously feared for his wellbeing. It almost got real ugly. I suppose that is why they had hundreds of crowd-control personnel seperating the fans. And this was just a normal game! I can only imagine Johannesburg this summer.
The school week was pretty slow. That is, until I found out we had a quiz Thursday in my Italian class. Normally, that wouldn't have been a problem. But, when Jennifer was in town, she let me know that she would be in Cinque Terre, a 2-hour train ride from Florence, for her 21st that week. Of course as a best friend, I had to go! I had planned on leaving Wednesday morning after class as to only miss my Thursday morning Italian class. Well, the quiz was worth 5% of my final grade--and it's date was non-negotiable. I really cannot complain about the effect on my grade, since it is technically in the syllabus. It just angered me that the ONE class I miss (of a 3 day/week 8am class), it would be worth 5%. Woe is me.
Cinque Terre: the most beautiful place on the planet!
I arrived Wednesday afternoon before Jennifer. The train station was literally on the beach! So I soaked up the ambience, then headed for the hostel. I checked in at the top of the hill in Riomaggiore. The room, however, was at the bottom of the hill near the water's edge. It was a hidden little door down an alleyway/maze--only in Italy. I met some of the others staying in the 11-person room (one of the girls actually knew some TCU people!) and headed for the beach. After I finished reading, I went back to see if Jennifer had made it for her 21st and she had! We got ready for dinner and headed up the hill. To our surprise, there were only three restaurants in the whole town--luckily they were open (and the only things open!). We had some great seafood followed by some great mojitos (thanks, Rick Steves!). We finished the night with wine on the marina.
The next day, we woke up and hiked from Monterosso to Vernazza, the hardest trail of the five towns. We made it back to the hostel where we met some more roommates. Tom, a 23-year old kiwi from New Zealand. After spending 5-months in Fort Lauderdale and gaining his deck-hand experience for boating, he traveled through Western Europe. Cinque Terre was his last stop before meeting his port of call just south. He signed on as a deck hand for a 44-metre yacht, owned by a middle-eastern oil tycoon. The yacht isn't even completed yet. It has a crew of 9...for a six-person family! That must be nice! His contract is for 7 months--all exepenses paid. I'm slightly envious. And James, a 23-year old masters student in London who originates from Canada. The two of them joined us for some of our adventures on Friday and Saturday.
We spent all-day Saturday on the beach! It was PERFECT weather in a PERFECT place for relaxation. We picked up a picnic lunch at the local market: foccacia, pesto, mozzarella, salami, grapes, apples, and white wine. I know...rough life. It was great, though, to have those moments to relax with great friends (Spain was a great spring break, but one of those vacations that demands a vacation afterward).
Now it is Saturday and I am back in Florence with the weekend still ahead of me! Granted, I have alot of schoolwork to catch up on this weekend before a week of papers and presentations. We will leave for Amsterdam on Thursday!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Quando Jennifer arriva a Firenze
Jennifer is in town! She and two of her friends who are also studying in Aix en Provence, France are traveling around Italy for the next two weeks while they're on spring break. They're starting here in Florence, then heading to Venice, Rome, and Cinque Terre. They have Eurail passes, so taking trains everywhere is cheaper.
Jennifer will be turning 21 next week in Cinque Terre and I think I am going to meet here there!! Some other TCU folks went there this weekend and their pictures look too good not to go! Until then, I am showing Jennifer what it means to be Florentine. I hope I have done a good job so far! It was Easter (Pasqua) yesterday, so we went to mass at Santa Croce after watching the celebration in Piazza del Duomo. They shot fireworks off an ornate cart! Last night, we made dinner for the group. Unfortunately, my dishes didn't turn out the way I had planned....bo.
In other news, I signed up for fall classes. Unfortunately, the course offerings and times are not working to my advantage. I have to drop my Italian minor :( I am really mad about that. That is one of the reasons I came here and now I can't finish it! Hopefully I can work out some sort of compromise.
Jennifer will be turning 21 next week in Cinque Terre and I think I am going to meet here there!! Some other TCU folks went there this weekend and their pictures look too good not to go! Until then, I am showing Jennifer what it means to be Florentine. I hope I have done a good job so far! It was Easter (Pasqua) yesterday, so we went to mass at Santa Croce after watching the celebration in Piazza del Duomo. They shot fireworks off an ornate cart! Last night, we made dinner for the group. Unfortunately, my dishes didn't turn out the way I had planned....bo.
In other news, I signed up for fall classes. Unfortunately, the course offerings and times are not working to my advantage. I have to drop my Italian minor :( I am really mad about that. That is one of the reasons I came here and now I can't finish it! Hopefully I can work out some sort of compromise.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Dieci giorni in Spagna
Back in Italy! Sorry for the delay in updates, but it's hard to sit and blog when you're on the go in Spain.
FRIDAY
We woke up and got a taxi to the airport. When we are standing in line to check in, Matt realizes he had left his passport back at the apartment. Our flight was taking off in less than an hour. Miraculously, he was able to grab another taxi, tell the driver to speed as fast as possible (which Italian drivers are very capable of doing), and get there and back just in time. That pretty much set the tone for the rest of our trip. We arrived in Madrid, checked in to our hostels, and explored the city.
SATURDAY
We took a free walking tour of Madrid. It was organized by our hostel, so we weren't expecting too much...and for good reason. Our tour guide showed up drunk, likely high, and affected by "the chemicals" as he called them. He informed us that he does the pub crawls at night, then the free tours the next morning--poor combination by my estimation. Aside from a rocky start, I was pleased with the tour. He was comical and more-or-less informative. He was empassioned and enthralling. Free tour guides expect tips at the end, however, I only tipped a few euro. Sorry, Adam. After learning from our tour guide how crazy Madrid nightlife could be, we had to see for ourselves. We went to a 7-STORY discoteca! It was insane! Brooke and I ended up on the main dance floor just in time to feel the cold frost shoot down from a compressor in the ceiling. Without air conditioning, I guess that is the only way to cool the club down. After a few blasts of frost, confetti came down! I got home with confetti still in my hair! In most of Spain, lunch is served around 2 p.m., then dinner around 9 p.m. or so. In Madrid, bars and pubs don't open until after midnight--so you know you're going to be out late. The metro closes at 1 a.m. and reopens at 5 a.m. So you're expected to stay out until the metro reopens! I don't know how they do it.
SUNDAY
We visited the famous Prado and Reina Sofia museums. We saw some classics by Velazquez, Picasso, Dali, and others. Spanish artists are awesome! By far, Spain has the coolest art I have seen. We visited those museums during their "free" times. College students will do anything to save a buck! We also went to Retiro Park, a beautiful public area complete with manmade lake (with rowboats!) and recreation areas.
MONDAY
We woke up Monday, checked out, and caught a train to Seville. After checking in to our hostel, I met up with Mike and other TCU students studying in Seville. It was so good to see a familiar face! It was fun to compare experiences (homestay vs. apartment, Spanish vs. Italian cultures and languages, social norms, etc.). Seville was very laid back. It was as though you could literally feel the country of Spain when you walked its streets. I liked it a lot! We went out for tapas that night. When we got back to the hostel, I wasn't feeling well and ended up throwing up. Abby also threw up. And so did Lauren. We had all eaten the same pork at dinner, so we concluded it was undercooked or something. Once in the night, I threw up again. That wasn't so fun. And I felt bad for my hostel mates (sorry!). Now I have a literal and figurative bad taste in my mouth for tapas and sangria.
TUESDAY
I didn't let the rocky night get me down. I met Mike for lunch, then he showed me his house. I met his senora as she was cooking lunch. She doesn't speak any English and I don't speak much Spanish at all (I get bits since I study Italian), so that exchange was translated for us. Later that night, I ate dinner there, but we should have planned that in advance. Mike asked her only an hour or so before dinner and she was not too happy about the last minute request. She obliged nonetheless, so I cannot complain. Later that night, I decided to take a "quicker" way home. FYI, that isn't the best idea when you have no phone or map. I stubbornly wandered for about an hour and a half, until at 3:30 a.m. I decided to snag a cab. Four euro later, I had made it back and went to bed.
(Matt and Abby left for Morocco instead of staying with us--that's a saga I'll discuss in a little bit)
WEDNESDAY
We flew to Valencia as an intermediary to Barcelona. The flight was only 40 euro and then train to Barcelona was only going to be 17 euro. There is an AMAZING aquarium in Valencia, but we couldn't stomach the 20+ euro prices. We shopped around, found a TON of barber shops and hair salons--if you every need a new doo, you know where to go.
THURSDAY
Our train to Barcelona wasn't until 3 p.m., so we headed to the beach in Valencia. We ate vegetable paella on the boardwalk and enjoyed the beautful sunshine and gorgeous view. It was slightly chilly with the wind so there weren't a ton of people out and about, but we enjoyed the glimpse nonetheless. We had to hurry back to the hostel to grab our bags and get to the train station. We barely made it!
(We were expecting to meet Matt and Abby in Barcelona, but got emails and facebook messages from Abby. She said that their excursion to Morocco didn't happen, but they were determined to take it, so they would be a day late. They wouldn't be taking their scheduled train, but a flight the next night instead).
We get to Barcelona and take the metro to our hostel! In all of Spain, but especially Barcelona, we were being extra cautious with our belongings in public. It is the worst city for tourists since their pickpockets are so good. But it is the best city for tourists with its beauty and abundance of things to do! That night, I met Jillian and her roommate (whose wallet I promptly returned after she lost it in Florence!) for dinner. They took us to a great tapas place, then a few bars. We ended the night at the beachside discotecas. INSANE.
FRIDAY
(Matt and Abby are nowhere to be found. Their excursion to Morocco got back late, so they missed their flight and were forced to stay another day in Malaga. They found another flight and finally made it late that afternoon. I felt bad for all their antics!)
Park Guell was INCREDIBLE. It is my favorite park in the world. Gaudi was commissioned to design the space as a housing development for the privileged classes. The city of Barcelona scrapped the project and made the park a public space. The common areas, fountains, subtle details, and quirky features are astounding. I love Gaudi's architecture! I don't find it goddy at all! It was a beautiful day, so Lauren and I left the group for the beach.
SATURDAY
Our last day. A group of us went to Starbucks to start the day and map our plans. I sat my bag down next me. When we got up to go, it was nowhere to be seen! Immediately, I knew it had been stolen. I checked the streets, but didn't see anyone with anything. My camera, cell phone, and passport were in it! I had put my valuable things in my bag for the day because we had to switch hostel rooms, but our new one wasn't yet ready. Fortunately, I had JUST put my wallet in my pocket, so the theif didn't get my debit card or cash. I kept a cool head, though. I called Accent, our program in Florence. Then I went to the tourist information office to ask where the U.S. Consulate was located. Well, it's Saturday. I need to travel the next day. They give me an emergency number...that only works Monday through Friday, 9-5--what?! Some sort of emergency number, America. They instructed me to go to the police station to file a report, which I did. The police officer was nice enough to call the airline, too, and ask if it was okay to just travel with the police report in lieu of a passport. So everything was taken care of rather quickly! I am just mad that I have to go through all the motions of getting new everything (except a camera--I'll just have to make mental notes). I'm also mad because we were being so careful! Professionals, I tell you. It was another beautiful day, so we hit the beach again after all that.
SUNDAY
Time to go home. We made it to the airport and checked in...well, most of us at least. Matt, the poor kid, messed up another reservation. He booked his return flight for the Sunday before, so he didn't have a seat on our sold out flight. He was forced to stay in Barcelona another night, buy another flight, and get home the next day. His spring break got real expensive real fast!
It is so nice to be home in Florence, though. Not only is it familiar, but it's Italian. I appreciate the culture so much more after having been deprived of it for over a week! The food is so much better here, too! Every meal isn't pork and potatoes. Grazie, Italia!
FRIDAY
We woke up and got a taxi to the airport. When we are standing in line to check in, Matt realizes he had left his passport back at the apartment. Our flight was taking off in less than an hour. Miraculously, he was able to grab another taxi, tell the driver to speed as fast as possible (which Italian drivers are very capable of doing), and get there and back just in time. That pretty much set the tone for the rest of our trip. We arrived in Madrid, checked in to our hostels, and explored the city.
SATURDAY
We took a free walking tour of Madrid. It was organized by our hostel, so we weren't expecting too much...and for good reason. Our tour guide showed up drunk, likely high, and affected by "the chemicals" as he called them. He informed us that he does the pub crawls at night, then the free tours the next morning--poor combination by my estimation. Aside from a rocky start, I was pleased with the tour. He was comical and more-or-less informative. He was empassioned and enthralling. Free tour guides expect tips at the end, however, I only tipped a few euro. Sorry, Adam. After learning from our tour guide how crazy Madrid nightlife could be, we had to see for ourselves. We went to a 7-STORY discoteca! It was insane! Brooke and I ended up on the main dance floor just in time to feel the cold frost shoot down from a compressor in the ceiling. Without air conditioning, I guess that is the only way to cool the club down. After a few blasts of frost, confetti came down! I got home with confetti still in my hair! In most of Spain, lunch is served around 2 p.m., then dinner around 9 p.m. or so. In Madrid, bars and pubs don't open until after midnight--so you know you're going to be out late. The metro closes at 1 a.m. and reopens at 5 a.m. So you're expected to stay out until the metro reopens! I don't know how they do it.
SUNDAY
We visited the famous Prado and Reina Sofia museums. We saw some classics by Velazquez, Picasso, Dali, and others. Spanish artists are awesome! By far, Spain has the coolest art I have seen. We visited those museums during their "free" times. College students will do anything to save a buck! We also went to Retiro Park, a beautiful public area complete with manmade lake (with rowboats!) and recreation areas.
MONDAY
We woke up Monday, checked out, and caught a train to Seville. After checking in to our hostel, I met up with Mike and other TCU students studying in Seville. It was so good to see a familiar face! It was fun to compare experiences (homestay vs. apartment, Spanish vs. Italian cultures and languages, social norms, etc.). Seville was very laid back. It was as though you could literally feel the country of Spain when you walked its streets. I liked it a lot! We went out for tapas that night. When we got back to the hostel, I wasn't feeling well and ended up throwing up. Abby also threw up. And so did Lauren. We had all eaten the same pork at dinner, so we concluded it was undercooked or something. Once in the night, I threw up again. That wasn't so fun. And I felt bad for my hostel mates (sorry!). Now I have a literal and figurative bad taste in my mouth for tapas and sangria.
TUESDAY
I didn't let the rocky night get me down. I met Mike for lunch, then he showed me his house. I met his senora as she was cooking lunch. She doesn't speak any English and I don't speak much Spanish at all (I get bits since I study Italian), so that exchange was translated for us. Later that night, I ate dinner there, but we should have planned that in advance. Mike asked her only an hour or so before dinner and she was not too happy about the last minute request. She obliged nonetheless, so I cannot complain. Later that night, I decided to take a "quicker" way home. FYI, that isn't the best idea when you have no phone or map. I stubbornly wandered for about an hour and a half, until at 3:30 a.m. I decided to snag a cab. Four euro later, I had made it back and went to bed.
(Matt and Abby left for Morocco instead of staying with us--that's a saga I'll discuss in a little bit)
WEDNESDAY
We flew to Valencia as an intermediary to Barcelona. The flight was only 40 euro and then train to Barcelona was only going to be 17 euro. There is an AMAZING aquarium in Valencia, but we couldn't stomach the 20+ euro prices. We shopped around, found a TON of barber shops and hair salons--if you every need a new doo, you know where to go.
THURSDAY
Our train to Barcelona wasn't until 3 p.m., so we headed to the beach in Valencia. We ate vegetable paella on the boardwalk and enjoyed the beautful sunshine and gorgeous view. It was slightly chilly with the wind so there weren't a ton of people out and about, but we enjoyed the glimpse nonetheless. We had to hurry back to the hostel to grab our bags and get to the train station. We barely made it!
(We were expecting to meet Matt and Abby in Barcelona, but got emails and facebook messages from Abby. She said that their excursion to Morocco didn't happen, but they were determined to take it, so they would be a day late. They wouldn't be taking their scheduled train, but a flight the next night instead).
We get to Barcelona and take the metro to our hostel! In all of Spain, but especially Barcelona, we were being extra cautious with our belongings in public. It is the worst city for tourists since their pickpockets are so good. But it is the best city for tourists with its beauty and abundance of things to do! That night, I met Jillian and her roommate (whose wallet I promptly returned after she lost it in Florence!) for dinner. They took us to a great tapas place, then a few bars. We ended the night at the beachside discotecas. INSANE.
FRIDAY
(Matt and Abby are nowhere to be found. Their excursion to Morocco got back late, so they missed their flight and were forced to stay another day in Malaga. They found another flight and finally made it late that afternoon. I felt bad for all their antics!)
Park Guell was INCREDIBLE. It is my favorite park in the world. Gaudi was commissioned to design the space as a housing development for the privileged classes. The city of Barcelona scrapped the project and made the park a public space. The common areas, fountains, subtle details, and quirky features are astounding. I love Gaudi's architecture! I don't find it goddy at all! It was a beautiful day, so Lauren and I left the group for the beach.
SATURDAY
Our last day. A group of us went to Starbucks to start the day and map our plans. I sat my bag down next me. When we got up to go, it was nowhere to be seen! Immediately, I knew it had been stolen. I checked the streets, but didn't see anyone with anything. My camera, cell phone, and passport were in it! I had put my valuable things in my bag for the day because we had to switch hostel rooms, but our new one wasn't yet ready. Fortunately, I had JUST put my wallet in my pocket, so the theif didn't get my debit card or cash. I kept a cool head, though. I called Accent, our program in Florence. Then I went to the tourist information office to ask where the U.S. Consulate was located. Well, it's Saturday. I need to travel the next day. They give me an emergency number...that only works Monday through Friday, 9-5--what?! Some sort of emergency number, America. They instructed me to go to the police station to file a report, which I did. The police officer was nice enough to call the airline, too, and ask if it was okay to just travel with the police report in lieu of a passport. So everything was taken care of rather quickly! I am just mad that I have to go through all the motions of getting new everything (except a camera--I'll just have to make mental notes). I'm also mad because we were being so careful! Professionals, I tell you. It was another beautiful day, so we hit the beach again after all that.
SUNDAY
Time to go home. We made it to the airport and checked in...well, most of us at least. Matt, the poor kid, messed up another reservation. He booked his return flight for the Sunday before, so he didn't have a seat on our sold out flight. He was forced to stay in Barcelona another night, buy another flight, and get home the next day. His spring break got real expensive real fast!
It is so nice to be home in Florence, though. Not only is it familiar, but it's Italian. I appreciate the culture so much more after having been deprived of it for over a week! The food is so much better here, too! Every meal isn't pork and potatoes. Grazie, Italia!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
La fine settimana scorsa e gli esami intermedi
Midterms have arrived. I don't want to say I haven't been studious this semester, but I had planned this semester to be somewhat of a break from the usual rigor. Besides, I'm definitely doing my homework in my cooking and wine tasting courses! In all my classes for that matter, I feel like I supplement my time in class with my time outside of class. How can you not review for an art history exam when your rooftop overlooks the Duomo? And Italian language? Come on. That's a no brainer. My point is that I hadn't really studied...at all...until this past weekend before midterms approached. I had my cooking practical yesterday. I made homemade fresh egg pasta and my other group members perfected the tomato, mushroom, and zucchini sauce. My professor said our dish was perfect and reminded hiim of his grandmother's cooking--really?? I guess it doesn't hurt that I also purchased a homemade pasta maker. I went to a kitchen supply store near school to buy it. When I was looking for the cheapest one, the older store owner approached me and she started speaking Italian--awesome! I love being put in situations where I actually HAVE to use my Italian. She tried to tell me to buy the more expensive ones because they were better and more Italian. I appreciated her attempts, but of course I opted for the 30 euro machine. I also had my wine tasting midterm yesterday.
Today, I had my art history and political science midterms. They were considerably more difficult than my tests yesterday, but I think I did well on them.
Since we have midterms this week, I stayed in Florence (for the most part) this past weekend. We decided somewhat last minute to do a day trip to San Gimignano, a medieval town south of Florence in the Tuscan countryside that is famous for its Vernaccia white wine. On the bus ride there, however, we neglected to familiarize ourselves with the route, so we missed the stop that we were supposed to get off at and ended up in Siena. If you recall from previous posts, I have already been to Siena! But we had an hour to kill there before another bus could take us to San Gimignano, so we grabbed some gelato and walked around. And it was sunny then (compared to last time when it was cold and rainy), so we weren't altogether mad at ourselves! But San Gimignano was BEAUTIFUL! By far it was the prettiest town I have visited yet. We visited a torture museum--grotesque. And we also stopped in an enoteca to taste some local wines and manj a little bit.
My last midterm is tomorrow morning in Italian. I am not terribly worried about. So as of 9 A.M. tomorrow morning, I will be on spring break 2010!! Watch out, Spain!!
Today, I had my art history and political science midterms. They were considerably more difficult than my tests yesterday, but I think I did well on them.
Since we have midterms this week, I stayed in Florence (for the most part) this past weekend. We decided somewhat last minute to do a day trip to San Gimignano, a medieval town south of Florence in the Tuscan countryside that is famous for its Vernaccia white wine. On the bus ride there, however, we neglected to familiarize ourselves with the route, so we missed the stop that we were supposed to get off at and ended up in Siena. If you recall from previous posts, I have already been to Siena! But we had an hour to kill there before another bus could take us to San Gimignano, so we grabbed some gelato and walked around. And it was sunny then (compared to last time when it was cold and rainy), so we weren't altogether mad at ourselves! But San Gimignano was BEAUTIFUL! By far it was the prettiest town I have visited yet. We visited a torture museum--grotesque. And we also stopped in an enoteca to taste some local wines and manj a little bit.
My last midterm is tomorrow morning in Italian. I am not terribly worried about. So as of 9 A.M. tomorrow morning, I will be on spring break 2010!! Watch out, Spain!!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Il weekend a Roma e due compleanni
Our program that TCU works with here in Florence, ACCENT, took us to Rome this past weekend! We left early Friday morning from the train station. It was quite fun since the last time I took a train it was set up compartment style whereas the fast train to Rome looked more like an airplane--except the train was actually very spacious!
We arrived in Rome mid-morning. After somehow mananaging to squeeze more than 30 students onto a city bus with regular Romans, we made it to the hotel, checked in, and began the day. Freya, our tour guide who is a native Australian, but Florentine by choice, took us on a historical walking tour of Rome. It included churches, piazze, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain. For dinner, we took her suggestion and tried an all-inclusive restaurant. We simply sat down and the food started coming! 5 courses and 10 caraffes of wine later, we needed to leave. It was so much fun, though! We had yet to experience a hearty Italian (let alone Roman) meal, so it was nice to have that experience. That night, we managed to get a table in a packed pub in Campo dei Fiori, a square not far from our hotel that many young students go to.
The next day, Freya greeted us early in the lobby for breakfast. We set our sights on the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica. We were done with organized events for lunch. We went to La Isola della Pizza--that's right! Needless to say it was quite good. I also had pizza today for lunch, which made me think how I will feel about pizza in the States upon my return. The pizza here is so thin and (sounds weird) liquidy. A hungry person can easily have his or her own pizza. But college students on budgets always share! That night, we saw the Trevi Fountain once again (I hope that didn't count as my return) and the Spanish Steps.
Sunday was reserved for ancient Rome: theatres, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum. Since I can remember, I've heard "the 7 hills of Rome." Well, let me just say, in my imagination, they were much larger and much more spread out. Ancient Rome (more or less, the "downtown" of the day) is smaller than I had imagined for a city that ruled the world for centuries. After touring, of course we had to take in some gelato in front of the Pantheon. I had one of those, "You guys, we're eating gelato in Rome, Italy in front of the PANTHEON" moments. But that's just about every day, so I guess you could call that normal. It amazes me how seemlessly Italians blend modern needs and luxuries with antiquity. Not only that, but how they think nothing of it! Structures here are built to last. It seems like no one ever even considers tearing a building down (hence why my apartment sometimes resembles an office space). But I admire that in Europeans. They do not waste. In Prague, they save the beer phoam, let it settle, and let an unsuspecting patron guzzle down what so many Americans would consider less than water. Here, the 4th stomach of cows is served with salsa verde on a kaiser. And nowhere in Europe do you let your plate go uncleaned! I think we can all take a lesson from their small, but conscious efforts. (Sorry for the slight tangent)
We arrived back in Florence exhausted! But Monday and Tuesday, we had birthdays to celebrate! Monday, we went to dinner at Il gatto e la Volpe for Sarah's 20th and Tuesday, we all met at Kylie's apartment to ring in her 21st! Well, that happened the night before at midnight, too! Midterms are next week, so I am staying in Florence to try to keep my mind focused. Perhaps a day trip somewhere like Perugia, Pisa, or Assisi wouldn't hurt though. I'll let you know next time!
We arrived in Rome mid-morning. After somehow mananaging to squeeze more than 30 students onto a city bus with regular Romans, we made it to the hotel, checked in, and began the day. Freya, our tour guide who is a native Australian, but Florentine by choice, took us on a historical walking tour of Rome. It included churches, piazze, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain. For dinner, we took her suggestion and tried an all-inclusive restaurant. We simply sat down and the food started coming! 5 courses and 10 caraffes of wine later, we needed to leave. It was so much fun, though! We had yet to experience a hearty Italian (let alone Roman) meal, so it was nice to have that experience. That night, we managed to get a table in a packed pub in Campo dei Fiori, a square not far from our hotel that many young students go to.
The next day, Freya greeted us early in the lobby for breakfast. We set our sights on the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica. We were done with organized events for lunch. We went to La Isola della Pizza--that's right! Needless to say it was quite good. I also had pizza today for lunch, which made me think how I will feel about pizza in the States upon my return. The pizza here is so thin and (sounds weird) liquidy. A hungry person can easily have his or her own pizza. But college students on budgets always share! That night, we saw the Trevi Fountain once again (I hope that didn't count as my return) and the Spanish Steps.
Sunday was reserved for ancient Rome: theatres, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum. Since I can remember, I've heard "the 7 hills of Rome." Well, let me just say, in my imagination, they were much larger and much more spread out. Ancient Rome (more or less, the "downtown" of the day) is smaller than I had imagined for a city that ruled the world for centuries. After touring, of course we had to take in some gelato in front of the Pantheon. I had one of those, "You guys, we're eating gelato in Rome, Italy in front of the PANTHEON" moments. But that's just about every day, so I guess you could call that normal. It amazes me how seemlessly Italians blend modern needs and luxuries with antiquity. Not only that, but how they think nothing of it! Structures here are built to last. It seems like no one ever even considers tearing a building down (hence why my apartment sometimes resembles an office space). But I admire that in Europeans. They do not waste. In Prague, they save the beer phoam, let it settle, and let an unsuspecting patron guzzle down what so many Americans would consider less than water. Here, the 4th stomach of cows is served with salsa verde on a kaiser. And nowhere in Europe do you let your plate go uncleaned! I think we can all take a lesson from their small, but conscious efforts. (Sorry for the slight tangent)
We arrived back in Florence exhausted! But Monday and Tuesday, we had birthdays to celebrate! Monday, we went to dinner at Il gatto e la Volpe for Sarah's 20th and Tuesday, we all met at Kylie's apartment to ring in her 21st! Well, that happened the night before at midnight, too! Midterms are next week, so I am staying in Florence to try to keep my mind focused. Perhaps a day trip somewhere like Perugia, Pisa, or Assisi wouldn't hurt though. I'll let you know next time!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Una nuova scoperta
What a week! Since last time, so much has happened I will probably miss some of the highlights!
Since the last post was about Spain, I guess it is only fitting that friends from Spain came to Florence this past weekend. Marcy and McKenzie from Seville and Jillian and her roommate, Ashley, from Barcelona became Florentines with us. Crazy enough, when I was meeting Jillian and Ashley at the Duomo, I hear, "Ross!" I turn to see a friend from high school! On the steps of the Duomo in Florence! AND, today I was walking near school when the same thing happened! Madison, who is studying in Paris, was walking around Florence and randomly bumped in to me! What a small world it is at times!
The weekend consisted of so much walking! We walk everywhere as is, but when you're touring all the sites all day, you really get a work out. Marcy was able to use Lauren's Amici degli Uffizi pass to get in to L'Accademia for free! The others, unfortunately, had to pay admission. We saw David at L'Accademia, the Royal Apartments and Gardens at Palazzo dei Pitti, and the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo--the best view in the city. Earlier in the weekend, we had stopped in a small wine and oil shop where I had been with my Wines of Tuscany class. We brought the chianti we bought to the hill with us. It was a beautiful day!
Of course karma had to rear its head during the weekend. It seems like something bad happened to almost everyone. McKenzie was pickpocketed in Madrid and left her "navy peacoat" in Rome. Ashley lost her jacket, camera, and wallet in one day! Luckily, her jacket and wallet were recovered. A nice girl picked up her wallet and emailed her. I am meeting the girl tomorrow to get the wallet and bring to Ashley in Barcelona over spring break (how coincidental!). Lauren and Sarah both lost their wallets, too. Kylie and Hilliary were struck with a menacing 24-hour stomach bug. And Marcy brought new shoes that weren't broken in....remember all the walking? Yeah.
On Sunday, a group went to Pisa for a few hours. I have been before, so I decided to take advantage of a morning to sleep in and be lazy! So often I cannot bring myself to stay still. You don't live in Florence forever! But a day of rest was much needed.
This exchange rate is killing our bank accounts. One of the American-style pubs here actually takes US dollars on Monday nights, so Kylie, Lauren, and I decided to "save" some money and go there. The night turned out to be pretty fun despite our hesitations to frequent American-oriented pubs.
I need a haircut. So today I asked our friends at ACCENT for some suggestions. They recommended a place not too far from my apartment. I stopped in and they said it would be about a 45 minute wait. I guess I should mention they only spoke Italian. And I do not know how to say "haircut" so that was interesting. I decided to try back after the wait. So 45 minutes later, I pop in and the wait is even longer! But I didn't know that and I couldn't understand their fast utterances, so I sat. And I sat. And I sat. Finalmente, ho detto "Ritorno domani! Ciao!" Che palle.
But, our program is taking us to Rome this weekend! I love Rome! I have been before and was amazed at its size and grandeur. We will be touring the Vatican Museums, the Coloseum, the Forum, the Spanish Steps, lots of fountains, and much much more. Fortunately, lots of our classmates have been to Rome over the past few weekends and have passed along their "I wish I knew this then" information.
Until next time...
Since the last post was about Spain, I guess it is only fitting that friends from Spain came to Florence this past weekend. Marcy and McKenzie from Seville and Jillian and her roommate, Ashley, from Barcelona became Florentines with us. Crazy enough, when I was meeting Jillian and Ashley at the Duomo, I hear, "Ross!" I turn to see a friend from high school! On the steps of the Duomo in Florence! AND, today I was walking near school when the same thing happened! Madison, who is studying in Paris, was walking around Florence and randomly bumped in to me! What a small world it is at times!
The weekend consisted of so much walking! We walk everywhere as is, but when you're touring all the sites all day, you really get a work out. Marcy was able to use Lauren's Amici degli Uffizi pass to get in to L'Accademia for free! The others, unfortunately, had to pay admission. We saw David at L'Accademia, the Royal Apartments and Gardens at Palazzo dei Pitti, and the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo--the best view in the city. Earlier in the weekend, we had stopped in a small wine and oil shop where I had been with my Wines of Tuscany class. We brought the chianti we bought to the hill with us. It was a beautiful day!
Of course karma had to rear its head during the weekend. It seems like something bad happened to almost everyone. McKenzie was pickpocketed in Madrid and left her "navy peacoat" in Rome. Ashley lost her jacket, camera, and wallet in one day! Luckily, her jacket and wallet were recovered. A nice girl picked up her wallet and emailed her. I am meeting the girl tomorrow to get the wallet and bring to Ashley in Barcelona over spring break (how coincidental!). Lauren and Sarah both lost their wallets, too. Kylie and Hilliary were struck with a menacing 24-hour stomach bug. And Marcy brought new shoes that weren't broken in....remember all the walking? Yeah.
On Sunday, a group went to Pisa for a few hours. I have been before, so I decided to take advantage of a morning to sleep in and be lazy! So often I cannot bring myself to stay still. You don't live in Florence forever! But a day of rest was much needed.
This exchange rate is killing our bank accounts. One of the American-style pubs here actually takes US dollars on Monday nights, so Kylie, Lauren, and I decided to "save" some money and go there. The night turned out to be pretty fun despite our hesitations to frequent American-oriented pubs.
I need a haircut. So today I asked our friends at ACCENT for some suggestions. They recommended a place not too far from my apartment. I stopped in and they said it would be about a 45 minute wait. I guess I should mention they only spoke Italian. And I do not know how to say "haircut" so that was interesting. I decided to try back after the wait. So 45 minutes later, I pop in and the wait is even longer! But I didn't know that and I couldn't understand their fast utterances, so I sat. And I sat. And I sat. Finalmente, ho detto "Ritorno domani! Ciao!" Che palle.
But, our program is taking us to Rome this weekend! I love Rome! I have been before and was amazed at its size and grandeur. We will be touring the Vatican Museums, the Coloseum, the Forum, the Spanish Steps, lots of fountains, and much much more. Fortunately, lots of our classmates have been to Rome over the past few weekends and have passed along their "I wish I knew this then" information.
Until next time...
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Un piccolo posto
Spring break is booked! We will be traveling through Spain for 10 days!
Flight from Florence to Madrid
Train from Madrid to Seville
Flight from Seville to Valencia
Train from Valencia to Barcelona
Flight from Barcelona to Florence
It is going to be a whirlwind tour of Espana! I am excited to see Spanish cities and TCU friends in Seville! Also, LA PLAYA! We will most definitely be visiting beaches in Valencia and Barcelona, weather permitting of course (crossing my fingers).
We've also booked all of our other excursions for the semester:
Rome
Spain (Madrid, Seville, Valencia, Barcelona)
Amsterdam
Munich
And I need to research what I am doing/where I am going for the two weeks that Jennifer and I will be travelling after classes are over. I'm thinking relax and read a book for a few days on the French Riviera. Maybe fly to Dublin or Edinburgh, then London, and make our way to Paris, where our flight home leaves.
But back to Italy! Yesterday, on the way home from school, I see this man running across a busy street and straight for me. I ponder and ascertain that he is a shoplifter when I see the saleswoman chasing after him in her high heels, yelling Italian profanities and shaking her fist. Traffic stopped and I seriously considered tripping him or something, but I decided an innocent American shouldn't involve himself in Italian criminal activity. Probably a wise choice, but it wouuld have been fun to have been a hero for a day!
TCU friends from Seville and Little Rock friends from Barcelona are coming in town this weekend! Time to put on my Florentine tour cap!
Flight from Florence to Madrid
Train from Madrid to Seville
Flight from Seville to Valencia
Train from Valencia to Barcelona
Flight from Barcelona to Florence
It is going to be a whirlwind tour of Espana! I am excited to see Spanish cities and TCU friends in Seville! Also, LA PLAYA! We will most definitely be visiting beaches in Valencia and Barcelona, weather permitting of course (crossing my fingers).
We've also booked all of our other excursions for the semester:
Rome
Spain (Madrid, Seville, Valencia, Barcelona)
Amsterdam
Munich
And I need to research what I am doing/where I am going for the two weeks that Jennifer and I will be travelling after classes are over. I'm thinking relax and read a book for a few days on the French Riviera. Maybe fly to Dublin or Edinburgh, then London, and make our way to Paris, where our flight home leaves.
But back to Italy! Yesterday, on the way home from school, I see this man running across a busy street and straight for me. I ponder and ascertain that he is a shoplifter when I see the saleswoman chasing after him in her high heels, yelling Italian profanities and shaking her fist. Traffic stopped and I seriously considered tripping him or something, but I decided an innocent American shouldn't involve himself in Italian criminal activity. Probably a wise choice, but it wouuld have been fun to have been a hero for a day!
TCU friends from Seville and Little Rock friends from Barcelona are coming in town this weekend! Time to put on my Florentine tour cap!
Mi dispiace per il posto in ritardo...
What a week it has been! It is going to be a lengthy update!
FRIDAY. We arrived in Prague at 9 a.m. after a 12-hour bus ride through Austria and Germany. I awoke as we were pulling up to the Charles River. There was snow everywhere! And it was about 20 degrees outside. We quickly dropped our bags and met downstairs for a walking tour of the city. We started at St. Wencaslas Square, the famous city center where communism fell in Prague. Citizens gathered in protest (and celebration) in 1989 as the Berlin Wall, and communism, fell. The square is lined with shops, breweries, casinos, and traditional czech food stands (open 24 hours!). I suppose I should also mention that the Czech Republic, while in the EU, has yet to adopt the Euro (not out of their own will). Their currency is the Crown. A rule of thumb we used was 1 euro = 25 crown. My meals were usually about 200 crown...awesome.
We continued the tour to Old Town Square, where the Astronomical Clock and Tyn Church are. Vendors tend shops decorated in olde time style. It is so pretty at night!! Continuing on, we walked across the famous Charles Bridge to the east side of the city. After surmounting a perilous hill, we reached Prague Castle, the largest castle in Europe. On a pretty day, you can see the best views of Prague! It was overcast and snowy on Friday, but we appreciated it nonetheless!
Later that night, we went to traditional Czech restaurant. We tasted the world's strongest beer (33% alocohol), which was actually quite sweet. Brooke ordered duck for dinner...and the waiter brougt her an entire duck! We had a good laugh over that. Then, we experienced 80s night at the local discoteca.
SATURDAY. We woke up Saturday and had lunch at another traditional Czech restaurant (recommended by Rick Steve's, who turned out to be an awesome resource!). The garlic soup was AMAZING! Legend has it that the restaurant was haunted by a woman's ghost who ran the restaurant, selling food and "other services", while her husband was away. When he returned, he strangled her with the ropes he made for a living. The legend says that anyone with relationship issues should go and touch her portrait. None of us needed to touch her portrait.
We checked out a Salvador Dali exhibit...CRAZYYYYY. I spent 1200 crown on a pair of shoes. Then we met Hilliary and her friend, who is studying abroad in Prague, for tea at quaint little tea room (thanks, Rick!). It was a really cool experience.
We also went to the Communism Museum. It was intense. Prague has a unique history with communism. It is so recent, too! The museum showcased the plight of the everyday Prague citizen under communism, the mentality that they leaders possessed, and the techniques used to brainwash (or at least attempt to) the citizenry. It was bone-chilling. A section commemorated a 19 year-old man who burned himself to death in protest of communism. Another man did the same only a few years later. The gravity of the situation is truly indescribable. On our walking tour, we saw the Lenon Wall. I was confused for a long time because I thought it was the "Lenin" Wall. Nope. John Lenon. An entire wall is COVERED in colorful graffiti--artistic expression. Young people throughout the city chose a wall and took a stand. One of their mottos was "You can have Lenin, but give us Lenon." The Beatles, I suppose, represented Western thought and expression--freedom. Imagine all the people. I turned to see a phone booth. On it was written, "No one gives a flying, fucking shit. No? Forgive me. I am so full of hate. All I want is nuclear disarmament and free heroine required extravenous for all big business." I can't imagine all the people.
That night we took Rick's advice and went to Le Patio--if you are in Prague, you must go to this restaurant! It is French inspired, with Asian decor, and a little bit of Czech flair. It was amazing. Then we hit up a local pub and a 5-STORY DISCOTECA! Nothing will ever compare. Grazie, Praga.
SUNDAY. 12-hour bus home. We watched 6.05 movies while cruising through the German countryside and Austrian/Italian Alps. No big deal.
FRIDAY. We arrived in Prague at 9 a.m. after a 12-hour bus ride through Austria and Germany. I awoke as we were pulling up to the Charles River. There was snow everywhere! And it was about 20 degrees outside. We quickly dropped our bags and met downstairs for a walking tour of the city. We started at St. Wencaslas Square, the famous city center where communism fell in Prague. Citizens gathered in protest (and celebration) in 1989 as the Berlin Wall, and communism, fell. The square is lined with shops, breweries, casinos, and traditional czech food stands (open 24 hours!). I suppose I should also mention that the Czech Republic, while in the EU, has yet to adopt the Euro (not out of their own will). Their currency is the Crown. A rule of thumb we used was 1 euro = 25 crown. My meals were usually about 200 crown...awesome.
We continued the tour to Old Town Square, where the Astronomical Clock and Tyn Church are. Vendors tend shops decorated in olde time style. It is so pretty at night!! Continuing on, we walked across the famous Charles Bridge to the east side of the city. After surmounting a perilous hill, we reached Prague Castle, the largest castle in Europe. On a pretty day, you can see the best views of Prague! It was overcast and snowy on Friday, but we appreciated it nonetheless!
Later that night, we went to traditional Czech restaurant. We tasted the world's strongest beer (33% alocohol), which was actually quite sweet. Brooke ordered duck for dinner...and the waiter brougt her an entire duck! We had a good laugh over that. Then, we experienced 80s night at the local discoteca.
SATURDAY. We woke up Saturday and had lunch at another traditional Czech restaurant (recommended by Rick Steve's, who turned out to be an awesome resource!). The garlic soup was AMAZING! Legend has it that the restaurant was haunted by a woman's ghost who ran the restaurant, selling food and "other services", while her husband was away. When he returned, he strangled her with the ropes he made for a living. The legend says that anyone with relationship issues should go and touch her portrait. None of us needed to touch her portrait.
We checked out a Salvador Dali exhibit...CRAZYYYYY. I spent 1200 crown on a pair of shoes. Then we met Hilliary and her friend, who is studying abroad in Prague, for tea at quaint little tea room (thanks, Rick!). It was a really cool experience.
We also went to the Communism Museum. It was intense. Prague has a unique history with communism. It is so recent, too! The museum showcased the plight of the everyday Prague citizen under communism, the mentality that they leaders possessed, and the techniques used to brainwash (or at least attempt to) the citizenry. It was bone-chilling. A section commemorated a 19 year-old man who burned himself to death in protest of communism. Another man did the same only a few years later. The gravity of the situation is truly indescribable. On our walking tour, we saw the Lenon Wall. I was confused for a long time because I thought it was the "Lenin" Wall. Nope. John Lenon. An entire wall is COVERED in colorful graffiti--artistic expression. Young people throughout the city chose a wall and took a stand. One of their mottos was "You can have Lenin, but give us Lenon." The Beatles, I suppose, represented Western thought and expression--freedom. Imagine all the people. I turned to see a phone booth. On it was written, "No one gives a flying, fucking shit. No? Forgive me. I am so full of hate. All I want is nuclear disarmament and free heroine required extravenous for all big business." I can't imagine all the people.
That night we took Rick's advice and went to Le Patio--if you are in Prague, you must go to this restaurant! It is French inspired, with Asian decor, and a little bit of Czech flair. It was amazing. Then we hit up a local pub and a 5-STORY DISCOTECA! Nothing will ever compare. Grazie, Praga.
SUNDAY. 12-hour bus home. We watched 6.05 movies while cruising through the German countryside and Austrian/Italian Alps. No big deal.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Durante la settimana a Firenze
Ciao, fine di settimana! I just got out of class for the weekend (yes, it is 9 am on Thursday) and am so excited for Prague. Prague is the one city that I told myself I could NOT miss in Europe. I have only heard rave reviews about it. Hopefully I can provide more insight on Prague history next week, but the majority of Prague's contemporary history stems from its experiences in World War II. When Nazi's invaded and occupied Prague, its Jewish population (which numbered second-largest in Europe) either emigrated or were killed. I have heard that the memorials and museums dedicated to the lost Jewish population are truly moving. Post-WWII figures state the Jewish population at only 800 (as opposed to 50,000 before the war). After the Berlin Wall fell, modern Prague began to fluorish in to a vibrant and worthy capital. I can't wait!
Thinking about Prague's history with WWII also makes me think about Italy's as well. In my Italian Politics class, we watched the film, Roma: citta aperta (Rome: Open City). During war times, "open cities" are those cities which are mutually agreed to be excluded from bombings and destruction (for the most part) to preserve their historical importance and aesthetic appeal. What an interesting concept! Warlords are savage enough to employ grenades, rocket launchers, etc., as well as various forms of torture, yet are "sophisticated" enough to appreciate art and artistic beauty. Seems quite strange to me. The film, however, depicts Rome during the latter years of WWII during Nazi occupation. It is a poignant reminder of the context surrounding film and culture of the time, the inspirations for public works, and the Italian people's general attitude toward Nazis. I highly recommned the 105 mintue film.
The week was somewhat "normal," if you can say that. Last night, I met up with a friend from home who is studying in Aix en Provence, France. He is stopping in Florence for a few days while on holiday from school. We actually ended up running in to each other on the street (not THAT random because we had inteded to meet up, but none of their French cell phones work in Italy) and going to dinner at Il Gatto e la Volpa (The cat and the wolf). Their pizza fiorentina was benissima!
I should go pack my bag for the 12-hour bus ride to Prague!
Thinking about Prague's history with WWII also makes me think about Italy's as well. In my Italian Politics class, we watched the film, Roma: citta aperta (Rome: Open City). During war times, "open cities" are those cities which are mutually agreed to be excluded from bombings and destruction (for the most part) to preserve their historical importance and aesthetic appeal. What an interesting concept! Warlords are savage enough to employ grenades, rocket launchers, etc., as well as various forms of torture, yet are "sophisticated" enough to appreciate art and artistic beauty. Seems quite strange to me. The film, however, depicts Rome during the latter years of WWII during Nazi occupation. It is a poignant reminder of the context surrounding film and culture of the time, the inspirations for public works, and the Italian people's general attitude toward Nazis. I highly recommned the 105 mintue film.
The week was somewhat "normal," if you can say that. Last night, I met up with a friend from home who is studying in Aix en Provence, France. He is stopping in Florence for a few days while on holiday from school. We actually ended up running in to each other on the street (not THAT random because we had inteded to meet up, but none of their French cell phones work in Italy) and going to dinner at Il Gatto e la Volpa (The cat and the wolf). Their pizza fiorentina was benissima!
I should go pack my bag for the 12-hour bus ride to Prague!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Milano in ventiquattro ore
We just arrived back in Florence from Milan. We woke up early yesterday morning, boarded our first train of the semester! In Milan, we walked a good 45 minutes from the train station to our hostel, Hotel Mister Mido. We walked up the stairs to find two unmarked doors. We climbed the stairs to the next floor to another hotel and asked where Mister Mido (the person) was. They said downstairs. So we tromped back down, knocked on both doors, and found Mister Mido himself! The hostel was quaint and pretty clean. I had very little expectations for our hostel experience, but was not upset about the accommodations. With hostels, you get what you pay for.
Milan is very unique Italian city. It experienced alot of damage during World War II, so the rebuilding process has urbanized the city. Milan is a large city with about 4 million people in the greater metropolitan area. It is quite large, but definitely navigable. The public transportation is clean and efficient. Today we woke and up ventured to the Duomo--an astounding structure whose beauty is hard to rival. Admission inside was free and much appreciated! Later, we strolled through the flagship stores of all the major fashion houses, including Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci. Of course we couldn't buy anything. Even the more affordable shopping district's stores had SALE prices of 100 euro for most things. My goal was to get some suede shoes because the shoes I decided wear decided to torture my feet. Note to travelers: don't wear shoes that will not break in! However, I didn't buy any so my feet just suffered.
We decided to experience aperitivo Milanese style. On the way out of the hostel, we ran in to some Americans studying abroad in Aix en Provence, France. I think we overwhelmed them, but they were very nice and just go-with-the-flow type people. They came to aperitivo at "Blender" with us. Turns out they are in Florence tonight and will be for the rest of the weekend. Regretably, we probably won't see them again, though, since we are all tired tonight and tomorrow is Carnevale in Viareggio!
Pictures to be posted on Facebook soon!
Milan is very unique Italian city. It experienced alot of damage during World War II, so the rebuilding process has urbanized the city. Milan is a large city with about 4 million people in the greater metropolitan area. It is quite large, but definitely navigable. The public transportation is clean and efficient. Today we woke and up ventured to the Duomo--an astounding structure whose beauty is hard to rival. Admission inside was free and much appreciated! Later, we strolled through the flagship stores of all the major fashion houses, including Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci. Of course we couldn't buy anything. Even the more affordable shopping district's stores had SALE prices of 100 euro for most things. My goal was to get some suede shoes because the shoes I decided wear decided to torture my feet. Note to travelers: don't wear shoes that will not break in! However, I didn't buy any so my feet just suffered.
We decided to experience aperitivo Milanese style. On the way out of the hostel, we ran in to some Americans studying abroad in Aix en Provence, France. I think we overwhelmed them, but they were very nice and just go-with-the-flow type people. They came to aperitivo at "Blender" with us. Turns out they are in Florence tonight and will be for the rest of the weekend. Regretably, we probably won't see them again, though, since we are all tired tonight and tomorrow is Carnevale in Viareggio!
Pictures to be posted on Facebook soon!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Il mio rinascimento
It's Wednesday...museum day.
After class this morning, Paige, Abby, and I went to The Diner for Free Coffee Wednesdays. I also ordered a bagel--which came with french fries (?). We left our mark in a little comment book that people write suggestions and memories in. Sitting down also provided time for Paige and I to do our compito italiano.
Poi, I met some friends in Piazza della Reppublica. We grabbed some panini at a whole-in-the-wall trattoria. The breadmaker spoke English well--apparently he is half American (his Mom is from Philadelphia). He gave us some great advice about constructing a proper panino. "You cannot overwhelm your tastebuds with too much at one time. Pick a flavor and compliment it." So we all got panini with ham, FRESH mozzarella, arugula, and olive oil. And of course no panino is complete without a glass of vino rosso.
Keeping (or rather, establishing)our Wednesday tradition, we christened our Amici degli Uffizi passes at the Uffizi Gallery. The structure itself is massive and ornate. Even the bathrooms were astounding (it even had a waterfall urinal)! We toured the temporary exhibits, which showcased dark portraits of devilish carnage, cannibalism, and strife. The were definitely some disturbing images. But "art," right?
We made our way to the top floor to the main gallery (!!!!). There must have been 100-150 ceiling sections that each were so meticulously detailed and painted that the entire gallery must have taken decades to complete. The Uffizi has a few notable portraits and sculptures, including the Birth of Venus. Many of the auxiliary rooms featured portraits of unknown nobility and Christian art. There were many frames depicting Madonna with Child. It was really interesting to see how each artist depicted both Mary and Jesus differently in each painting. In some, Mary looked content or even happy, where in others she looked morose. Likewise, in some Jesus was happy-go-lucky and plump (one even showed him breastfeeding), but in others he was not. The last one I took note of portrayed Jesus as a young boy, emaciated and frail, nearly falling out of his mother's arms. Unfortunately, we did not have a guide or literature, but I wonder what the artists' intentions were.
We found the cafe, which had an outdoor terrace just below the tower of the Palazzo Vecchio. A nice British woman took our picture. On the way back to the apartment, we stopped at Corona's Cafe, a quintessential Italian bar and gelateria. The have the best cappuccini...they even have chocolate shavings!
I believe Zoe for aperitivo is on the agenda for tonight. A domani.
After class this morning, Paige, Abby, and I went to The Diner for Free Coffee Wednesdays. I also ordered a bagel--which came with french fries (?). We left our mark in a little comment book that people write suggestions and memories in. Sitting down also provided time for Paige and I to do our compito italiano.
Poi, I met some friends in Piazza della Reppublica. We grabbed some panini at a whole-in-the-wall trattoria. The breadmaker spoke English well--apparently he is half American (his Mom is from Philadelphia). He gave us some great advice about constructing a proper panino. "You cannot overwhelm your tastebuds with too much at one time. Pick a flavor and compliment it." So we all got panini with ham, FRESH mozzarella, arugula, and olive oil. And of course no panino is complete without a glass of vino rosso.
Keeping (or rather, establishing)our Wednesday tradition, we christened our Amici degli Uffizi passes at the Uffizi Gallery. The structure itself is massive and ornate. Even the bathrooms were astounding (it even had a waterfall urinal)! We toured the temporary exhibits, which showcased dark portraits of devilish carnage, cannibalism, and strife. The were definitely some disturbing images. But "art," right?
We made our way to the top floor to the main gallery (!!!!). There must have been 100-150 ceiling sections that each were so meticulously detailed and painted that the entire gallery must have taken decades to complete. The Uffizi has a few notable portraits and sculptures, including the Birth of Venus. Many of the auxiliary rooms featured portraits of unknown nobility and Christian art. There were many frames depicting Madonna with Child. It was really interesting to see how each artist depicted both Mary and Jesus differently in each painting. In some, Mary looked content or even happy, where in others she looked morose. Likewise, in some Jesus was happy-go-lucky and plump (one even showed him breastfeeding), but in others he was not. The last one I took note of portrayed Jesus as a young boy, emaciated and frail, nearly falling out of his mother's arms. Unfortunately, we did not have a guide or literature, but I wonder what the artists' intentions were.
We found the cafe, which had an outdoor terrace just below the tower of the Palazzo Vecchio. A nice British woman took our picture. On the way back to the apartment, we stopped at Corona's Cafe, a quintessential Italian bar and gelateria. The have the best cappuccini...they even have chocolate shavings!
I believe Zoe for aperitivo is on the agenda for tonight. A domani.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Quando a Siena e Venezia
So sorry for the delayed update! The internet in our apartment went out again. I was gone most of the weekend and school is also closed--so communication simply has to wait. But that is the Italian way, right? I'm convinced it is with the outrageous charges for cellular phone use. If it's really important, call an ambulance. It seems like there is always an emergency around here. Ambulances and police cars zoom by our apartment at all hours of the day (but especially when I'm sleeping).
Anyway, the weekend was so good except for the rain and chilly temperatures. Friday, we woke up early and took a bus about 1 hr 15 min south to Siena, a hilly town that worships their native St. Catherine. She is the patron saint of Italy and one of six patron saints of Europe. Interestingly enough, however, she is NOT the patron saint of Siena. Her head and right thumb are kept on display in the church of San Domenico. I wish I could post a picture, but they wouldn't allow any in the church. Mi dispiace.
Siena is a town of only about 50.000 (metropolitan) with over 20.000 students! Can we say college town? I didn't get that vibe, but many students come to study language and medicine in Siena. The Piazza del Campo is the primary focal point of the town (aside from the Duomo). It hosts the annual Palio, a horse race among Siena's 17 neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has a mascot--kind of like Harry Potter--and the the winning neighborhood is considered the best in the city until the next year.
Saturday, we woke up to take a 2-story bus to Venice. We drove through the mountains that surround Florence in the valley. There was snow everywhere!! We arrived in Venice and walked through the small alleys and piazze. After crossing the Ponte Rialto, we entered Saint Mark's Square to behold the world-famous Carnivale celebration. People everywhere! It was madness. The best part were the costumes. Later, we wound our way through the small streets some more, bought Venetian masks, and took a gondola ride over a bottle of wine! It was majestic.
I slept the entire way home! Which was great because it took 3.5 hours!
Sunday, we ate lunch at The Diner, which is awesome! Granted, it is geared toward American taste buds, but after two weeks, a bacon cheeseburger and omelets sounded way too good to pass up! And coffee...real, American coffee! But now back to cibo italiano. Later, we went to a chocolate festival at Santa Croce and over indulged for sure.
Last night, we met to plan some European excursions which include Sicily, Prague, various Spanish cities, Amsterdam, and Munich. How fun! We met up with the TCU gang at Kikuya for the Superbowl. It didn't start until midnight, needless to say, we didn't stay the whole time. Class today wouldn't wait for American football.
Pictures of our shenanigans are on Facebook! Ciao, ciao.
Anyway, the weekend was so good except for the rain and chilly temperatures. Friday, we woke up early and took a bus about 1 hr 15 min south to Siena, a hilly town that worships their native St. Catherine. She is the patron saint of Italy and one of six patron saints of Europe. Interestingly enough, however, she is NOT the patron saint of Siena. Her head and right thumb are kept on display in the church of San Domenico. I wish I could post a picture, but they wouldn't allow any in the church. Mi dispiace.
Siena is a town of only about 50.000 (metropolitan) with over 20.000 students! Can we say college town? I didn't get that vibe, but many students come to study language and medicine in Siena. The Piazza del Campo is the primary focal point of the town (aside from the Duomo). It hosts the annual Palio, a horse race among Siena's 17 neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has a mascot--kind of like Harry Potter--and the the winning neighborhood is considered the best in the city until the next year.
Saturday, we woke up to take a 2-story bus to Venice. We drove through the mountains that surround Florence in the valley. There was snow everywhere!! We arrived in Venice and walked through the small alleys and piazze. After crossing the Ponte Rialto, we entered Saint Mark's Square to behold the world-famous Carnivale celebration. People everywhere! It was madness. The best part were the costumes. Later, we wound our way through the small streets some more, bought Venetian masks, and took a gondola ride over a bottle of wine! It was majestic.
I slept the entire way home! Which was great because it took 3.5 hours!
Sunday, we ate lunch at The Diner, which is awesome! Granted, it is geared toward American taste buds, but after two weeks, a bacon cheeseburger and omelets sounded way too good to pass up! And coffee...real, American coffee! But now back to cibo italiano. Later, we went to a chocolate festival at Santa Croce and over indulged for sure.
Last night, we met to plan some European excursions which include Sicily, Prague, various Spanish cities, Amsterdam, and Munich. How fun! We met up with the TCU gang at Kikuya for the Superbowl. It didn't start until midnight, needless to say, we didn't stay the whole time. Class today wouldn't wait for American football.
Pictures of our shenanigans are on Facebook! Ciao, ciao.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Gli italiani sono pazzi per calcio
Last night, Accent hosted an aperitivo mixer for us and students from KU studying here in Florence. It was at Zoe, a swanky establishment in the oltrarno (south side of the Arno). They served Asian dishes, which was a nice shift from bread and pasta. Many places here do aperitivo. Essentially, once you've purchased a beverage, the buffet is free reign. You can have seconds, thirds, or even fourths as long as you bought that first drink (usually runs about 8 euro/drink since it includes food). So it is great for college students on a budget!
Afterward, we ventured to Kikuya, which has become our go-to hot spot. Unbeknownst to us, Fiorentina was playing Milano away, so every Italian went to pubs to watch il gioco di calcio. It was so fun! The whole pub was fixated on the television and so enthusiastic about every movement. I used to think soccer was somewhat of a slow sport, but last night definitely changed that!
My weekend has started...We are taking a day trip to Siena tomorrow with Accent and the KU students. Then, Saturday we are taking a day trip to Venice for the world famous Carnivale celebration! We are not staying the night because it is quite expensive right now to get even a hostel anywhere near the citta centro. So the there-and-back bus ride will have to do. I cannot wait to get a genuine Venetian mask and take my first gondola ride!
Until then, though, I have to pass the time somehow. I purchased the Amici degli Uffizi (Friends of the Uffizi) pass last week. It was 40 euro and gives you unlimited access to every state-operated museum in Florence. There are at least 15 museums, gardens, and attractions on the list (including the Boboli Gardens, the Uffizi Gallery, and L'Accademmia). So perhaps I will find a museum to explore. It is damp and chilly, so indoors would be best!
Afterward, we ventured to Kikuya, which has become our go-to hot spot. Unbeknownst to us, Fiorentina was playing Milano away, so every Italian went to pubs to watch il gioco di calcio. It was so fun! The whole pub was fixated on the television and so enthusiastic about every movement. I used to think soccer was somewhat of a slow sport, but last night definitely changed that!
My weekend has started...We are taking a day trip to Siena tomorrow with Accent and the KU students. Then, Saturday we are taking a day trip to Venice for the world famous Carnivale celebration! We are not staying the night because it is quite expensive right now to get even a hostel anywhere near the citta centro. So the there-and-back bus ride will have to do. I cannot wait to get a genuine Venetian mask and take my first gondola ride!
Until then, though, I have to pass the time somehow. I purchased the Amici degli Uffizi (Friends of the Uffizi) pass last week. It was 40 euro and gives you unlimited access to every state-operated museum in Florence. There are at least 15 museums, gardens, and attractions on the list (including the Boboli Gardens, the Uffizi Gallery, and L'Accademmia). So perhaps I will find a museum to explore. It is damp and chilly, so indoors would be best!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Il secondo primo giorno
I have now been to all of my classes. After Intermediate Italian 2 this morning, I had Art History and Italian Politics. The two latter classes are going to be my most challenging: art history (it sounds better in Italian--la storia dell'arte) with all of the dates and names and Italian politics because...well, it's Italian politics!! But I am very excited for them! Most of my art history classes are outside of the actual classroom. Living in the epicenter of the Renaissance allows us to see (and almost, but not quite touch) the art that most students only see in textbooks. And my politics class will really only conjur memories of a lost academic struggle, however, it will be interesting to learn about them from an Italian scholar.
After going to my classes, I thought in a couple weeks I will devote one day a week to each specific class topic and write about some instance of the subject matter as it pertains to Italian culture. So in a couple weeks get ready for a great recipe, some good tips on wine tasting, a crash course in Italian, some pictures of my walks through the city, and an attempt at quelling a large political beast. I will be thinking about some good things to write about!
As far as pictures go, I haven't taken many yet. It has been dreary the majority of days with the sun rearing its head for only the hours that I am in class. But when the clouds seperate and the temperature warms, I will do my best to get some pictures of the city, the hillsides, and my apartment on here! The buildings where I take my classes are converts from older, previously used facilities. The ceiling in one room is painted something like (but not really) the Sistine Chapel.
Random note: Europeans have slightly different keyboards than Americans. There are extra ctl, alt, and delete buttons. The configuration is slightly altered. And there are buttons for the letters with accents. It took me a little longer than usual for this post. (I can only imagine typing in Japanese!)
After going to my classes, I thought in a couple weeks I will devote one day a week to each specific class topic and write about some instance of the subject matter as it pertains to Italian culture. So in a couple weeks get ready for a great recipe, some good tips on wine tasting, a crash course in Italian, some pictures of my walks through the city, and an attempt at quelling a large political beast. I will be thinking about some good things to write about!
As far as pictures go, I haven't taken many yet. It has been dreary the majority of days with the sun rearing its head for only the hours that I am in class. But when the clouds seperate and the temperature warms, I will do my best to get some pictures of the city, the hillsides, and my apartment on here! The buildings where I take my classes are converts from older, previously used facilities. The ceiling in one room is painted something like (but not really) the Sistine Chapel.
Random note: Europeans have slightly different keyboards than Americans. There are extra ctl, alt, and delete buttons. The configuration is slightly altered. And there are buttons for the letters with accents. It took me a little longer than usual for this post. (I can only imagine typing in Japanese!)
Il weekend e l'inizio di scuola
After moving into our apartment, the internet decided not to work so much, so this is the first time I have been able to update since the weekend. I am at our program computer lab!
This weekend presented opportunities to explore Florence, both visually and gustatory. We wandered the citta centro both Saturday and Sunday. I went by myself on Sunday and got lost on purpose. I ended up at the main train station--not advisable at night, but it was daylight so it was fine. The station is named Santa Maria Novella, after the nearby church that is bellisima. I sat on a bench and admired the architecture and pondered life and things--you know, what all the study abroad students do.
I am much more aquainted with Florence now. We went through a goods market and saw the local products (most of which were probably fake). Florence, however, is the number one study abroad destination in the world, and it shows. There are Americans everywhere--which makes it hard to immerse yourself sometimes, but it is also somewhat comforting. I don't like to frequent the establishments geared towards Americans, though. They are a shame to both American and Italian cultures.
I had my first bout of homesickness the other night. It wasn't so severe, but present nonetheless. I'm totally fine now and knew I would be then, but without Facebook to distract me or TV to watch, all I could do was play solitaire and think about the US. I'm great now, though!
School started yesterday! I had Italian through Cooking and Wine Tasting. Marco, il cuoco italiano, is a great teacher and chef. We made spaghetti alla carbonara and a cake with orange zest. I have the recipes and thoroughly intend on bringing them home. Giovanni, an enthusiastic Tuscan and wine producer, introduces us to the fine art of tasting vino toscano. We tasted two whites (one spumante and some other bland one) and three reds, the last of which was robust and tactile. I am learning such sophistacted describers!
Today, I went to my Italian language class and Mariangela wore us out! She speaks only Italian and VERY fast. Wish me luck!
I have two classes later today. In fatto, ho bisogna andare adesso!
Ciao, ciao
This weekend presented opportunities to explore Florence, both visually and gustatory. We wandered the citta centro both Saturday and Sunday. I went by myself on Sunday and got lost on purpose. I ended up at the main train station--not advisable at night, but it was daylight so it was fine. The station is named Santa Maria Novella, after the nearby church that is bellisima. I sat on a bench and admired the architecture and pondered life and things--you know, what all the study abroad students do.
I am much more aquainted with Florence now. We went through a goods market and saw the local products (most of which were probably fake). Florence, however, is the number one study abroad destination in the world, and it shows. There are Americans everywhere--which makes it hard to immerse yourself sometimes, but it is also somewhat comforting. I don't like to frequent the establishments geared towards Americans, though. They are a shame to both American and Italian cultures.
I had my first bout of homesickness the other night. It wasn't so severe, but present nonetheless. I'm totally fine now and knew I would be then, but without Facebook to distract me or TV to watch, all I could do was play solitaire and think about the US. I'm great now, though!
School started yesterday! I had Italian through Cooking and Wine Tasting. Marco, il cuoco italiano, is a great teacher and chef. We made spaghetti alla carbonara and a cake with orange zest. I have the recipes and thoroughly intend on bringing them home. Giovanni, an enthusiastic Tuscan and wine producer, introduces us to the fine art of tasting vino toscano. We tasted two whites (one spumante and some other bland one) and three reds, the last of which was robust and tactile. I am learning such sophistacted describers!
Today, I went to my Italian language class and Mariangela wore us out! She speaks only Italian and VERY fast. Wish me luck!
I have two classes later today. In fatto, ho bisogna andare adesso!
Ciao, ciao
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Buongiorno, la mia nuova casa!
Ciao, amici!
There is much to say but so little space and time, so I will try to keep this first entry short, but I have to share my adventures!
We arrived in Florence on Wednesday evening. Our flight from DFW to Frankfurt was delayed about an hour, but Lufthansa made up for it with its awesome accommodations and service (even in economy class!). We landed in Frankfurt to snow and 14 degree weather...which none of us were prepared for in our light jackets and tennis shoes. By the way, many European airplanes board on the tarmac without a jetway, so you're really in the elements! After the expected European delays, we had quite the landing in Florence--weeble...wobble...SLAM! Siamo qui!! One girl almost threw up due to the roller coaster-like experience. Nevertheless, we made it!
Despite us saying for 14 and a half hours that we would only use Italian with our taxi driver, we got flustered and diverted right back to English. We packed four people with about 12 pieces of luggage into a shrunken mini-van. That was an experience! My knees nearly touched the ceiling--clown car much? We met the TCU group at Hotel Medici...right next to the Duomo and Piazza della Reppublica. The next day we moved in to our apartment...which was even closer to the Duomo! Literally, it is my front yard. And what a great apartment it is! Matt and I share a large room with marble floors, while Patrick has his own room that is only slightly smaller. Ci piace molto!
Most of our days have been scheduled and full of to-do's. I bought a prepaid cell phone that lets me call the States for 0,30 euro/minute. I also tried out the European supermarket thing--intimidating for the uninitiated. Some advice: don't touch the fruit (even if you're going to buy it); start bagging when they start scanning; and bring your own bags because they charge you for them if you don't bring your own. We have made a few meals and had a dinner party the other night. Some good advice we got from Michelangelo, our program director, was to buy cheap sauce, then make it your own with different herbs, spices, and meats. Grazie, Michelangelo!
Interestingly enough, the Italian government only permits two sales per year for its stores. One of those sales is on now (it lasts 6 weeks!), so hopefully I will find some good deals. The Italians are VERY fashionable--shocker, I know. Women won't be caught dead without their mink and boots. And then men always rock fidore and bold scarves. The pages of GQ are their closets and the cobblestone is their runway.
After I get my class syllabi, I hope to make some travel plans! I will post another update after the first day of class on Monday!
Ciao ed a presto!
There is much to say but so little space and time, so I will try to keep this first entry short, but I have to share my adventures!
We arrived in Florence on Wednesday evening. Our flight from DFW to Frankfurt was delayed about an hour, but Lufthansa made up for it with its awesome accommodations and service (even in economy class!). We landed in Frankfurt to snow and 14 degree weather...which none of us were prepared for in our light jackets and tennis shoes. By the way, many European airplanes board on the tarmac without a jetway, so you're really in the elements! After the expected European delays, we had quite the landing in Florence--weeble...wobble...SLAM! Siamo qui!! One girl almost threw up due to the roller coaster-like experience. Nevertheless, we made it!
Despite us saying for 14 and a half hours that we would only use Italian with our taxi driver, we got flustered and diverted right back to English. We packed four people with about 12 pieces of luggage into a shrunken mini-van. That was an experience! My knees nearly touched the ceiling--clown car much? We met the TCU group at Hotel Medici...right next to the Duomo and Piazza della Reppublica. The next day we moved in to our apartment...which was even closer to the Duomo! Literally, it is my front yard. And what a great apartment it is! Matt and I share a large room with marble floors, while Patrick has his own room that is only slightly smaller. Ci piace molto!
Most of our days have been scheduled and full of to-do's. I bought a prepaid cell phone that lets me call the States for 0,30 euro/minute. I also tried out the European supermarket thing--intimidating for the uninitiated. Some advice: don't touch the fruit (even if you're going to buy it); start bagging when they start scanning; and bring your own bags because they charge you for them if you don't bring your own. We have made a few meals and had a dinner party the other night. Some good advice we got from Michelangelo, our program director, was to buy cheap sauce, then make it your own with different herbs, spices, and meats. Grazie, Michelangelo!
Interestingly enough, the Italian government only permits two sales per year for its stores. One of those sales is on now (it lasts 6 weeks!), so hopefully I will find some good deals. The Italians are VERY fashionable--shocker, I know. Women won't be caught dead without their mink and boots. And then men always rock fidore and bold scarves. The pages of GQ are their closets and the cobblestone is their runway.
After I get my class syllabi, I hope to make some travel plans! I will post another update after the first day of class on Monday!
Ciao ed a presto!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Sono eccitato per Firenze!
Ciao, amici!
I leave in 3 days for Florence! The excitement is mounting as I get everything finalized and organized. I cannot forget to purchase an adaptor for all of my plug-ins. And I should probably figure out some other logistics pre-departure.
My class schedule is going to rock. I have worked hard (and will have to work hard next year) to take this semester as somewhat of a vacanza.
M 12-5; Italian through Cooking followed by Wines of Tuscany
T 12-5; Art History followed by The Italian Political System
TWR 8-9; Italian 4
Some things I am excited about:
La lingua italiana
La moda italiana
Gelato
My class schedule
L'arte italiana
Cobblestone
Pizza gustosa
Molto, molto altri cosi!
I hope to update as my adventures unfurl, so be on the lookout!
I leave in 3 days for Florence! The excitement is mounting as I get everything finalized and organized. I cannot forget to purchase an adaptor for all of my plug-ins. And I should probably figure out some other logistics pre-departure.
My class schedule is going to rock. I have worked hard (and will have to work hard next year) to take this semester as somewhat of a vacanza.
M 12-5; Italian through Cooking followed by Wines of Tuscany
T 12-5; Art History followed by The Italian Political System
TWR 8-9; Italian 4
Some things I am excited about:
La lingua italiana
La moda italiana
Gelato
My class schedule
L'arte italiana
Cobblestone
Pizza gustosa
Molto, molto altri cosi!
I hope to update as my adventures unfurl, so be on the lookout!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)