Travels to Francia!

Ciao Tutti!

This weekend I traveled to the French Riviera! The trip began with a cold and brutal walk to La Piazzia Indipendenza at 5:30AM. Pretty much everyone on our two buses fell asleep immediately after boarding. Of course I caught a cold just in time for the trip, so I had a fistful of tissues everywhere I went. However, after my little bus-ride siesta I woke up to the beautiful view of Genova, Italy. Genova is just one of the incredible cities bordering the Mediterranean Sea in the region called Liguria! Shout out to my good friend Giulio because he is from here!

Our first stop was Monte Carlo, Monaco. I explored the quaint city with Riley, and saw some of the most beautiful views of the port down below, and waves crashing into the rocky shoreline. We accidentally got caught up in a tour-group of Asian people-not very inconspicuous! Shortly after escaping, a very excited Asian man ran over to me and put his arm around me while his friend took our picture. Then we took a group photo with Riley. I felt like quite the celebrity, albeit a strange one. After a bit more exploring, eating lunch and discussing plans to marry the Prince of Monaco (unfortunately he is spoken for), we boarded the bus.

Next stop: Nice, France. Also, as a side-note, you should know that by this time I was losing patience for the obnoxious American guys on our bus that somehow made it into college even though they are surely 14. My deteriorating health probably did not help my attitude, and the wads of tissues were accumulating fast. My solution was to take a nap when we reached the hotel that afternoon. I awoke relatively refreshed and headed to dinner with the group. Sheila, Riley and I lamented over the lack of olive oil in the cooking, and the questionable dessert. Later on I tried to ask for hot tea in my hotel room, a seemingly simple request, but I was denied. Requests for extra blankets on our essentially naked beds were also denied. My opinion of France is not improving. I really wanted some tea (badly) so I went across the street to a really fancy restaurant with my friends, and I sat at a table and drank a whole pot of tea without taking my coat off. Probably not socially acceptable behavior, but I was desperate.

The following morning we drove to a little mountaintop village called St. Paul. This was perhaps my favorite location we visited, and the view from the top was absolutely breathtaking. No pictures I took- and there were many- will do it justice. Everything in this town is ancient, intricate stonework, with winding plants covering everything. You can even walk up on the stone walls surrounding the village and see the whole valley, sea and mountains included. My favorite part was the cemetery I found with Sheila and Riley. Here we met an old Frenchman, who seemed to be the gatekeeper of the cemetery or something. I'm pretty sure he was just an old guy walking his dog, but it seemed much more romantic to me.

We left St. Paul and headed to Cannes, France. This ended up being my least favorite place, mostly because I don't feel comfortable in a country where I don't speak the language...especially France. Sheila got ripped off while buying postcards, and I just felt kind of out of place altogether. One good thing about visiting France; it made me sure that I made the right choice about studying in Italy. In Italy I already feel comfortable. I understand the language (more and more each day), people are friendly, they always have olive oil available, the streets are now familiar, and Italians just seem eager to share their country. I feel privileged to be here, not like an intruder.

One last stop on the trip was made at Eze, another mountaintop village. Eze is also home to a famous perfume factory, Fragonard, which we toured briefly. I bought Moroccan oil for my hair and it is AMAZING. The view from the top of the mountain at Eze was indescribable! We had to climb a slightly treacherous pathway across uncertain looking stones to the tippy top, and it was definitely worth it!

Overall it was a wonderful trip, and I saw the most beautiful scenery I could ever imagine! I also gained a unique appreciation for Florence, and am very happy to be back. Sadly, it is just as cold as when I left, but hopefully the weather will improve soon. My cold is going away, so hopefully the good luck will extend to the weather.

Shout out to Grace, because I know you are reading!

Ciao for now!



Also... for your enjoyment...(I am always inspired by creative sculpture)

Nevica Nevica!

My little host brother, Nicò, says this with enthusiasm, but I am not happy about the fact that it is snowing! Apparently it is unseasonably cold in Florence this week, and I am very unprepared. I should be a seasoned  warrior of the cold, as I spend most winters buried under several feet of snow, but I foolishly did not pack very much warm clothing. Also, they don't have the indoor heating systems that we have in upstate NY, so it's very cold in buildings/classrooms/apartments as well. Hopefully this will not last for very long!

In other news, I started my classes this week, and am happy to report that they all went very well! My first class of the week is Wine and Culture on Monday afternoon. Don't let the title fool you; this class is serious! My professor is this wonderful and adorable old man named Giovanni, who talks about wine with such colorful language, it's like they are his friends. He is very passionate about wine and food, and even makes some wine himself, naturalmente!

I also started two different drawing classes this week. One is called the Florence Sketchbook, and the other is Analytical Object and Figure Drawing. The sketchbook class will mostly be held in various museums and other monumental locations throughout the city. It sounds perfect for me, because I get to explore the city and all of its incredible artwork, while creating some of my own! I had to take entrance exams for both classes, which involved several quick, gestural figure drawings and a more detailed one hour drawing. We had a nude model come in for each exam. The poor woman had to sit in the cold! For the second exam my professor called me over after only 20 minutes of drawing and told me I made it into the class. She said I did very well with proportion and the use of shading with charcoal, and then she sent me on my way. I'm not sure what happened with the rest of the class, but I felt pretty special!

My Italian class is both painful and wonderful. Painful because it is from 8-8:50 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. This means I have to leave the house at about 7:30, while it is still pretty dark and cold. The pain dulls by the time I get to class, and soon I forget how early it is. I absolutely adore my professor. Her name is Francesca, and she is very funny and comforting, which makes it very easy to relax. There is ABSOLUTELY no English allowed in class, but surprisingly I find that I always can understand what is going on. We spend a large chunk of the class just sitting in a circle (there are only 8 of us), and discussing various things. I am amazed by how quickly I am learning, and it no longer feels like such a struggle to think on my feet. I have even noticed that sometimes when I am not really paying attention, I will overhear someone speaking and it doesn't register whether they are speaking in English or Italian, I just know that I understand it. Similarly, sometimes when I switch between reading something in English and then something in Italian, I don't notice the language change...and I just keep reading.

This weekend, starting on Saturday morning, I will travel to the French Riviera, Nice and Monte Carlo! I hope it is warmer there! I will have many pictures when I return, which will give you something pretty to look at.

A più tardi!

Sleepy Sunday

Ciao tutti!

I finally have a moment to sit down and catch up with myself! Sundays in Italy are very slow and calm, and from what I have heard, many businesses don't open at all. Therefore, I am lounging around my house without a plan for the day. I will fill you in on my experience in Florence so far...

When I first arrived last wednesday, I was completely overwhelmed by the unknown streets and language. In only a few days, I have started to ease into my surroundings, and I don't feel so lost anymore. Everyday since I have arrived has been spent walking around the city with my roommate Stephanie, and my trusty SLU travel companions, Sheila and Riley. The first two days we would have to stop on just about every street corner to consult our map, and we would still get lost constantly. Eventually we decided that it was okay to get lost. Instead of reaching for the map, we now reach street corners and someone randomly chooses sinestra(left) or destra (right). The city is starting to feel smaller and more manageable to navigate.

I have also made several breakthroughs with the two boys I live with in my host family. They were very shy at first, because they've never hosted girls before. Another challenge is that the boys do not speak English, so at first I didn't know what to say to them. How can you bond with children without words? My answer to that was origami and swordfights (battaglia con spade). After a little play-session yesterday morning the boys had made up a song about me. Well....they were mostly just chanting my name, which is adorable with their accento of course.

Another breakthrough for me happened a couple days ago. I was shy about using Italian at first, because I didn't want to make mistakes and sound like an idiot. Well, firstly, this is inevitable. Secondly, I realized I know way more italian than most of the other American students here. My breakthrough occurred when I was at a bar Friday night. An italian guy named Tony began talking to me, and I realized...I actually could have a conversation in Italian with little difficulty. The key here was that he spoke very little english, so I had no choice but to squeeze my brain (As Marcella would say). Maybe it was easier to speak after I had a drink or two, but either way, I gained some confidence. Since then I have been speaking much more easily, especially with my kids (Niccolò e Luca).

Along with becoming more comfortable with everything, I have begun to appreciate a lot of more subtle things about Italian culture. For one thing, they know how to conserve their resources. At our house we have about 5 different trash-cans, which allows for proper recycling. Also, water is much more precious here, so my 15-20 minute showers have turned into 3 minute showers. Everything is small and compact. The refrigerator is pretty tiny, as well as the oven-which looks like a microwave to me. It really makes me think about the way I am used to living, and how wasteful Americans can be. It just makes sense to only use the space you really need. I hope to adopt some of these conservation methods when I return home.

Another observation I have made- there are no rules in Italy. This especially applies to traffic. There are virtually no lines on the roads, no traffic lights or signs. It's basically a big free for all out there. It can be kind of scary, because nobody uses turn signals, and I have had some treacherous street-crossing moments.

There are also no rules when it comes to eating. Up until last night I had only eaten dinner with my host family. It is so nice to come home and know you will have dinner waiting for you at 8/8:30 pm. The best part is, everything is a mystery, but always a delicious one. I don't know why I was so concerned with gaining weight here, because everything is so healthy. Once again, Italians show me how not to be wasteful. They don't cook more than all of us will eat, and the portions are perfect. I don't think I have actually felt full while eating since I have been here. I spend a lot of my time being hungry, but when I do eat, it is glorious. This is why Italians are all skinny-they eat high quality food only when they are hungry and they walk constantly. Perfetto!

Last night I went to dinner with my friends, and it was a truly wonderful experience. We drank a bottle of wine, and tried some wonderful food. Riley ordered bruschetta, which was perhaps the best thing I have ever tasted. I got pizza, because the restaurant is famous for it, and it was an excellent choice. We also struck up conversation with a few guys at the table next to us. Joseph owns a hair salon, and fussed over all of our hair. He also gave us some tips on where to eat and how to avoid the tourist traps. One tip-watch out for the lemoncello. It consists of pure alcohol and lemon-pretty startling!

Overall, I am really starting to fall in love with this city. Everything seems so genuine and beautiful. It seems that everywhere I go I encounter wonderful people that are eager to lend advice and insider tips. I don't think I could ever get bored just walking around the city. There have been a few moments while walking around that I'm just so overwhelmed with the fact that I am here, and it has only just begun. True, maybe I am just in the honeymoon phase, but I don't think I will ever stop appreciating the things this city has to offer. My classes begin tomorrow, so I will start having more of a routine soon. Also, I am going on my first trip next weekend! To the French Riviera! The excitement never ends!

Arrivederci!

First Photos of Firenze!

These are my first photos of my travels to Florence! Starting from the airport and then to my new home at La Piazza d'Azeglio. 

Sono arrivata in Italia!

After a very long day or two of traveling, I have finally reached Florence!

The day started out with me catching a flight from Syracuse to JFK, where they took my jam...I suppose it was foolish of me to think they wouldn't take a jar of homemade jam, but I was excited to give it to my host parents-no fair.

The flight from JFK to Rome was pretty agonizing for an inexperienced traveler such as myself. The flight was remarkably smooth, but far too long to be enjoyable. Also, our plane did not have in-flight movies like I was hoping. However, I did manage to get a window seat for all three of my flights! The woman sitting next to me on the way to Rome was very quiet, and it took me awhile to test out my italian on her. When we were served our flight dinners (which were pretty grotesque) I came up with a funny joke to start a conversation. I said "Spero che il cibo è migliore a Firenze!" (I hope the food is better in Florence). It turned out she was Turkish and didn't speak English, Italian, or Spanish. I tried everything in my arsenal to no avail!

Eventually I arrived at the hotel in Florence with my two travel companions, Sheila and Riley. The hotel is very interesting and unique. There are many little lounge areas, and no piece of furniture is the same. Everything seems to be an antique, and everything also seems smaller. Hallways, roads, elevators and sidewalks are quite narrow.

We walked around the city this evening, and I tasted my first gelato! It's a challenge to use italian all of a sudden, but I'm sure it will be easier once I get used to everything. A man in the street called the three of us "Charlie's Angels," with a charming accent of course. Another man told me to "put down my map and follow my heart." It's such an interesting city from what I have gathered so far. I must go sleep off my jet lag now. I have quite the travel hangover!

A più tardi!

The clouds have lifted!

Two pieces of good news for my avid readers:

1.     1. After Richie delivered my missing papers to the consulate in NYC, my application finally went through! I should receive my visa in about a week. It’s close, but as long as I get it before my departure I will call it a great success!

2.    2.  I also received my long-awaited host family assignment, and could not be more optimistic. My family consists of a lovely couple in their late 30s (Veronica and Mauro). They have two adorable little boys. Niccolò is 5 and Luca is 3. I have become facebook friends with Veronica, and it seems as though they are a very energetic, adventurous and happy family.

According to the description I received from SLU, they enjoy nature, Tuscan cuisine and sporting events. Also, Veronica and Mauro both speak English and have lived in the U.S. at some point in their lives. They also have a big terrace and wireless internet. Score!

I will have one roommate, but I know nothing about her besides her name. I am assuming that she is another American student studying at Lorenzo de Medici. We also have our own bathroom, which I find exciting!

I am fairly certain that I will become quite attached to my new family, and I cannot wait to meet them! Only 10 more days!

                   According to google, this is from the street I will live on!

                                           La Piazza d'Azeglio

Nightmare on Park Ave

                                                  The Italian Consulate

Yesterday I ventured to NYC to apply for my Italian student visa. This was a long awaited trip, and I was extremely anxious to get my visa and finally be done with it. However, my anxiety and tedious preparation ended up being completely useless. By the end of the day I still did not have my precious visa. Here is a rough timeline of my nightmarish day…

3:15 AM- Alarm goes off (not that it matters because I never really fell asleep).

7:20 AM- After a smooth flight with Chelsea Rein, we part ways in JFK, and I head off on my own to find my friend Richie.

8:30 AM- I follow signs and board several different trains to make my way to Penn Station. Upon arrival I am greeted by a stifling crowd of people, and a lot of soldiers with big guns and police dogs. Apparently this is relatively normal in NYC train stations at rush hour, but how’s a girl to know?

10:30 AM- After breakfast and a long conversation with my good friend Richie, we decide to arrive at the Consulate a bit early. We approach the building (there is barbed wire involved-this should have been my first warning). I find the visa entrance door, which is locked. Then a very stern sounding lady barks at me though an intercom speaker to “Come back at 11!”

10:59 AM- Following a very awkward half an hour of meandering around Park Ave, and poking our heads into stores like Prada and Gucci, I am back in front of the dreaded consulate door. Basically this is what happens…

·      I am led down to the dungeons and tortured. Meaning I am called into a room where I reorganize my paperwork according to their preference. Then my number is called and I present my paperwork to an official, who quickly shakes her head and asks me where my transcript and proof of housing are.

·      Firstly, at no point was I informed I needed these documents. Secondly, I do not have any way of knowing who my host family is yet=no proof of housing. 

·      Trying not to meltdown just yet as I plead my case and attempt to find a loophole. Result- no compromises. No loophole. Kicked out of the consulate.

·      They have my passport held hostage

11:50 AM- Poor Richie has been waiting outside for nearly an hour, and I stumble out and immediately commence the first of many meltdowns. I’m panicking, and I need to use the phone, but there’s nowhere quiet. I feel like a scared bunny with no den. Eventually we find a place, I call SLU, and eventually a plan develops.

12:15 PM- I’m back outside the consulate door, trying to keep my emotions in control. The scary lady wont let me back in the door, so I have to plead with her through the intercom thingy. She doesn’t let me get my proposition out, and wont stop barking. Conclusion- I’m not listening, I’m not special, and I have to come back another time. I am doomed. I am doomed. I am crying again. There’s no place to pee in NYC.

1:00 PM- Richie is a saint. We find a quieter café and further develop a plan that looks like this: I overnight the missing documents to Richie, give him everything else, and he will drop it off at the consulate. I’m on the phone with everyone; so many hoops need jumping through. I even have to write a letter to the registrar, take a picture of it on my phone, and text it to my dad’s email so he can send it to the right people.

2:00PM- I feel better with my plan in motion. My phone is about to die. Richie and I laugh like maniacs at the absurdity of our day.

2:30PM- We eat lunch at this really fancy restaurant, where we feel pretty underdressed and out of place. It’s just about as bad as browsing through Prada when everything you’re wearing is from H&M. Richie is keeping me sane.

5:00PM- Eventually I have to part ways with my beloved Richie, and I navigate the many trains back to JFK. I get through security about 4 hours early, find a place to plug my phone in and drink way too much coffee. I’m not entirely sure what happens for the next 4 hours.

12:00AM- On the plane, I sit next to a guy that tells me I am very beautiful. Apparently he likes zombies. The journey is finally over, and in the end I’m still not sure when or how I will get myself a visa. I still have faith that it will all work out, and it will all be worth the stress in the end.