Partially the reason why I haven't written in a while is because things have seemed pretty ordinary and blog-unworthy. The other reason was because every time I wanted to blog, my internet went out. That's Italian technology for you, always reliable. I didn't want to bombard you all with another Moby Dick length novel, but I've taken a few trips since the last post, so I'll do my best to cut it down to only the meaty parts.
First off, I just want to say that I am very happy here. I know that seems pretty obvious, but sometimes you gotta throw it out there exactly like it is. I have an amazing group of friends that I hang out with, and life is generally amazing. Alright, well, during the weeks have been pretty mundane. Class is class, no matter if you're in Italy or in America. Granted, I never got to look at Donatello sculptures or take photos of an Italian piazza back in Austin, but hey, it's not all rainbows and sunshine (Mom and Dad-i AM writing papers/reading long, boring articles/taking tests, don't you worry). Besides going out on the weekends and cooking the occasional group dinners with the gals, life's pretty simple.
Now for the trips. Take a deep breath and dive right in:
LOCATION: Siena/San Gimignano
DATE: 5 February 2011
This was a day trip with my school program to explore what else Tuscany has to offer outside of Florence. Although these two places are beautiful and have lots to see, I don't have too much to say about them (lucky for you). You just kinda have to go yourself. However, I can't skip over them entirely. Siena, for those of you who would like a history lesson, is one of the most important Tuscan cities and was/is a rival to Florence. Things you may know/have heard about Siena: the Palio-a big horse race they have within the center of the city every year, the Fontana Gaia-Fountain of Joy, the Palazzo Pubblico-which has the famous Allegory of Good and Bad Government (one of my favorites), and the stunning Siena Duomo. We had an adorable, old man tour guide to take us around these and some other, more obscure sites.
San Gimignano is a smaller town that is less well known but also very nice. The typical cuisine in these two places is wild boar, which is what we had in our pasta for lunch. San Gimignano is known for all of its towers. There are many of them all over town for fortresses, government, and religious buildings. Yep, that's about all I have to say about that.
Moving right along...
LOCATION: Verona
DATE: 13 February 2011
I know, I know. You're all completely shocked and appalled that I haven't sealed the deal with Paolo yet. Or, actually, any Italian man for that matter. Trust me, I'm just as shocked and appalled, if not even more. What's wrong with these Italian men? Because I'm positively certain it has absolutely nothing to do with me. Besides the slight pudge I've put on in certain areas (damn those Italians and their pasta-no PJ, you're still the #1 B.F.), I'm convinced I've only gotten bigger and better (litcherally) since I've been here. Anyway, as you can imagine, me and my single friends weren't too thrilled that V-Day was around the corner. Thank God that Italians think that we overdo San Valentino waaayyy too much in America, but still, it's not like there were no traces of the holiday lurking around the city. But still, my friends and I thought it'd be a great idea to go to Verona to see the sights and take part in the "Verona in Love" festival. The city was great, I'd suggest that everyone check it out if they get the chance. We went with a trip agency, so on the bus ride there we watched Letters to Juliet (happy now, Dad?). Terribly cheesy, but fun to see the sights. When we got there, we walked around with a tour guide to see the main attractions. We saw the Pozzo dell' Amore (Well of Love), some churches, some other historical sights, but best of all-Romeo and Juliet's houses. Being that I absolutely worship Shakespeare (shout out: Dame Fran Dorn, Diego, Ben, Travis, my BFF, and my scene partner), I was SO excited to see these things. Romeo's house is a private house now, so you can't actually see anything besides the front door. Whatevs, still pretty cool. Juliet's house is quite the different experience. Her house wasn't actually her house, but thought to have been a brothel at some point. When the Bard wrote his famous play, the people of Siena were confused as to who this Juliet was (since she wasn't real) and went searching throughout the city to find her. Verona, knowing what a tourist attraction this was, later added on the famous balcony and put a statue of the leading lady in the courtyard. It's true that many women come to Juliet and leave letters regarding their love concerns, and women called "Juliet's secretaries" actually respond to these letters. There is a tunnel walkway leading into the courtyard which is completely covered from top to bottom with scribbles of "so-and-so <3 what's-his-face", and "R+J=4ever". The area looks absolutely beautiful and serene in the movie, but unfortunately for us, it's the biggest tourist trap EVER and was impossible to move through the huge crowd. At the far end of the courtyard is the statue of Juliet, which supposedly, if you rub her right boobie you'll have good luck finding your true love. Well, needless to say, I pushed my way through the crowd to get on that because everyone knows I need all the help I can get. I even got an extra little swipe on my way out for that good luck cherry on top. After that was free time, which included my lunch of the most divine lasagna I've ever had in my life. I would seriously go back just to get that one more time. At the end of the evening is what they call the "group kiss" where all the couples stand in the piazza and kiss for one minute while a camera goes around projecting them on a big screen. Personally a bit awkward if you ask me, but whatever. People do crazy things when they're in love. Bus ride home consisted of the classic Romeo and Juliet. Verona: DONE. (Side note: I received a beautiful rose bouquet and a note from Chad and a very heartfelt Valentine's Day card from Diego-grazie mille, gentleman. And who said chivalry's dead?)
LOCATION: Stadio Artemio Franchi
DATE: 16 February 2011
Okay, so it's not a trip, but I couldn't leave it out. I went to my very first European futbol game. Florence vs. FC International. It was freezing and raining, and I only stayed the first half, but still pretty cool. Florence doesn't have a very good team, and FC Inter won some championship last year, so of course we lost. Highlights of the game: hot soccer players, crazy Italian cheers (ex: Inter! Inter! Vaffanculo!), and the absolute best: Katy Perry's "Fireworks" blaring whenever Firenze scored a goal, complete with red smoke going off. For that, you will always be winners in my eyes, boys.
LOCATION: Roma
Date: 18th-20th February 2011
The big guy-Roma. Talk about a city with things to do. I'm convinced you could have all the time in the world, and still not have enough time to see all that Roma has to offer. Because there is so much, I'll try to keep it down to the basics. 5 friends and I went a day early because our school was only going to be there for 24 hours, and we knew that was nowhere near enough time. Friday consisted of: Capitoline Hill, Piazza del Popolo, and the Borghese gallery and gardens. If you ever get the chance to go to Rome in your lifetime, GO TO THE BORGHESE GALLERY. Seriously, it's incredible. It's up on top of a hill, and you walk through this beautiful park to get to it. It doesn't look all that big, but boy, does it have a lot to look at. Not to name drop or anything, but its got Bernini's. LOTS of Bernini's. And they are breathtaking. So beautiful you never want to take your eyes away. Talk about a master of sculpture. And if I don't get married at the Dallas Arboretum, the Borghese area is definitely my other option. (Hopefully Juliet's boob is workin' its magic right now or else marriage is never gonna happen...) We went out for dinner that night in this area called Trastevere, which is where all the bars are and young people hang out in the streets. Pretty cool. Saturday our group arrived, and we had a full day of touring. First and foremost, I met the man of my dreams. Too bad he's about 80 years old. But lemme tell you, if Maurizio was born like half a decade later, I'd be set. He was the most adorable old man I have EVER seen and was FRF to the max (Frat Real Frat). Not to mention, he knew everything about everything, so I was constantly up at the front of the group listening to what he had to say and asking tons of questions. Maurizio knew he was a stud, too. With a group of 20 girls and 1 guy, he was flirtin' up a storm. Definition Italian Stallion. Not to brag, but I got his number. No seriously, I actually got his number. We went to Vatican city, which was so cool. Il Papa (the pope) wasn't out and
about, but maybe I'll catch him next time. We saw the museum which was awesome. My top three favorite things to see: LAOCOOOOOON (otherwise known as MY FAVORITE SCULPTURE OF ALL TIME. It's stunning.), School of Athens, and the Sistine Chapel ceiling. PS-I now have major street cred. Guess who snuck a picture inside the Sistine Chapel? THIS guy. What a rebel. Then we moved on to St. Peter's. Didn't actually get to go in, but I know which window the Pope talks from every Sunday. After that we saw the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (fountain of the four rivers) in Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Column of Trajan, and the Trevi Fountain. At the Trevi Fountain you're supposed to throw a coin in over your shoulder and make a wish. When in Rome, Do as the Romans Do...so I did. Let's hope that one comes true. That night my friends and I went to see the Spanish steps, then sat and had coffee in the beautiful courtyard of a really fancy hotel. Sunday, another guided tour with Maurizio. This one consisted of seeing Michelangelo's famous Moses,
the Colosseo, the Roman Forum, and the Arch of Titus. A couple friends and I used our free time to go see the Roman Synagogue. Very beautiful place, and I would love to go to services there. We also attempted to find La Bocca della Verita (Mouth of Truth), but when we did, the line was ridiculously long, and I already know I'm not a liar, so we just kept on keepin' on. By the way, Circus Maximus-wah wah wahhh. Don't get your hopes up if you expect it to be anything special. After a long 3 days, it was back to Florence. Rome, I'll be seeing you again. Verrrryyy soon.
With a lot now in my past, what do I have to look forward to? This week: seeing Il David in one of my classes. This weekend, Madrid to visit Elena. Next week, midterms-boooo. Then, SPRING BREAK 2011 (Girls Gone Wild: Italy?). Then, mia famiglia comes to Italia! Lot's of excitement, but also a tinge of sadness that this semester is nearly halfway done. Which consequently means that my blogging days are nearly halfway done. People, start preparing yourselves now for the intense withdrawals you will surely experience.
Well, I tried to keep it short, and when you think about all that I had to jam pack into this post, I think I did a buon lavoro (good job). Sorry for not being sorry.With that, ciao tutti, e ci vediamo!
