One of my favorite things about Italy is that there always seems to be a festival to go to. When I first arrived and there were constant events in different piazza's I thought it was because of the time of year. The truth is Italy seems to love having a reason to have a festival. Since being here I have attended numerous wine, cheese, oil, craft, and food festivals throughout Florence and even into other Italian cities. It actually came to the point where I don't have time to go to each and every one! The great thing also is that all the products are simply amazing and authentic so even if you decided to buy a bottle of wine or some of the food you aren't spending a lot of money. In fact you spend barely anything at all which is really why you feel more determined to go.
I ventured outside of Florence to attend a few other festivals as well. I traveled to a nearby city Impruneta for their Stomping of the Grapes festival. It was beautiful. Several surrounding wineries put on elaborate parades and recitals to tell a story. The costumes were dazzling and most of all it was amazing to see how many people participated, men and women, old and young.
Of course my favorite festival so far would have to be the Euro Chocolate festival that was held in Perugia this year. Chocolate? large quantities? from all over the world? Yes please! The amount of stands and different companies was just breathtaking. I know for a fact I wasn't even able to make it all the way around the festival since I was only there for a couple of hours. But the samples and the cool innovative ideas of not only flavors but how to decorate or make the chocolate presentable or even how to use it with other foods was incredible. I of course picked up a few souvenirs as well as gifts for friends and family back home (including 3 very lucky little puppies).
Currently I'm excited for the next festival I plan to attend which is the Christmas Market in the Dolomites (mountains). I love Christmas and going to a big Christmas market where there is actual snow sounds exactly like the experience I would love to have. I also have the Venetian Carnival to look forward to in February (masquerade masks... need I say more?) and the City of Love festival in Verona.
Regardless of the range in size of the numerous festivals to attend, they are all worth at least getting a look at. There is something unique in Italy that allows people from all over the city and even the world come together for a similar interest. It shows the ability of cultures to find a common interest and I think that is a beautiful thing.
Til next time!
Ciao!
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Winter is coming...
Europe in the Winter. One of the many reasons I chose to study abroad in the first place. It seems strange that I would count this as a significant reason but when you are raised solely in sunny southern California you tend to never experience true "seasons". I have to say that the cold weather hit so fast. One weekend it was still warm and beautiful enough to go to the beach for the day. The next day it was time to bust out the scarves and beanies. Everyday now involves being very particular and thorough about what I choose to wear. Layering has become the key. Inside café's the heater is always blasting and outside is drastically cold. For someone like myself who loves a reason to buy new clothes this has been the real fun of the adventure. Coats, scarves, beanies, gloves, rain boots, thick socks and leggings have all become necessities.
And now, here come the holidays! While I didn't spend Thanksgiving in Florence (to be honest there really is not a point since of course it is an American holiday) and instead chose to spend it in Paris, I am very excited to wander around the city to see what Christmas in Florence is like. Already all around the center area there are lights being strung and beautiful store displays encouraging the Christmas spirit. The beautiful decorations have always been my favorite part of Christmas other than the time I get to spend with family and friends. I'm determined to maintain some of my Christmas traditions such as baking goodies and watching holiday movies. But i'm also extremely excited to see what Florence has in store for me this season. Might even be my first white Christmas :)
stay tuned for posts about my numerous trips over the past couple of weeks.
Sorry again to my followers for the long absence.
ciao!
And now, here come the holidays! While I didn't spend Thanksgiving in Florence (to be honest there really is not a point since of course it is an American holiday) and instead chose to spend it in Paris, I am very excited to wander around the city to see what Christmas in Florence is like. Already all around the center area there are lights being strung and beautiful store displays encouraging the Christmas spirit. The beautiful decorations have always been my favorite part of Christmas other than the time I get to spend with family and friends. I'm determined to maintain some of my Christmas traditions such as baking goodies and watching holiday movies. But i'm also extremely excited to see what Florence has in store for me this season. Might even be my first white Christmas :)
stay tuned for posts about my numerous trips over the past couple of weeks.
Sorry again to my followers for the long absence.
ciao!
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Di Cucina In Italia
Ciao Ragazzi!
So over the last week I have been so lucky as to take a few cooking classes here in Italy. It has been such an awesome experience too! At home I am very much accustomed to the convenience of fast food. It is cheap (usually), fast, very little effort is put in to actually acquiring food. But I actually do enjoy cooking. The few dishes I know how to make I have learned from my mother or by looking online. But I have always had a tendency to go for simple dishes because I am nervous about the complexity of the ingredients.
When I first went grocery shopping here in Italy it was extremely overwhelming. One... because I don't know what ingredients are called in italian and two... because many of the ingredients I would use in my few recipes aren't available or at least aren't prepackaged (such as my favorite Lawry's seasoning salt). Now that I am getting more comfortable with grocery shopping here I actually needed to learn some new recipes.
Our campus provided us information for an amazing company called "Cook, Eat, Italian". This amazing Italian woman named Manuela teaches from her own kitchen in her home. So I, with a group of friends, decided to sign up for a course. My first lesson I learned how to make fresh pasta from scratch. I really don't think i've ever had that much fun in a kitchen. The process to making fresh pasta is actually pretty easy. Ingredients are pretty basic. The really fun part is stretching the pasta. I now know that I can not live without a pasta maker. I plan for it to be one of my souvenirs to take home. They are inexpensive and totally worth it. While it of course takes time, it is entirely worth it. Fresh pasta tastes simply amazing. And the unique ways you can alter it! You can add just a little bit of extra flavor by using saffron or spinach. Making ravioli's was definitely my favorite part. And learning the unique ways you can style your ravioli, either in squares, or special shapes, or contort into bows. But most importantly, it was simple to understand, fun, and extremely delicious :)
So after my first class I was extremely eager to join again. I instead took a vegetarian cooking class with a new group of friends. Now, anyone that knows me from the U.S. knows that I never eat vegetables. Not necessarily because I don't like them. They just don't particularly appeal to me, especially in their raw form. However the dishes we made for that class were simply amazing. The recipes were more complex than my last class, however, still simple enough to follow. There was a lot of cutting up of carrots, potatoes, eggplant and zucchini. In the end however, we made a truly delicious meal that included fried eggplant, fried mozzarella wrapped in zucchini, a kind of potato and carrot pizza and a yogurt type of dessert. Everything tasted simply amazing.
What was truly inspiring about these classes is that Manuela was so patient, kind and helpful. It really intrigued me to learn more dishes and to use what I have learned. I am so excited to cook italian at home that doesn't just consist of boiling boxed pasta noodles. I am still planning to take more courses throughout my stay in Florence :)
Ci vediamo!
So over the last week I have been so lucky as to take a few cooking classes here in Italy. It has been such an awesome experience too! At home I am very much accustomed to the convenience of fast food. It is cheap (usually), fast, very little effort is put in to actually acquiring food. But I actually do enjoy cooking. The few dishes I know how to make I have learned from my mother or by looking online. But I have always had a tendency to go for simple dishes because I am nervous about the complexity of the ingredients.
When I first went grocery shopping here in Italy it was extremely overwhelming. One... because I don't know what ingredients are called in italian and two... because many of the ingredients I would use in my few recipes aren't available or at least aren't prepackaged (such as my favorite Lawry's seasoning salt). Now that I am getting more comfortable with grocery shopping here I actually needed to learn some new recipes.
Our campus provided us information for an amazing company called "Cook, Eat, Italian". This amazing Italian woman named Manuela teaches from her own kitchen in her home. So I, with a group of friends, decided to sign up for a course. My first lesson I learned how to make fresh pasta from scratch. I really don't think i've ever had that much fun in a kitchen. The process to making fresh pasta is actually pretty easy. Ingredients are pretty basic. The really fun part is stretching the pasta. I now know that I can not live without a pasta maker. I plan for it to be one of my souvenirs to take home. They are inexpensive and totally worth it. While it of course takes time, it is entirely worth it. Fresh pasta tastes simply amazing. And the unique ways you can alter it! You can add just a little bit of extra flavor by using saffron or spinach. Making ravioli's was definitely my favorite part. And learning the unique ways you can style your ravioli, either in squares, or special shapes, or contort into bows. But most importantly, it was simple to understand, fun, and extremely delicious :)
So after my first class I was extremely eager to join again. I instead took a vegetarian cooking class with a new group of friends. Now, anyone that knows me from the U.S. knows that I never eat vegetables. Not necessarily because I don't like them. They just don't particularly appeal to me, especially in their raw form. However the dishes we made for that class were simply amazing. The recipes were more complex than my last class, however, still simple enough to follow. There was a lot of cutting up of carrots, potatoes, eggplant and zucchini. In the end however, we made a truly delicious meal that included fried eggplant, fried mozzarella wrapped in zucchini, a kind of potato and carrot pizza and a yogurt type of dessert. Everything tasted simply amazing.
What was truly inspiring about these classes is that Manuela was so patient, kind and helpful. It really intrigued me to learn more dishes and to use what I have learned. I am so excited to cook italian at home that doesn't just consist of boiling boxed pasta noodles. I am still planning to take more courses throughout my stay in Florence :)
Ci vediamo!
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Leaning Tower of Pizza? (Pisa trip)
So of course one of the iconic landmarks of Italy is the leaning tower of Pisa. And of course that became a main priority of mine to visit. So one Saturday a few friends and I took the train from Florence to Pisa (using the train it is roughly 14 euro roundtrip). When you arrive in Pisa you pretty quickly realize the reason you never hear anything else about Pisa. It is because other than the Cathedral and the tower that is freestanding from it... there is nothing else to see. The city itself is rather boring and uneventful. So for those who plan to travel to Italy know that if you are staying in a nearby city such as Florence, you really only need 4 hours max for travel, site-seeing, and returning.
The tower itself is remarkable, as well as the cathedral that it is meant to accompany. The dramatic lean of the bottom of the tower gives you the constant feeling that it is going to tip over at any moment. However, the top of the tower is completely straight. It is so perplexing to see. And upon examination of the Cathedral I also saw major flaws in its architecture as well. When looking you can see that the different levels of windows aren't symmetrical, the bottom level slopes up so the second row slopes down in order to allow for the third row to be entirely level. I couldn't help but laugh at the horrible worksmanship of the architect who made both. I also couldn't help being entirely curious why the tower was leaning. Upon research I realized it was because the original architect who was building the tower did not check the foundation and realize that some of the soil was unfit for supporting such a large monument. So when it began to slope work was halted on the tower. During that time a war broke out also halting progress. During this time the soil was able to settle and support the monument. So instead of scrapping the entire project they continued to build on it. How odd. When you know the tower is guaranteed to slope why would you just continue on knowing it would continue to lean? I think this unique mentality is so funny as well as so interesting. Was this then meant to become art? Was it the purpose of the tower to bring more people to Pisa? I guess we'll never really know.
My favorite part is I was finally able to accomplish a project of mine... to get a photograph dancing with major international monuments. I am hoping to continue this project as I travel through Europe. So stay tuned for additional photos :)
The tower itself is remarkable, as well as the cathedral that it is meant to accompany. The dramatic lean of the bottom of the tower gives you the constant feeling that it is going to tip over at any moment. However, the top of the tower is completely straight. It is so perplexing to see. And upon examination of the Cathedral I also saw major flaws in its architecture as well. When looking you can see that the different levels of windows aren't symmetrical, the bottom level slopes up so the second row slopes down in order to allow for the third row to be entirely level. I couldn't help but laugh at the horrible worksmanship of the architect who made both. I also couldn't help being entirely curious why the tower was leaning. Upon research I realized it was because the original architect who was building the tower did not check the foundation and realize that some of the soil was unfit for supporting such a large monument. So when it began to slope work was halted on the tower. During that time a war broke out also halting progress. During this time the soil was able to settle and support the monument. So instead of scrapping the entire project they continued to build on it. How odd. When you know the tower is guaranteed to slope why would you just continue on knowing it would continue to lean? I think this unique mentality is so funny as well as so interesting. Was this then meant to become art? Was it the purpose of the tower to bring more people to Pisa? I guess we'll never really know.
My favorite part is I was finally able to accomplish a project of mine... to get a photograph dancing with major international monuments. I am hoping to continue this project as I travel through Europe. So stay tuned for additional photos :)
Sporting Events In Italia
As an american there is no shortage of sports to watch. Basketball, Baseball, Football and Hockey being the favored, but also wrestling, boxing, and soccer have no shortage of viewers. It is a favorite american pastime. However, what I have experienced in just 2 soccer matches here in Florence is unlike any experience i've ever had when going to a sporting event at home.
Everyone knows the importance of the crowds to get riled up and excited at a game. However I feel so often that when I am watching many sporting events there are those who are actively involved and others who get involved when it is necessary. Typically this happens when it is your team and they are down at the end such as in the 4th quarter of a basketball game. Then all of a sudden is when you see the active support of the crowds to cheer their team on. As a dance performer, I understand how important it is for audience involvement. It is like completing a dance with no cheering. It makes you feel uncertain, disappointed, unmotivated and overall takes from your desire to do your best. It is upsetting to me when people go to sporting events and spend the whole time just sitting there. Then all of a sudden when their team is down they then become die-hard fans. Where were you when the energy was high? When your team was on a good run? Why not support them when they are up rather than condemn them when they are down? These are questions that have constantly perplexed me as a viewer when I have gone to a lot of games.
And I feel like I understand why this happens. There is such a wide variety of sports at our disposal that we often forget our responsibility as fans. Yes they are there for our entertainment, but the players are also there because they love the game. It is their passion. And as fans we have a responsibility to nurture that passion. Why wouldn't we? I know it seems silly to put this much insight into one person having that great of an impact on a sporting event but I really believe it is true. Because if each individual person puts in that much effort to simply cheer their team on, wouldn't we be an unstoppable force of support? As an athlete I would love to feel that energy and feed off it while i'm playing. Knowing that that many people believe in my talent and ability.
That is exactly what an Italian soccer game is like. It was breathtaking and inspiring. There was not one single person in that stadium that did not scream, yell, chant, clap, jump up and down. It was a united front against Fiorentina's opponents. That energy was infectious and even as an outsider I couldn't help but feel entirely swept up into the moment. And I know others felt the same. The more remarkable thing is that it continued the entire game. There was never a lull. Throughout the entire game there was excitement and drive to show support and pride in Fiorentina's team. When there were bad calls the entire stadium erupted. When they made a goal (twice in the first match) It felt like an earthquake throughout the stadium. I saw complete strangers grabbing each other to hug, picking people up and throwing them around. And all I could think during all of this is why do we not have the same reaction back in the US?
I'm not in anyway saying that everyone is like this in the US at games. So uninvolved. On the contrary I know so many people who have the most passionate views. They are some of my favorite people to be around when i'm watching sports whether it is actually going to the game or if it is going to a bar to enjoy it. And that is exactly why I like being around them. It is their energy. Their complete love for the game. Their appreciate of the artist... the athlete that has worked their entire life to become a professional basketball player or hockey, etc. This energy is infectious and it makes it impossible to enjoy a sporting event without them around. I truly can't wait to go to more sporting events here. I'm addicted to the love and pride they feel for their athletes.
Everyone knows the importance of the crowds to get riled up and excited at a game. However I feel so often that when I am watching many sporting events there are those who are actively involved and others who get involved when it is necessary. Typically this happens when it is your team and they are down at the end such as in the 4th quarter of a basketball game. Then all of a sudden is when you see the active support of the crowds to cheer their team on. As a dance performer, I understand how important it is for audience involvement. It is like completing a dance with no cheering. It makes you feel uncertain, disappointed, unmotivated and overall takes from your desire to do your best. It is upsetting to me when people go to sporting events and spend the whole time just sitting there. Then all of a sudden when their team is down they then become die-hard fans. Where were you when the energy was high? When your team was on a good run? Why not support them when they are up rather than condemn them when they are down? These are questions that have constantly perplexed me as a viewer when I have gone to a lot of games.
And I feel like I understand why this happens. There is such a wide variety of sports at our disposal that we often forget our responsibility as fans. Yes they are there for our entertainment, but the players are also there because they love the game. It is their passion. And as fans we have a responsibility to nurture that passion. Why wouldn't we? I know it seems silly to put this much insight into one person having that great of an impact on a sporting event but I really believe it is true. Because if each individual person puts in that much effort to simply cheer their team on, wouldn't we be an unstoppable force of support? As an athlete I would love to feel that energy and feed off it while i'm playing. Knowing that that many people believe in my talent and ability.
That is exactly what an Italian soccer game is like. It was breathtaking and inspiring. There was not one single person in that stadium that did not scream, yell, chant, clap, jump up and down. It was a united front against Fiorentina's opponents. That energy was infectious and even as an outsider I couldn't help but feel entirely swept up into the moment. And I know others felt the same. The more remarkable thing is that it continued the entire game. There was never a lull. Throughout the entire game there was excitement and drive to show support and pride in Fiorentina's team. When there were bad calls the entire stadium erupted. When they made a goal (twice in the first match) It felt like an earthquake throughout the stadium. I saw complete strangers grabbing each other to hug, picking people up and throwing them around. And all I could think during all of this is why do we not have the same reaction back in the US?
I'm not in anyway saying that everyone is like this in the US at games. So uninvolved. On the contrary I know so many people who have the most passionate views. They are some of my favorite people to be around when i'm watching sports whether it is actually going to the game or if it is going to a bar to enjoy it. And that is exactly why I like being around them. It is their energy. Their complete love for the game. Their appreciate of the artist... the athlete that has worked their entire life to become a professional basketball player or hockey, etc. This energy is infectious and it makes it impossible to enjoy a sporting event without them around. I truly can't wait to go to more sporting events here. I'm addicted to the love and pride they feel for their athletes.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Falling in love with Cinque Terre
While my study abroad has truly just begun there is no way I can explain how much i loved visiting the small towns of Cinque Terre. The first weekend I came to Italy a group of students from my program and I spent Sunday hiking through each of the small towns: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare. Each city is built into the rocks and its structure simulates the structure of the hills and cliffs it sits on. In this way it actually reminds me a great deal of how I invision Santorini to look. Yet the colors and architecture is classic italian.
So the reason I absolutely fell in love with the 5 lands of the Italian riviera is the simplicity of each of the cities. I love how they seem to pop out from the cliffs and yet are hidden at the same time. The actual surroundings are peaceful and combined with the beautiful weather made it a place of pure tranquility. It is the exact opposite of the busy streets of central Florence. The beaches held captivating and picturesque views that you can only imagine must be photoshopped for a brochure to sell to tourists. But that is exactly how beautiful and perfect it is. And the ocean itself is simply amazing. I was finally able to attain a life goal of stepping into another ocean other than the Pacific that day. The Mediterranean Sea is warm and extremely blue due to its lack of major pollution. However, it is also about 5 times saltier than the Pacific. So while it was exciting because it makes you extremely buoyant it also tastes extremely awful and stings your eyes. So I am officially warned for future visits.
The hike itself between the cities was beautiful and also extremely challenging. The first walk from Riomaggiore to Manarola takes you through Via Dell'Amore "Lovers Walk" and is definitely one of the most romantic walks i've ever taken. The views are spectacular, the air is refreshing, and each person leaves their mark along the walls of the passage ways, including myself. Then as a very special token many people leave locks along gates to seal their love forever. I of course wasn't there with someone I loved but the symbolism was so beautiful to see. The challenging part of the hiking came from hiking from Corniglia to Vernazza. The hike takes approximately an hour and a half and is full of very steep climbs on rough cobblestone as well as loose dirt. And since it was a very warm and sunny day thirst becomes a very big issue. It is amazing and I definitely advocate challenging yourself and taking this hike but next time I might relax and instead take the ferry or the train to the next town :).
I have to say that my favorite town was probably Corniglia. And i'm not sure why. It may be because that is the town I was able to explore for the longest time period. The cove to the beach involves hiking down and up again but is totally worth it. The food was fantastic including these delicious italian smoothies. And I saw the most adorable dogs that were just so relaxed and just enjoying the weather like everyone else. Monterosso al Mare was definitely where you find the most beach space however that is also why it is so crowded. While I was still able to set myself up with an area to lay out and enjoy some delicious gelato, I prefer the secludedness of Corniglia.
I absolutely fell in love with Cinque Terre that day. And can't wait to go visit again. So often when people are traveling they only focus on the major cities of a country. But Cinque Terre was such a unique experience and has so far been my favorite part of coming to Italy. It is these unique experiences that I was looking forward to the most <3
So the reason I absolutely fell in love with the 5 lands of the Italian riviera is the simplicity of each of the cities. I love how they seem to pop out from the cliffs and yet are hidden at the same time. The actual surroundings are peaceful and combined with the beautiful weather made it a place of pure tranquility. It is the exact opposite of the busy streets of central Florence. The beaches held captivating and picturesque views that you can only imagine must be photoshopped for a brochure to sell to tourists. But that is exactly how beautiful and perfect it is. And the ocean itself is simply amazing. I was finally able to attain a life goal of stepping into another ocean other than the Pacific that day. The Mediterranean Sea is warm and extremely blue due to its lack of major pollution. However, it is also about 5 times saltier than the Pacific. So while it was exciting because it makes you extremely buoyant it also tastes extremely awful and stings your eyes. So I am officially warned for future visits.
The hike itself between the cities was beautiful and also extremely challenging. The first walk from Riomaggiore to Manarola takes you through Via Dell'Amore "Lovers Walk" and is definitely one of the most romantic walks i've ever taken. The views are spectacular, the air is refreshing, and each person leaves their mark along the walls of the passage ways, including myself. Then as a very special token many people leave locks along gates to seal their love forever. I of course wasn't there with someone I loved but the symbolism was so beautiful to see. The challenging part of the hiking came from hiking from Corniglia to Vernazza. The hike takes approximately an hour and a half and is full of very steep climbs on rough cobblestone as well as loose dirt. And since it was a very warm and sunny day thirst becomes a very big issue. It is amazing and I definitely advocate challenging yourself and taking this hike but next time I might relax and instead take the ferry or the train to the next town :).
I have to say that my favorite town was probably Corniglia. And i'm not sure why. It may be because that is the town I was able to explore for the longest time period. The cove to the beach involves hiking down and up again but is totally worth it. The food was fantastic including these delicious italian smoothies. And I saw the most adorable dogs that were just so relaxed and just enjoying the weather like everyone else. Monterosso al Mare was definitely where you find the most beach space however that is also why it is so crowded. While I was still able to set myself up with an area to lay out and enjoy some delicious gelato, I prefer the secludedness of Corniglia.
I absolutely fell in love with Cinque Terre that day. And can't wait to go visit again. So often when people are traveling they only focus on the major cities of a country. But Cinque Terre was such a unique experience and has so far been my favorite part of coming to Italy. It is these unique experiences that I was looking forward to the most <3
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Food For Thought
So I guess every person who decides to study abroad has this moment but I finally reached mine: I live in Italy. It seems like such an easy concept yet it is somehow extremely difficult for your mind to comprehend. I have been here for a little over 2 weeks and yet somehow it feels like i've been walking these streets for so much longer (most likely because I am constantly getting lost, but that is the beauty of discovering a new city). Florence, thus far, is incredible. I could never possibly compare it to any other city. It has a beat of its own. Everyday I am walking through history and feel this rush and desire to know more. I feel like i've seen so much but really... i've barely scratched the surface.
To say I made the right decision to take this year of my life and move to another country would be an understatement of epic proportions. As I was doing a reflection of what I want from my year abroad I realized that what I want more than anything is infinite possibilities. I'm actually thrilled at the idea that anything could happen. I dream to feel like not only am I walking through history, i'm making it. I want so badly for my photos and writings to inspire others to take the leap of faith I did. Fall in love with Italia. I want to embrace this moment and never let it go.
To say I made the right decision to take this year of my life and move to another country would be an understatement of epic proportions. As I was doing a reflection of what I want from my year abroad I realized that what I want more than anything is infinite possibilities. I'm actually thrilled at the idea that anything could happen. I dream to feel like not only am I walking through history, i'm making it. I want so badly for my photos and writings to inspire others to take the leap of faith I did. Fall in love with Italia. I want to embrace this moment and never let it go.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Class begins...as well as Italian life
So this past week was the beginning of classes. The campus is a small building but very beautiful and interesting in its design. There is a beautiful garden as well which is so nice to relax by during breaks.
Language courses have begun and for someone such as myself who has no experience with the language this week has been overwhelming. I am so anxious to be able to use it on a daily basis. Feel less like an outsider looking in. But it truly is challenging to learn to think Italian. I feel overloaded with information but I am determined to be able to pick it up. The best part is that while it is 5 days a week, its for 3 hours which leaves so much of the day to exploring, studying and becoming a part of the culture. I think it will only enhance the experience and speed up the learning process of language. At least I hope so :)
I'm most excited for the events coming up. This weekend is going to bring lots of interesting events. Including a lantern festival night, The opening of the Duomo, and a trip to Cinque Terre. Then next weekend includes a trip around Tuscany and the weekend after Radiohead concert! Currently a trip to Paris and/ or London is also being planned.
I am just so excited for everything coming up and so happy to be getting settled in here. Hopefully this will really feel like home one day.
We'll talk soon <3
Language courses have begun and for someone such as myself who has no experience with the language this week has been overwhelming. I am so anxious to be able to use it on a daily basis. Feel less like an outsider looking in. But it truly is challenging to learn to think Italian. I feel overloaded with information but I am determined to be able to pick it up. The best part is that while it is 5 days a week, its for 3 hours which leaves so much of the day to exploring, studying and becoming a part of the culture. I think it will only enhance the experience and speed up the learning process of language. At least I hope so :)
I'm most excited for the events coming up. This weekend is going to bring lots of interesting events. Including a lantern festival night, The opening of the Duomo, and a trip to Cinque Terre. Then next weekend includes a trip around Tuscany and the weekend after Radiohead concert! Currently a trip to Paris and/ or London is also being planned.
I am just so excited for everything coming up and so happy to be getting settled in here. Hopefully this will really feel like home one day.
We'll talk soon <3
Saturday, September 1, 2012
My very first apartment :)
Here are some photos from my very first Italian apartment! I wasn't able to get photos of the 3rd bedroom unfortunately. But there are 7 people... 4 girls, 3 boys... 3 bedrooms, one huge living room, 2 dining rooms and really adorable views. The neighborhood is simply amazing and right near the Piazza Della Signoria which is an incredible site. More pics to come!
Friday, August 31, 2012
Apartment in Florence!
I'm so happy to say that I have officially signed a lease for an apartment in Florence! I found some amazing people through my program here at CSU IP and a huge apartment for 7 people. 4 girls, 3 boys... If we were all from different countries it would be like a real life Spanish Apartments movie. We decided on a 4 month lease because we may choose later to move on to try new places and possibly live with italian families. I'm just so excited to move in to this massive apartment and have a huge group home. Pictures will follow this next week <3
Thursday, August 30, 2012
"Truth"
I have arrived in Florence and I can not begin to describe how I feel. I'm in awe, in shock, in disbelief? None of these terms seem to live up to what I am experiencing internally. For someone who has never left their own small area of Southern California to decide to pack up and move to another country is entirely insane. It has taken me coming here to realize this. However, the truth is that this is exactly what someone like myself needed. A push. Away from comfort and predictability. Allow myself to embrace a better version of myself. This concept is my driving force for the next year of my life. I desire to not only learn about Italy, the culture, the language... I also wish to learn about who I am and what this trip will allow me to accomplish. I hope to uncover a deeper understanding of my purpose.
It all starts with a push.
It all starts with a push.
Friday, August 24, 2012
The time is almost here!
It has been a very exciting week! After an amazing bon voyage party with family and friends I have spent the past week finalizing preparations and packing! It has definitely been a major challenge (how does one pack for a 10 month trip?). The closer it gets the more anxious I am. I have an extremely busy weekend ahead of me and though it is bittersweet to say goodbye for a while, I am so thrilled and excited for my trip. I have many adventures planned but am truly looking forward to just letting life make the decisions for me. I'm not certain when I'll first be able to start posting photos and more blogs but as soon as I get settled I will definitely make that a priority.
To all my friends and family, thank you so much for being so supportive and encouraging. I love you and will see you soon!
To all my friends and family, thank you so much for being so supportive and encouraging. I love you and will see you soon!
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Benvenuti!
Buongiorno! Welcome and hello to my blog. On Aug 28th, 2012 I will be leaving for my study abroad program in Florence, Italy. I am so thrilled and even more so knowing I can share my experiences with all of you. My desire for this blog is to show photos and speak of the unique experience of living in another country for the next 10 months. I hope you enjoy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)