The alps!

The alps were so much more incredible than I could have ever imagined. Driving up there I got super sick from the switchbacks, but I didnt want to close my eyes. Out every window there was a beautiful panoramic view. The trip there was pretty long, and we ran into a lot of traffico. I taught them a few car games from america, rolley polley olley, and the one where you hold your breath under tunnels. We had a lot of fun listening and dancing in the back seat to Italian music. It was soo hot though, and pretty miserable. There were three of us in the back seat, and none of us knew each other before. So we were all sweaty, and touching and that was kinda weird.

When we arrived at the hotel I had noooo idea what was going on. I didnt really know anyone and had no idea what I was suppose to do. My friend Francesco, who invited me, put me in a room with Luisa, who kinda guided me around for the week. She has studied English for 8 years and speaks fluently. But we had an agreement not to speak English at all. When I didnt understand something she would repeat it slower, or using easier verbs which I appreciate alot.

We went on 3 hikes, and they were absolutely AMAZING. I still cant believe that I went hiking in the alps, how surreal it was. The sights were completely utterly in every sense beautiful. A lot of people have a hard time praying, and it usually becomes something that must be forced. As I was hiking through the Alps, I wanted to pray, and thats all I wanted to do. In such a environment, completely overwhelmed by beauty, I couldnt help but want to talk to the creator of it all. Hiking with the Italians was quite interesting. They made me buy scarpone, hiking boots, which gave me super bad blisters, and I hate them and would take sneakers over them any day! I ended up throwing them away in France, because I hated carrying them and knew that I would never wear them again. Also I was not allowed to drink water……at alll!!! So strange. I am used to drinking small sips frequently. But hiking with them, they would only let me drink water when we stopped for lunch. Another strange thing for me was that we had to remain silent in order to concentrate. Now learning everything about hiking at Mar-Lu-Ridge made this concept especially difficult for me! During hikes at sumer camp, silence is usually a bad thing, unless it is for a bible study, or specific purpose. The majority of hikes consist of wild songs, games, riddles, talking, and usually yelling at some point. I enjoyed the silence though. It was def. different, but much appreciated.

I learned soooooo much italian is just a week, which I hope I havent lost in these past two weeks with my american visitors. On Monday I realized that I knew no Italian. and on Tuesday and Wed. I got super depressed and homesick. It was a retreat where most people knew each other. So I saw so many people interacting as a community, as a family. It was hard because I felt soo separate from it, and missed my family. On thursday I started making friends, and was able to understand what was said to me, and could respond. Friday we had a picnic, and watched a soccer game. Which was CRAZY. There was a group at the retreat from Naples, and there was a soccer game with the group from firenze against the group from Napoli. Talk about a heated game. Even the priests were cussing and getting violent, it was all a matter of fun though. When the game was over everyone loved each other. The level of intensity was just great.

FInally it was Saturday and we all had to go. I was sad to leave my new friends, but will meet up again with them in September when everyone returns from vacation. It took about 2 hours to leave the hotel because we were all saying goodbye. Then we stopped at a restraunt, and had a 3 hour lunch. I didnt have money, and we had packed lunches, so about 6 of us sat outside and ate. We taught each other songs, and different folk dances. It was a lot of fun. Then we all sad goodbye again for another hour. Then we stopped at an ATM, said goodbye again. Finally we stopped to get gas, where we said our final goodbyes. What a beautiful culture! Nothing is rushed. Roadtrips are so not about getting there quickly in Italy. I saw a lot of people at stops just sun bathing for a break during their trip. It is all about the process, and relaxing.

I then took the train to Verona, to meet up with Eric and Logan and the twins, and their friend Molley who was traveling with them. After the longest roadtrip ever I missed the last train to Riva, and had to wait until the next morning to get there. I ended up getting there in the afternoon, and caught a mass. I have really enjoyed Europe, because even when traveling, in stressful situations, it is soo easy to catch a mass. When I arrives at their hostel is was closed. They close during the day for cleaning. So I figured I would wait outside until it opened or I met up with Eric and Logan. I went into this small bar, and there was Logan and the twins!!! How exciting! Eric and Molley had gone out rock climbing and Logan stayed back to try and meet up with me. We got some lunch ate some Gelato, and headed back to the hostel. It was so great meeting up with them, and Riva is a great little town. Very touristy, but in an endearing sort of way. I went rock climbing with them the next day, and lead a 5.6, and top ropped a 5.8. I will elaborate more on my trip, but I must pack up!

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