Cinque terre or doggy heaven

So me and my friend Katie went ot Cinque terre yesterday, once we got there we decided we want to stay an extra day, even though we didnt bring anything with us. But we were both really proud of ourselves for being so spur of the moment and adventurous, because it is soo unlike us.

for some reason it was ridiculously hard to find a hotel, and we walked around for an hour before we found one. the map we were given was super weird. But then we finally got to the beach and crashed in the sun. Then I heard some one say “Look there are people tyring to sunbathe in the shade” And I woke up and we were in the shade. That was kinda funny. So we moved to the sun again.

But we saw soo many injured dogs! The first one we saw had a wheel chair, because his back legs didnt work. His back wheels got stuck on the edge of this tire, and he couldnt move but his owners kept walking, it was really funny.
But then we saw this dieing dog on the side of the road which was really depressing.
And then we saw a three legged dog. To weird huh, and then we saw a lady walking a cat on a leash.

But the towns were beautiful. It is a costal region, with 5 small cute towns. We only stayed in the major ones, but the towns are connected by train, and cute walking paths. It is very touristy, but soo wonderful. The water wasnt too cold, and it was so clear. It was great to get out of hot sticky crowded firenze and breathe some fresh air!

Last week work went well. I helped make this really cool gel solvent, and I ironed a some new canvas onto an old one. That was exciting to do something new.

It has been getting tough to be here in Italy though. I just keep waiting for something to get easier, like understanding people talking to me, or speaking, or not getting lost, or knowing whats going on. But seriously I still feel uncomfortable in most situations. Its just im trying to hard to learn, and i feel like i should start feeling it at some point!
But I am really excited because my friend Francesco invited me to another dinner, and also Katie!! Its just so exciting to be invited to something, and to know that people are interested in me hanging out with them. I mean, you dont even think about it when you are with your own friends, and its so easy to hangout with them or call them. Its really hard to be a foreigner and know nobody. I think it is a challenging and worthwhile experience though indeed. It being a challenge is what makes it good. Its so easy to feel sorry for myself at times, especially when I feel like i have no friends here (which is not true). But it is so important not to feel that way, because that will just hold me back from so many experiences, and possibilities.

BUT DID I SAY I GOT MY OWN BIKE. my roommate that left and said that she would leave a bike for me, didnt, so i bought my own. Its an old white city bike with basket, and it is soo fun to ride around with. I can get everywhere soo fast! And I love going to work in the morning on my bike, because I can get exercise. And I can go to my friend Katie’s house for lunch, or I can even go back to my house for lunch. It is so much more fun leaving work for lunch, and going somewhere or doing something. It makes the day go much faster. And Im so glad i dont have to be so lazy all the time sitting in a bus!

oggi ho imparato

quanso sono arrivato a lavoro stamatina, ero pronta imparare. Danielle mi e insegnato dei solventi e pulitura dei quaddri. Era difficile, ma piu facile che normale, perche le nome chimica sono uguale in inglese. Adesso c’e niente in inglese per me. Abito con Italiani, e lavoro con Italiani, e i miei amici sono Italiani. volgio imparare velocemente, ma anora mi sento che non capire niente. Ma tutti dicono mi, piano piano….e vero! Va bene.

Okay, so i think I am starting to feel a little confident with my Italian. I make tons of gramatical errors, but people understand what I am saying most of the time, and I can understand what they are talking about, though I dont understand every word that they use.

Today at work was really fun because I learned all about solvents and cleaning paintings. It was fun to get into chemistry again. I never though I would say this, but I miss organic chemistry, everything I learned was soo interesting, and so useful.

So I was working on this frame, and it took me all of two days to put the gesso on and level like 1/8th of it. And then because the gesso was bad we had to remove it. Then Danielle just did it and finished it in like 5 hours. I wish I would be fast!

So im pretty sure my american roommate left for america without paying her rent. Thats pretty lame, and me and Luciana are going to have to cough up 400 Euro, which is pretty depressing. It seems no matter where you go there are people that will screw you over. Its just strange to me that it was an American. You would think that I could read Americans better than Italians!

our adventures

Wow, Math and I were truly blessed to be able to spend time together in Italy. Right now Math is in the air home, and I am at home in Florence and depressed. I am not one to be over dramatic, but I am a pretty big baby. One of the first nights math was here I just started crying from think about when he would have to leave. Then last night, I was a mess as well, and then now….still a mess. I am going to work this afternoon, so as soon as I can get back into my routine I will be fine.

We had such a great time though. I’ll let you guys in on a few of the highlights. I was saying on my other post that is was refreshing to have new insights on some of the museums I got to often. You all know that I am not a big fan of altar pieces being in museums, they just arnt meant for that environment. Math pointed out that they also wernt made too be seen all together. After looking at a huge room of Madonna and child’s, you are bored with them. Each altar piece was commissioned for a specific church, and not meant to be drowned by other Madonna and Childs.

We had a wonderful Italian meal to celebrate our engagement. I had great pasta, with steak, and math pork and spaghetti. It was great to be so relaxed. There is no rush to any meal in Italy. So it was nice to just sit down for a while and enjoy the environment instead of worrying about occupying a table. In Florence we also got some Grappa, and Limoncello. They were great.

Then is was off to Rome. We got tickets for the first regional train leaving Firenze to Rome, at 6 45, and it would get there around 10 30. But we got to the train station with plenty of time, and couldnt find out train, the departures list didnt have the train on it! So after much confusion and asking a million people, we finally asked the right person, and he told us to go to costumer services. It was a mistake, and they paid for us to get on a faster and nicer train! We got to Rome about the same time we would have with the regional train, but it was nice because it was more comfortable.

In Rome we found a hostel, and then headed straight for the Vatican Museums. It was great seeing everything, and a little exhausting as usual! Then we headed to the Ruins, and what not. It was just so fun being there with Math.
We went to the Jewish Ghetto for dinner. That was soo much fun! I have had numerous people recommend the place. It was well priced, and we got authentic Roman/ Jewish cuisine! Math ate Lamb brains, and I got Calamari. We also got red wine, because our Chaplain at school said we had to. That has been one of my favorite meals!
Our second day in Rome we went St.Peters for mass. We hung out around there for a while. We went into that museum, which was awesome. It had tons of relics. The Head of St. Luke, the Finger of St. Peter, ad countless beautiful religious pieces from the church, all completely decorated in jewels and gold, and anything else important. We also stayed around for the Pope’s address to the Square. That was exciting! On our way out we went to the San Maria Maggiore. It is truly a magnificent church, one of my favorites in Italy.

Then we headed to San Palo outside the walls. Saint Paul is burried there, and it is a great church! There were great mosaics there. We also got the opportunity to go to confession in English, so that was super exciting! We went to the gift store. I dont know why, but I love catholic stuff. All the art, rosaries, and medals. But we stumbled across something especially exciting….Liquor made by Benedictine Monks. So we of course had to buy that. It was really intense as well.

We then headed back into the center of Rome, saw Bernini’s St. Theresa and ate Kebab’s for dinner. We both love Kebab’s. Our time together was ending so we figure we would do some more wedding planning! We have a lot of fun doing that!
Then we were up early this morning, and we saw each other off at the train station, math to the airport, and me to Firenze.

engaged!

So Math came to Firenze, and within 6 hours of being here, Math proposed to me. I said yes, of course! I will save details for later, it just seems to weird to go into the story on a blog. I wish I could call each and everyone of you! But I must admit I do not have all of your phone numbers.

We have been having a lot of fun. It’s really exciting because I’m able to show math what I do every day, how I eat, and being able to tell him all the stuff I have learned here. Its also refreshing to go to museums with him. I have mostly been going to museums by myself since I got here. In some ways its nice because I can do whatever I want. But it was really great to bounce ideas around about the paintings.

So far we have seen Santa Croce, the Duomo, Uffizi, Academia (DAVID!!), San Marco, San Annuziata, San Lorenzo chapel, multiple small churches and have eaten some realllly good gelato. We also managed to find a record store that has totally rare stuff. Although it was very over priced it was fun to look at all of the albums.

We also we went to an opera/organ concert. It was pretty exciting even though both of us were tired, and the church was hott. It was strange because there was this dog that kept barking during the songs, inside the church. I dont really know why that happened.

Tonight we are going to go out and get a nice dinner. We decided we will do the whole Italian dinner thing! I hope to be ridiculously full when I come home!

Tmw we will travel outside of Firenze, hopefully to Lucca to see St. Zita! Wohooo! Also this weekend we will head to Rome to visit the normal attractions.

Palio!

Okay, So I think I’ve seen it all!

We left Florence at 9, and got to Siena about an hour and a half later. Got a quick lunch in a local bar, and watched a few olympic events. Then at 12:30 we headed to Piazza del Campo…where it allll goes down. We got spots right against the fence, on the most dangerous corner where everyone falls off their horse. The Piazza closes around 4 for a parade, and the race doesnt start until around 7 or 8. So it was really quite a long day. While we were waiting, we decided to get some beers. So Katie went to get them. She got back, we finished them……and oh no the gates were closed! Too much beer and no bathrooms. I think I sweated it out though, or was super distracted because once the parade started I didnt think about it any more.

It was weird though, I saw some of my friends from Florence at the race. They were just walking around! There are soo many people at that event, and I saw people I knew! I thought that was pretty exciting.

The parade was incredible as well. The costumes were great, and the shoes were always perfect. It was such a beautiful culture to watch! It was sooo long, but so great.

Finally the horses came out, and and lined up at the start line, but it took them an hour to line up because one horses wouldnt line up. And there were 3 false starts They decided that they would start without that horse at the start line. And as soon as the race started he was in front!!!! He was doing great, and then he fell off at our corner. Seeing the horses come around the corner, how perfect and intense it was, everyone was cheering, yelling and moving. When he fell off he ran as fast as he possibly could into safety. Then it was the final lap the riderless horse was in second and falling into third. Then nearing the finish line, tons of people jumped into the track to congradulate and swarm the winner. I didnt think it could get any more intense once the race was over, I was totally wrong. It got waay more intense, everyone laughing crying, yelling, fighting, jumped over people, it was a huge mob, and completely awesome in every way.

The horse was rushed to the church, to first give thanks. We couldnt go because we had to catch our train! I really hope I can go back, and stay for the whole event. Afterwards there is a huge dinner, and the winner pays all! It was great though. I couldnt believe that I was so bored for so long, and then all of a sudden it was the most intense thing ever, and the race was over sooo quickly, and then I had to rush home!

It was really too cool though

Im back in Firenze, studying more Italian. I dont have to go back to work until next week, and Math arrives today for a week long visit. So forgive me if Im not writing as frequently then!

Also, my Flickr account is already full for this month. I have been adding my pictures to facebook as well, so feel free to go there and check out more!

ho visto David

So after being in Firenze for about 3 months, I finally went to see David at the Academia. It was truly breath taking. I cant wait to go back and see him again. It was completely magnificent. Yes the sculpture has nearly perfect proportions except for the giant hands which were made intentionally large. But the mere presence David has is one of power. Its hard to describe in words, but I hope everyone can see him in person.

The Academia also has a great selection of Florentine Alter pieces. Alot of the information about them include the restoration process, so that was extremely interesting for me. It was great though, because most everyone goes there to see David, leaving the religious art in peaceful rooms with little visitors. Which makes me a little happier about religious are being in museums.

Vacanza cont.

After Riva we headed to France. It took over 30 hours to get to our destination which included sleeping in a train station. It was nice having so many of us there so we could rotate sleeping, even though Eric pretty much stayed up the whole time while all of us slept. When we finally got to Avignon we were all super tired. The plan was to rent bikes. But we took a bus instead to the small town we were staying in, Carpentras, and figured we could rent bikes there….WRONG. Renting bikes was a huge ordeal and Carpentras was very difficult because no one there spoke english and none of us spoke french. I ran into a man from napoli and was relieved to speak Italian. Carpentras was SUPER WEIRD. There was no where to eat and nothing to do. After the bikes didnts work out we dicided it was time for the beach, so we got on a train for Marsielle!!! We had a lot of fun here. Spent a day on the beach, walked around a lot and relaxed.
I had a great time traveling with Eric and Logan, they have a very relaxed travel style which I appreciate. I was technically helping out with the twins. It was great to see them. Especially knowing that I wont see them for a while because they are moving to New Mexico right now. The twins made traveling pretty interesting. Yes they are good babies, but even good babies cry! In Italy I felt a lot more comfortable with the twins because there were a lot more smiling faces. In France more people ignored them.

It was really hard for me to be in France, and not knowing the language. I always felt out of place, and never knew what was going on, even when simply ordering food. It made me realize how much Italian I do know, even if it isnt grammatically correct I can say things and people understand me, even if they make a funny face. I think I will label myself fluent when I can speak Italian without people making funny faces when I talk!

In France I saw tons of really nice dogs. Pure breeds that were perfectly groomed. France also seemed much more diverse, but it may be because I went during tourist season, and that it is southern france. France does have great food, there is no joke about that. I ate very fine there, even the sandwiches had special sauces which made a normal lunch taste better than expected.

I got back to Florence in about a days worth of traveling. I left at 9 in the morning and got back at 10:30. It was pretty boring. When I got back my house was a mess!!! It was super depressing. I was so relieved to be back at my home, but couldnt even use the bathroom because it was soo grosss. My Italian roommate has been on vacation since July. And my other roommate, I have no idea when she left. But there was mold growing on things, spiders and bugs places because there were crumbs in the kitchen, and rotting things in the refrigerator. I have spent all day cleaning, and right now am taking a break from it. I finally have the kitchen and bathroom done, and only have my room and hers left to clean. My room is basically unpacking and sweeping so hopefully I am nearing the end!
I also have to find another roommate to live here before Septembers rent! I am not going to stress out about it, but I am not looking forward to it. It seems like something are never different. It is always hard to find roommates, and good ones at that no matter what country you are in.

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!

Sono in Vacanza

Sorry to leave you all hanging for so long, but on the road internet is easy to find, but hard to spend a reasonable time with. Last week I spent in the Alps on a Student Catholic Retreat. It was incredible. I went hiking in the alps, and learned a lot.

After that I met up with Logan and Eric Horne, Maths brother and sister in law, along with their twins and their friend molly. We spend a few days by Lake Garda, in Riva, rock climbing and swimming. Now we are in Southern France. It is totally strange being here. I will write more later, but I will not be back in Florence until Tuesday.

proverbo

Al contadino non fare sapere quanto e bouno il cacio con le pere.
So totday I learned a proverb instead of a word. I still dont know exactly what it means, but I sort of get it. I learned how to say it both in Italian and florentina.
Today I fell of my chair when I was working. I still laugh about it when I think about it.
Valeria, my official tutor usually makes us lunch. Today she made pasta….well its always pasta, with tomatoes and garlic. When I finished she said I wasnt allowed to kiss anyone for the rest of the day.

Today a whole bunch of commotion came into the studio in the form of clients. It was really interesting to see Italia business first glance. The formal verbs, and expressions that I am not used to were exciting to hear. I didnt really know what was going on, and I couldnt help but feel awkward. I didnt know if I was suppose to keep working, or talk to the clients, or observe, so I kinda did all of each. When I go to work related things, people expect that I know Italian, and dont speak slowly to me until I tell them. I like that.

I talked to the barista at the bar I go to daily today. Usually when people ask where Im from I say America, and they respond yea I know but where. This time I said I was from Washington DC, and he was surprised that Im American. I havent had many bad experiences with being America here. There is a lot of tension between many american students and Italians in the center, but I have found myself far from that. Italians love a lot of American Pop culture. It is strange to me that some Italians embrace MTV and American culture so much, but then stereotype the very Americans that they see and look down on them.