So its one week into my Italian adventure, and it is starting to hit me that Ill be gone from home for another 15 weeks. Not that I dont think the time will fly by and ill be keeping busy, but the comforts of home are definitely beginning to be missed.
The last few days have been pretty relaxed, just been going around the main parts of the city, getting used to the sights and sounds, figuring out the public transportation and hanging out with the newly made friends from the group. I did another one of those pub crawls i think i mentioned in the first post, but this one was completed in full. In the second bar we went to, a friend got a mixed drink with a twist...the mix was every type of alcohol the bar offered, a rather disgusting yet potent beverage but interesting nonetheless so i thought id share. The last place we stopped at was a club on top of a hill, half outdoor half indoor. Mostly american music, which so far ive realized the italians love to listen to (Kanye tracks bumping at a lot of the random stores along the streets in flee markets and what not). When it was all over we had no clue where the bus had taken us, and if it wasnt for my trusty Brazilian roommate with a keen sense of direction, we might not have ever made it home. Thankfully we did and the night was a great success.
I made it down to the beach yesterday, interesting experience to say the least. Small, crowded ass beaches with minimal sand and maximum capacity. beautiful nonetheless and somewhat warm, refreshing waters to swim in. Little italian boys approached me while i was dabbling in the water and began speaking Italian to me, all the while acknowledging I am an American who cant speak their language. I wasnt sure how the interaction went(and i guess in Italy it isnt taught that you dont speak to strangers as a kid) but by the end he asked me for a cinque while extending his arm with a open palm. High five kid, you got it. though he might have been asking for money... oh well. It was also pleasant to see that some italian women dont mind being topless in a packed beach, but no complaints from here, just wish america adapted some friendly qualities from the Italians :).
We took the train there and back, quite nice and easy to get around with and the night concluded with an amazing Italian dinner cooked by some of the ladies in our group, with the guys electing to do the dishes in return. Parmesan Chicken, 2 types of pasta with garlic string beans and garlic bread along with a tomato and mozzarella salad, spinach cutlette champagne and wine. My first GOOD meal of the entire trip, and after splitting costs it was only 5 euro. lovely.
School begins tomorrow, with Intro to Italian first on the menu at 830 am. 715 wake up to ensure i get there on time.
havent been sleeping well at all so it should be a problem waking up, but nevertheless itll be a quiet night. I just want to muggy heat to go away and sleep will finally be plausible.
Its looking like the angels might be playing boston first round, in which case itll be 25 on 1, but ill stand strong and support the troops and hopefully they will return the favor.
Over and out.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Rome. Day 3
Hello to everyone back home.
It is the third day of my fantastic voyage and I have just moved into my apartment that Ill be staying in for the remainder of my trip. I havent taken all too many photos yet because I havent gotten quite situated yet. Amazingly, if I look out my room window, and to the left, I see the Roman Forum. If I step outside and walk 50 feet to my right, The Colosseum stares me down. Everywhere you walk is something beautiful and historical. for the most part people are really friendly, with the exception of all drivers, who have no regard for anyone but themselves. PDA also seems to be quite fashionable as everybody partakes in it.
From my API group, about 60 students, i believe 40 or so are from Mass. with many others joining them from the Northeast. My roommates surprisingly are quite diverse. I have a Brazilian roommate who goes to school in Ohio, one who is from New Jersey, A Texan, and a Massachusettian for good measure.
Its humid as hell over here, but within a month it should be getting cooler. School starts on Monday and so far we have just had some orientations and tours of the historical part of the city.
Last night our group went on a "pub crawl," you pay 20 euro and you bar hop throughout the night. The first bar in our crawl provided free pizza, 3 jagger bombs, and free drinks for an hour. After that we moved bars but I got separated from the group and ended up walking around with a newly acquired friend across Rome from the Pantheon to the Colosseum, across the Tiber River and down to the Vatican City. Incredible.
I hope to keep everyone updated asap, and ill be posting pictures once enough are taken.
I miss you all back home and hope all is well, and good luck to those starting school next week.
PS Sorry for the bland post with little detail, those should get better with practice writing a blog.
PSS. The cookie trip on the flight from Philly to Rome was one of the most unbelievably terrifying, yet spectacular adventures of my existence. Thank you Minh.
It is the third day of my fantastic voyage and I have just moved into my apartment that Ill be staying in for the remainder of my trip. I havent taken all too many photos yet because I havent gotten quite situated yet. Amazingly, if I look out my room window, and to the left, I see the Roman Forum. If I step outside and walk 50 feet to my right, The Colosseum stares me down. Everywhere you walk is something beautiful and historical. for the most part people are really friendly, with the exception of all drivers, who have no regard for anyone but themselves. PDA also seems to be quite fashionable as everybody partakes in it.
From my API group, about 60 students, i believe 40 or so are from Mass. with many others joining them from the Northeast. My roommates surprisingly are quite diverse. I have a Brazilian roommate who goes to school in Ohio, one who is from New Jersey, A Texan, and a Massachusettian for good measure.
Its humid as hell over here, but within a month it should be getting cooler. School starts on Monday and so far we have just had some orientations and tours of the historical part of the city.
Last night our group went on a "pub crawl," you pay 20 euro and you bar hop throughout the night. The first bar in our crawl provided free pizza, 3 jagger bombs, and free drinks for an hour. After that we moved bars but I got separated from the group and ended up walking around with a newly acquired friend across Rome from the Pantheon to the Colosseum, across the Tiber River and down to the Vatican City. Incredible.
I hope to keep everyone updated asap, and ill be posting pictures once enough are taken.
I miss you all back home and hope all is well, and good luck to those starting school next week.
PS Sorry for the bland post with little detail, those should get better with practice writing a blog.
PSS. The cookie trip on the flight from Philly to Rome was one of the most unbelievably terrifying, yet spectacular adventures of my existence. Thank you Minh.
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