Yesterday, I grow a fond appreciation of rush hour traffic back home. For years I had thought to myself, why are the freeways always so packed, everyday at the same time. I mean sure its cause we all work 9-5 and work in the same area, live in the same area, but with all the measures they have made to curb the jams, it only seems to be getting worse.
Then I got to Rome, and yes, they too have rush hour traffic, the early mornings and the late afternoons are bustling with cars, motorcycles and buses that treat the road like their personal playground, as if no one else occupied the same cobblestone street they are on. But they also have something else, and that is traffic at all times of the day. I was heading to class at 10 am, taking one of my many routes on the buses to get to the tram that drops me off mere footsteps from the building in which I have class. Thats when I noticed all the buses were jam packed with people. The streets were covered in cyclists and cars and it took 20 minutes to travel a distance that is typically covered in about 2. I look at everyone on the bus, and their nonchalant attitudes perplexed me. Do these people not have anywhere to be at 10 30 in the morning. They already break for Riposo(ciesta in Spain, a nap time if you will) between 1 and 3:30, so when if at all, do these people get business done. I had to calm myself down and realize being late to class is such a petty issue to concernmyself with, but the greater picture remained...do Romans simply work when they please and leave progression to the rest of the world to take care of. Or, are they are gypsies, and mysteriously get work done while traveling about the city.
I mean not to offend the Romans, and i am sure it is just a cultural misunderstanding that I hope to educate myself on by the end of my stay. But one month in and my head still spins, oh what a city, damn what a pity.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Sorrento and Such
So its been a little while since the last post, its been a bit hectic, lots of random stuff going on.
This weekend was our API trip to Sorrento and Capri, with stops at Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii. It began at 9 in the morning on Friday, with a four hour bus ride down to one of the most famous volcanoes in the world. We arrived under somewhat suspect weather conditions. the sky was hazy and vicious clouds seemed to be forming in the distance. The hike itself was short and sweet. We got to the crater and boy is it just enormous. it doesnt seem as threatening as I had always heard about, and though it is an "active" volcano, it seemed to be in a pleasant state of hibernation. The view from the top was disrupted by the low hanging clouds and possible smog but we enjoyed our view nonetheless and dabbled on the edge of the crater's mouth. After our brief stay there, we headed an hour further south to Sorrento.
A small quaint town, touristy like the rest of them but special in its own way. High cliffs and gorgeous views spread throughout the city. We were treated to a free dinner at a lovely restaurant that served up a few delicious courses of Sorrento cuisine. The rest of the night was ours, and after some deliberation on what to do for the night, we all split up for a while to consume alcohol in the streets while enjoying a couple street performers (pictures in facebook), then headed to the local Karaoke bar, kindly labeled "American Karaoke" for our comfort, and their wallets. We sang our favorite American tunes all night long while dancing the night away...sweating profusely and losing our voices. Jamie Courtney and I were going to sing Thriller, but the jackasses at the bar skipped over our song and we never had a chance to show off our spectacular vocals.... you can all imagine how upset I was at the lost chance to sing in front of 50+ people...
We awoke the next morning to a simple breakfast and a thunder storm. We were set to take a HYDROFOIL over to Capri Island and while waiting in line to board the rain poured on our mostly poorly prepared crew of students, dressed for a warm day on the beach. Once we arrived, and Henry relieved himself of his sea sickness, the rain went away and the sun came out to play. but to our dismay, the Blue Grotto, a highlight for all tourist in the area to see, was closed for the day due to high water levels and choppy conditions. instead we walked around the city, ate some tasty lunch at what else, a pizza restaurant, then walked to the other side of the island down an old Roman alleyway with breath taking sights to witness. Slowly the group began to dissipate, Rahul and I set off on a magical scooter ride across the island. For 15 euro for 2 hours, with Rahul as the captain of our vehicle(the renter pleaded with him not to let me ride as only experience riders were suggested, Rahul has been riding motorcycles back home for quite a while, while repeatedly telling us how dangerous it is to ride around with the locals((narrow roads crazy driver))) we set off to the highest point on the Island.
Sorry about how confusing that sentence was, but I love run on sentences.
After 2 hours of riding around enjoying the sights and sounds, we returned to the group who was at the beach chillin on the rocks. Shortly there after we set sail back to Sorrento where we laid low for the night. A small dinner with a few people at a restaurant with probably the rudest waiter I have had since I got to Italy. Later that night we went to an English pub and enjoyed a few glasses on their specialty alcoholic cider. The next morning was another early start, and off to Pompeii we went...
Pompeii is an insane place. massive in size and so well preserved. We didnt get to venture around the area too much, but the highlight was definitely walking down the "Red light District" of the city. An area where prostitution reigns, and the best of paintings were preserved. Over each room was a painting of the girl's specialty who occupied the room. the specialties consisted of missionary, doggy style and various other positions. I have pictures which will be going up shortly that you all can enjoy along with a few pictures of random penises that were plastered on the street walls. It is insane how smart and intricate this people were for created this amazing city over 2000 years ago. And how absolutely depressing it is that something they merely thought was a giant mountain could destroy everything they had accomplished.
Then, after about an hour of free time, and 7 shots of lemoncello later, we embarked on our 4 hour journey home to Rome.
That was all for the weekend. more to come soon about week- up dates.
Staying in Rome this weekend, going to be relaxing and recuperating since i have been feeling a bit ill, but hopefully that will pass soon enough.
and whats been happening to my Jaguars...and those Bruins...atleast the Angels are giving me some lovin.
Miss you all, Keep in touch with some updates about yourselves.
This weekend was our API trip to Sorrento and Capri, with stops at Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii. It began at 9 in the morning on Friday, with a four hour bus ride down to one of the most famous volcanoes in the world. We arrived under somewhat suspect weather conditions. the sky was hazy and vicious clouds seemed to be forming in the distance. The hike itself was short and sweet. We got to the crater and boy is it just enormous. it doesnt seem as threatening as I had always heard about, and though it is an "active" volcano, it seemed to be in a pleasant state of hibernation. The view from the top was disrupted by the low hanging clouds and possible smog but we enjoyed our view nonetheless and dabbled on the edge of the crater's mouth. After our brief stay there, we headed an hour further south to Sorrento.
A small quaint town, touristy like the rest of them but special in its own way. High cliffs and gorgeous views spread throughout the city. We were treated to a free dinner at a lovely restaurant that served up a few delicious courses of Sorrento cuisine. The rest of the night was ours, and after some deliberation on what to do for the night, we all split up for a while to consume alcohol in the streets while enjoying a couple street performers (pictures in facebook), then headed to the local Karaoke bar, kindly labeled "American Karaoke" for our comfort, and their wallets. We sang our favorite American tunes all night long while dancing the night away...sweating profusely and losing our voices. Jamie Courtney and I were going to sing Thriller, but the jackasses at the bar skipped over our song and we never had a chance to show off our spectacular vocals.... you can all imagine how upset I was at the lost chance to sing in front of 50+ people...
We awoke the next morning to a simple breakfast and a thunder storm. We were set to take a HYDROFOIL over to Capri Island and while waiting in line to board the rain poured on our mostly poorly prepared crew of students, dressed for a warm day on the beach. Once we arrived, and Henry relieved himself of his sea sickness, the rain went away and the sun came out to play. but to our dismay, the Blue Grotto, a highlight for all tourist in the area to see, was closed for the day due to high water levels and choppy conditions. instead we walked around the city, ate some tasty lunch at what else, a pizza restaurant, then walked to the other side of the island down an old Roman alleyway with breath taking sights to witness. Slowly the group began to dissipate, Rahul and I set off on a magical scooter ride across the island. For 15 euro for 2 hours, with Rahul as the captain of our vehicle(the renter pleaded with him not to let me ride as only experience riders were suggested, Rahul has been riding motorcycles back home for quite a while, while repeatedly telling us how dangerous it is to ride around with the locals((narrow roads crazy driver))) we set off to the highest point on the Island.
Sorry about how confusing that sentence was, but I love run on sentences.
After 2 hours of riding around enjoying the sights and sounds, we returned to the group who was at the beach chillin on the rocks. Shortly there after we set sail back to Sorrento where we laid low for the night. A small dinner with a few people at a restaurant with probably the rudest waiter I have had since I got to Italy. Later that night we went to an English pub and enjoyed a few glasses on their specialty alcoholic cider. The next morning was another early start, and off to Pompeii we went...
Pompeii is an insane place. massive in size and so well preserved. We didnt get to venture around the area too much, but the highlight was definitely walking down the "Red light District" of the city. An area where prostitution reigns, and the best of paintings were preserved. Over each room was a painting of the girl's specialty who occupied the room. the specialties consisted of missionary, doggy style and various other positions. I have pictures which will be going up shortly that you all can enjoy along with a few pictures of random penises that were plastered on the street walls. It is insane how smart and intricate this people were for created this amazing city over 2000 years ago. And how absolutely depressing it is that something they merely thought was a giant mountain could destroy everything they had accomplished.
Then, after about an hour of free time, and 7 shots of lemoncello later, we embarked on our 4 hour journey home to Rome.
That was all for the weekend. more to come soon about week- up dates.
Staying in Rome this weekend, going to be relaxing and recuperating since i have been feeling a bit ill, but hopefully that will pass soon enough.
and whats been happening to my Jaguars...and those Bruins...atleast the Angels are giving me some lovin.
Miss you all, Keep in touch with some updates about yourselves.
Monday, September 8, 2008
We took the midnight train going....
What a spectacular weekend. Cinque Terre lived up to every expectation and many more were surpassed, as well as dismally realized. We'll start from the beginning since that usually makes the most sense.
11:58 train ride from Termini station to La Spezia, arriving at 4:14 am. The 6 of us; the roommate James, Henry from Connecticut, Tracy from New York, Emily from Massachusetts, and as some of you may be familiar with, Zach from Villa Park, hopped on the train with no inclination of the odor and horror we were about to encounter. Besides the train being seemingly overbooked and under sanitized, we were all under the suspicion that the people who were already on the train had been on there for what could have been weeks, without cracking a window or showering their moldy bodies. the stench was horrendous, and with no open cabins (rooms with 6 chairs, about 10 per car) we were forced to situated ourselves in the hallways, with basically standing room only. We did the only thing foreigners in a sticky situation knew how to do, drank. We popped open a bottle of rum and began what appeared to be a long and arduous journey. We soon realized we had English counterparts, Shane Watson and his tired friend Dan, who felt the same dismay we did and we politely shared our beverages. We mingled and drank for the remainder of the trip, with Henry passing out on the luggage racks above the hallway(about 1 foot wide, metal bars meant for duffel bags and carry-ons). We arrived in La Spezia and switched trains to make it to Monterosso Al Mare, the furtherest of the 5 Cinque Terre towns. At this point it was about 5 o clock and we found a beach that seemed peaceful and serene enough to lay our bags down and take a nap. I decided to take this opportunity to strip naked and jump into the Sea. Before I could take my first gasp of air after jumping in, my fellow journeymen and women were already scampering away as a security guard had shooed them off the premises(private beach). I slowly realized that I would need to quickly get dressed, stuff everything back into my bag, and drip my way back to the main road. After about 2 hours of walking around and waiting for the sun to arise, we had a nice little breakfast then proceeded to a public beach where we all, fully clothed in street clothes and absolutely worn out from the long night that had slipped away, passed the hell out into our own little dream worlds. Only to shortly be awoken (about 3 hours later) by locals and tourists who felt it necessary to photograph our napping. After the confusion wore off, we changed into our bathing suits and jumped into the sea.
Then came the treacherous hike to the next town, Vernazza, where we hoped to find a comfy place to rest our heads for the next night. The hour and thirty minute hike was a strenuous one with many rocky steps and steep and narrow pathways, engulfed by breath taking views of the coastline and clear waters. We made it into Vernazza and Zach and James went directly to the beach to wash away their sweat while Henry Emily Tracy and I went to look for a room. After a few unsuccessful attempts at contacting room renters, we ran into Egi. Egi could have been the shadiest, sketchiest looking Italian I had seen in my 2 weeks abroad by far, but after a few greetings and hellos, as well as a little bargaining by your author[me:)] we managed to pull out a beautiful room on the main road for 20 euro a night per person(everyone began their bargaining at 30, and Egi was the only one who was kind enough to compromise) under the condition we stayed for 2 nights. We decided it was well worth it and after putting our bags down we joined the two boys on the beach. Later that evening, us guys decided we would surprise our two ladies with a gorgeous reservation atop the highest restaurant in the city, directly on the cliff overlooking the Sea and facing the sunset over the nearest hillside. Truly spectacular.
We called it an early night and set off to bed with the plan of hiking across the next three towns on Saturday, and returning back before nightfall to our room in Vernazza, at Egi's palace. The hike from Vernazza to Corniglia was only 45 minutes but nevertheless a bit challenging, the sights and sounds were once again impressive beyond expectation and we even managed to make some friends on the trail. We met a couple from San Francisco who was also doing the 5 city tour, but that was only a small detour on their year long vacation which began in New Zealand and worked its way Westward through Southeast Asia Eastern Europe and will end up in Brazil in December. Quite the luxury to be able to take a year off work, and life, to adventure around the world and build such amazing memories. definitely made me contemplate a similar itinerary at some point in my life. Either way, we stopped in Corniglia for not too long as there was not much to see within the city itself. but there was a set of switchback stairs, ones that zig zag back and forth to make the steep climb a bit more bearable. it probably included 30 or so switches, which was nice and easy on the way down, but not so much fun on the return trip.
after a short 25 minute walk to the next town, Manarola, we stopped and Tracy got some pizza to eat, we thought she got lost because it took her 30 minutes to find her way back, but it turned out she just waited 30 minutes for the pizza to cook. The next hike was another short one, lasting about the same time and also right along the coast, and it was called Via Del'Amore. There was one nice point where a nice bench was placed in front of the railing of a tunnel overlooking the Sea, and the entiure section of railing was covered in locks. Apparently couples are suppose to leave locks there to symbolize them locking their love to each other, then stop for a photo-op on the bench. Once at the last town, we headed to their beach(aka big marble rocks jeti-ing into the water) Henry and I wanted to do some kayaking, but I guess 80 degree weather with minimal winds and no clouds is a warrant for unsafe conditions, and they would not rent us a kayak. :(. this town was called Riomaggiore, and the 4 guys shared a large pizza, just cheese, which might have actually been the most american, and therefore most unsatisfying pizza of my trip thus far.
Zach and James took a ferry back to our town of Vernazza, Tracy and Emily walked back the same trail, and Henry and I aimlessly and unsuccessfully looked for a more exciting path to take home. All roads were either closed or the stupid bus system which is suppose to get you to the top of the mountain for the extended hike was either not operating or the towns are full of lazy liars who did not want us to make the trip and we also ended up taking the same trail back home.
our last night consisted of some light drinking by the Sea, the guys stripping naked and jumping off one of he ledges into the water, with mine stunt ending in a terrible headache as my front flip went half a turn too far and my face was the first to separate the water molecules of the Sea, and finally a game of musical beds with everyone moving around throughout the night to find the most comfortable and cool location.
We woke up a little later than initially planned, clean up our terrible mess, which consisted of Zach dropping a half full bottle of Rum and pounds of sand everywhere. We headed back to La Spezia where we feasted on the most expensive and least filling Mcdonalds I have every been to. Which by the way, I have calculated a formula for why Americans are obese and Europeans are skinny.
50% more expensive + 50% less food = Every fucking meal. but maybe pizza and gelato.
We then took a train to Pisa to visit our buddy, the leaning tower. besides the nothingness that Pisa encompasses, the leaning tower wasnt quite as impressive as I had been imagining all my years. It must be much greater than I can fathom as thousands flock every day to take the same picture, we all know it, in a place where this is the ONLY tourist attraction. Maybe im just not that understanding of greatness...Oh well...
after our last 3 hour train ride we arrived back in Rome, tired hungry and ready for our next weekend at the Almalfi Coast with the rest of our API gang.
on a side note, Cinque Terre is mildly populated by city dwellers and everyone you meet is a tourist, but the nice thing is the tourists are from every part of the world which is quite a nice experience to have, walking down a trail and hearing about 7 different languages.
all in all, fabulous weekend with beautiful memories, and the craziest thing is im coming back to Rome. which has been mind blowing on it own.
Pictures should be up soon, you all know how lazy I can get...
I also probably forgot to mention a few things here and there, if anything ground breaking is re-inserted to my memory I shall update immediately.
talk to you all soon!!!
Ciao!
11:58 train ride from Termini station to La Spezia, arriving at 4:14 am. The 6 of us; the roommate James, Henry from Connecticut, Tracy from New York, Emily from Massachusetts, and as some of you may be familiar with, Zach from Villa Park, hopped on the train with no inclination of the odor and horror we were about to encounter. Besides the train being seemingly overbooked and under sanitized, we were all under the suspicion that the people who were already on the train had been on there for what could have been weeks, without cracking a window or showering their moldy bodies. the stench was horrendous, and with no open cabins (rooms with 6 chairs, about 10 per car) we were forced to situated ourselves in the hallways, with basically standing room only. We did the only thing foreigners in a sticky situation knew how to do, drank. We popped open a bottle of rum and began what appeared to be a long and arduous journey. We soon realized we had English counterparts, Shane Watson and his tired friend Dan, who felt the same dismay we did and we politely shared our beverages. We mingled and drank for the remainder of the trip, with Henry passing out on the luggage racks above the hallway(about 1 foot wide, metal bars meant for duffel bags and carry-ons). We arrived in La Spezia and switched trains to make it to Monterosso Al Mare, the furtherest of the 5 Cinque Terre towns. At this point it was about 5 o clock and we found a beach that seemed peaceful and serene enough to lay our bags down and take a nap. I decided to take this opportunity to strip naked and jump into the Sea. Before I could take my first gasp of air after jumping in, my fellow journeymen and women were already scampering away as a security guard had shooed them off the premises(private beach). I slowly realized that I would need to quickly get dressed, stuff everything back into my bag, and drip my way back to the main road. After about 2 hours of walking around and waiting for the sun to arise, we had a nice little breakfast then proceeded to a public beach where we all, fully clothed in street clothes and absolutely worn out from the long night that had slipped away, passed the hell out into our own little dream worlds. Only to shortly be awoken (about 3 hours later) by locals and tourists who felt it necessary to photograph our napping. After the confusion wore off, we changed into our bathing suits and jumped into the sea.
Then came the treacherous hike to the next town, Vernazza, where we hoped to find a comfy place to rest our heads for the next night. The hour and thirty minute hike was a strenuous one with many rocky steps and steep and narrow pathways, engulfed by breath taking views of the coastline and clear waters. We made it into Vernazza and Zach and James went directly to the beach to wash away their sweat while Henry Emily Tracy and I went to look for a room. After a few unsuccessful attempts at contacting room renters, we ran into Egi. Egi could have been the shadiest, sketchiest looking Italian I had seen in my 2 weeks abroad by far, but after a few greetings and hellos, as well as a little bargaining by your author[me:)] we managed to pull out a beautiful room on the main road for 20 euro a night per person(everyone began their bargaining at 30, and Egi was the only one who was kind enough to compromise) under the condition we stayed for 2 nights. We decided it was well worth it and after putting our bags down we joined the two boys on the beach. Later that evening, us guys decided we would surprise our two ladies with a gorgeous reservation atop the highest restaurant in the city, directly on the cliff overlooking the Sea and facing the sunset over the nearest hillside. Truly spectacular.
We called it an early night and set off to bed with the plan of hiking across the next three towns on Saturday, and returning back before nightfall to our room in Vernazza, at Egi's palace. The hike from Vernazza to Corniglia was only 45 minutes but nevertheless a bit challenging, the sights and sounds were once again impressive beyond expectation and we even managed to make some friends on the trail. We met a couple from San Francisco who was also doing the 5 city tour, but that was only a small detour on their year long vacation which began in New Zealand and worked its way Westward through Southeast Asia Eastern Europe and will end up in Brazil in December. Quite the luxury to be able to take a year off work, and life, to adventure around the world and build such amazing memories. definitely made me contemplate a similar itinerary at some point in my life. Either way, we stopped in Corniglia for not too long as there was not much to see within the city itself. but there was a set of switchback stairs, ones that zig zag back and forth to make the steep climb a bit more bearable. it probably included 30 or so switches, which was nice and easy on the way down, but not so much fun on the return trip.
after a short 25 minute walk to the next town, Manarola, we stopped and Tracy got some pizza to eat, we thought she got lost because it took her 30 minutes to find her way back, but it turned out she just waited 30 minutes for the pizza to cook. The next hike was another short one, lasting about the same time and also right along the coast, and it was called Via Del'Amore. There was one nice point where a nice bench was placed in front of the railing of a tunnel overlooking the Sea, and the entiure section of railing was covered in locks. Apparently couples are suppose to leave locks there to symbolize them locking their love to each other, then stop for a photo-op on the bench. Once at the last town, we headed to their beach(aka big marble rocks jeti-ing into the water) Henry and I wanted to do some kayaking, but I guess 80 degree weather with minimal winds and no clouds is a warrant for unsafe conditions, and they would not rent us a kayak. :(. this town was called Riomaggiore, and the 4 guys shared a large pizza, just cheese, which might have actually been the most american, and therefore most unsatisfying pizza of my trip thus far.
Zach and James took a ferry back to our town of Vernazza, Tracy and Emily walked back the same trail, and Henry and I aimlessly and unsuccessfully looked for a more exciting path to take home. All roads were either closed or the stupid bus system which is suppose to get you to the top of the mountain for the extended hike was either not operating or the towns are full of lazy liars who did not want us to make the trip and we also ended up taking the same trail back home.
our last night consisted of some light drinking by the Sea, the guys stripping naked and jumping off one of he ledges into the water, with mine stunt ending in a terrible headache as my front flip went half a turn too far and my face was the first to separate the water molecules of the Sea, and finally a game of musical beds with everyone moving around throughout the night to find the most comfortable and cool location.
We woke up a little later than initially planned, clean up our terrible mess, which consisted of Zach dropping a half full bottle of Rum and pounds of sand everywhere. We headed back to La Spezia where we feasted on the most expensive and least filling Mcdonalds I have every been to. Which by the way, I have calculated a formula for why Americans are obese and Europeans are skinny.
50% more expensive + 50% less food = Every fucking meal. but maybe pizza and gelato.
We then took a train to Pisa to visit our buddy, the leaning tower. besides the nothingness that Pisa encompasses, the leaning tower wasnt quite as impressive as I had been imagining all my years. It must be much greater than I can fathom as thousands flock every day to take the same picture, we all know it, in a place where this is the ONLY tourist attraction. Maybe im just not that understanding of greatness...Oh well...
after our last 3 hour train ride we arrived back in Rome, tired hungry and ready for our next weekend at the Almalfi Coast with the rest of our API gang.
on a side note, Cinque Terre is mildly populated by city dwellers and everyone you meet is a tourist, but the nice thing is the tourists are from every part of the world which is quite a nice experience to have, walking down a trail and hearing about 7 different languages.
all in all, fabulous weekend with beautiful memories, and the craziest thing is im coming back to Rome. which has been mind blowing on it own.
Pictures should be up soon, you all know how lazy I can get...
I also probably forgot to mention a few things here and there, if anything ground breaking is re-inserted to my memory I shall update immediately.
talk to you all soon!!!
Ciao!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Change of schedule
Just wanted to update you all on my change of schedule. I am no longer taking Moles Spies and Terrorists. I have decided to go for a more liberal approach to this experience and pick up Beginning Painting. I have to do 5 paintings for my grade with no tests or quizzes or papers. One landscape, one interior, one still life, one portrait and im not sure aboutt he other but ill figure that out. As most of you know I am terrible with anything artistic, but with music and painting as my focuses this semester, I hope to return a more cultured, educated and artistic person. lol. We'll see how this goes.
Monday, September 1, 2008
First day of school
So the first day of school was today, 4 classes and a repeat on wednesday.
We'll start with Italian. The teacher refuses to speak English which made sense once i got over the initial fear that I wouldnt understand a word he said. He does a good job motioning what he is saying, so ultimately it will improve my conversational abilities. He gave out more homework one the first day then a majority of my general ed classes at UCI.
Next came Introduction to Music. quiz on the first day to see hwo well we knew how to distinguish different kinds of music throughout the 1500's to today. Out of 7 examples, with time period, region and types of instruments used, i got possibly 3 of 21 right. Pathetic, i know, but I think this class will actually be useful and beneficial to my culture understanding of music.
After a nice 2 hour break, which included a stop at a pizzeria, i began my third class, Moles Spies and Terrorists
Initially this was suppose to be the kick it and chill class. The one where we would here cool stories and do absolutely nothing. 8 pages of syllabus, 10 required readings and an additional 10 on reserve, a 15 page final paper and four 5 page reviews later i realized, I was right. kick it and chill. My 15 page paper will most likely be on the Israeli CIA and their covert mission to revenge the deaths of their Olympians, so its not going to be as bad as it seemed.
The last class of the day was Organization behavior. And some of you might know this man, Joe Flaggliano(terrible spelling) but he went to servite, friends with Ian and Ray and them, he is in our mini group, just thought it was interesting. Our teacher is way chill and told us there was no class wednesday. he didnt pass out a syllabus or give us any books to buy. really liked this guy.
Thats day one, ill update soon enough. Public transportation has been chill. I had my first full nights sleep last night. No class tomorrrow. Might venture around the city and try to get some pictures in.
In touch
We'll start with Italian. The teacher refuses to speak English which made sense once i got over the initial fear that I wouldnt understand a word he said. He does a good job motioning what he is saying, so ultimately it will improve my conversational abilities. He gave out more homework one the first day then a majority of my general ed classes at UCI.
Next came Introduction to Music. quiz on the first day to see hwo well we knew how to distinguish different kinds of music throughout the 1500's to today. Out of 7 examples, with time period, region and types of instruments used, i got possibly 3 of 21 right. Pathetic, i know, but I think this class will actually be useful and beneficial to my culture understanding of music.
After a nice 2 hour break, which included a stop at a pizzeria, i began my third class, Moles Spies and Terrorists
Initially this was suppose to be the kick it and chill class. The one where we would here cool stories and do absolutely nothing. 8 pages of syllabus, 10 required readings and an additional 10 on reserve, a 15 page final paper and four 5 page reviews later i realized, I was right. kick it and chill. My 15 page paper will most likely be on the Israeli CIA and their covert mission to revenge the deaths of their Olympians, so its not going to be as bad as it seemed.
The last class of the day was Organization behavior. And some of you might know this man, Joe Flaggliano(terrible spelling) but he went to servite, friends with Ian and Ray and them, he is in our mini group, just thought it was interesting. Our teacher is way chill and told us there was no class wednesday. he didnt pass out a syllabus or give us any books to buy. really liked this guy.
Thats day one, ill update soon enough. Public transportation has been chill. I had my first full nights sleep last night. No class tomorrrow. Might venture around the city and try to get some pictures in.
In touch
Sunday, August 31, 2008
one week in
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.
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.
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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