Let's Play Catch Up

Alright, I'm sorry. I feel guilty for not being loyal to this blog. I think about posting a lot, usually every time I'm experiencing something new and that I know someone from home would love...but it's hard to take time, sit down, and put it all out in words. I also am the only one in my apartment who has decided not to purchase internet, so my ability to get to a computer with internet is pretty limited. When I do get to a computer I usually have enough time to check my email and maybe say a quick hello on skype. Tonight, however, I am going to redeem myself (at least for a little while).

So, enough making excuses. What have I been up to? Two weekends ago I went to Rome for my 21st birthday. It was amazing. I stayed in a hostel not too far from the train station with 4 Endicott classmates. It was a lot like an orphanage with bare white walls, small beds in a row, and one window...but in all honesty was not that bad. We were on the sixth floor with a balcony, and beautiful view of the city. Rome was actually more different from Florence than I was expecting. Mostly, it was a lot larger with more touristy spots to see. But it was hard to deny the magic and to not imagine it in all its splendor thousands of years ago.

We managed to see the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Coliseum, Pantheon, and Roman Forum in one day. They were all amazing in different ways, but we were very happy to relax in our hostel for a bit after a long day. That night we went out for my Roman Birthday! I turned 21 years old at an Irish bar, where a live band sang happy birthday (along with about 100 other people) to me. It was pretty great, and not a bad way to turn the legal drinking age in America. Saturday, we went to the Vatican and relaxed. It was t-shirt weather, so we soaked up the sun and hung out for a bit, taking it easy. That night, for my actual birthday celebration we went out to dinner at a really nice restaurant with the lit up Coliseum in view. From there we went to a pub crawl, where I got free entry, a free bottle of champagne, tshirt and free drinks for an our just because it was my birthday. It was a great night, where we all enjoyed the Roman night life. The next day we caught a long 4 hour, hung over, train ride back to Florence. It was a great weekend.

(Pictures from the trip soon)

Since then, I have been enjoying my time back in Florence. It finally feels like I am here, and daily life is becoming more and more normal. This past week a large group of us went to a soccer game at the stadium. It was amazing, with Firenze playing against Milan. The Italians are so passionate about everything especially about their favorite sport. We all chanted a long even though we knew very little of what they were actually saying. For the girls, we actually witnessed David Beckham in the flesh. I guess not many people can say that so it was pretty cool to see someone that famous play. Firenze ending up losing in overtime, but it wasn't a lost call. We all had a blast and it is definitely something everyone should enjoy once.

Classes are going well, but at this point seem completely secondary. It is hard to take them seriously because there feels like there is so much going on outside of the classroom. What I do like about classes here is that there are a number of field trips. We have gone to a number of museums and cathedrals. Its amazing to be in the center of the art world, and see the actual works that so many textbooks have taught me about.

This weekend we are going to Capri, Naples, Sorento, and Pompeii for a class trip. We all feel pretty lucky to have this amazing trip set up for us as a class. I hope to see, learn, and experience a lot...I am sure I will.

Anyway, I hope this has given you some idea of the major events happening over here in Europe.

Miss and love you all,

AB

Viareggio

Bongiorno!

As another week begins in Florence, I have finally decided to take some time to upload some pictures so you all can actually see what I've been up to instead of just hear about it. This first album of photos (which can be found through the link at the bottom of this post) was from a day trip Mikey and I made to the ocean side town of Viareggio (2/14/2010).

While many of our fellow Endicotter's decided to make an expensive trip to the Venice Carnivale, we chose to take our own cheaper excursion to the smaller carnivale on the coast. The town can best be described as an Italian Miami Beach. It was very clean, with palm trees, hundreds of little shops, and of course a huge beach. This carnivale differed from Venice mostly in its size, but also by its famous parade. As you will see in many of the pictures, the focal point was the parade with HUGE floats operated by hundreds of people pulling ropes and flicking levers. It was a pretty amazing site to see. Mikey and I found ourselves looking at each other on several occasions only able to yell, "This is amazing!"

Many of the floats were politically charged. Some even bashing or making fun of the United States. It was interesting to see the opinions of the Italians in such a format...but Mikey and I definitely appreciated it regardless. There were also floats dedicated to blasting techno, a dedication to Michael Jackson, and Edward Scissorhands.

After a few beers we decided it was time to take some photos with all the people dressed up in crazy costumes. We definitely felt underdressed since many of the people went all out, but it was fun to be apart of this huge celebration. Our cultural teacher told us that this Carnivale's are done just before lent. To break down the word 'carne' means meat, while 'vale' means goodbye or farewell. Goodbye to meat is a reference to lent and going without meat, and going all out just before.

After spending some time on the beach (oh how I have missed the ocean) and looking at the view of the Alps, we decided to get some food, take a ride of the ferris wheel and head back to the train station. I slept the entire way home, but it was a great day and something everyone should experience. It was hard to find anyone having a bad time...people were just enjoying life and the moment. It was something I was happy and grateful to be apart of.

Below is the link to a bunch of pictures...soon to come stories and images from my recent weekend trip to Rome.

Viareggio

Arrivederci,

AB

Saturday

Caio Caio!

It is me again. No, I am not dead and no I have not joined a caravan of wandering Gypsies....I have just been incredibly busy.

Things are still going very well over here. Everyday is a completely new experience, which is something I am really enjoying. It is nice to wake up each day and not know who you are going to meet, where you are going, or what you are going to eat. The monotony of Endicott life has definitely been broken and I'm not looking back.

Since my last post, I've booked a trip to Greece for my Easter break. Its a 5 day trip, which starts with an overnight cruise to Corfu, where we stay at a huge hostel called "The Pink Palace" where they have a laaaarge toga party. The days are spent using ATV's, cliff jumping, and laying on the beach. I can't wait. I haven't booked anything for spring break but I have a options floating around.

Last night was a fun time...we ended up cooking dinner at our place. The menu was french toast with strawberries and cinnamon, homefries, and of course nutella...which I proceeded to finish the entire jar...its delicious. Later, at like four in the morning...PJ, Matt, Maria, and I wandered to the "secret bakery" where they make delicious sandwiches and baked goods in the dead of night. While walking down the city streets, Matt played the guitar...It felt right out of a movie.

In a couple of minutes we are going exploring to the hill just outside of the city. It is called Piazza Michaelangelo and looks like an oasis of green grass, trees, and pillars from the center of the city.

I will try to come back with more soon.

-AB

Settling In...

I have officially been in Italy for eight days and am starting to settle into the daily life here. I started classes on Monday and so far have had Intro. to Italian Language, Chemistry in the Visual Arts, and Renaissance Art in Florence. All of the classes so far seem really interesting and valuable so I am hoping to take a lot away from them. Most of my classes have a number of class trips to accompany them. It will be great to in the center of the art world!

Outside of the classroom, I have spent a lot of time getting lost, eating, and hanging out with fellow Endicott kids. We have decided that doing a number of family dinners throughout our stay here will help cut down on costs. On Monday, we made pasta primavera with appetizers. For only 2 euro, around 10 of us were able to eat a good meal!

Last night we went to a burger place down the street that had free wifi and delicious burgers. It's great to have something with a little taste of home. After burgers we went to a bar called "The Red Garter" where they were holding a huge beer pong tournament, which obviously attracted a lot of American college students. I was too late to enter, however my roommate Miles made it to the semifinals...the tournament is held every Tuesday so we still have many more opportunities to win a free trip!

Since most of us don't have classes on Friday, we are going to take an hour and a half train ride to Piza to see the leaning tower. For the rest of the weekend I hope to get outside of the city and venture into some of the beautiful hills just out of view. City life is great, but some of the bustle can be overwhelming. There are a number of buzzing scooters, bicycles, buses, and tiny cars zipping by at all times.

Anyway, the library is closing so I must wrap this blog post up. Photos to come soon!

Caio!

wow

i made it!

so far florence is amazing, but incredibly busy. it has been difficult to find a free minute to find a computer with internet (no wireless in our apartment). Our apartment is great and huge! we have three floors, three bathrooms, a little patio area outside which is situated in the middle of our apartment.

I still dont believe that i am here. the first night, mikey, miles and i walked around for a little bit in complete awe. we managed to order a delicious panini and enjoy a glass of wine. after, we walked into shops and a dollar store, but didnt buy anything.

so much has happened in the last couple of days that is new and exciting. the food here is great. many people claim that when people study abroad in florence they lose weight because the food is healthier with no preservatives. there is also a lot of walking involved living in this bustling city. wine is great, but i have ALOT to learn. the first night here, i bought a bottle of wine and didnt realize it was actually cooking wine and not acceptable to drink, whoops.

so far the nightlife has been a lot of fun, with many people going out every night of the week...thank god my budget will not allow that. the local italians are a difficult culture to read. most of the time you dont know if they are really upset with you being here or thats just the way their faces are all the time.

tonight, we have a walking tour of the city to show us where most of our classes will be held and to get a feel for things. after that, we will be going to a welcome to florence party at a club called Space.

for now, that is all. i am healthy and doing well.

caio!

Arrivederci Maine!

On the train to Boston and kissing goodbye the piles of snow outside of the train window. See you in 4 months Vacationland!

Leaving...

Tomorrow, I leave the Island for the next 4 months...although my destination is not Italy yet. I'll be taking the train to North Hampton where I'll visit Andrew (bro) in the woods until Sunday. From there he'll take me to Endicott where I am going to stay and visit until one of my great friends drives me to Logan on Tuesday. I fly out at 10:00 pm.

Anyway, that is all for now...my excitement grows each day and I can't wait to get over there!