Ciao! Last night we all went to Golden View again. I got 4 cheese pasta and pizza (you get two main dishes with the meal voucher). I purposely got pizza so I could take it home and eat it for lunch today. I don't know if I mentioned this, but when you order pizza here it isn't just a slice for one person...it is about 8 slices per person! A lot of pizza...but all the crust is thin. Anyways, after another marvelous dinner, my roomies and I went to our friends apartment and watched "When in Rome" with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olson. We wanted to watch it to get ready for Rome...I know we are sooo silly. We are going out tonight, so we decided to take it east last night since we all had finals today.
Today I first has sociology. I am a little annoyed because I have sociology on fridays and my teacher chose to have the final start at 11 am...right in the middle of the day...our LAST day at that, in Florence. It is a little frustrating but what can I do? So, today we reviewed for our final for tomorrow and then at 12:30 I had my art history final...a piece of cake! Now I am in the computer lab and I going to go finish up my souvenir shopping before walking to the Duomo for a beautiful view of the city. Then, for dinner we are trying a new restaurant before going out! Then, I have to pack and study a little, too. Busy girl and getting kind of sad to leave the great, GREAT friends I have made. That's life!
Ciao until tomorrow!!! Love and miss you all...5 days!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
*BrIgHtEr DaY, hOlE iN mY pOcKeT*
Hey everyone...only a couple of posts left! Yesterday was a rough day for me...I got really sick. I think it MIGHT have been from the tap water I had yesterday at the apartment, but I could be wrong. Anyways...I was in bed until yesterday afternoon like I said. Last night I got really lucky! AIFS offers a lot of activities such as food tastings and cooking lessons that you can sign up for, but unfortunately everything was booked that I wanted to do. However, last night my roommates signed up for cooking lessons on how to make ravioli and stuffed zuccini. So, I decided to go with them and see if someone didn't show up so I could take their place. Well, everyone showed, but they let me do it, and even for FREE! The food was awesome and I have all the recipes so maybe we can try it when I get home. I kept getting sick through the cooking and ended my night early to get better. We didn't get done with cooking until around 10 pm.
This morning I only had one class, and we reviewed for my final tomorrow! It has gone by way too fast! We got out of class early, so my friends and I went to eat at a panini place before heading out to get some last minute things. I decided a while back that my "one thing" was going to be an Italian Leather purse. After weeks of searching for the right one, I finally got it! Even though it could have been a lot more expensive, I feel like I got a really good deal. I had to call mom and talk to her about it because I am sooo hesitant on buying things for myself. But what's done is done! Now I feel like I have a hole in my pocket! Tonight I am going to dinner and then probably going out on the town!
Can't wait to see everyone! Ciao!
This morning I only had one class, and we reviewed for my final tomorrow! It has gone by way too fast! We got out of class early, so my friends and I went to eat at a panini place before heading out to get some last minute things. I decided a while back that my "one thing" was going to be an Italian Leather purse. After weeks of searching for the right one, I finally got it! Even though it could have been a lot more expensive, I feel like I got a really good deal. I had to call mom and talk to her about it because I am sooo hesitant on buying things for myself. But what's done is done! Now I feel like I have a hole in my pocket! Tonight I am going to dinner and then probably going out on the town!
Can't wait to see everyone! Ciao!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
*FuN, fUn, FuN*
First of all, congratulations Drew on getting 1st place with your Rouche and 3rd with your Cobra...I think that is soo cool! Also, I am glad Ben, Julie, & Hannah made it home safely...can't wait to hear all about your trip.
So after I left the computer lab, I went home and talked to my roommate about her weekend. Three of my roommates traveled around the Capri area in Italy and they ran into train problems and didn't end up getting home until Monday morning at 6:30 (they planned on being back in the afternoon on Sunday!). So, I caught up with them and we were all just hanging out in my room getting ready for our farewell dinner. We left the apartment at 7:30 for the dinner at 8. The dinner was held on top of a hotel out on the terrace. It had such a great view of the city, so of course we all got some great pictures! The meal was good, too. We had ham, risotto and pasta, steak and vegetables, dessert, coffee, and if you could imagine how many wine bottles American college students to go through on an unlimited amount! After dinner, there was a DJ and we danced on the terrace. It got a little crazy..even the teachers were dancing up a storm! It was a lot of fun and a great way close up this experience. We all got home about 2:30 last night!
Today I had class...nothing too special. I start my final reviews tomorrow. My roommates and I were planning on climbing the Duomo at 3 today so get great pictures of the city, but it is raining, so we are going to head to the food market instead. It is all indoor with two huge levels! I am going to get some dried fruit...yuuummmm! I don't know what is going on for tonight, but I know we will all find something.
I will close until tomorrow! This is sad because I only have a few posts left before this amazing experience comes to an end. Love and miss you all!
So after I left the computer lab, I went home and talked to my roommate about her weekend. Three of my roommates traveled around the Capri area in Italy and they ran into train problems and didn't end up getting home until Monday morning at 6:30 (they planned on being back in the afternoon on Sunday!). So, I caught up with them and we were all just hanging out in my room getting ready for our farewell dinner. We left the apartment at 7:30 for the dinner at 8. The dinner was held on top of a hotel out on the terrace. It had such a great view of the city, so of course we all got some great pictures! The meal was good, too. We had ham, risotto and pasta, steak and vegetables, dessert, coffee, and if you could imagine how many wine bottles American college students to go through on an unlimited amount! After dinner, there was a DJ and we danced on the terrace. It got a little crazy..even the teachers were dancing up a storm! It was a lot of fun and a great way close up this experience. We all got home about 2:30 last night!
Today I had class...nothing too special. I start my final reviews tomorrow. My roommates and I were planning on climbing the Duomo at 3 today so get great pictures of the city, but it is raining, so we are going to head to the food market instead. It is all indoor with two huge levels! I am going to get some dried fruit...yuuummmm! I don't know what is going on for tonight, but I know we will all find something.
I will close until tomorrow! This is sad because I only have a few posts left before this amazing experience comes to an end. Love and miss you all!
Monday, June 25, 2007
*LaSt WeEkEnD iN fLoReNcE*
So, I guess I have a lot to talk about starting from Friday until today. I just can't believe that this trip has gone by so fast!
Friday I went to the beach in Viareggio. It was about an hour and a half bus ride. We could't take a train that day because the workers were on strike on Friday, so no trains were coming in or leaving Florence. We got to the beach around 11 o'clock. The weather was horrible for a while. It was soo cloudy, cold, and rainy. We decided to walk around the town and find some food and hoped that the weather would come around. Fortunately, the sun came out and we all were able to get in the water and get some sun. The beach itself was beautiful...the sand was soo clean and white, but the water was not as clear as Cinque Terre. We had a really nice time. We left the beach around 5 and got back home around 7. We had to change buses in the middle of our trip back. Then, I met some girls for dinner at Golden View (Yes, I know we all love that place), and then I went to bed...it was a very long day!
Saturday I had a field trip to Pisa, Torre Dei Lago, and Lucca. I was so excited to see the leaning tower of Pisa...it looked soo cool! That was the highlight of my trip for sure! So we were in Pisa for about an hour and then we went to visit Puccini's house (he was a famous Opera writer). That was kind of cool. Then we went to Lucca...to be honest I have not one clue why they took us there. It was a very French/Italian/American feel to it. It was a small place with very expensive, designer stores. We left around 6:30 and got home around 8. I went home really fast and went out to eat. After dinner, my friends and I walked around Florence because this weekend, it was a huge Holiday for Florence. It was the holiday of St. John the Baptist, so there were concerts everywhere, so many people on the street you couldn't walk, and tons of wine. We went back to the apartment at about 11:30 pm.
Sunday I had a little excursion to Fiesole, a little town about 15 minutes from Florence. It is a wealthy area where a lot of famous Italians live I guess. Anyways, Fiesole has the best view of the WHOLE city of Florence. So we took pictures of that, visited a little church, and then walked around the Roman ruins. That was really cool and I got some good pictures, too! Then we walked down a long, STEEP road to get to the restaurant we ate at for brunch. The food was okay; they didn't have anough for everyone...it was buffet-style. That was the only let-down. I arrived back in Florence around 3 and walked around the market before heading back to the apartment to take a nap. I woke up about 6:30 and met some friends for dinner. We then walked over to the bridge to watch the huge fireworks display at 10 o'clock for the holiday. The streets were full of people, and the fireworks display was awesome! I got some of it on video. Then, my friends and I went out for a little bit! We all feel stressed because there is still so much to do and so little time! In that mind-set, we went to a karaoke bar and sang a few songs...I might say it was an interesting night! We all got home around 1 am.
Today I had class as usual. We actually went to the church that I hiked to last wednesday at the top of Michaelangelo Piazza. That was quite a workout for the early morning, but that was my favorite church of all. Now I am in the computer lab, but tonight is the AIFS (my study abroad program) good-bye dinner. We meet at a hotel that overlooks the whole city at 8 tonight. We dress-up, have dinner, and then they are having a dance afterwards...it will be fun with 145 girls and 5 guys! Haha!!! I am sure we will all go out together after the farewell dinner, but I think it will be a lot of fun!
Well, that was a lot to read! The weather is getting sooo HOTTTTT! It is now miserable to be outside very long, and the apartment keeps getting hotter. Well I can't wait to see all you guys and hear your stories and to share mine! Love and miss you all!!! Ciao!
Friday I went to the beach in Viareggio. It was about an hour and a half bus ride. We could't take a train that day because the workers were on strike on Friday, so no trains were coming in or leaving Florence. We got to the beach around 11 o'clock. The weather was horrible for a while. It was soo cloudy, cold, and rainy. We decided to walk around the town and find some food and hoped that the weather would come around. Fortunately, the sun came out and we all were able to get in the water and get some sun. The beach itself was beautiful...the sand was soo clean and white, but the water was not as clear as Cinque Terre. We had a really nice time. We left the beach around 5 and got back home around 7. We had to change buses in the middle of our trip back. Then, I met some girls for dinner at Golden View (Yes, I know we all love that place), and then I went to bed...it was a very long day!
Saturday I had a field trip to Pisa, Torre Dei Lago, and Lucca. I was so excited to see the leaning tower of Pisa...it looked soo cool! That was the highlight of my trip for sure! So we were in Pisa for about an hour and then we went to visit Puccini's house (he was a famous Opera writer). That was kind of cool. Then we went to Lucca...to be honest I have not one clue why they took us there. It was a very French/Italian/American feel to it. It was a small place with very expensive, designer stores. We left around 6:30 and got home around 8. I went home really fast and went out to eat. After dinner, my friends and I walked around Florence because this weekend, it was a huge Holiday for Florence. It was the holiday of St. John the Baptist, so there were concerts everywhere, so many people on the street you couldn't walk, and tons of wine. We went back to the apartment at about 11:30 pm.
Sunday I had a little excursion to Fiesole, a little town about 15 minutes from Florence. It is a wealthy area where a lot of famous Italians live I guess. Anyways, Fiesole has the best view of the WHOLE city of Florence. So we took pictures of that, visited a little church, and then walked around the Roman ruins. That was really cool and I got some good pictures, too! Then we walked down a long, STEEP road to get to the restaurant we ate at for brunch. The food was okay; they didn't have anough for everyone...it was buffet-style. That was the only let-down. I arrived back in Florence around 3 and walked around the market before heading back to the apartment to take a nap. I woke up about 6:30 and met some friends for dinner. We then walked over to the bridge to watch the huge fireworks display at 10 o'clock for the holiday. The streets were full of people, and the fireworks display was awesome! I got some of it on video. Then, my friends and I went out for a little bit! We all feel stressed because there is still so much to do and so little time! In that mind-set, we went to a karaoke bar and sang a few songs...I might say it was an interesting night! We all got home around 1 am.
Today I had class as usual. We actually went to the church that I hiked to last wednesday at the top of Michaelangelo Piazza. That was quite a workout for the early morning, but that was my favorite church of all. Now I am in the computer lab, but tonight is the AIFS (my study abroad program) good-bye dinner. We meet at a hotel that overlooks the whole city at 8 tonight. We dress-up, have dinner, and then they are having a dance afterwards...it will be fun with 145 girls and 5 guys! Haha!!! I am sure we will all go out together after the farewell dinner, but I think it will be a lot of fun!
Well, that was a lot to read! The weather is getting sooo HOTTTTT! It is now miserable to be outside very long, and the apartment keeps getting hotter. Well I can't wait to see all you guys and hear your stories and to share mine! Love and miss you all!!! Ciao!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
*CrAfTy KiDs*
Last night my roommates and I went to Danny Rock, an American-type restaurant. We all had a burger and fries. Then, for dessert we had crepes with bananas and chocolate poured all over it! It was soo yummy...I have never had crepes before either. Then after dinner, we went back to the apartment for the night. My roommates are in a painting class, so they wanted to work on their painting while hanging out. So, I thought I would join the fun and draw while talking and listening to music. It was actually really fun, and nice to be inside with the fan blowing on us.
This morning I have nothing to talk about because classes were soo boring today! It's ok to have those every once in a while. Tonight we are trying a new restaurant and then tons of people from my program are going to this big party. Don't know how it will be, but I wil try it out.
I will say good-bye until tomorrow! Ciao!
This morning I have nothing to talk about because classes were soo boring today! It's ok to have those every once in a while. Tonight we are trying a new restaurant and then tons of people from my program are going to this big party. Don't know how it will be, but I wil try it out.
I will say good-bye until tomorrow! Ciao!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
*SkIpPeR*
Last night I went to Salamanca, that amazing mexican restaurant with some friends. I don't know why I was so exhausted yesterday, but I came home from dinner, talked with the roommates and then went to bed. It was nice to just stay in.
Yesterday my friend and I decided to skip art history today so that we could hike to the top of Michaelangelo Piazza. I know I shouldn't skip, but this was the only day I could because I only have one class on Wednesdays and I have field trips this weekend so I have NO free days. Also, we get two absences so we took a tourist day :) Michaelangelo Piazza is the spot in Florence where you can see the whole city! And this was the first time I saw trees and flowers. In the city, it is just concrete and buildings. There is this beautiful church at the very tip top of the hill. It was so beautiful. I took so many pictures of beautiful Florence. Now, I finally get what people mean when they say Florence is one of the most beaufiful places you will ever see. After taking a bunch of pics, my friends and I went and ate lunch at this cafe over looking the city. It would definately be a place to visit if you wanted some romance ;) Then, after we got down from Michaelangelo, I went around some stores I have never looked at before. Many were very pricey, but it is fun to look.
Tonight I don't have anything specific planned. The heat almost makes you not want to go outside. You step out and you start sweating, and then you can never cool down because it feels and same inside as outside! Bummer! Oh well, I have to deal with it another week and a half!
Well that is it for now. I can't believe I don't have that much time left here-- it's bitter sweet! Love and miss you all! Ciao!
Yesterday my friend and I decided to skip art history today so that we could hike to the top of Michaelangelo Piazza. I know I shouldn't skip, but this was the only day I could because I only have one class on Wednesdays and I have field trips this weekend so I have NO free days. Also, we get two absences so we took a tourist day :) Michaelangelo Piazza is the spot in Florence where you can see the whole city! And this was the first time I saw trees and flowers. In the city, it is just concrete and buildings. There is this beautiful church at the very tip top of the hill. It was so beautiful. I took so many pictures of beautiful Florence. Now, I finally get what people mean when they say Florence is one of the most beaufiful places you will ever see. After taking a bunch of pics, my friends and I went and ate lunch at this cafe over looking the city. It would definately be a place to visit if you wanted some romance ;) Then, after we got down from Michaelangelo, I went around some stores I have never looked at before. Many were very pricey, but it is fun to look.
Tonight I don't have anything specific planned. The heat almost makes you not want to go outside. You step out and you start sweating, and then you can never cool down because it feels and same inside as outside! Bummer! Oh well, I have to deal with it another week and a half!
Well that is it for now. I can't believe I don't have that much time left here-- it's bitter sweet! Love and miss you all! Ciao!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
*ShOp 'TiL i DrOp*
Ok, now it is starting to get REALLY hot here in Florence. It is even worse when there is no such thing as air conditioning here- I atleast have a fan in my room, so that helps a tiny bit. I am now sweating 24-7 so I have stopped trying with the hair...it will be permanently curly from now on...ha!
Yesterday afternoon I shopped for a long time...I have many souvenirs to get! I love walking around and looking at all the different kinds of things here- in the stores and in the markets. I have been walking soo much I think my legs are stronger! ;) Then, last night I went to dinner with some friends and then moved spots throughout the night when we went out.
This morning I had class. In sociology we watched some clips about some holidays here in Italy that they celebrate. Then, in art history we went to see the Medici Chapels...it was beautiful and soo many historical people were burried there! We got out of class an hour early so my roommate, Leigh and I went to the market and looked around like always. After this, I am going home, take a little nap, pick-up my room, and then go to Salamanca for some good mexican food!
I hope you all had a lot of fun in St. Louis...maybe we could do that again so I can enjoy it with you all! I will sign off for now- love and miss you all! Ciao!
Yesterday afternoon I shopped for a long time...I have many souvenirs to get! I love walking around and looking at all the different kinds of things here- in the stores and in the markets. I have been walking soo much I think my legs are stronger! ;) Then, last night I went to dinner with some friends and then moved spots throughout the night when we went out.
This morning I had class. In sociology we watched some clips about some holidays here in Italy that they celebrate. Then, in art history we went to see the Medici Chapels...it was beautiful and soo many historical people were burried there! We got out of class an hour early so my roommate, Leigh and I went to the market and looked around like always. After this, I am going home, take a little nap, pick-up my room, and then go to Salamanca for some good mexican food!
I hope you all had a lot of fun in St. Louis...maybe we could do that again so I can enjoy it with you all! I will sign off for now- love and miss you all! Ciao!
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