1. How Do You Like Italy?
Italy is great! Well, now it is. We didn't get on so much when I first arrived, but I've ironed out the kinks since then. My plane arrived in Florence and all was just dandy until I realized my luggage didn't make it. Then after checking in and getting my keys I got lost trying to find my apartment. I know a little bit of Italian so I was able to ask for directions without too much trouble, but it was hot and I'd been traveling for a day and a half--not a happy camper. I trudged along the tricky cobbled streets of Florence with my I-can't-believe-they-let-me-take-this-on-the-plane-it's-so-large carry on. After a nap and a shower I felt much better.
The food in Italy is, of course, amazing. My roommates and I (lovely girls) ate out a lot in the first week before we realized how much money we were burning through. Now we're limiting ourselves to dinner out about every other week, sometimes more frequently. Dinner have been nice, but what I've really been enjoying are the lunches. There are lots of cheap places to grab paninis or pizzas nearby and everything is delicious. One of my favorite places is I'Panaio in the local market. They sell a large assortment of pastries as well as lunch foods and the staff is super friendly.
I haven't experienced too much of a culture shock yet, even though I've been here 7 weeks already. The only thing that bugs me is how slow the Italians walk down the street. I enjoy a reasonably brisk pace, so when a man darts out in front of me and proceeds to toddle along I get a little titchy.
2. Have You Traveled?
Plenty of places! I'm practically a world traveller! Okay, so I haven't been all around yet, but I still have time! So far I have been to Florence (obviously), Viareggio, Verona, Siena, Cinque Terre, Montepulciano, Montalcino, and Rome. So far my favorite has been Cinque Terre, which I went to on a trip with Bus2Alps. The hike was difficult (we did the hike to the fifth city) because it was uphill for the first 20 minutes, but the views were well worth it. Plus we got to chill on the beach with mojitos afterwards.
3. Where's The Best Place To Get Gelato?
Oh boy. OHHHHH BOY. I know gelato. I haven't gone out to eat yet, but I've sampled almost every gelateria within walking distance. My roommates and I even went gelateria hopping for dinner one night. We walked from gelateria to gelateria, getting one flavor at each for a total of five gelaterias and the best 10 euro ever spent.
My favorite so far has been B Ice. It's a family run place and has the best apple-cinnamon gelato I have ever tasted. Sure it's the only apple-cinnamon gelato I've ever tasted, but it's dang good. Melt in your mouth fuck me sally good. The only problem is that B Ice is a good 20 minute walk from the touristy portion of town, well worth it but not exactly good for a spontaneous trip if you're on a time schedule.
Another great place that is closer to town is Venchi. They've been in the chocolate business since 1878 and makes some really great, rich chocolate gelato. They're fancy, but not nearly as expensive as you would think. A generous small I think cost no more than 2.50 euro. It's also right by the duomo so it's easy to pop in.
4. What Classes Are You Taking?
I am taking Philosophy 101, Age of Heroes: the Iliad, Odyssey, and Aeneid, 14th Century Italian Literature, Advanced Italian Language, and Food of Itlay. In case it isn't obvious, Food of Italy is my favorite. We cook every class, which not only saves me money from buying lunch once a week, but also means I get to pig out on authentic Italian food practically all the time now that I have the recipes. Yummmm
5. How Did Midterms Go?
Why thank you for asking. I just had my last two midterms today and I think they went reasonably well. I'm not used to having to handwrite my exams, usually my english professors just ask for typed papers to be handed in on the exam dates, so my writing hand is cramping from lack of exercise. First world problems.
6. So...Why Haven't You Posted In Over A Month?
Funny story. You see, my laptop was stolen by these Italian Mafia gang members. They were huge and had slicked back hair and cigars dangling precariously from their snarling mouths. Oh, Why did they want my laptop? Ummm...Revenge. I'm pretty sure it was for revenge. You see, when I arrived I witnessed this murder--really gruesome thing. It was a double murder, actually, and I was the only witness! Blood everywhere. I thought they didn't see me but it turns out they did and they came after me for revenge. Except they didn't kill me because I ran away. Really quickly. And then moved so they couldn't find me again. I'm actually in the witness protection program right now--shhhhh!!
7. No, But Really?
Okay. I'd like to say that my internet was down or that my laptop crashed but that's not true. It's been working perfectly fine. I've just been a combination of busy, exhausted, and lazy that doesn't bode well for blogging.
In my spare time since I've been here I've read a few books (Dreamcatcher by Stephen King and Shadowland by Peter Straub) but I've mainly been catching up on tv shows. As lame as that sounds. I've been watching:
- Downton Abbey Season Two
- Sekaiichi Hatsukoi
- Once Upon a Time Season Two
- Modern Family
Now I've just started BBC's Merlin (first episode last night) and I have a feeling this is going to be another one that I'll obsessively fangirl over like Sherlock and Downton. Oh, Britain, why are you so awesome? It probably wasn't a good idea to start Merlin now since I'm leaving for Paris and Barcelona in a few days.
You jealous? Yeah, you are.
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