drunkity drunk drunk....
last night in florida.
already the break seems to be whizzing by.
using up beers... cause otherwise where would they go?
so on my 6th drink tonight.
prep for new years as mom called it?
very difficult to type right now.
hahahaha
going back to nj tomorrow
new years in nyc
then to sf for awhile
then disneyland
then la
then nh
then back to school
where is break?? hahahaha
ahhh
second semester senior?
what the f?
wowwwww.....
where is my life going?
growing up so fast
where are my bifocals
and straight bangs
and awkward naivety?
now i'm still awkward.. but my bangs are grown out. and my glasses are stored away somewhere...
and instead i sit here drunk in my room in key west. wtf.
life continues
and still nothing makes sense
but i'm living....
and i guess that's what matters....
right?
well who cares? why the need for validation? it's ok.
life goes on. and i'm living. period.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Time to bring this back.
Wow, I really grew out of the habit of signing this thing... but I want to start again. Somehow it almost makes me feel saner to unload a little bit of my mind into open space... so my brain feels a little less overwhelmed and weighed down.
I was just thinking about Roma today, as I wrote to an old comrade from there.
Here's an excerpt from my email:
"I miss Roma a lot from time to time, especially when it hits me that I'm really not going to wake up, and realize that I actually never left Roma. (That coming back to the US was a dream...) Also sometimes I feel like Roma itself was a dream... did we really live there for awhile?? But then I think about specific memories and realize it was real-- it just feels like a long time ago. A world ago and farrr away. But I honestly feel like I can still taste the wine, and the pizza from the place near school, and the fresh mozzarella and pesto and tomato panino I used to get from the sandwich place. Ahh. And sometimes I'll test myself to imagine how I would get from Termini to my apartment, just so I can make sure I retain some memory of Roma... even though I know that each day I'm not there, my memories are fading, and I worry that I'll lose my ability to speak Italian completely. Ah. I need to go back soon!!!"
Crazy how it's been SIX MONTHS since I was in Rome. Man, time flies.
Right now I'm chilling in Florida, lying on a comfy bed in my room in our 2 bedroom unit in Key West. The power was out earlier, but now it's back on, so I'm enjoying cruising the internet and catching up on old emails. I've spent the last couple days sleeping in, sleeping, eating delicious dinners, and getting back into MTV. I still have yet to actually go swimming and get tan. I sat by the pool reading for awhile today, but since I got down there after most people, the chairs that received the sun were taken. But it was all good...gotta ease myself into it. I burn really easily, anyway, so it's nice just lying outside in general, in this 80 degree heat, being able to escape the chill of NJ's winter. Yes!
This semester in general was crazy... so it's sooo amazing to have a break. I used to tell myself that it would be nice to just have an easy finals week and come home... but actually, this is the first break I feel like I realllly deserve after all the hell I put up with this semester. It was filled with piles of readings and papers... but the true culmination was finals week. I think that it makes sense, since my classes were so challenging... but it was definitely the big boom at the end of the semester. I finished the week and realized I'd written 52 pages in 6 days. Craziness. I feel really accomplished, though, and like I can get through anything now!!! And next semester, I'll have about that many pages due for my thesis, or 20 or so more.. but I'll have the whole freaking semester to work on it... AND I'll only be actually taking 1 or 2 classes, so finals should be a breeze. I can't wait.
I can't believe I'm going to be a second semester senior. What the-? To look at myself, who I am right now, and who I was when I stepped onto Barclay 1st South as a freshman, it's amazing to see the difference. But sometimes I wonder really how much I've changed, or how much I've changed so that other people can tell. I feel really different, but is it like when I have a pimple that seems enormous but noone can see it except for me? I like to think that I've matured and I'm less idealistic and just more aware of the world around me (and not around me) but can others see this, too? I guess after 3.5 years in college, and a few months abroad, this is the kind of change that others MUST see... but in the end, does it really matter? That's one thing I'm really learning- why should I care if anyone notices a change in me?! The point is that I feel changed. That's what counts. I'm learning right now to take care of myself and really think about what I want and need in life... and it feels good, but strange. I have relapses where I find myself wanting to take responsibility for things that are not mine to take responsibility of-- stupid stuff like the fact that my brother was told he wasn't having the bedroom on our vacation cause I signed up first... and then he got mad, and I felt bad. Why did I feel bad? I had nothing to do with it. But I felt responsible for him not being comfortable- like I should give up my pre-arranged bed to make him feel better... and now I think I am going to switch off with him, cause I try to be nice like that... but in general, just learning to turn situations around-- to think about myself and not always worry about what I did... sometimes it's not my fault. Sometimes I can't take care of someone or something. Novel idea, huh? And I mean, there has to be a balance and I'm figuring that out. Baby steps.
But it feels good!! :)
So after Florida, I'm heading to San Francisco to visit old friends from high school... then going to Disneyland (my tradition with Lauren) and finally to LA to see Megan!! I can't wait.
For now, I'm going to keep relaxing on my bed in Florida. Glorious.
Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays!!
Till later,
Anna :)
I was just thinking about Roma today, as I wrote to an old comrade from there.
Here's an excerpt from my email:
"I miss Roma a lot from time to time, especially when it hits me that I'm really not going to wake up, and realize that I actually never left Roma. (That coming back to the US was a dream...) Also sometimes I feel like Roma itself was a dream... did we really live there for awhile?? But then I think about specific memories and realize it was real-- it just feels like a long time ago. A world ago and farrr away. But I honestly feel like I can still taste the wine, and the pizza from the place near school, and the fresh mozzarella and pesto and tomato panino I used to get from the sandwich place. Ahh. And sometimes I'll test myself to imagine how I would get from Termini to my apartment, just so I can make sure I retain some memory of Roma... even though I know that each day I'm not there, my memories are fading, and I worry that I'll lose my ability to speak Italian completely. Ah. I need to go back soon!!!"
Crazy how it's been SIX MONTHS since I was in Rome. Man, time flies.
Right now I'm chilling in Florida, lying on a comfy bed in my room in our 2 bedroom unit in Key West. The power was out earlier, but now it's back on, so I'm enjoying cruising the internet and catching up on old emails. I've spent the last couple days sleeping in, sleeping, eating delicious dinners, and getting back into MTV. I still have yet to actually go swimming and get tan. I sat by the pool reading for awhile today, but since I got down there after most people, the chairs that received the sun were taken. But it was all good...gotta ease myself into it. I burn really easily, anyway, so it's nice just lying outside in general, in this 80 degree heat, being able to escape the chill of NJ's winter. Yes!
This semester in general was crazy... so it's sooo amazing to have a break. I used to tell myself that it would be nice to just have an easy finals week and come home... but actually, this is the first break I feel like I realllly deserve after all the hell I put up with this semester. It was filled with piles of readings and papers... but the true culmination was finals week. I think that it makes sense, since my classes were so challenging... but it was definitely the big boom at the end of the semester. I finished the week and realized I'd written 52 pages in 6 days. Craziness. I feel really accomplished, though, and like I can get through anything now!!! And next semester, I'll have about that many pages due for my thesis, or 20 or so more.. but I'll have the whole freaking semester to work on it... AND I'll only be actually taking 1 or 2 classes, so finals should be a breeze. I can't wait.
I can't believe I'm going to be a second semester senior. What the-? To look at myself, who I am right now, and who I was when I stepped onto Barclay 1st South as a freshman, it's amazing to see the difference. But sometimes I wonder really how much I've changed, or how much I've changed so that other people can tell. I feel really different, but is it like when I have a pimple that seems enormous but noone can see it except for me? I like to think that I've matured and I'm less idealistic and just more aware of the world around me (and not around me) but can others see this, too? I guess after 3.5 years in college, and a few months abroad, this is the kind of change that others MUST see... but in the end, does it really matter? That's one thing I'm really learning- why should I care if anyone notices a change in me?! The point is that I feel changed. That's what counts. I'm learning right now to take care of myself and really think about what I want and need in life... and it feels good, but strange. I have relapses where I find myself wanting to take responsibility for things that are not mine to take responsibility of-- stupid stuff like the fact that my brother was told he wasn't having the bedroom on our vacation cause I signed up first... and then he got mad, and I felt bad. Why did I feel bad? I had nothing to do with it. But I felt responsible for him not being comfortable- like I should give up my pre-arranged bed to make him feel better... and now I think I am going to switch off with him, cause I try to be nice like that... but in general, just learning to turn situations around-- to think about myself and not always worry about what I did... sometimes it's not my fault. Sometimes I can't take care of someone or something. Novel idea, huh? And I mean, there has to be a balance and I'm figuring that out. Baby steps.
But it feels good!! :)
So after Florida, I'm heading to San Francisco to visit old friends from high school... then going to Disneyland (my tradition with Lauren) and finally to LA to see Megan!! I can't wait.
For now, I'm going to keep relaxing on my bed in Florida. Glorious.
Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays!!
Till later,
Anna :)
Monday, September 10, 2007
senior year... craziness!
Ok I'm finally updating. Whew. Thank goodness for wireless, allowing me to type on the toilet. (I'm so weird.) Oh the glory of living in a suite with 5 other good friends, so they're the only ones who are bound to come in here... that is, unless one of the acappella groups comes back to rehearse.... or if random freshmen come over. Hm.
Anyway, being back as a senior is really interesting. On the one hand, I feel like I never left, but then I'll look around and won't recognize half the campus, and realize that all the graduates are gone... and I'll realize that yep, the class of '07 graduated, and we '08ers are the eldest. Wow.
I think one of the hardest things to adjust to is doing work... actually thinking, and having to read quickly and well... Hm. I spent a good 2.5 hours last night reading 20 pages. Glorious. I also had to type up something for a class today that would normally have taken like 30 min and it took me over an hour. I guess these things take time.
Also, oh my gosh... the HEAT. It was like 60 degrees when we moved in, but now it's super humid and wonderfully sticky and like 90 degrees. ha. Frisbee is great, but I'm really out of shape, so it's frustrating. I'm sure that will come with time, too. We have our first tournament this weekend. Yay!
I think one of the things that's hardest about being back at school is learning to juggle classes, frisbee, homework, and managing to keep up with friends. There are so many people who I see in passing who I want to sit down with and catch up with...some of whom I haven't sat down with in over a year, and others who I was just getting to know before I went abroad, and still others who I'm really good friends with, but who I just haven't gotten a chance to see! ahh. It's been interesting to see how my social life is panning out. I'm living with some wonderful friends, and it's truly awesome, but I do miss seeing random other people who I just never see anymore!! And even the people I live with, I don't see all that much. I guess things will balance out and I'll learn to settle in, and the people that are most important will remain a part of my life.
So, life is crazy but good. I'm melting in the bathroom right now, and I really need a shower.... but I miss whoever is reading this. Hugs to ye!
<3 Kriegster
Anyway, being back as a senior is really interesting. On the one hand, I feel like I never left, but then I'll look around and won't recognize half the campus, and realize that all the graduates are gone... and I'll realize that yep, the class of '07 graduated, and we '08ers are the eldest. Wow.
I think one of the hardest things to adjust to is doing work... actually thinking, and having to read quickly and well... Hm. I spent a good 2.5 hours last night reading 20 pages. Glorious. I also had to type up something for a class today that would normally have taken like 30 min and it took me over an hour. I guess these things take time.
Also, oh my gosh... the HEAT. It was like 60 degrees when we moved in, but now it's super humid and wonderfully sticky and like 90 degrees. ha. Frisbee is great, but I'm really out of shape, so it's frustrating. I'm sure that will come with time, too. We have our first tournament this weekend. Yay!
I think one of the things that's hardest about being back at school is learning to juggle classes, frisbee, homework, and managing to keep up with friends. There are so many people who I see in passing who I want to sit down with and catch up with...some of whom I haven't sat down with in over a year, and others who I was just getting to know before I went abroad, and still others who I'm really good friends with, but who I just haven't gotten a chance to see! ahh. It's been interesting to see how my social life is panning out. I'm living with some wonderful friends, and it's truly awesome, but I do miss seeing random other people who I just never see anymore!! And even the people I live with, I don't see all that much. I guess things will balance out and I'll learn to settle in, and the people that are most important will remain a part of my life.
So, life is crazy but good. I'm melting in the bathroom right now, and I really need a shower.... but I miss whoever is reading this. Hugs to ye!
<3 Kriegster
Friday, June 29, 2007
life goes on...
Back at Haverford.
Wonderful to see everyone.
It's soo hot.
Going to sleep.
Just wanted to check in.
Life goes on!
Wonderful to see everyone.
It's soo hot.
Going to sleep.
Just wanted to check in.
Life goes on!
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Jerz Times.
Back in Ridgewood.
Bob Sinclair blasts from the speakers of my laptop...and the wireless signal is strong as I surf facebook. Clothes lie everywhere on the dark green carpeting in my room. As usual, it's a little stuffy and hot in my attic...since the air conditioner doesn't reach all the way up here. A fresh fluffy towel is on the hook in the bathroom...and the stickers from 6th grade are still plastered all over the desk I received when I was 7 years old.
It's so surreal to sit here, on the eve of my return to Haverford. Remnants of Rome (and my travels through Europe)-- old ticket stubs, clothing accumulated during the bug scare, jewelery, and souvenirs all occupy space in my room...and my Italian mix (of all the hits from MTV Italia and other songs my friends and I listened to) shuffles through my itunes. But that's all they are. Remnants. I'm not in Rome anymore. I'm in Ridgewood, NJ. And I'm glad I have these remnants, cause while they are severely outnumbered by the numbers of odds and ends in my room and throughout my house, they help me realize that Rome was real. That Europe was real. The smells of NJ may be the same...the carpeting may feel the same...but I'm not the same...and these elements of my European adventures help me remember that. I've seen so many new things, and been to so many new places, and met so many people...and the list goes on. I mean, beyond that, the adventures DID happen. They're really not just in my imagination...
Sitting in the balls bar and watching MTV Italia's special on Queen explains why "Under Pressure" is on my mix...so when I hear it, it's not just a song...it's a flash back to sitting there, eating nutella covered balls of dough, while Brittany, Dan, Maggie, and Greg play euchre...and Becky and Becca have a not-so-discrete conversation on the telephones nearby, talking to each other from separate phones situated across the room from each other. Moments like that surge through my head constantly...
And it's so hard cause I want to help my friends and family here understand the moment and get the same kind of joy out of it (or whatever emotion it was), but it becomes clear quickly that they will never get it. These are moments in my head, shared with people who are now spread across the country...moments contained in a time capsule that is brimming over with other such memories from the fantasy world of our time abroad.
It's so nice to see people and get back to my life here...but it's so weird, too.
Like I was mentioning, my room feels the same...but then weird things will happen....like I'll find an old perfume that I forgot about, or an old card that I haven't read for years...and it's like I'm rediscovering my world in NJ, and who I was before Italy, again. Beyond that, when driving my car (which in itself feels weird), I found that I had forgotten how to ask for gas. Yes, in NJ self-serve is illegal...so everywhere the driver must ask a gas station attendant to "fill it up" or whatever the driver wants in terms of gas amounts. I pulled up to a tank the other day, and my mind blanked. What the hell do I say? I frantically searched my mind, and somehow came up with the appropratie words in a frantic sentence at the last min. It was so weird! Moments like that catch me off guard, and make me realize that as familiar as this world at home seems, I really have been away.
Also, in contrast to Italy, where I was viewed as foreign so people didn't expect me to understand, here I look and seem American...so if I forget how to ask for gas, that's weird. I no longer have excuses! Ha. However, about looking American-- I've been putting together new outfits, incorporating clothes and accessories I bought in Rome into my assemblages (is that even a word?)...and today I walked down the street wearing an outfit I would've worn comfortably in Rome. I wore a plain gray t-shirt, nice pinstriped capri pants, a funky necklace, aviators, and a floppy brown hat with a brim, with birkenstock-style sandals...Oh, and I held an artsy bag that is essentially a purple and blue striped sack that fits across my chest. As I approached a man walking his dog in my suburb of NYC, I swear I saw him move to the other side of the street...like I was weird-looking or threatening...or that I just didn't fit in.
It was so nice to get to NYC and feel like I wasn't looked at strangely. Although, that was another thing. NYC seems so casual now in comparison to ROME! And maybe that was just cause I was in the village, and it's maybe a tad less dressy there, than say, the Upper East Side...but still. It was interesting to come back after traveling, and feel confident and comfortable roaming the streets. I had a simple map printed off Google, but nothing beyond that...and had only briefly looked over a larger map before leaving...so I was essentially relying on myself to figure out where to go. And it was fine. And I loved it. And I realize how much I need that- the spice of adventure in my day...not knowing where I am, and having the opportunity to feel my way around...all the while seeing lots of interesting, different people. Ah!
And! I saw Jessie today, which was great. On my way to meet her, I noticed lots of railings and police officers lining 5th Avenue, and some posters with rainbow stripes on them. Putting two and two together, I figured out that today was the Pride Parade. YES! After a delish brunch at a place Jessie likes, we headed over to the parade...and boy, it was wonderful to see so many gay people. That's one thing Europe lacks- openly gay folk. This was WONDERFUL. So many couples...some with kids...some with dogs...some single...all ages. Ah! Coolness. And so many churches supporting gayness. Woo woo.
So. Anyway, I'm having lots of mixed emotions. Of course it's great to catch up with people and see everyone I've missed, but I'm realizing more and more how I've had this separate experience, and that's what it is- something that noone else in my life will ever completely understand...and that's weird to realize, but also cool. It's like a special part of my life that I can hold dear to myself. But it's hard...cause I want to tell stories, but I don't want to bore people...and so I find myself holding back, and only talking about stuff if people ask..but then if they don't, I feel annoyed...like they don't care...so it's a weird cycle. I haven't sat down and showed anyone my photos...and I almost don't want to do that, cause not only do I not want to subject anyone to the torture of sitting through SOOO many photos...but I don't want to acknowledge that these memories are now pictures with stories...that my adventures in Europe are over. It's so weird!
But I am looking forward (at some point) to showing some lucky people my photos...and getting prints...and making a scrapbook of everything I've collected (in my attempts to save money, I saved all sorts of tickets and such.. gloriousness).
Tomorrow I head back to Haverford for a summer with good pals, long runs through the nature trail, and a steady schedule of volunteering at the nursing home. I'm excited, but nervous that it'll be hard to get back in the groove with everything. I definitely feel different...and it's already becoming apparent as I spend time with my family and other friends around here, but will I manage to retain these differences back at the Ford? Will my friends be able to accept them? Will they get annoyed with me? So many thoughts surge through my head... but I'm glad I have to go back tomorrow now, because now I can deal with all of this now, and not in 2 months. Whew.
And honestly, I can't wait to spend time with people who I've known for so long...to just be able to sit back and slow my life down a bit...and have lots of long, relaxing conversations over good red wine (regardless of the fact that I am now underage again..ha!) It should be great...and I need to stop worrying!
Oh, Rome. I miss it so...and Europe. But it's not so bad that they are just memories...because, as corny as it sounds, the memories are ingrained in me...in the items strewn around my room, and in ME. Even as I worry about how I've changed and how people will accept/not accept that...and secretly wonder if I'll "revert back"...I know I won't. I have changed. I have grown...and nothing can ever take that away from me...cause these memories are real. And I'm sooo happy I went abroad...but it is also nice to be able to communicate with people easily...and to be taken care of again...and to have a car. Ah. The food may be better in Europe, but sometimes it is nice to come home.
So even as I sit here conflicted, I am grateful for my experiences, but I'm recognizing that life goes on...and I just gotta deal. Go with the flow! :D
Ciao pals.
Anna
Bob Sinclair blasts from the speakers of my laptop...and the wireless signal is strong as I surf facebook. Clothes lie everywhere on the dark green carpeting in my room. As usual, it's a little stuffy and hot in my attic...since the air conditioner doesn't reach all the way up here. A fresh fluffy towel is on the hook in the bathroom...and the stickers from 6th grade are still plastered all over the desk I received when I was 7 years old.
It's so surreal to sit here, on the eve of my return to Haverford. Remnants of Rome (and my travels through Europe)-- old ticket stubs, clothing accumulated during the bug scare, jewelery, and souvenirs all occupy space in my room...and my Italian mix (of all the hits from MTV Italia and other songs my friends and I listened to) shuffles through my itunes. But that's all they are. Remnants. I'm not in Rome anymore. I'm in Ridgewood, NJ. And I'm glad I have these remnants, cause while they are severely outnumbered by the numbers of odds and ends in my room and throughout my house, they help me realize that Rome was real. That Europe was real. The smells of NJ may be the same...the carpeting may feel the same...but I'm not the same...and these elements of my European adventures help me remember that. I've seen so many new things, and been to so many new places, and met so many people...and the list goes on. I mean, beyond that, the adventures DID happen. They're really not just in my imagination...
Sitting in the balls bar and watching MTV Italia's special on Queen explains why "Under Pressure" is on my mix...so when I hear it, it's not just a song...it's a flash back to sitting there, eating nutella covered balls of dough, while Brittany, Dan, Maggie, and Greg play euchre...and Becky and Becca have a not-so-discrete conversation on the telephones nearby, talking to each other from separate phones situated across the room from each other. Moments like that surge through my head constantly...
And it's so hard cause I want to help my friends and family here understand the moment and get the same kind of joy out of it (or whatever emotion it was), but it becomes clear quickly that they will never get it. These are moments in my head, shared with people who are now spread across the country...moments contained in a time capsule that is brimming over with other such memories from the fantasy world of our time abroad.
It's so nice to see people and get back to my life here...but it's so weird, too.
Like I was mentioning, my room feels the same...but then weird things will happen....like I'll find an old perfume that I forgot about, or an old card that I haven't read for years...and it's like I'm rediscovering my world in NJ, and who I was before Italy, again. Beyond that, when driving my car (which in itself feels weird), I found that I had forgotten how to ask for gas. Yes, in NJ self-serve is illegal...so everywhere the driver must ask a gas station attendant to "fill it up" or whatever the driver wants in terms of gas amounts. I pulled up to a tank the other day, and my mind blanked. What the hell do I say? I frantically searched my mind, and somehow came up with the appropratie words in a frantic sentence at the last min. It was so weird! Moments like that catch me off guard, and make me realize that as familiar as this world at home seems, I really have been away.
Also, in contrast to Italy, where I was viewed as foreign so people didn't expect me to understand, here I look and seem American...so if I forget how to ask for gas, that's weird. I no longer have excuses! Ha. However, about looking American-- I've been putting together new outfits, incorporating clothes and accessories I bought in Rome into my assemblages (is that even a word?)...and today I walked down the street wearing an outfit I would've worn comfortably in Rome. I wore a plain gray t-shirt, nice pinstriped capri pants, a funky necklace, aviators, and a floppy brown hat with a brim, with birkenstock-style sandals...Oh, and I held an artsy bag that is essentially a purple and blue striped sack that fits across my chest. As I approached a man walking his dog in my suburb of NYC, I swear I saw him move to the other side of the street...like I was weird-looking or threatening...or that I just didn't fit in.
It was so nice to get to NYC and feel like I wasn't looked at strangely. Although, that was another thing. NYC seems so casual now in comparison to ROME! And maybe that was just cause I was in the village, and it's maybe a tad less dressy there, than say, the Upper East Side...but still. It was interesting to come back after traveling, and feel confident and comfortable roaming the streets. I had a simple map printed off Google, but nothing beyond that...and had only briefly looked over a larger map before leaving...so I was essentially relying on myself to figure out where to go. And it was fine. And I loved it. And I realize how much I need that- the spice of adventure in my day...not knowing where I am, and having the opportunity to feel my way around...all the while seeing lots of interesting, different people. Ah!
And! I saw Jessie today, which was great. On my way to meet her, I noticed lots of railings and police officers lining 5th Avenue, and some posters with rainbow stripes on them. Putting two and two together, I figured out that today was the Pride Parade. YES! After a delish brunch at a place Jessie likes, we headed over to the parade...and boy, it was wonderful to see so many gay people. That's one thing Europe lacks- openly gay folk. This was WONDERFUL. So many couples...some with kids...some with dogs...some single...all ages. Ah! Coolness. And so many churches supporting gayness. Woo woo.
So. Anyway, I'm having lots of mixed emotions. Of course it's great to catch up with people and see everyone I've missed, but I'm realizing more and more how I've had this separate experience, and that's what it is- something that noone else in my life will ever completely understand...and that's weird to realize, but also cool. It's like a special part of my life that I can hold dear to myself. But it's hard...cause I want to tell stories, but I don't want to bore people...and so I find myself holding back, and only talking about stuff if people ask..but then if they don't, I feel annoyed...like they don't care...so it's a weird cycle. I haven't sat down and showed anyone my photos...and I almost don't want to do that, cause not only do I not want to subject anyone to the torture of sitting through SOOO many photos...but I don't want to acknowledge that these memories are now pictures with stories...that my adventures in Europe are over. It's so weird!
But I am looking forward (at some point) to showing some lucky people my photos...and getting prints...and making a scrapbook of everything I've collected (in my attempts to save money, I saved all sorts of tickets and such.. gloriousness).
Tomorrow I head back to Haverford for a summer with good pals, long runs through the nature trail, and a steady schedule of volunteering at the nursing home. I'm excited, but nervous that it'll be hard to get back in the groove with everything. I definitely feel different...and it's already becoming apparent as I spend time with my family and other friends around here, but will I manage to retain these differences back at the Ford? Will my friends be able to accept them? Will they get annoyed with me? So many thoughts surge through my head... but I'm glad I have to go back tomorrow now, because now I can deal with all of this now, and not in 2 months. Whew.
And honestly, I can't wait to spend time with people who I've known for so long...to just be able to sit back and slow my life down a bit...and have lots of long, relaxing conversations over good red wine (regardless of the fact that I am now underage again..ha!) It should be great...and I need to stop worrying!
Oh, Rome. I miss it so...and Europe. But it's not so bad that they are just memories...because, as corny as it sounds, the memories are ingrained in me...in the items strewn around my room, and in ME. Even as I worry about how I've changed and how people will accept/not accept that...and secretly wonder if I'll "revert back"...I know I won't. I have changed. I have grown...and nothing can ever take that away from me...cause these memories are real. And I'm sooo happy I went abroad...but it is also nice to be able to communicate with people easily...and to be taken care of again...and to have a car. Ah. The food may be better in Europe, but sometimes it is nice to come home.
So even as I sit here conflicted, I am grateful for my experiences, but I'm recognizing that life goes on...and I just gotta deal. Go with the flow! :D
Ciao pals.
Anna
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Viva ROMA
Back in Roma...
It's wonderful to be back, but molto triste anche.
I am happy to be here, though, to experience all my favorite restaurants, sites, and bars. Lovely. I also love showing Bea around, catching up with lovely folks like the wonderful Elizabeth Peckhamm from IES (who is interning here this summer), and just doing random shiznit like taking my regular bus. We're staying off of Piazza Bologna, right imbetween both of my apartments...so I'm very familiar with the area. I finally finished buying souvenirs, and have successfully walked from Argentina to Termini, experiencing the beautiful sketchiness of Termini late at night. Can't spend a visit in Rome without some good sketchy night visits to Termini. haha. Already ate gelato, saw the bones church... where there are several rooms decorated with real human bones. Fascinating, if a bit creepy. There were some girls from America going, "OH my GAWDDD...THis is soooo weird and creepyyyyy" and it was really obnoxious, and made me want to enjoy the experience that much more. A woman over a loud speaker went "shhhh" and they went, "I wonder what she's saying..." and I'm thinking, "SHH" is a universal sound for "SHUT THE FUCK UP." But of course I just quietly laughed at them, and felt embarrassed for our country once again. Am I really prepared for America? I head back tomorrow...AHHHH. I'm thrilled to see people, but hella nervous, too. Nervous for culture shock, nervous to see old friends, nervous to get back in the swing of things, and really sad to leave this fantasy land of travel and good food and crazy adventures. Will I be able to handle every day life? I'm also exhausted and it'll be nice to hibernate for a week and relax, before heading to the Ford...which I do in a mere 9 days. Whew!
So, life is good. Just doing final organization, before heading to Villa Borghese and to the Galleria there, before going to my favorite neighborhood Trattoria near my old apartment, and then a nighttime visit to the Colloseum, finished off with some good nutella and whipped cream covered dough balls. Oh, Rome.
I have to admit, being back here makes me miss all my good pals from IES...so many good memories in all of these places. Experiencing all of this again is great, but it's definitely lacking something without all of you!!! I can't wait to see you all and possibly come back here again with you all some day. So know, all of you who may be reading this, I miss youuuuuu...and I can't wait to find out how the states are treating all of you. Tata my darlings...
Next time I update this, I will be in America. CRAZINESS.
Arrivederci, Roma!
Love e molti baci,
Anna, Banana, Freddi(e), Harold etc. :)
It's wonderful to be back, but molto triste anche.
I am happy to be here, though, to experience all my favorite restaurants, sites, and bars. Lovely. I also love showing Bea around, catching up with lovely folks like the wonderful Elizabeth Peckhamm from IES (who is interning here this summer), and just doing random shiznit like taking my regular bus. We're staying off of Piazza Bologna, right imbetween both of my apartments...so I'm very familiar with the area. I finally finished buying souvenirs, and have successfully walked from Argentina to Termini, experiencing the beautiful sketchiness of Termini late at night. Can't spend a visit in Rome without some good sketchy night visits to Termini. haha. Already ate gelato, saw the bones church... where there are several rooms decorated with real human bones. Fascinating, if a bit creepy. There were some girls from America going, "OH my GAWDDD...THis is soooo weird and creepyyyyy" and it was really obnoxious, and made me want to enjoy the experience that much more. A woman over a loud speaker went "shhhh" and they went, "I wonder what she's saying..." and I'm thinking, "SHH" is a universal sound for "SHUT THE FUCK UP." But of course I just quietly laughed at them, and felt embarrassed for our country once again. Am I really prepared for America? I head back tomorrow...AHHHH. I'm thrilled to see people, but hella nervous, too. Nervous for culture shock, nervous to see old friends, nervous to get back in the swing of things, and really sad to leave this fantasy land of travel and good food and crazy adventures. Will I be able to handle every day life? I'm also exhausted and it'll be nice to hibernate for a week and relax, before heading to the Ford...which I do in a mere 9 days. Whew!
So, life is good. Just doing final organization, before heading to Villa Borghese and to the Galleria there, before going to my favorite neighborhood Trattoria near my old apartment, and then a nighttime visit to the Colloseum, finished off with some good nutella and whipped cream covered dough balls. Oh, Rome.
I have to admit, being back here makes me miss all my good pals from IES...so many good memories in all of these places. Experiencing all of this again is great, but it's definitely lacking something without all of you!!! I can't wait to see you all and possibly come back here again with you all some day. So know, all of you who may be reading this, I miss youuuuuu...and I can't wait to find out how the states are treating all of you. Tata my darlings...
Next time I update this, I will be in America. CRAZINESS.
Arrivederci, Roma!
Love e molti baci,
Anna, Banana, Freddi(e), Harold etc. :)
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
CINQUE TERRE= MOLTO STUPENDO
I love this place!!
I just arrived in Cinque Terre ieri, and it has been nothing short of wonderful. I randomly ran into 2 girls from my program in Roma, when I turned the corner of one of the tiny towns. Craziness!!
AT the moment, I am taking a break from the hike through all the 5 towns. I've made it to 4, in a total of about 3 hours, not including stopping for lunch and pics and such. I had some Genovean pesto (what this area is famous for) and some delicious bread with raisins. Lovely.
I am currently uploading all my photos onto my travel drive, cause I'm paranoid about my camera breaking/getting stolen...and I have like 500 photos on here...or more. I haven't gotten to count.
There are so many English-speaking people here, it's strange. It's giving me a chance to imagine what America will feel like...
I'm really excited to come home, but so nervous too...
What will it be like?? Everyone's warning me about culture shock...so we'll see. I cannot WAIT to see all my friends and lovely family and such...that'll be great. Before long, I'll be selling clothes at the Gap and dreaming of the vistas overlooking the sparkling (Literally SPARKLING) ocean, as the waves lap against the cliffs, with the rainbow colored towns nestled above. AH. Such grandeur and beauty. This is definitely one of my favorite places in the world. :)
Can't wait to get prints of all this stuff and make albums and scrapbooks...and actually DO that, and not just say that I'm going to.
Oh, and Paris and Tours and Nantes were all wonderful...when was the last time I updated this thing? It was cool to speak French again, explore the chateaux, take a bike tour through the trees and green countryside of the Loires, wander around Paris and take a free tour with a cute tour guide, meet people from all over the world, and taste some delicious crepes in all three places. Switzerland, with its challenging trails, beautiful alps, and the wonderful Bea Chang, made for a grand adventure as well..even though it was a bit short.
So now it's one more day here...
Then back to Roma.
Then, leaving for the states in FIVE days. CRAAAAZINESS.
I'll update more completely soon. Gotta get back to hiking and finish this trail. I can't wait. Once I finish, I told myself, I will really feel like I can do anything!!
YES.
CIAO CIAO
Anna
I just arrived in Cinque Terre ieri, and it has been nothing short of wonderful. I randomly ran into 2 girls from my program in Roma, when I turned the corner of one of the tiny towns. Craziness!!
AT the moment, I am taking a break from the hike through all the 5 towns. I've made it to 4, in a total of about 3 hours, not including stopping for lunch and pics and such. I had some Genovean pesto (what this area is famous for) and some delicious bread with raisins. Lovely.
I am currently uploading all my photos onto my travel drive, cause I'm paranoid about my camera breaking/getting stolen...and I have like 500 photos on here...or more. I haven't gotten to count.
There are so many English-speaking people here, it's strange. It's giving me a chance to imagine what America will feel like...
I'm really excited to come home, but so nervous too...
What will it be like?? Everyone's warning me about culture shock...so we'll see. I cannot WAIT to see all my friends and lovely family and such...that'll be great. Before long, I'll be selling clothes at the Gap and dreaming of the vistas overlooking the sparkling (Literally SPARKLING) ocean, as the waves lap against the cliffs, with the rainbow colored towns nestled above. AH. Such grandeur and beauty. This is definitely one of my favorite places in the world. :)
Can't wait to get prints of all this stuff and make albums and scrapbooks...and actually DO that, and not just say that I'm going to.
Oh, and Paris and Tours and Nantes were all wonderful...when was the last time I updated this thing? It was cool to speak French again, explore the chateaux, take a bike tour through the trees and green countryside of the Loires, wander around Paris and take a free tour with a cute tour guide, meet people from all over the world, and taste some delicious crepes in all three places. Switzerland, with its challenging trails, beautiful alps, and the wonderful Bea Chang, made for a grand adventure as well..even though it was a bit short.
So now it's one more day here...
Then back to Roma.
Then, leaving for the states in FIVE days. CRAAAAZINESS.
I'll update more completely soon. Gotta get back to hiking and finish this trail. I can't wait. Once I finish, I told myself, I will really feel like I can do anything!!
YES.
CIAO CIAO
Anna
Monday, May 28, 2007
BUDA BUDA BUDA pest...
Everything's been closed due to Pentecost (for the last 2 days) so we've just been walking...A LOT.
Yesterday, Rachael and I visited the largest synagogue in Europe, and the Hebrew Museum, before trekking down the main shopping street. We ended at the park, where a large "Millenium Monument" sprawls out in the front entrance. We wanted to find the gorgeous outdoor baths, but instead ran right into a Native American fair...it seemed. There were people in headdresses, singing and playing the drums, and there were vendors galore with lots of good food. It was so random! There were even moon bounces/bouncy castles. haha. We lay down in the grass by the lake, where I fell asleep for a bit, while Rachael read. We finally ended up taking the metro back, only to meet up with our new friends for dinner--
Two cool cats named Barbara and Alistair. They arrived yesterday-- one a girl from Miami who worked on Cadiz in Spain for 2 months, and is now traveling around....and the other a British guy from just outside London, who majored in Physics, and is now traveling around. We bonded in our exhausted states at 4pm or so, after Rachael and my's day of trekking...and then went to a good Hungarian restaurant, before walking around the city some. It was pretty chill. Alistair is so proper and gentlemanly-- he wouldn't even let Barbara pour the wine at dinner. Barbara is lively and outgoing, and has funny stories of her experiences working at the hostel in Spain. It's a random group, but they're all great. I love it.
Today we walked to the other side of the river, hiking up the hill to see the "Citadella"-- a gorgeous monument. It was quite the trek. Then we got lunch. And before we knew it, it was 4:30. We wanted to get to the baths, but it's getting so late...we might not make it!
Tomorrow we're set to explore the labyrinth and then the "House of Terror" (a museum that was used during World War Two to house a group of Jews..pretty intense), before flying to Brussels!! Whew. Time is FLYING.
I'm wiped now...it's so hot. I love the iced tea here. So delish. Also, I figured out a way to strap my nalgene to my camera bag, so I can carry it constantly. Awesomeness. The little things in life...ahh. :)
Soon I'll be home! I miss home a lot...but I am having fun, too. Always a conflict!
OK well tata for now, friends. I'll probably next write from Brussels!!
Ciao belle.
Anna.
Yesterday, Rachael and I visited the largest synagogue in Europe, and the Hebrew Museum, before trekking down the main shopping street. We ended at the park, where a large "Millenium Monument" sprawls out in the front entrance. We wanted to find the gorgeous outdoor baths, but instead ran right into a Native American fair...it seemed. There were people in headdresses, singing and playing the drums, and there were vendors galore with lots of good food. It was so random! There were even moon bounces/bouncy castles. haha. We lay down in the grass by the lake, where I fell asleep for a bit, while Rachael read. We finally ended up taking the metro back, only to meet up with our new friends for dinner--
Two cool cats named Barbara and Alistair. They arrived yesterday-- one a girl from Miami who worked on Cadiz in Spain for 2 months, and is now traveling around....and the other a British guy from just outside London, who majored in Physics, and is now traveling around. We bonded in our exhausted states at 4pm or so, after Rachael and my's day of trekking...and then went to a good Hungarian restaurant, before walking around the city some. It was pretty chill. Alistair is so proper and gentlemanly-- he wouldn't even let Barbara pour the wine at dinner. Barbara is lively and outgoing, and has funny stories of her experiences working at the hostel in Spain. It's a random group, but they're all great. I love it.
Today we walked to the other side of the river, hiking up the hill to see the "Citadella"-- a gorgeous monument. It was quite the trek. Then we got lunch. And before we knew it, it was 4:30. We wanted to get to the baths, but it's getting so late...we might not make it!
Tomorrow we're set to explore the labyrinth and then the "House of Terror" (a museum that was used during World War Two to house a group of Jews..pretty intense), before flying to Brussels!! Whew. Time is FLYING.
I'm wiped now...it's so hot. I love the iced tea here. So delish. Also, I figured out a way to strap my nalgene to my camera bag, so I can carry it constantly. Awesomeness. The little things in life...ahh. :)
Soon I'll be home! I miss home a lot...but I am having fun, too. Always a conflict!
OK well tata for now, friends. I'll probably next write from Brussels!!
Ciao belle.
Anna.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Putting the Pest back in Buda...
That's right! I am currently on the "Pest" side of the Danube, sitting at a lovely guesthouse on the top floor of a pretty old building in the city of BUDAPEST. Wow!
After a long day of travel, getting up at 420...how appropriate for AMSTERDAM, hahahaha...and then arriving into Budapest around 1pm...Rachael and I checked in to our hostel around 1530 or so. This hostel is a lovely, spacious apartment with several bedrooms, a large living room and a friendly hostess. There is breakfast included and laundry (for a fee), along with a kitchen that we can use to cook....AND FREE INTERNET. YES. This would explain the consecutive posts. I am so thrilled to have internet. This could be bad, though, cause I don't want to get too attached to internet and not do anything else anymore....gotta be here in Budapest! Well, I can at least check my email (and facebook of course) which is nice...and still get plentyyy of sightseeing done in the day.
We walked around a bit, happened upon a boat tour that was about to leave...and sat on the tour for a good hour. Once I got bored, I began talking to the girl sitting next to me, who turned out to be a friendly New Yorker on vacation. She was great, and even lived in San Fran, so we had a lot to talk about. I mistakenly thought she and her friend were in college, but it turns out that they had graduated YEARS ago. Oh well.
After the boat tour, Rachael and I headed to dinner at a pretty Mediterranean restaurant. The food was good. The service sucked. The waiter was really unfriendly, and took forever to bring us our food...as he stopped and chatted with all the other dinner guests. It was really obnoxious. Oh well. The baklava was yummy, though. After getting bug bitten ferociously (I THOUGHT MY BUG BITTEN EXPERIENCES WERE OVER!! As Rachael put it, they must've sensed that I had been decontaminated recently and decided to attack...hahaa), we headed back here...
which brings me to now. Just sitting and relaxing in the hostel!! Just met the friendly Canadian guy who took over for the lovely girl from earlier. A great place!
OK time for bed...exhausted. Night, friends!!
xoxox
"Freddie K"
After a long day of travel, getting up at 420...how appropriate for AMSTERDAM, hahahaha...and then arriving into Budapest around 1pm...Rachael and I checked in to our hostel around 1530 or so. This hostel is a lovely, spacious apartment with several bedrooms, a large living room and a friendly hostess. There is breakfast included and laundry (for a fee), along with a kitchen that we can use to cook....AND FREE INTERNET. YES. This would explain the consecutive posts. I am so thrilled to have internet. This could be bad, though, cause I don't want to get too attached to internet and not do anything else anymore....gotta be here in Budapest! Well, I can at least check my email (and facebook of course) which is nice...and still get plentyyy of sightseeing done in the day.
We walked around a bit, happened upon a boat tour that was about to leave...and sat on the tour for a good hour. Once I got bored, I began talking to the girl sitting next to me, who turned out to be a friendly New Yorker on vacation. She was great, and even lived in San Fran, so we had a lot to talk about. I mistakenly thought she and her friend were in college, but it turns out that they had graduated YEARS ago. Oh well.
After the boat tour, Rachael and I headed to dinner at a pretty Mediterranean restaurant. The food was good. The service sucked. The waiter was really unfriendly, and took forever to bring us our food...as he stopped and chatted with all the other dinner guests. It was really obnoxious. Oh well. The baklava was yummy, though. After getting bug bitten ferociously (I THOUGHT MY BUG BITTEN EXPERIENCES WERE OVER!! As Rachael put it, they must've sensed that I had been decontaminated recently and decided to attack...hahaa), we headed back here...
which brings me to now. Just sitting and relaxing in the hostel!! Just met the friendly Canadian guy who took over for the lovely girl from earlier. A great place!
OK time for bed...exhausted. Night, friends!!
xoxox
"Freddie K"
Friday, May 25, 2007
Amsterdam! In All its glory!
Amsterdam is fabulous, and I'm actually sad to leave tomorrow morning. The weather has been gorgeous-- hot, sunny, blue skies. Yesterday, my friend Rachael (who I am traveling with for the week or so), and I met up with two other girls from the program, Heather and Rachel (Rachel goes to Haverford and we're friends there, too), and we covered quite a bit of ground. We visited the house where Anne Frank lived when she hid here during World War Two. Very intense, but beautiful all the same. Incredibly how intact everything is. Whew. We then headed to a park and hung out for a bit, before going to see Van Gogh's work at the Van Gogh Museum. After that, we saw the Heineken brewery, where Heineken beer originated. It is now a fun museum with lots of interactive activities. Coolness. After a nice nap, we met up for dinner, before walking through the Red Light District. That was quite the experience. I had heard stories of the women who stand in the windows, but it was quite different seeing them in person, standing in their minimal clothing and smiling at passersby. Wow. It's also funny cause there are "coffee shops" everywhere, that have horrible coffee...but lots of marijuana options. It's so funny to me mostly because Amsterdam is such a quaint town, with a canal and bikers, and then there's the Red-light District with all these sex shops, sex shows, and prostitutes...and then people can be seen just randomly smoking weed, whether in these coffeeshops, or even just in the park, openly! ha.
Oh yes, about the biking. People bike everywhere here, so that's quite the sight....in fact, there are more bikers than residents! whoah! I took a bike tour today, which was fun. We had a quick historical tour of the city, before heading to the country side to see a windmill (occupied now by a family, in order to preserve it), and a Dutch clog and cheese farm. There were cows! I pet one! Ha. After the tour, I sat in the sun and people-watched, while I listened to some music. I really like time on my own, so it was nice, cause Rachael went back to the hostel and I got to just chill. I mean, I love hanging out with other people, but sometimes it's just nice to be on my own. I really realize that now, after being abroad. I found it funny, too, cause there were all these naked children running around, and swimming in this shallow pool in the center of the park. I wanted to take their pictures, but I thought that would be creepy. ha. I just wanted to capture the innocent fun of their playtime in the pool. I felt so happy just watching them splash around in such a carefree way and wanted to capture that...maybe to share that with others, or merely to remind myself of that calm moment, sitting in the park...or just cause pure innocent fun is so rare these days. I find, in general, that I really like to capture moments on film. and I suppose it's for a lot of the reasons I listed above. But that's definitely one of my favorite pasttimes...taking photos of moments...candids, people taking pictures of things-- beyond just the traditional smiling photos. Oh, and also, I love taking pictures of weird mannequins, cute old couples, and just things that are different and unlike anything I've ever seen before.
Oh yes, about the biking. People bike everywhere here, so that's quite the sight....in fact, there are more bikers than residents! whoah! I took a bike tour today, which was fun. We had a quick historical tour of the city, before heading to the country side to see a windmill (occupied now by a family, in order to preserve it), and a Dutch clog and cheese farm. There were cows! I pet one! Ha. After the tour, I sat in the sun and people-watched, while I listened to some music. I really like time on my own, so it was nice, cause Rachael went back to the hostel and I got to just chill. I mean, I love hanging out with other people, but sometimes it's just nice to be on my own. I really realize that now, after being abroad. I found it funny, too, cause there were all these naked children running around, and swimming in this shallow pool in the center of the park. I wanted to take their pictures, but I thought that would be creepy. ha. I just wanted to capture the innocent fun of their playtime in the pool. I felt so happy just watching them splash around in such a carefree way and wanted to capture that...maybe to share that with others, or merely to remind myself of that calm moment, sitting in the park...or just cause pure innocent fun is so rare these days. I find, in general, that I really like to capture moments on film. and I suppose it's for a lot of the reasons I listed above. But that's definitely one of my favorite pasttimes...taking photos of moments...candids, people taking pictures of things-- beyond just the traditional smiling photos. Oh, and also, I love taking pictures of weird mannequins, cute old couples, and just things that are different and unlike anything I've ever seen before.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
BUGS BUGS GO AWAY!
The Bug Fiasco:
Months ago, I began to find random bug bites on myself when I would wake up each morning. At first I paid no attention to them, but over time, when they kept appearing, and when I went on my spring break trip and they disappeared...I realized I must have bugs in my bed. AH! GROSS! I thought maybe it was just an allergic reaction...but then I got back from spring break, and the very first night I was home, I was itching like crazy. YUCK. I spent the night on the couch for a few nights, then spoke to IES about the problem. Finally, they came to give me a new mattress and new sheets etc to hopefully fix the problem...but then, they mixed up the rooms...and they brought Katie and Brittany new mattresses, and they left mine. AH! Eventually, they fixed the problem, and brought me a new mattress...but then left my contaminated mattress in the hallway. Great. A few days later, Elisa, my roommate, found actual bugs crawling in her bed. Ewww. We left for the weekend, and came back to find that Elisa's whole bed had been taken away. She left a note saying they would bring her a new bed soon...and she would be back once they brought her a new bed. However, that very night, I received more bug bites in my bed...and had the same thing happen the next night. The second night, I actually even saw a bug in my bed. AHH. Also, this time, when I went to sleep on the beloved couch, the couch made me feel all itchy, too...so I had to sleep on the smaller couch, that I hardly even fit on. Fun. Brittany commented afterwards that she had seen bugs in the first couch, the night after Elisa had slept on the couch (when she found bugs in her bed). The colony must have grown. Ah! I contacted IES and the very next day, they found us a new apartment. We had one more night in the contaminated apartment, before we moved into our new apartment! This was quite speedy service, eh??
It was all quite crazy, as we weren't allowed to take any clothing, papers, books, or basically anything except electronics and extreme valuables with us when we left...as they wanted to de-contaminate everything. We were instructed that we would have 260 euro (about 350 dollars) to go shopping for new clothes and toiletries for the week, and that we would be excused from class. So, last Thursday, I was basically told to go shopping instead of go to class. Katie, Brittany, and I first went to UPIM (the Italian version of Target) and bought a bunch of things, before we met Marco to go to the new apartment.
This new apartment is located about 10 min walk from school, as opposed to 15-20 min. like our old apartment. We took a nifty little elevator up to the ninth floor of this apartment building that is in a cluster of a bunch of other apartments...all gated into this nice courtyard area...right next to the super market. YES. We arrived on the 9th floor. Our apartment is the only apartment up there. woo hoo!! We walked inside, and it's a bright, spacious, beautiful apartment. There are wonderful hard wood floors everywhere, and windows look out over Rome in every room. We walked out on the gorgeous terrace, that has an amazing view over all of Rome. There is a kitchen decked out with all new appliances, that leads into a dining area with a pretty wooden table, which melds into an area with a desk, that goes right into the living area, with a tv. It's amaaazing! Walking straight through that whole area, there is a cute area in the back with 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. One bedroom is small, with 2 single beds, and has doors leading out onto the terrace. The other bedroom is larger, and has a huge double bed, with no doors out onto the terrace, but huge windows looking out over the courtyard. My lovely roommates gave me the bigger room, since I have had so many problems with the bugs. (even though they were inconvenienced by all of this, too, and some of them started getting bites, too.) They are so sweet! Also, since there isn't enough room for her, Elisa is living with her boyfriend Giuseppe, for the rest of the semester. Crazy. So we basically have a penthouse apartment in Rome just for ourselves, with a beautiful view...and no neighbors right nearby. Ah, party anyone?? Oh yeah, and there's another bathroom when you first enter...so yeah, that's right...2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, baby. We can actually pee at the same time now. WOO WOO. AND WE GET HOT WATER for more than 10 min. hahaha. The other apartment had a lot of pretty Italian charm, but this apartment is just so convenient and lovely. I LOVE IT!
So that's that.
In other news:
Everyone makes out everywhere here. Ah. Get a roooom. I mean, I'm all for people wanting to express their affection..but do ya have to put it on display full force when I'm sitting here on the computer? haha. We share a building with an Italian university, and there was a couple earlier making out wonderfully in the hallway a few minutes ago.
OK I'm gonna go. Ciao ciao!
Months ago, I began to find random bug bites on myself when I would wake up each morning. At first I paid no attention to them, but over time, when they kept appearing, and when I went on my spring break trip and they disappeared...I realized I must have bugs in my bed. AH! GROSS! I thought maybe it was just an allergic reaction...but then I got back from spring break, and the very first night I was home, I was itching like crazy. YUCK. I spent the night on the couch for a few nights, then spoke to IES about the problem. Finally, they came to give me a new mattress and new sheets etc to hopefully fix the problem...but then, they mixed up the rooms...and they brought Katie and Brittany new mattresses, and they left mine. AH! Eventually, they fixed the problem, and brought me a new mattress...but then left my contaminated mattress in the hallway. Great. A few days later, Elisa, my roommate, found actual bugs crawling in her bed. Ewww. We left for the weekend, and came back to find that Elisa's whole bed had been taken away. She left a note saying they would bring her a new bed soon...and she would be back once they brought her a new bed. However, that very night, I received more bug bites in my bed...and had the same thing happen the next night. The second night, I actually even saw a bug in my bed. AHH. Also, this time, when I went to sleep on the beloved couch, the couch made me feel all itchy, too...so I had to sleep on the smaller couch, that I hardly even fit on. Fun. Brittany commented afterwards that she had seen bugs in the first couch, the night after Elisa had slept on the couch (when she found bugs in her bed). The colony must have grown. Ah! I contacted IES and the very next day, they found us a new apartment. We had one more night in the contaminated apartment, before we moved into our new apartment! This was quite speedy service, eh??
It was all quite crazy, as we weren't allowed to take any clothing, papers, books, or basically anything except electronics and extreme valuables with us when we left...as they wanted to de-contaminate everything. We were instructed that we would have 260 euro (about 350 dollars) to go shopping for new clothes and toiletries for the week, and that we would be excused from class. So, last Thursday, I was basically told to go shopping instead of go to class. Katie, Brittany, and I first went to UPIM (the Italian version of Target) and bought a bunch of things, before we met Marco to go to the new apartment.
This new apartment is located about 10 min walk from school, as opposed to 15-20 min. like our old apartment. We took a nifty little elevator up to the ninth floor of this apartment building that is in a cluster of a bunch of other apartments...all gated into this nice courtyard area...right next to the super market. YES. We arrived on the 9th floor. Our apartment is the only apartment up there. woo hoo!! We walked inside, and it's a bright, spacious, beautiful apartment. There are wonderful hard wood floors everywhere, and windows look out over Rome in every room. We walked out on the gorgeous terrace, that has an amazing view over all of Rome. There is a kitchen decked out with all new appliances, that leads into a dining area with a pretty wooden table, which melds into an area with a desk, that goes right into the living area, with a tv. It's amaaazing! Walking straight through that whole area, there is a cute area in the back with 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. One bedroom is small, with 2 single beds, and has doors leading out onto the terrace. The other bedroom is larger, and has a huge double bed, with no doors out onto the terrace, but huge windows looking out over the courtyard. My lovely roommates gave me the bigger room, since I have had so many problems with the bugs. (even though they were inconvenienced by all of this, too, and some of them started getting bites, too.) They are so sweet! Also, since there isn't enough room for her, Elisa is living with her boyfriend Giuseppe, for the rest of the semester. Crazy. So we basically have a penthouse apartment in Rome just for ourselves, with a beautiful view...and no neighbors right nearby. Ah, party anyone?? Oh yeah, and there's another bathroom when you first enter...so yeah, that's right...2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, baby. We can actually pee at the same time now. WOO WOO. AND WE GET HOT WATER for more than 10 min. hahaha. The other apartment had a lot of pretty Italian charm, but this apartment is just so convenient and lovely. I LOVE IT!
So that's that.
In other news:
Everyone makes out everywhere here. Ah. Get a roooom. I mean, I'm all for people wanting to express their affection..but do ya have to put it on display full force when I'm sitting here on the computer? haha. We share a building with an Italian university, and there was a couple earlier making out wonderfully in the hallway a few minutes ago.
OK I'm gonna go. Ciao ciao!
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
running through the park
Women in spandex pants...
Couples making out in the forest.
*N Sync and Hanson blasting through my head phones. (I take them out of my ears and check to see how loud my music is, so I know whether or not I'm disturbing all the cute. old couples strolling...who all stare at me as I run by in my shorts and bun on top of my head...and red ipod case in hand. Is it strange that I'm in shorts, or that I have a red case, or that have a bun on my head? Or maybe it's the "Colorado College" emblem on my shorts... Whatever it is, even the little kids seem to know that I don't fit in as an Italian, as one kid's wide eyes take me in, as I jog by... and he even gets distracted from his game of futbol with the other kids in the play ground area... Hm.)
Regardless, I jog in zig zag formations, and sometimes just make a loop around the park.
So many people own dogs in Italy, but they all seem very possessive of their dogs. Each dog owner reels in his dog as I pass, and even dogs passing each other do not stay to snif each other, but are each reeled away by their owners. For such a friendly country, this behavior with dogs is strange. I mean, shops close for 2 hours a day here, people are seen chatting all up and down the streets-- being social is SO important. Why is it so weird to want to share your dog with strangers? Allow the strangers to pet your dog, show it off, maybe? When I went to the beach with Abby over spring break, we met Zara, an adorable pup...and her owner walked her right up to us. Maybe that's cause we were in the North? But why?! I don't get it. Hm. Interesting to observe cultural norms, and see how they change depending on the part of the country.
A friend sent me a cool quote, which I think represents my life, in general...and which I really relate to.
Sometimes we need to stop analyzing the past
Stop planning the future
Stop figuring out precisely how we feel
Stop deciding exactly what we want
And just see what happens...
It's good for me to realize that I need to stop reflecting and over analyzing everything. GO WITH THE FLOW. That's the way to live. Just see what happens. I know everything works out in its own way.
Also, if you're reading this, go listen to "Grace Kelly" by Mika. I love it. LISTEN. Now. Go.
OK i'm out. time to write a papier. FUN FUN FUN. (first real paper of the semester!! haha.)
Ciao belli,
Anna
ps: I'll send out a mass email soon.
Couples making out in the forest.
*N Sync and Hanson blasting through my head phones. (I take them out of my ears and check to see how loud my music is, so I know whether or not I'm disturbing all the cute. old couples strolling...who all stare at me as I run by in my shorts and bun on top of my head...and red ipod case in hand. Is it strange that I'm in shorts, or that I have a red case, or that have a bun on my head? Or maybe it's the "Colorado College" emblem on my shorts... Whatever it is, even the little kids seem to know that I don't fit in as an Italian, as one kid's wide eyes take me in, as I jog by... and he even gets distracted from his game of futbol with the other kids in the play ground area... Hm.)
Regardless, I jog in zig zag formations, and sometimes just make a loop around the park.
So many people own dogs in Italy, but they all seem very possessive of their dogs. Each dog owner reels in his dog as I pass, and even dogs passing each other do not stay to snif each other, but are each reeled away by their owners. For such a friendly country, this behavior with dogs is strange. I mean, shops close for 2 hours a day here, people are seen chatting all up and down the streets-- being social is SO important. Why is it so weird to want to share your dog with strangers? Allow the strangers to pet your dog, show it off, maybe? When I went to the beach with Abby over spring break, we met Zara, an adorable pup...and her owner walked her right up to us. Maybe that's cause we were in the North? But why?! I don't get it. Hm. Interesting to observe cultural norms, and see how they change depending on the part of the country.
A friend sent me a cool quote, which I think represents my life, in general...and which I really relate to.
Sometimes we need to stop analyzing the past
Stop planning the future
Stop figuring out precisely how we feel
Stop deciding exactly what we want
And just see what happens...
It's good for me to realize that I need to stop reflecting and over analyzing everything. GO WITH THE FLOW. That's the way to live. Just see what happens. I know everything works out in its own way.
Also, if you're reading this, go listen to "Grace Kelly" by Mika. I love it. LISTEN. Now. Go.
OK i'm out. time to write a papier. FUN FUN FUN. (first real paper of the semester!! haha.)
Ciao belli,
Anna
ps: I'll send out a mass email soon.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Spring Break
Helloooo.
So I can't possibly fit all of the crazy adventures of the last 6 days in one short post here...but I just gotta say that traveling around Northern Italy with Abby has been sensational.
Days of 75 degree weather with the sun beating down on us as we people-watched in piazza after piazza...dined in restaurants serving authentic Italian home-made pastas and cakes...climbed towers and took photos of the wondrous views at the tops of said towers...trekked aimlessly with heavy bags for miles...communicated in Italian when necessary, when lost and encountering people who didn't know English...spent the night at one shady hostel off a courtyard in Milan, an apartment in a gated community in a town 20 min. outside of Verona, a traditional hostel that felt like a camp, and finally are now at a grand hotel (that somehow cost the same as the others but has a palacial feel, free internet, marble adornments, buffet breakfast, and automatic light settings in our room....) giving us quite the travel experience overall. Lots of diversity of experiences, many different encounters with lots of random people...and throughout all of this, great bonding time with Abby! Quite the splendid trip.
Tomorrow I head back to Rome...
Lauren comes Friday!!
My parents come on Saturday.
Whew.
SOOO excited to see them, but sad for the adventure to be over. It's nice, though, to know that we really planned this on our own and we can survive on our own. Yay!
:) Night night.
xoxox.
So I can't possibly fit all of the crazy adventures of the last 6 days in one short post here...but I just gotta say that traveling around Northern Italy with Abby has been sensational.
Days of 75 degree weather with the sun beating down on us as we people-watched in piazza after piazza...dined in restaurants serving authentic Italian home-made pastas and cakes...climbed towers and took photos of the wondrous views at the tops of said towers...trekked aimlessly with heavy bags for miles...communicated in Italian when necessary, when lost and encountering people who didn't know English...spent the night at one shady hostel off a courtyard in Milan, an apartment in a gated community in a town 20 min. outside of Verona, a traditional hostel that felt like a camp, and finally are now at a grand hotel (that somehow cost the same as the others but has a palacial feel, free internet, marble adornments, buffet breakfast, and automatic light settings in our room....) giving us quite the travel experience overall. Lots of diversity of experiences, many different encounters with lots of random people...and throughout all of this, great bonding time with Abby! Quite the splendid trip.
Tomorrow I head back to Rome...
Lauren comes Friday!!
My parents come on Saturday.
Whew.
SOOO excited to see them, but sad for the adventure to be over. It's nice, though, to know that we really planned this on our own and we can survive on our own. Yay!
:) Night night.
xoxox.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
haha...classtime
The "S" key on my computer has wiped almost completely away. My friend Adara suggested that perhaps the ring finger on my left hand sweats more than the others. Haha. Maybe that just means that I use the letter "S" more than the other ones? Who knows. Random, huh?
Now I'm in my ridiculous religion class. My prof just walked in, and we still haven't started, even though class was supposed to have started at 3:45. Fun.
After class, I'm going to another seder at Becca's. Should be lovely. Ah, I'm so tired. I was up really late last night...I kept wanting to go to bed, but then I would get caught up in conversations with people online...and of course since I miss people, I don't want to just go to sleep when this is one moment when I can catch up and talk to people....Even though my internet sucks, it works just enough so I can stand next to the window, or sit on the back of the couch facing the window, with my legs up on the radiator...and talk to people on AIM. Maybe that's a bad thing, cause then I spend so much time online...and not getting as much sleep...(since late at night is when I can catch people the most...) haha. On the other hand, I really miss people at Haverford (and at home, in general), so it is realllly wonderful to get to talk to people!
OK time to learn about Pope Boniface VIII.
Ciao!
Now I'm in my ridiculous religion class. My prof just walked in, and we still haven't started, even though class was supposed to have started at 3:45. Fun.
After class, I'm going to another seder at Becca's. Should be lovely. Ah, I'm so tired. I was up really late last night...I kept wanting to go to bed, but then I would get caught up in conversations with people online...and of course since I miss people, I don't want to just go to sleep when this is one moment when I can catch up and talk to people....Even though my internet sucks, it works just enough so I can stand next to the window, or sit on the back of the couch facing the window, with my legs up on the radiator...and talk to people on AIM. Maybe that's a bad thing, cause then I spend so much time online...and not getting as much sleep...(since late at night is when I can catch people the most...) haha. On the other hand, I really miss people at Haverford (and at home, in general), so it is realllly wonderful to get to talk to people!
OK time to learn about Pope Boniface VIII.
Ciao!
haha...classtime
The "S" key on my computer has wiped almost completely away. My friend Adara suggested that perhaps the ring finger on my left hand sweats more than the others. Haha. Maybe that just means that I use the letter "S" more than the other ones? Who knows. Random, huh?
Now I'm in my ridiculous religion class. My prof just walked in, and we still haven't started, even though class was supposed to have started at 3:45. Fun.
After class, I'm going to another seder at Becca's. Should be lovely. Ah, I'm so tired. I was up really late last night...I kept wanting to go to bed, but then I would get caught up in conversations with people online...and of course since I miss people, I don't want to just go to sleep when this is one moment when I can catch up and talk to people....Even though my internet sucks, it works just enough so I can stand next to the window, or sit on the back of the couch facing the window, with my legs up on the radiator...and talk to people on AIM. Maybe that's a bad thing, cause then I spend so much time online...and not getting as much sleep...(since late at night is when I can catch people the most...) haha. On the other hand, I really miss people at Haverford (and at home, in general), so it is realllly wonderful to get to talk to people!
OK time to learn about Pope Boniface VIII.
Ciao!
Now I'm in my ridiculous religion class. My prof just walked in, and we still haven't started, even though class was supposed to have started at 3:45. Fun.
After class, I'm going to another seder at Becca's. Should be lovely. Ah, I'm so tired. I was up really late last night...I kept wanting to go to bed, but then I would get caught up in conversations with people online...and of course since I miss people, I don't want to just go to sleep when this is one moment when I can catch up and talk to people....Even though my internet sucks, it works just enough so I can stand next to the window, or sit on the back of the couch facing the window, with my legs up on the radiator...and talk to people on AIM. Maybe that's a bad thing, cause then I spend so much time online...and not getting as much sleep...(since late at night is when I can catch people the most...) haha. On the other hand, I really miss people at Haverford (and at home, in general), so it is realllly wonderful to get to talk to people!
OK time to learn about Pope Boniface VIII.
Ciao!
Monday, April 2, 2007
Pesach!
Passover started at Sundown...so after trekking all over the city- supermarkets and Jewish Ghetto galore, Becky and I finally headed over to Becca's for a seder. We prepared the charoset with peanuts (no walnuts anywhere!) and had to make-do with no maror (bitter herbs)...but everything else was set...matzah, vegetable soup (err, powder to mix into water), chicken...YUM. We had a lovely dinner...complete with a huge vat of Kosher wine. Tomorrow night is round two. yes. We had lovely moments involving a ridiculous water pitcher that they tried to convince me was a special pitcher designed by Becca..when in fact, it's probably one of the strange objects lying around that Becca's Italian Student Companion put up to decorate the place. Becca's plush apartment, complete with glass cabinets, chandeliers, a modern kitchen, and a beautifully-decorated dining room with chairs with curly-q's in the design made for a festive atmosphere. It was a little awkward when some girls from down the hall came by looking for bread crumbs...hahahahaha that was a funny moment, considering Passover is when we CAN'T EAT BREAD. It was also awkward when Becca's roommates got home to us saying prayers and singing songs...I think I heard them laughing at us. In general, though, it was really really great. It'll be an interesting experience trying to avoid grains while here in Italy...I think I'll just try it till Thursday...but considering I'll be traveling through some of the places in Italy most known for their pasta sauces.. (BOLOGNA!!) I may need to give in and eat some grains. I mean, if I'm gonna travel there, I gotta get the full experience...and hey, it's all about the spirit of the holiday, right? I'm just proud of us for putting together seders...and actually observing the holiday on our own. Yay us. Yay Jewishness. Yay life!
Another thing- I need to work on just living life and enjoying it. I think too much sometimes...
Lastly, before I head out...
Spring Break starts after classes on Thursday (but since I'm going to the airport, and flying Ryan Air, I figure I should allow a lot of time...) I'm traveling with Abby, who is soo sweet, and goes to U. of Illinois. It'll be stupenda (awesome, in Italian).
Here's our plan:
Fly to Milan on Thursday, spend the following day enjoying the Lake Como area...then head to Verona (site of Romeo and Juliet, ahh)...take a train to Ravenna, Ferrara and finally to Bologna. It'll be a trip of delicious meals, fun times, and lots of adventures to be sure. I don't know if I'll have internet access or not (probably not much) but I'll try to update.
Just a heads up!
Sooo tata for now my sweet buttercakes. Hm, maybe i'm already craving grains...
haha
Love love love.
Anna
Another thing- I need to work on just living life and enjoying it. I think too much sometimes...
Lastly, before I head out...
Spring Break starts after classes on Thursday (but since I'm going to the airport, and flying Ryan Air, I figure I should allow a lot of time...) I'm traveling with Abby, who is soo sweet, and goes to U. of Illinois. It'll be stupenda (awesome, in Italian).
Here's our plan:
Fly to Milan on Thursday, spend the following day enjoying the Lake Como area...then head to Verona (site of Romeo and Juliet, ahh)...take a train to Ravenna, Ferrara and finally to Bologna. It'll be a trip of delicious meals, fun times, and lots of adventures to be sure. I don't know if I'll have internet access or not (probably not much) but I'll try to update.
Just a heads up!
Sooo tata for now my sweet buttercakes. Hm, maybe i'm already craving grains...
haha
Love love love.
Anna
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Aprileee.
Gorgeous weather...simply gorgeous. I strolled down Catanzaro to the metro today with my ipod pleasantly playing in my ears...until I got to the Bologna metro stop...and there was a band randomly playing in the square. That's what I love about Rome- how everything becomes an exciting adventure, filled with something interesting and random. I just happened upon a band! haha.
I spent the day with Becky, trying to stock up on foods for Passover. We headed over to the Jewish Ghetto, and it was lovely to be in the heart of some good Jewish culture. We ran into Heather (from our program- Bethany and Rachel's roommate) and her friend from home, when dining on some good falafel...YUM. It was like American falafel but spicier. Amazingggg. Becky and I then proceeded to watch about 3 hours of Will and Grace before eating at our regular restaurant- Carlo Menta (sp?). (I got what I always get- spaghetti with spicy tomato sauce and bacon- spaghetti all'amatriciana. YUMMMY.) After that, I headed home and caught up with Katie. (She'd been gone all weekend in Siena, with her parents.)
Now it's nice just to relax...
I still have bug bites, though. UGH. They're everywhere! Is it my sheets? I swear I change them. Is it me? I swear I take showers...err BATHS regularly! Maybe it's my mattress, or I'm allergic to something?
I SHOULD do homework. I will...at some point. haha.
Tomorrow is the first night of Passover, so Becca, Becky and I are doing a make-shift seder. It'll be nice to celebrate Passover, even if it's not in the traditional way...so I'm looking forward to that. It's all about the spirit of the holiday, right? I'm definitely going to try not eating grains...quite a feat here in Italy..but since next week is Spring Break, I'm not going to be able to last...especially cause we're going to Bologna, which is famous for its bolognese sauce...so I gotta have pasta thereeee.
OK well time to go!! True Life is on MTV and I want to see some good American MTV. (with subtitles)
Hopefully the weather will continue being in the 70's and sunny. My favorite type of weather, I've decided. Yes.
NIGHT! :)
I spent the day with Becky, trying to stock up on foods for Passover. We headed over to the Jewish Ghetto, and it was lovely to be in the heart of some good Jewish culture. We ran into Heather (from our program- Bethany and Rachel's roommate) and her friend from home, when dining on some good falafel...YUM. It was like American falafel but spicier. Amazingggg. Becky and I then proceeded to watch about 3 hours of Will and Grace before eating at our regular restaurant- Carlo Menta (sp?). (I got what I always get- spaghetti with spicy tomato sauce and bacon- spaghetti all'amatriciana. YUMMMY.) After that, I headed home and caught up with Katie. (She'd been gone all weekend in Siena, with her parents.)
Now it's nice just to relax...
I still have bug bites, though. UGH. They're everywhere! Is it my sheets? I swear I change them. Is it me? I swear I take showers...err BATHS regularly! Maybe it's my mattress, or I'm allergic to something?
I SHOULD do homework. I will...at some point. haha.
Tomorrow is the first night of Passover, so Becca, Becky and I are doing a make-shift seder. It'll be nice to celebrate Passover, even if it's not in the traditional way...so I'm looking forward to that. It's all about the spirit of the holiday, right? I'm definitely going to try not eating grains...quite a feat here in Italy..but since next week is Spring Break, I'm not going to be able to last...especially cause we're going to Bologna, which is famous for its bolognese sauce...so I gotta have pasta thereeee.
OK well time to go!! True Life is on MTV and I want to see some good American MTV. (with subtitles)
Hopefully the weather will continue being in the 70's and sunny. My favorite type of weather, I've decided. Yes.
NIGHT! :)
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Rabbit Rabbit!
Wow...it's April 1st. Craziness.
Just got back from Trastevere...where I dined with Becky, eating deliciously fresh salads...yummmmm. I LOVE SALAD. We relaxed, watching Friends and Will and Grace alll night. Lovely.
The adventure was getting home...
Taking the 64- known for especially clever pick-pocketers because it goes between Termini (the main bus/train stn) and St. Peter's. So. I took that to Termini. Waited for about 30 min...listening to music to be distracted from all the people lurking around. Finally got the 6N to my apartment. Whew. Thank goodness it drops me right...about 50 feet from my door. Yeah! Oh, and on my way home, I grabbed a "cornetto con crema" (croissant with cream inside) YUMMMM! I figured I had the salad earlier...gotta balance it out, right?
So now I'm about to head to bed. Can't believeee it's April. Aprile! ahh. I remember when I first saw the street named "Aprile" near me, I thought...it's going to be FOREVER before it's that month. And now, here we are. In April.
Spring Break is NEXT week. Lauren is coming right after that...followed by the parentals...then it's to the Amalfi Coast...and Cinqueterre...and then I'm traveling around, before HOME?? WHAT THE. Craziness.
Well for now, night!
Just got back from Trastevere...where I dined with Becky, eating deliciously fresh salads...yummmmm. I LOVE SALAD. We relaxed, watching Friends and Will and Grace alll night. Lovely.
The adventure was getting home...
Taking the 64- known for especially clever pick-pocketers because it goes between Termini (the main bus/train stn) and St. Peter's. So. I took that to Termini. Waited for about 30 min...listening to music to be distracted from all the people lurking around. Finally got the 6N to my apartment. Whew. Thank goodness it drops me right...about 50 feet from my door. Yeah! Oh, and on my way home, I grabbed a "cornetto con crema" (croissant with cream inside) YUMMMM! I figured I had the salad earlier...gotta balance it out, right?
So now I'm about to head to bed. Can't believeee it's April. Aprile! ahh. I remember when I first saw the street named "Aprile" near me, I thought...it's going to be FOREVER before it's that month. And now, here we are. In April.
Spring Break is NEXT week. Lauren is coming right after that...followed by the parentals...then it's to the Amalfi Coast...and Cinqueterre...and then I'm traveling around, before HOME?? WHAT THE. Craziness.
Well for now, night!
It's only Saturday...but yet, it's Saturday?!
Sooo I always feel like I have this overflow of information surging through my brain. As a result, I've finally gotten my act together to start a blog. It's been way too long. There have been so many days when I'll think, wow, I really need to release this info somehow...and then I'll write a journal entry...but then more stuff will happen, and my brain will fill right up again. This blog will allow me to keep track of revelations, experiences, ponderings, and overall thoughts as I live! (I was going to make this specifically for Rome, but then I realized that it could be helpful for after Rome, too.)
Soooo. What's new.
Last night I went to this art exhibit with my friend Valentina- my new Italian friend, who is a 23-year old student in Rome. She works at the bookstore near school, and from the moment I met her, I knew we could be friends. She's very friendly and nice, but beyond that, she just seems like a good person- like exuding a kind of warmth that I would like to have in a good friend. It was funny, cause I remember thinking, "Hmm..she's Italian. I'm American. Neither of us are fluent in the other's language...while she seems cool, we could never be friends!" But then, one day, we somehow started talking, and it turned out we had a lot in common. I mentioned that I want to do some sort of social work. So does she. She's a philosophy major, looking at the philosophy of language, so we both have a fascination with languages and understanding, in general, how and why people interact the way they do (one of the core reasons why I am majoring in religion, and looking at religion in society.) In the course of this conversation, she said, "if we lived in the same city, we should be friends!" I wasn't sure if that meant that we could've been friends if I were going to be in Rome for longer-- or if she meant that she wishes she could be friends with me, but knows she can't...or perhaps the third option, that she would like to be friends with me! Pretty soon thereafter, we exchanged numbers, and spent the night walking around San Lorenzo. We stopped in a bar she likes, and we drank some tea, and ate some biscotti. She treated me, saying that she was my guide.
Then, earlier this week, I got a text message from her asking for my email address, so now we've been emailing...and she invited me to go to an art exhibit with her. We took the bus together, and went to this exhibit down near the president's house. She's so funny, because I think she gets a kick out of touring me, so she tries to think of things to do that will either show me her favorite places in her town...or give me a more enriching Italian experience in general. For example, when she took me to San Lorenzo, she said she wanted me to see a hip side of town, where a lot of young people hang out, and then she took me to her favorite bar. And then, after the exhibit, she gave me the option of going to a sandwich place she loves, or getting Neopolitan pizza- pizza famous in Naples. I chose the second option, and we spent a good 45 min. looking for her favorite Neopolitan Pizzeria...and eventually ended up going to another famous pizzeria in town. She wouldn't settle for anything less than amazing! When we sat down, she asked if they served Neopolitan pizza, and the waiter responded, "yes...at your own risk"- meaning that the Pizzeria CAN make it, but it might not be authentic or very good. So much for that. The pizza, we had, Roman as it was, was amazing nonetheless. And it was a great time.
In general, being friends with her is a crazy conglomeration of feelings- cause it's really refreshing to be around someone so giving and genuine, who is just really excited to show me her city...but at the same time, it can be really challenging with the language gap. We'll switch constantly between Italian words here and there, with the overall dialogue being in English. Thankfully, we also both kind of speak French, so if we can't think of an English or Italian word, we'll try French to articulate our thoughts. It's a very interesting experience. I've never been close to anyone who doesn't speak English, I'm realizing...so I'm excited to get to know someone in this new way. It makes me think about how I use my language...and helps me be more concise with my ideas...paring down my long-winded explanations into simple sentences, to get to the essence of what I'm trying to say.
Also, culturally, I've noticed some interesting things. She spent a good portion of the evening (last night) talking about her crush- this guy in a band she likes- and it fascinates me, how even in a country thousands of miles from the US, there are girls who get nervous when talking to their crushes...and just silly stuff like that. While there are so many cultural differences-- like just the fact that Italians greet and leave each other by kissing each other on both cheeks (like the French!), and also that Valentina will respond with, "Che bello!" (how beautiful!) whenever she wants to express happiness or excitement over something...not, "Oh wow" or "oh cool" (I feel like there're countless expressions like that in American English!) but always "Che belloooo!" in Italian-- there are also so many cultural similarities. She wears baggy jeans and sneakers- one of the more casual Italian-dressers- and carries a backpack...so we're actually not that different in how we dress, except that my sneakers are a little less skater-ish, and my jeans are a little less baggy. But, as a liberal, open-minded, socially-active person, she reminds me of a lot of my friends at Haverford...working at her bookstore, where they serve "Free-Trade" tea, and fresh produce, and she talks about being a student, and not wanting to spend a lot of money. Ah. I find it all so fascinating!
Anywayyy...I enjoy her company, and I'm excited to have an Italian friend. So that's what's new in my life at the moment.
Todayyy...I think I'm going to change my plane ticket home, to make it a few days later...cause one of my best friends in the world- my doubles partner from high school, Megan!- is coming to Europe a few days after I'm supposed to leave. I would love to meet up with her and see her. Otherwise, I might not see her for another year or so...ahh. Sadness. I had been questioning how long I would like to be here anyway, but that's giving me a push to stay and truly travel and experience various cultures on my own...something that I might not have a chance to do again, ever. Whew. So, perhaps a week in France, a week in England?? Maybe I'll stick to countries whose languages I know? Who knows. I might meet up with the great Bea Chang, if possible. We'll have to see. I know that at least for the first week after the program, I'm supposed to travel with Becky, so that'll be fun. And then we'll see after that. Ok...well I'm going running soon with Valentina, and I think her boss? That'll be interesting. Then, over to Trastevere to do dinner with Becky. Fun times ahead.
Tata for now my lovely blog.
Ciao!!
Soooo. What's new.
Last night I went to this art exhibit with my friend Valentina- my new Italian friend, who is a 23-year old student in Rome. She works at the bookstore near school, and from the moment I met her, I knew we could be friends. She's very friendly and nice, but beyond that, she just seems like a good person- like exuding a kind of warmth that I would like to have in a good friend. It was funny, cause I remember thinking, "Hmm..she's Italian. I'm American. Neither of us are fluent in the other's language...while she seems cool, we could never be friends!" But then, one day, we somehow started talking, and it turned out we had a lot in common. I mentioned that I want to do some sort of social work. So does she. She's a philosophy major, looking at the philosophy of language, so we both have a fascination with languages and understanding, in general, how and why people interact the way they do (one of the core reasons why I am majoring in religion, and looking at religion in society.) In the course of this conversation, she said, "if we lived in the same city, we should be friends!" I wasn't sure if that meant that we could've been friends if I were going to be in Rome for longer-- or if she meant that she wishes she could be friends with me, but knows she can't...or perhaps the third option, that she would like to be friends with me! Pretty soon thereafter, we exchanged numbers, and spent the night walking around San Lorenzo. We stopped in a bar she likes, and we drank some tea, and ate some biscotti. She treated me, saying that she was my guide.
Then, earlier this week, I got a text message from her asking for my email address, so now we've been emailing...and she invited me to go to an art exhibit with her. We took the bus together, and went to this exhibit down near the president's house. She's so funny, because I think she gets a kick out of touring me, so she tries to think of things to do that will either show me her favorite places in her town...or give me a more enriching Italian experience in general. For example, when she took me to San Lorenzo, she said she wanted me to see a hip side of town, where a lot of young people hang out, and then she took me to her favorite bar. And then, after the exhibit, she gave me the option of going to a sandwich place she loves, or getting Neopolitan pizza- pizza famous in Naples. I chose the second option, and we spent a good 45 min. looking for her favorite Neopolitan Pizzeria...and eventually ended up going to another famous pizzeria in town. She wouldn't settle for anything less than amazing! When we sat down, she asked if they served Neopolitan pizza, and the waiter responded, "yes...at your own risk"- meaning that the Pizzeria CAN make it, but it might not be authentic or very good. So much for that. The pizza, we had, Roman as it was, was amazing nonetheless. And it was a great time.
In general, being friends with her is a crazy conglomeration of feelings- cause it's really refreshing to be around someone so giving and genuine, who is just really excited to show me her city...but at the same time, it can be really challenging with the language gap. We'll switch constantly between Italian words here and there, with the overall dialogue being in English. Thankfully, we also both kind of speak French, so if we can't think of an English or Italian word, we'll try French to articulate our thoughts. It's a very interesting experience. I've never been close to anyone who doesn't speak English, I'm realizing...so I'm excited to get to know someone in this new way. It makes me think about how I use my language...and helps me be more concise with my ideas...paring down my long-winded explanations into simple sentences, to get to the essence of what I'm trying to say.
Also, culturally, I've noticed some interesting things. She spent a good portion of the evening (last night) talking about her crush- this guy in a band she likes- and it fascinates me, how even in a country thousands of miles from the US, there are girls who get nervous when talking to their crushes...and just silly stuff like that. While there are so many cultural differences-- like just the fact that Italians greet and leave each other by kissing each other on both cheeks (like the French!), and also that Valentina will respond with, "Che bello!" (how beautiful!) whenever she wants to express happiness or excitement over something...not, "Oh wow" or "oh cool" (I feel like there're countless expressions like that in American English!) but always "Che belloooo!" in Italian-- there are also so many cultural similarities. She wears baggy jeans and sneakers- one of the more casual Italian-dressers- and carries a backpack...so we're actually not that different in how we dress, except that my sneakers are a little less skater-ish, and my jeans are a little less baggy. But, as a liberal, open-minded, socially-active person, she reminds me of a lot of my friends at Haverford...working at her bookstore, where they serve "Free-Trade" tea, and fresh produce, and she talks about being a student, and not wanting to spend a lot of money. Ah. I find it all so fascinating!
Anywayyy...I enjoy her company, and I'm excited to have an Italian friend. So that's what's new in my life at the moment.
Todayyy...I think I'm going to change my plane ticket home, to make it a few days later...cause one of my best friends in the world- my doubles partner from high school, Megan!- is coming to Europe a few days after I'm supposed to leave. I would love to meet up with her and see her. Otherwise, I might not see her for another year or so...ahh. Sadness. I had been questioning how long I would like to be here anyway, but that's giving me a push to stay and truly travel and experience various cultures on my own...something that I might not have a chance to do again, ever. Whew. So, perhaps a week in France, a week in England?? Maybe I'll stick to countries whose languages I know? Who knows. I might meet up with the great Bea Chang, if possible. We'll have to see. I know that at least for the first week after the program, I'm supposed to travel with Becky, so that'll be fun. And then we'll see after that. Ok...well I'm going running soon with Valentina, and I think her boss? That'll be interesting. Then, over to Trastevere to do dinner with Becky. Fun times ahead.
Tata for now my lovely blog.
Ciao!!
the park
Strolling...then jogging...Italian men playing ULTIMATE! Vale's friend's nieces and nephews appear on their bikes and say, "Ciao Anna!" The sun pours down...there are clouds, but the sky is blue, and it's hard to believe that the weather has predicted crappy weather for this evening. Vale and I wear the same shoe brand, which I find funny. She also spent 20 min trying to find the place she likes for "crunches" which she referred to as some Italian word, telling me that she even tried to look up the word for crunches and couldn't find it. hahaha. There's a forest of trees between the lake and the pathway on the otherside...and people are jogging, or doing crunches, or biking throughout...it's wonderful. I feel like I'm back in Golden Gate Park, except there are palm trees galore. Beautiful! Che Bello! A great Saturday afternoon.
I need to go there more.
Now I am back in my apartment...and one spoonful of Nutella has reminded me of how addicting that delicious, gooey stuff is. Ah. I am totally hooked.
And I still have yet to get to the store. So many errands! AhH. First a bath (the shower head is still broken) and then to the travel agent. Oh, and I received word that Peter is in town, so I will probably see him later, hopefully.
Tata.
I need to go there more.
Now I am back in my apartment...and one spoonful of Nutella has reminded me of how addicting that delicious, gooey stuff is. Ah. I am totally hooked.
And I still have yet to get to the store. So many errands! AhH. First a bath (the shower head is still broken) and then to the travel agent. Oh, and I received word that Peter is in town, so I will probably see him later, hopefully.
Tata.
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