So we lost internet some how and panic ensued in this house hold.
I'm not kidding. People were gettin the shakes.
But it's back! And life is good again. People are getting there facebook crack fix, and emailing all over the place, needless to say, some people are addicted. I might be part of that addiction crew, but not to the severe level as some people. Thank goodness.
Anyways, last night was lovely. Two of the boys came over to our place to just hang out and have a good time. We dont watch TV because it's all in italian, so the focal point isnt a television. Which is refreshing really, because it makes people put in the effort to carry on a conversation. And when you add no internet to all that, well then people really have to have a good conversation hahaha
We must have all been extremely tired because we were laughing way too hard for the fact that the jokes werent actually that funny.
I had a really tender moment with one of my friends last night too. It was one of those rare moments when someone lets their guard down, for real, and you see them in a new light. And probably a light you wont see very often. So it was beautiful in a sense.
I had my first class today. Intermediate Italian 1. And I'm kind of ballin at italian. hahaha jk jk but it was nice to be in a class that was advanced and fully comprehend everything my teacher was saying. I'm going to have a severe problem with mixing up italian and spanish though. I do it all the time, but especially when my speaking picks up speed, that's when I really start to mess up. But at least I understand everything. That's a plus.
I only have one class on Mondays, which is awesome because then I have the rest of the day to explore. Which is exactly what I did today.
Apparently our school is really close to the back of the Spanish Steps, which is beautiful. i'll probably end up going there with my ipod and notebook and just chill and write and watch. People are so interesting. Especially in a place like this because there are people from all over the world here.
Speaking of people watching, outside of the grocery store (which I went to 3 times today) I saw a homeless couple. Which isnt the weirdest part of the couple because you could ask so many questions about a homeless couple, like we're they a couple before they were homeless, or did they hook up at the local park bench? Makes you think you know? But, that wasnt the weird part. The weird part was that they were smelling one another... Like the woman would hold still while the man would smell her neck, or her ear, or her head, and then they would very tenderly kiss one another. It was so fricken weird I couldnt look away. But it was also cute. It wouldve been cuter if they were cleaner, but I mean, do what you gotta do right? Ha.
That's another thing about Rome. PDA is what's really good here. If you have a significant other, you are letting everyone know all the time. You're making out in public, all over the place, nice and sloppy, like you were in the privacy of your own home. And I think it's great. Why bother being in a relationship at all if you're going to act like you're not anyways. That seems stupid. If you love somebody, then LOVE SOMEBODY. Go big or go home. That's what I always say anyways. Which isnt me saying that we should hump on park benches and get jiggy with it everywhere we are, but I think it's amazing to love someone and so much that you cant help but be passionate with them. Keeps you alive I think.
But that's because I'm a boss, and some people just cant get on this level. Not your fault.
I walked more today than I think I have this entire trip. And my legs and feet are feelin it. But it's totally worth it because going anywhere in this city is great.
I told my friend I'd help him get a cell phone, but in route to do so, we decided we were just going to get lost and hope we found a cell phone store on the way. I'm not sure if we decided to get lost, or already were, but we went with it. Ended up in like the outskirts of Rome, then followed the Vatican walls all the way back to St. Peters Sq. aka my favorite place in the world. Then back in the direction of home. We did succeed in getting the cell phone. So it was a success all around.
I went grocery shopping with my other friend, and it was vastly more successful then the last time I went because the last time I only bought enough things to make papas con chile (lemon, chips, no hot sauce because I brought my own) which holds absolutely no nutritional value what so ever. This time around though, I smartened up and watched everyone else grocery shop (like I said I went three times today, but only bought things the last time) and saw/bought what I thought were the decisions everyone else had made hahaha.
It was such an interesting dichotomy going grocery shopping with all girls at first, and then going with all boys the second time. I wish I was a boy sometimes. The simplicity is magical. I know I should be saying that being a girl is magical and all that jazz, but it's not. Being a guy must be awesome haha
Seriously though. The girls have a system. Everything that's considered "community food" as in we shall all partake gets split evenly four ways. But as to not overwhelm the cashier, we have a main person to pay for all of it, then we all pay her back. And that main person is switched off by alphabetical order based on first name. And then the things you want for yourself, you pay for separately. And as a person with OCD, I'm loving the order, and I helped create it, but want to know what the boys do? "Hey bro, wanna just buy this shit, and I'll get you next time?" "Ya dude, that's chill." GENIUS! But it only works that easily if you have a penis. I guess it's a package deal. Pun intended.
I got a little wild today, and walked home by myself for the first time today from the grocery store. And it was night time. No body panic, I'm not trying to make it routine, and it wasnt far from home. But I was proud for not getting lost (though it's a straight shot) and not getting raped or murdered (though that's statistically not really very likely). But I'll pat myself on the back anyways.
I'm exhausted. Rome makes me tired. Mainly because I never want to sleep or stop moving. Which is a good combination for producing exhaustion. So it seems anyways.
lunedì 31 gennaio 2011
domenica 30 gennaio 2011
Wish you were here
Came on when we were shopping today near the Trevi Fountain. Which is hands down one of the greatest songs ever. But it is also guaranteed to make you miss someone. Even if you were a complete loner and never missed anyone in your entire life, that song comes on, and just like that, you're missin someone.
Now I'm missing my brother. And to be truthful that's probably who I'll miss the most because he's the worst at communication so I wont keep in contact with him as well as I will with everyone else. I'm blowin up his Fb, which he probably hates, but hey, I'm his big sister, I'm supposed to be annoying.
As I said yesterday, last night was game night. Or at least it started out that way. We played bullshit for my first time, and I am ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE at bullshit. To the point where if no one called my bluff I would call it on myself. Real cool, Meghan. so after a very failed attempt at bs, we played scum (also, fondly known as "asshole", both flattering names) and I liked that game! I won twice. And I love winning. Too much really. But we all have our vices.
But cards didnt hold peoples attention for very long and soon enough we started talking about going out. And the general consensus was that we wanted to get our dance on. Hardcore. So we all think "sweet, lets just go to a club." Sounds simple enough. Except the club we thought we knew about didnt exist...? Idk. We went where we were supposed to, and there was nothing there. Which makes us sound like idiots, but I swear, this was not our bad. And the night might have been salvaged for the group, but tragically some people got da meaaaaan case of grumpy gus syndrome, and kind of put a damper on the rest of everyone else's parade. Which isnt ok because we're going to be with each other a lot, so we all need to pull our shit together and act like adults (ummm because, welp, we are).
But despite all the negativity, I was party ready (decked out in sequence) and I wasnt about to call it quits. Because the only person who controls your emotions, is you. So I didnt let anything get me down. So John, Danielle, and I all decided to roam (pun intended) the city, and just have a good time. Even though it was raining. Because we're ballers. Get on our level.
So the night was actually a success in the end. Because we made it so.
The path that I walk on the get to the Metro has this big graffiti on the side walk that says "Buon giorno Principessa" aka good morning princess. I like to pretend it's for me. It makes me smile.
Today we went shopping, and I bought this really nice dress that looks like all the dresses the italian broads wear, so I'm making my subtle transformation into a Roman. If I was into cancer, I'd pick up smoking. Which I might get anyways, just from all the second hand smoke. Yummm.
But as we were walking around I saw a homeless woman, who wasnt older than 30, with no nose. I literally mean she had absolutely no nose. She had a sign, that I'm sure explain what happened. But I couldnt look at her for too long because I was scared I would cry. She had so much sorrow in her eyes that it made your heart hurt. And I'm already a bleeding heart as it is, so I wasnt ready to be a full blown hymopheliac. But talk about perspective. Here I am, in the most beautiful place in the world, with a beautiful apartment, meeting beautiful people, and here is this woman, in the same city as me. Suffering. It made me remember that I need to stay humble and grateful, and not to take anything for granted. Because I didnt get to come on this trip because I'm loaded. I worked for it. And my parents really put themselves in a bind. For me. So that I might get to live this amazing experience. And I am so grateful. Because for some people, that just isnt possible. Believe me, if it was, my soul sister would be sitting on my right hand side blogging about how much fun she's having. And there isnt much I wouldnt do for that to happen...We'll come back together, I know it. Love you Crys.
Sunday is designated "Ugly Day". Meaning I'm not going to do my hair or bother with make up. I'm gonna do my laundry and clean the apartment and grocery shop. So, obviously Sundays will be the day I run into the most attractive people haha All well. It's the day of rest.
Now I'm missing my brother. And to be truthful that's probably who I'll miss the most because he's the worst at communication so I wont keep in contact with him as well as I will with everyone else. I'm blowin up his Fb, which he probably hates, but hey, I'm his big sister, I'm supposed to be annoying.
As I said yesterday, last night was game night. Or at least it started out that way. We played bullshit for my first time, and I am ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE at bullshit. To the point where if no one called my bluff I would call it on myself. Real cool, Meghan. so after a very failed attempt at bs, we played scum (also, fondly known as "asshole", both flattering names) and I liked that game! I won twice. And I love winning. Too much really. But we all have our vices.
But cards didnt hold peoples attention for very long and soon enough we started talking about going out. And the general consensus was that we wanted to get our dance on. Hardcore. So we all think "sweet, lets just go to a club." Sounds simple enough. Except the club we thought we knew about didnt exist...? Idk. We went where we were supposed to, and there was nothing there. Which makes us sound like idiots, but I swear, this was not our bad. And the night might have been salvaged for the group, but tragically some people got da meaaaaan case of grumpy gus syndrome, and kind of put a damper on the rest of everyone else's parade. Which isnt ok because we're going to be with each other a lot, so we all need to pull our shit together and act like adults (ummm because, welp, we are).
But despite all the negativity, I was party ready (decked out in sequence) and I wasnt about to call it quits. Because the only person who controls your emotions, is you. So I didnt let anything get me down. So John, Danielle, and I all decided to roam (pun intended) the city, and just have a good time. Even though it was raining. Because we're ballers. Get on our level.
So the night was actually a success in the end. Because we made it so.
The path that I walk on the get to the Metro has this big graffiti on the side walk that says "Buon giorno Principessa" aka good morning princess. I like to pretend it's for me. It makes me smile.
Today we went shopping, and I bought this really nice dress that looks like all the dresses the italian broads wear, so I'm making my subtle transformation into a Roman. If I was into cancer, I'd pick up smoking. Which I might get anyways, just from all the second hand smoke. Yummm.
But as we were walking around I saw a homeless woman, who wasnt older than 30, with no nose. I literally mean she had absolutely no nose. She had a sign, that I'm sure explain what happened. But I couldnt look at her for too long because I was scared I would cry. She had so much sorrow in her eyes that it made your heart hurt. And I'm already a bleeding heart as it is, so I wasnt ready to be a full blown hymopheliac. But talk about perspective. Here I am, in the most beautiful place in the world, with a beautiful apartment, meeting beautiful people, and here is this woman, in the same city as me. Suffering. It made me remember that I need to stay humble and grateful, and not to take anything for granted. Because I didnt get to come on this trip because I'm loaded. I worked for it. And my parents really put themselves in a bind. For me. So that I might get to live this amazing experience. And I am so grateful. Because for some people, that just isnt possible. Believe me, if it was, my soul sister would be sitting on my right hand side blogging about how much fun she's having. And there isnt much I wouldnt do for that to happen...We'll come back together, I know it. Love you Crys.
Sunday is designated "Ugly Day". Meaning I'm not going to do my hair or bother with make up. I'm gonna do my laundry and clean the apartment and grocery shop. So, obviously Sundays will be the day I run into the most attractive people haha All well. It's the day of rest.
sabato 29 gennaio 2011
Embrace death, live life.
That's what this church hard carved into it in italian that was close to St. Peters sq. It seems kind of somber at first. Until you realize that it's actually beautiful. Because if you believe in an after life, and God, as you would if you're going to church, death isnt the end, more like the most beautiful beginning of all.
So what have I been up to? Well everything. But I guess I will be more specific then that. Yesterday was such a full day, from beginning to end. Woke up at 7 to be at school for 930 to get my permesso, which is the permit that allows me to live in Italy for 4 months. Which could have been a quick and easy process if homegirl who was doing all of it had her shit together. But she didnt. She also looked like Molly Ringwald, with the poofy 80's hair and everything. Which wasnt helping her case because it just seemed to fuzz up more the more she stressed out.
Then the real fun happened, and I went to the Colosseum. And I had been to the Colosseum in my sophomore year of high school, but it was still absolutely incredible. It will never get old. Something that grand doesnt lose its power. It will always have this sense of magnitude that you cant truly grasp until you're there and you see it. Feel it. It's too good to be real. Which seems to be the constant theme of this trip, it all seems too good to be true.
We then went to Palatine, which is the hill in which Rome was built, or so says the myth. Its the hill where Romulus killed Remus, where Rome was born. And there is an archeological dig that has evidence that matches the dates in the myth to real time. So there must be some fact to the fiction. Which is pretty cool.
Right after that we went to the ruins of the Arch of Titus, The Vesta Temple, And the sight where Julius Caesar was cremated. The banner on the chariot in the Arch of Titus read "Remember you are only a man" which is so cool to me. It's just such a powerful line coming from a time where all men in power considered themselves gods (not that thats changed much...). It seems humble. And humility is always endearing. People still bring flowers to the grave of Julius. Or the ruins of where he was cremated anyways. And the Vesta Temple was where the Vestal Virgins lived. Who, come to find out had pretty great lives. Until they acted up, then they were killed. But their blood was holy, so it couldnt be shed. So they did the humanitarian thing and buried them alive or starved them to death. Awwww, how sweet! jk lolz.
If I gave a play by play to everything I was looking out on a daily basis I would need a full week to blog, because everyday here is filled with experiences and culture and learning, and it isnt even overwhelming. The guys keep making fun of me because every time we go on tours or I see something I like, I write it down so I dont forget it. Because I dont want to forget. I want to absorb everything. I want to learn as much as I possibly can. All. The. Time. I dont ever want to go to sleep because it makes me feel like I'm going to miss something. But I mean, I guess I have to...
After all the site seeing we decided to go get apperitivo. Which is this thing italians do where all you have to do is buy a drink and then you get to eat for free. Which is a BALLIN idea if you're poor. Which I am (slight hyperbole). But see, we silly Americans, were confused. We were under the impression you would get big food. But when you got there, it was all like tea sandwiches. So what do 8 starving 20 year olds do? We run the place out of house and home with those little sandwiches hahahahaha
We took turns making runs to the trays of food and bringing back plate fulls for the table. hahaha Was it our finest hour? Nah. Was it fun? Hell yes.
Now, by the time we actually got home, I'm exhausted, because I failed to mention how one of the boys (whos name shall not be mentioned for his own prides sake) got us soooo lost. So we've been walking for hours. I get to the house and we're all hanging out. But I fall asleep on the couch, but my roommate still wants to go out. So at around 11 I drag my butt off the couch and Erika, John, and I all take a cab to Campo Di Fiori. aka where every drunken American goes. Which believe me, wasnt my call. But like I said, I'd rather go out than sleep. Because I'm apparently a masochist.
Despite the fact that I had a man touch my hands and told me I needed to get my nails done (to which I replied "Dont fucking touch me") it was a good night. I got to know my friend a lot better, and laugh at people, which is so Christ-like of me, I know.
Today I went to St. Peters Sq. Which is the most breath taking place in the world to me. It's been my happy place since sophomore year of high school. If you ever want to feel small. Go there, stand in the center, and let the grandeur of life wash over you. It's power is immense and beautiful and I dont think I've been anywhere like it anywhere else in the world. We did a lot of other little things today, but they're all so irrelevant in comparison to that.
Tonight is game night with the boys because it's supposed to pour tonight, so we decided to stay in. I'm not going to lie, I am so happy with the friends I'm making here. They all have so much to offer individually, and when we're all together it's just so copasetic. But then again I'm a total corn ball and love everyone, so maybe I'm just wearing my rose colored glasses. But hey, if I am, I dont want to take them off. Because I'm so happy. And thats something not everyone can say. Can you?
So what have I been up to? Well everything. But I guess I will be more specific then that. Yesterday was such a full day, from beginning to end. Woke up at 7 to be at school for 930 to get my permesso, which is the permit that allows me to live in Italy for 4 months. Which could have been a quick and easy process if homegirl who was doing all of it had her shit together. But she didnt. She also looked like Molly Ringwald, with the poofy 80's hair and everything. Which wasnt helping her case because it just seemed to fuzz up more the more she stressed out.
Then the real fun happened, and I went to the Colosseum. And I had been to the Colosseum in my sophomore year of high school, but it was still absolutely incredible. It will never get old. Something that grand doesnt lose its power. It will always have this sense of magnitude that you cant truly grasp until you're there and you see it. Feel it. It's too good to be real. Which seems to be the constant theme of this trip, it all seems too good to be true.
We then went to Palatine, which is the hill in which Rome was built, or so says the myth. Its the hill where Romulus killed Remus, where Rome was born. And there is an archeological dig that has evidence that matches the dates in the myth to real time. So there must be some fact to the fiction. Which is pretty cool.
Right after that we went to the ruins of the Arch of Titus, The Vesta Temple, And the sight where Julius Caesar was cremated. The banner on the chariot in the Arch of Titus read "Remember you are only a man" which is so cool to me. It's just such a powerful line coming from a time where all men in power considered themselves gods (not that thats changed much...). It seems humble. And humility is always endearing. People still bring flowers to the grave of Julius. Or the ruins of where he was cremated anyways. And the Vesta Temple was where the Vestal Virgins lived. Who, come to find out had pretty great lives. Until they acted up, then they were killed. But their blood was holy, so it couldnt be shed. So they did the humanitarian thing and buried them alive or starved them to death. Awwww, how sweet! jk lolz.
If I gave a play by play to everything I was looking out on a daily basis I would need a full week to blog, because everyday here is filled with experiences and culture and learning, and it isnt even overwhelming. The guys keep making fun of me because every time we go on tours or I see something I like, I write it down so I dont forget it. Because I dont want to forget. I want to absorb everything. I want to learn as much as I possibly can. All. The. Time. I dont ever want to go to sleep because it makes me feel like I'm going to miss something. But I mean, I guess I have to...
After all the site seeing we decided to go get apperitivo. Which is this thing italians do where all you have to do is buy a drink and then you get to eat for free. Which is a BALLIN idea if you're poor. Which I am (slight hyperbole). But see, we silly Americans, were confused. We were under the impression you would get big food. But when you got there, it was all like tea sandwiches. So what do 8 starving 20 year olds do? We run the place out of house and home with those little sandwiches hahahahaha
We took turns making runs to the trays of food and bringing back plate fulls for the table. hahaha Was it our finest hour? Nah. Was it fun? Hell yes.
Now, by the time we actually got home, I'm exhausted, because I failed to mention how one of the boys (whos name shall not be mentioned for his own prides sake) got us soooo lost. So we've been walking for hours. I get to the house and we're all hanging out. But I fall asleep on the couch, but my roommate still wants to go out. So at around 11 I drag my butt off the couch and Erika, John, and I all take a cab to Campo Di Fiori. aka where every drunken American goes. Which believe me, wasnt my call. But like I said, I'd rather go out than sleep. Because I'm apparently a masochist.
Despite the fact that I had a man touch my hands and told me I needed to get my nails done (to which I replied "Dont fucking touch me") it was a good night. I got to know my friend a lot better, and laugh at people, which is so Christ-like of me, I know.
Today I went to St. Peters Sq. Which is the most breath taking place in the world to me. It's been my happy place since sophomore year of high school. If you ever want to feel small. Go there, stand in the center, and let the grandeur of life wash over you. It's power is immense and beautiful and I dont think I've been anywhere like it anywhere else in the world. We did a lot of other little things today, but they're all so irrelevant in comparison to that.
Tonight is game night with the boys because it's supposed to pour tonight, so we decided to stay in. I'm not going to lie, I am so happy with the friends I'm making here. They all have so much to offer individually, and when we're all together it's just so copasetic. But then again I'm a total corn ball and love everyone, so maybe I'm just wearing my rose colored glasses. But hey, if I am, I dont want to take them off. Because I'm so happy. And thats something not everyone can say. Can you?
giovedì 27 gennaio 2011
Well I was worried I was going to get fat..
But then today I realized that I have a 45 minute walk to school, plus walking to the metro, plus walking everywhere else in this city. So I no longer have that fear.
Today was my orientation with my school, beforehand was just orientation with API (the abroad program I'm with), but today we met our advisors and went to the actual Lorenzo Di Medici school. Which turned out to be more of an ordeal than we had anticipated. Because we thought it was as simple as taking the metro and getting off and boom! there's the school. But obviously, that was not the case. And we had no idea where we were going. So we did the nerdy tourist thing and whipped out the map. Ya, we went there. And when I say we, I mean myself and my roommates. Actually it was more like the three of them looking at the map, and me pretending I didnt know them, because I am almost as bad as a man when it comes to directions. Then I remembered that I can actually speak italian (a little anyways) and decided to ask this man wearing a tuxedo and a red tie (at 9am....) if he knew where the street was. But even after finding the street we had no idea where to go, because Roman streets like to curve and start and stop randomly with out any warning. And in my mind I was thinking "Dammit, the boys are going to be there and laugh at us for being late" which is my biggest pet peeve of all time. Then, I turn my head and they're all on the other side of the street, holding a map, looking just as lost as us!
We eventually got there and met the rest of our school. There are a whopping 27 of us total in that school. Which is not even real. 27 was the number of kids in my smallest AP class in high school. And the funny part is that there are only 5 guys in our whole program. Needless to say, they're all pretty pumped. Also, all the girls are pretty. Which almost never happens. Which makes me sound evil. But it's true, what are the chances that 22 girls are all pretty? Not very likely.
There are 4 girls in the program from mexico, and I just some how managed to become part of their little group during lunch, chit chatting away in spanish. And it felt good to speak a foreign language and not stutter. hahaha
The rest of the day we spent walking around, seeing what places we get discounts on food with our student ID's and getting to know the area around our school. It's actually right next to Trevi Fountain, and a metro ride away from the Spanish Steps, so it's in a really cool location.
Tragically, I was underfed, which quickly led to me being a bit of a crankster. And by crankster I mean I was on the verge of full blown bitch.
So now I have inhaled a panini, and am awaiting the arrival of our landlord, who wants to come meet us? I dont know why. Maybe he's going to look for track marks on our arms and lice in our hair. American girls have the absolute worse reputations over here. It's kind of sad. They all think American Broads are drunken whores. Which is a super classy rep, I know. Italians dont drink to get drunk. They get wine, and enjoy it with food and friends. They dont do keg stands and have sex with the hockey team. And I think if America had the same views on alcohol as Europe, maybe the drunken hockey orgies wouldnt happen (for the most part). But when you impose so much structure, you are asking for people to push against it. Who knows though.
I havent had a single energy drink since I've been here, and I havent even had that much coffee. Which might explain why my brain is throbbing.....But still! I'm proud of me.
That's another thing about Rome. People dont take their coffee to go. In the mornings, everyone has made the time to enjoy it at home or sit down and enjoy it in a cafe. Which is interesting because it's a city but the pace of life is so different. They also arent big consumers of energy drinks. Which is an adjustment for me hahaha
Ugh I actually have to go put all my clothes away now. They're just thrown all over my room at the moment. I'm going to have an OCD panic attack if I put this off any longer.
Today was my orientation with my school, beforehand was just orientation with API (the abroad program I'm with), but today we met our advisors and went to the actual Lorenzo Di Medici school. Which turned out to be more of an ordeal than we had anticipated. Because we thought it was as simple as taking the metro and getting off and boom! there's the school. But obviously, that was not the case. And we had no idea where we were going. So we did the nerdy tourist thing and whipped out the map. Ya, we went there. And when I say we, I mean myself and my roommates. Actually it was more like the three of them looking at the map, and me pretending I didnt know them, because I am almost as bad as a man when it comes to directions. Then I remembered that I can actually speak italian (a little anyways) and decided to ask this man wearing a tuxedo and a red tie (at 9am....) if he knew where the street was. But even after finding the street we had no idea where to go, because Roman streets like to curve and start and stop randomly with out any warning. And in my mind I was thinking "Dammit, the boys are going to be there and laugh at us for being late" which is my biggest pet peeve of all time. Then, I turn my head and they're all on the other side of the street, holding a map, looking just as lost as us!
We eventually got there and met the rest of our school. There are a whopping 27 of us total in that school. Which is not even real. 27 was the number of kids in my smallest AP class in high school. And the funny part is that there are only 5 guys in our whole program. Needless to say, they're all pretty pumped. Also, all the girls are pretty. Which almost never happens. Which makes me sound evil. But it's true, what are the chances that 22 girls are all pretty? Not very likely.
There are 4 girls in the program from mexico, and I just some how managed to become part of their little group during lunch, chit chatting away in spanish. And it felt good to speak a foreign language and not stutter. hahaha
The rest of the day we spent walking around, seeing what places we get discounts on food with our student ID's and getting to know the area around our school. It's actually right next to Trevi Fountain, and a metro ride away from the Spanish Steps, so it's in a really cool location.
Tragically, I was underfed, which quickly led to me being a bit of a crankster. And by crankster I mean I was on the verge of full blown bitch.
So now I have inhaled a panini, and am awaiting the arrival of our landlord, who wants to come meet us? I dont know why. Maybe he's going to look for track marks on our arms and lice in our hair. American girls have the absolute worse reputations over here. It's kind of sad. They all think American Broads are drunken whores. Which is a super classy rep, I know. Italians dont drink to get drunk. They get wine, and enjoy it with food and friends. They dont do keg stands and have sex with the hockey team. And I think if America had the same views on alcohol as Europe, maybe the drunken hockey orgies wouldnt happen (for the most part). But when you impose so much structure, you are asking for people to push against it. Who knows though.
I havent had a single energy drink since I've been here, and I havent even had that much coffee. Which might explain why my brain is throbbing.....But still! I'm proud of me.
That's another thing about Rome. People dont take their coffee to go. In the mornings, everyone has made the time to enjoy it at home or sit down and enjoy it in a cafe. Which is interesting because it's a city but the pace of life is so different. They also arent big consumers of energy drinks. Which is an adjustment for me hahaha
Ugh I actually have to go put all my clothes away now. They're just thrown all over my room at the moment. I'm going to have an OCD panic attack if I put this off any longer.
mercoledì 26 gennaio 2011
The group is complete
So I met the boys that will be living with Dan, Giuliano, and Alex, and theyre pretty awesome. John and Tyler, from North Carolina and Colorado. So far everyone that we meet just kind of fits into the group and we all seem to have a good time when we hang out.
We all went out to dinner tonight and it was the first time eating out where everyone wasnt completely raving about the food. Mine, for example, was a little under cooked. Alex got this pizza that came with a hard boiled egg on it. Which was probably the strangest thing I've ever seen on a pizza. But he loved it. Then again I dont trust his judgement because he cant smell, therefore he cant taste as well as everyone else can.
But back to dinner. I didnt finish mine, and now I'm scarfing down chocolate Teddy Grahams in my living room as I listen to Erika, have a panic attack about our super crappy internet. Which is a shame because there is literally nothing we can do about it.
We went to the boys apartment after dinner, and I must say, we win over all. Ours is in a better neighborhood, a lot bigger, and prettier. And not in the girly sense but in the fact that our building and appliances are all newer. Score for the girls I guess.
We need to make friends with the JCU people so that we have bigger groups to hang out with. Or at least that's what I'd like because I like a lot of people. The more the merrier.
Today was the most uneventful day thus far, so I dont have much else to say. I'm happy I'm making friends and that we all seem to get along. Fingers crossed it stays that way.
We all went out to dinner tonight and it was the first time eating out where everyone wasnt completely raving about the food. Mine, for example, was a little under cooked. Alex got this pizza that came with a hard boiled egg on it. Which was probably the strangest thing I've ever seen on a pizza. But he loved it. Then again I dont trust his judgement because he cant smell, therefore he cant taste as well as everyone else can.
But back to dinner. I didnt finish mine, and now I'm scarfing down chocolate Teddy Grahams in my living room as I listen to Erika, have a panic attack about our super crappy internet. Which is a shame because there is literally nothing we can do about it.
We went to the boys apartment after dinner, and I must say, we win over all. Ours is in a better neighborhood, a lot bigger, and prettier. And not in the girly sense but in the fact that our building and appliances are all newer. Score for the girls I guess.
We need to make friends with the JCU people so that we have bigger groups to hang out with. Or at least that's what I'd like because I like a lot of people. The more the merrier.
Today was the most uneventful day thus far, so I dont have much else to say. I'm happy I'm making friends and that we all seem to get along. Fingers crossed it stays that way.
Home Sweet Rome
So I wasnt expecting much from our apartment. I wasnt actually expecting anything at all because that's how I go into situations: Expect nothing so you are never let down and always surprised.
Welp, I was certainly surprised.
Not only are we in one of the nicest areas in Rome, but our apartment is beautiful. Inside and out. It is owned by a famous TV journalist and is way more spacious than I could have ever hoped for.
Down side is that there is literally no place to put our things. Apparently Romans dont like closets, or at least they dont in this building. But that's fine, Erika and I are going to make it work. There are two bedrooms and Krista and Danielle are in one room and Erika and I are in the other.
I met my new roommate today. Her name is Krista. She is really nice, but she just landed a few hours ago and is completely jet lagged, so I'm sure her personality will only get better with sleep and time.
We are in a very residential area, so there is a cute little park in front of the building, and there are grocery stores on almost every corner. Well, little ones, no Big Y or anything.
I got a cell phone as well so I can keep in touch with everyone now that we all have our separate places and such.
Erika and I are making dinner tonight, and it's going to be a pretty low key day over all because we have to unpack and it's raining. We have to go buy food though, so we're considering going to this market we walked passed on my hunt for a phone.
Pretty sure Danielle is the mom of the house (which is cool because I usually play that role, ha) because everyone is on their computers talking to people sending emails, etc. And she is in the kitchen trying to figure out the oven and how to make the cabinets more space-efficient. hahaha
Now I have to go unpack my things, because my suitcase has currently exploded all over my room.
Welp, I was certainly surprised.
Not only are we in one of the nicest areas in Rome, but our apartment is beautiful. Inside and out. It is owned by a famous TV journalist and is way more spacious than I could have ever hoped for.
Down side is that there is literally no place to put our things. Apparently Romans dont like closets, or at least they dont in this building. But that's fine, Erika and I are going to make it work. There are two bedrooms and Krista and Danielle are in one room and Erika and I are in the other.
I met my new roommate today. Her name is Krista. She is really nice, but she just landed a few hours ago and is completely jet lagged, so I'm sure her personality will only get better with sleep and time.
We are in a very residential area, so there is a cute little park in front of the building, and there are grocery stores on almost every corner. Well, little ones, no Big Y or anything.
I got a cell phone as well so I can keep in touch with everyone now that we all have our separate places and such.
Erika and I are making dinner tonight, and it's going to be a pretty low key day over all because we have to unpack and it's raining. We have to go buy food though, so we're considering going to this market we walked passed on my hunt for a phone.
Pretty sure Danielle is the mom of the house (which is cool because I usually play that role, ha) because everyone is on their computers talking to people sending emails, etc. And she is in the kitchen trying to figure out the oven and how to make the cabinets more space-efficient. hahaha
Now I have to go unpack my things, because my suitcase has currently exploded all over my room.
martedì 25 gennaio 2011
I like the night life baby.
So Roman night life is kind of like American night life, except there is no open container law, so it just spreads like weeds all over the place. Which is fun because that way everywhere around you is a party! Except that also means that everywhere around you are creepy old italian men. Creepy old italian men wearing flamboyant puffer coats and track suits and puma sneakers. Needless to say I'M FEELIN IT. Just kidding. And if it isnt the creepy old guys, it's the young drunk study abroad kids. Everyone else keeps to themselves and their selected groups.
Tonight we went to a place called Sloppy Sams that was recommended to us by a very sloppy (and slutty) bartender who came to the restaurant where we had dinner. Sloppy Sams turned out to be an estrogen fest, but I bumped into Colleen, a friend I made in the London airport, which was awesome.
To switch up the atmosphere we then went to The Drunken Ship, which just so happened to be a VERY crowded sausage fest. So it was kind of like a middle school dance, we were split up between boys and girls.
So we then decided to try and find the Pantheon in the dark, on our own, at around 1:30am. It didnt work out as planned, and we were going down all sorts of creepy alleys. And I'm from Springfield, and I carry a knife in my purse (ya, you heard me) and I was still like, ummm I dont think this is a good idea. Even though if it came down to it, I'd beat some Roman ass. Step on their fancy little leather booties, and be out. haha
I have to start carrying redbull in my purses when I go out. I dont like not holding something when everyone around me is drinking. And redbull is crazy expensive here. The little ones (that are like my breakfast warm up) are around 5 American dollars. Ummmmm Rome, you trippin. So I think I just need to make friends with the guys who work at a convenience store or something. Yes, I think I'll do that.
My roommate Erika knows half of the Americans in town, idk how, she just does. I hope we make more local friends, I need to practice my italian. I want to come back fluent.
I'm totally being that girl who is making everyone take pictures and squish together. Do I care? Nope.
I'm screwed for move in day tomorrow because its 2:30 now and I have to be up at 8....hmmmm all well? You only live once. And you definitely only live this experience once, so eh, I'll sleep when I'm dead.
Tonight we went to a place called Sloppy Sams that was recommended to us by a very sloppy (and slutty) bartender who came to the restaurant where we had dinner. Sloppy Sams turned out to be an estrogen fest, but I bumped into Colleen, a friend I made in the London airport, which was awesome.
To switch up the atmosphere we then went to The Drunken Ship, which just so happened to be a VERY crowded sausage fest. So it was kind of like a middle school dance, we were split up between boys and girls.
So we then decided to try and find the Pantheon in the dark, on our own, at around 1:30am. It didnt work out as planned, and we were going down all sorts of creepy alleys. And I'm from Springfield, and I carry a knife in my purse (ya, you heard me) and I was still like, ummm I dont think this is a good idea. Even though if it came down to it, I'd beat some Roman ass. Step on their fancy little leather booties, and be out. haha
I have to start carrying redbull in my purses when I go out. I dont like not holding something when everyone around me is drinking. And redbull is crazy expensive here. The little ones (that are like my breakfast warm up) are around 5 American dollars. Ummmmm Rome, you trippin. So I think I just need to make friends with the guys who work at a convenience store or something. Yes, I think I'll do that.
My roommate Erika knows half of the Americans in town, idk how, she just does. I hope we make more local friends, I need to practice my italian. I want to come back fluent.
I'm totally being that girl who is making everyone take pictures and squish together. Do I care? Nope.
I'm screwed for move in day tomorrow because its 2:30 now and I have to be up at 8....hmmmm all well? You only live once. And you definitely only live this experience once, so eh, I'll sleep when I'm dead.
Ciao!
I've decided that it would probably be easier to keep people up to date (those that care to know anyways) if I made this nifty little blog while I was abroad.
So how is it thus far? Pretty much everything you could want in an experience, and it's only been two days.
We're currently in orientation for the week and staying at The Hotel Tiziano, which is really nice, and spacious. Which I wasnt expecting because the last time I was in Rome, my hotel room was the size of half a UMASS dorm...which is not ok.
My hotel roommates are also my apartment roommates (minus the girl who isnt here yet) and we all get along really well. And I'm not just saying that because they are my fb friends and could also read my blog.
EVERYTHING that I've eaten has been 100% delicious. Which could be a problem because I might come back looking a little more bootylicious than intended. I'm also thoroughly amused that bootylicious, is not underlined in red. It's a word. Good times. Anyways....
I move into my apartment tomorrow and then we have the whole day free, so hopefully we tour the city, and get to know the public transportation system a little better because they hooked us up with transportation cards so we dont have to pay. Ballin.
My italian is rusty, but I am getting better and better the more I try and talk to be people. But everyone tries to talk to me in english, which is a problem because I want to learn! But I have a feeling when we visit the really small towns of italy, I will no longer encounter this problem.
As of now that is all I have the time to really update on. But it only gets better from here.
So how is it thus far? Pretty much everything you could want in an experience, and it's only been two days.
We're currently in orientation for the week and staying at The Hotel Tiziano, which is really nice, and spacious. Which I wasnt expecting because the last time I was in Rome, my hotel room was the size of half a UMASS dorm...which is not ok.
My hotel roommates are also my apartment roommates (minus the girl who isnt here yet) and we all get along really well. And I'm not just saying that because they are my fb friends and could also read my blog.
EVERYTHING that I've eaten has been 100% delicious. Which could be a problem because I might come back looking a little more bootylicious than intended. I'm also thoroughly amused that bootylicious, is not underlined in red. It's a word. Good times. Anyways....
I move into my apartment tomorrow and then we have the whole day free, so hopefully we tour the city, and get to know the public transportation system a little better because they hooked us up with transportation cards so we dont have to pay. Ballin.
My italian is rusty, but I am getting better and better the more I try and talk to be people. But everyone tries to talk to me in english, which is a problem because I want to learn! But I have a feeling when we visit the really small towns of italy, I will no longer encounter this problem.
As of now that is all I have the time to really update on. But it only gets better from here.
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