Sunday in Venice

Our first real encounter with the floods happened about 9:50 this morning.  4 of us met up to go to church at Basilica San Marco, which we believed to be at 10am.  We hopped on our ferry, but were surprised at San Marco to see water bubbling up from below.  None of us had even thought to put rain boots on.  Luckily, Venetians have devised a pretty useful system of platforms that go above the water.  These are pretty effective, but there were definitely some puddles we had to jump over, to applause and cheers by the Italians. 

When we entered the Basilica we saw that even the lobby was flooded and there was a somewhat smaller system of wooden planks to the side door where we were told to enter for the service.  The church itself is definitely a sight to be seen, but so busy and full of gold that the eye doesn't know where to look.  They had rows of plastic chairs set up, and we found a row for 4, but the service did not appear to be starting any time soon.  In fact, a group of italian tourists were taking pictures at the altar with the priest.  What a country...

We used our time trying to decipher what story each picture represented.  Ryanne and I figured out that the 4 men writing were Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and that a set of pictures indicated the temptation by the devil and palm sunday.  But there were images of innumerable people, whom we could not place at all.  As Ryanne said, it was a bit gaudy. "Let's build a city on water and then fill it with the most expensive crap we can find."

We somewhat underestimated the length and confusion of mass in a different language.  I think there were meant to be papers on each of our chairs with the mass parts, but I am the only one who had all of them, and even then only the readings were translated into English at all.  The choir was beautiful, they had the most gorgeous harmonies and often sang accapella, definitely the highlight of the mass.  The low part, however, was the homily which was incomprehensible except for a few phrases, and went on for at least 25 minutes.  The only part I caught was something about "the evil world we live in", so I am not sure I wanted to understand anyway.

The peace surprised us, and we weren't sure how to say it in Italian, so we were definitely the row of awkward Americans who only said peace to each other.  That got me worried for communion, but then I realized that Amen is pretty universal.  However, communion was still an event with people just basically rushing to line up.  Also, by that point we were all freezing as the church has no heat and the temperature had dropped at least 10 degrees.  Once mass ended we joined the bumbling throng through the doors and out into the now completely flooded piazza.

We crept behind the long queue of tourists and people without boots until we finally came upon dry land and booked it for a restaurant.  I am proud to say that we ate our first 3 course meal, and it was absolutely delicious.  Everything is just so fresh, and after being out in the wet cold, the warmth was exactly what we needed.  We ate the European way, sitting for a few hours and savoring our food, before paying and American-ly rushing for our ferry. (Which we ended up missing anyway.)

We had planned to stroll and explore today, but the weather decided to cancel those plans, so the rest of the day has been spent on the island, organizing for classes tomorrow and taking a nice siesta.  Tonight we are going to an Irish pub ( http://www.inisharkpub.com/ )to watch the Hockey Finals on Sky Sports. 9:15pm, I've already looked it up.

That's about it for now.  Time for my nap.  Ciao bella!

<3 Allie

A Visit to Juliet's house

VERONA- Known for Romeo and Juliet and "The Arena" we decided to take a day trip and figure out the way to the train station as well as the trains themselves.  We left at 9 this morning to catch the 11am train which was a more express train that stopped in Verona and then continued on to Milan.  The Vaporetti boats that we took were quite easy to catch and we arrived early at the train station.  We ended up all being put on 1 ticket because it was cheaper, but meant all 14 of us had to sit together.  Luckily it was early so we found an empty car and staked out our spots.

The ride was no hassle at all, about 1 and 1/2 hours it pretty much flew by.  The countryside was not especially scenic, we actually passed a number of factories, but as we approached Verona it became prettier and we could see the mountains in the distance.  We arrived about 12:30, but ended up taking a pretty roundabout way into the center of town, at which point we were all quite hungry.

We stopped at a caffe called Casablanca and grabbed panini and sat outside in the beautiful 50-something degree weather.  The fun all started, though, when someone had to use the bathroom and we found out it was basically a porcelain covered, flushing hole in the ground.  It even had treads where your feet go.  Guess you can cross that one of the list of never have I ever's...

After lunch, we trekked to the real center of town, which we entered by way of beautiful medieval gates and structures.  We then found our way to Juliet's house, where we found the wall of letters attached by chewing gum (not nearly as clean and beautiful as that new movie coming out) as well as Juliet's tower.  A few of us payed the 4,50 to go up into the tower and see the house that the family, whom the Capulets were based on, lived in.  It was kind of bare compared to a normal museum, but they did have a number of Romeo and Juliet artifacts from different movies.  Once we regrouped we headed for the Arena.

The Arena was a mini-Colosseum which we entered for another 4,50.  It was definitely worth it though.  Some of the boys got balloon swords outside and had a fight in the Colosseum, while the rest of us explored the gigantic marvel.  At one point, 2 italian men were taking pictures on a balcony and then offered to take a picture of us.  We agreed and thanked them, but then they each wanted a picture with us.  It was kind of funny, especially since none of us speak that much Italian, but we agreed.  I heard one joke to the other that he was going to send the picture back to his wife.

After the Arena we wandered a bit, and then headed for the train station: a much quicker trip than the way we went before.  We arrived in time for a 5:30 train that got us in about 7:30.  We split up and 1/2 went out for dinner while the rest of us came back to the island and grabbed a cafeteria dinner before vegging in the room.  It has been a very eventful day, but fun too.  Arrividerci Verona!  Until we meet again.
<3 Allie

The Venice way of life

So I am starting to figure everything out right now, including the italian keyboard, which is the same except for a few key punctuation marks such as the at symbol.  I had an epiphany this morning when I hit ctrl+alt and the key that had 3 symbols including the @ and it worked!  I honestly cheered. 

The canals are very pretty and are everywhere.  I don't think I could count how many bridges we cross every day.  The water does not smell bad (like some people told me), but there are streets that dead end right up to the canals, which is an interesting addition.  I wonder if drunken Venetians ever fall in.  Last night when we were walking home from the bars one of my friends mentioned that it is so quiet at night that it feels like we're on some strange movie set.  Which is probably the best way to describe how it feels to be here right now.  Every once in a while I am just waiting for Ashton to jump out and say "You've been Punk'd!!"  because everything seems so new.

At dinner the other night we made a sort of bucket list of things we need to while we're here so we don't waste our short amount of time. One is to eat only gelato all day one day another is to have a bonfire on the island.  Since we made it people have been coming up to me with new ideas.  By the end of this trip we might have a bucket book. 

We went to an irish pub that night, which was kinda hokey, and they definitely turned the music up like 7 decibels after we came. It was as if they thought "look! Americans! Lets blast loud 80s pop music and YMCA." There was also a table of 13 year olds, which was an interesting addition to the atmosphere.  Although, they were probably louder than we were, which is a nice change.

Today we tried to buy train tickets for a day trip to Verona, but the website rejected all our credit cards.  So then we looked it up online and apparently that happens to almost every American credit card because of problems with their system.  So, we're just going to buy them at the station.  So much for having technology...  

Speaking of technology though, I got a sim card for my British phone, hoping to save money and the environment by not getting a new one.  The guys at the store were quite nice, and spoke English pretty well, and this morning my phone is working beautifully.  Added bonus, I only had to pay for the minutes rather than the Sim Card or phone as well.

Ok, well I have to be at the "Freshman's Fair"  which is some kind of lecture in about 5 minutes, so I will update again tomorrow.  Ciao!

<3 Allie

Getting My Venice Legs

So Venice is definitely the most beautiful place I have ever stayed.  That being said there is a definite adjustment period.  These first few days I have had to fight against my instincts when it comes to turning down narrow passageways and walking along deserted streets.  The city has no cars, only boats and feet.  (Come to think of it I haven't even seen any bicycles.)   Also people seem to all be in bed by 10:30 so the streets are completely empty when we head to the ferry at 11 or 12.  There are a lot of dark alleys and walkways that go through buildings, but then they will open up into big piazzas or bridges.  There is also water everywhere.  I don't know if I could count the number of bridges we cross just walking to a nearby gelato stand.  Its also still hard seeing everything in Italian, in fact I have started to find it strange when things are in English.  I am slowly remembering my language skills, but many of the Venetians will respond in English even if my question was completely in Italian.  I mean, could you give me a chance?


However, don't think that I am complaining, I love it here even after a mere 3 days (giorni).  The island (San Servolo) is about a 3-5 minute boat ride from Piazza San Marco with its gorgeous Basilica and the Dogia's Palace (Which is half covered by a huge lottery ad while they remodel....)  The people seem quite friendly and helpful with directions considering the roads are all very short and twisted, so addresses aren't much help. 

Ok, well I am starving, so I am going to grab a panini.  I will write more later. Ciao!
Baci,
Allie

Buon Giorno from San Servolo

Good Morning.  I am finally connected to the rest of the world via this wonderful thing called the internet.  It took a bit longer than planned considering I brought everything I needed except my username and password, which, it turns out, happen to be pretty important.

I think I am going to head down and grab some breakfast in the cafe right now, but I promise to update the previous 2 days soon.  Suffice to say I love it here, and I may be the only one on campus who thinks this weather is warm.  But seriously, its like 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Anyways, off to grab some espresso and a pastry.  Ciao till later.
<3 Allie

Sitting, Waiting, Wishing

No work today, so I have plenty of time to study up on my future Venetian experience.  Apparently the forecast there is rainy today, but hey, its about 20 degree's warmer, so I'll take it.  I have a feeling I'll be checking this website more than once in the week and a half to come. Venice weather

Also I just got a message from my university telling me the classes I got into and giving some pre-departure information.  For example, we have a full week of orientation (basically exploring Venice and meeting people) So classes don't start until March 1st.  They advised us to bring hangers, as other students find them expensive in Venice.  Ummmm, I have a feeling that isn't going to fit in my one suitcase limit.  Expensive hangers here I come.

My courses include:

1. History of Venice
2. Venice in the History of Music
3. Italian for Foreigners (which begs the question, is there an Italian for Italians?)
4. Sovereignty Supra-national Politics
5. International Management: Managing Global Value Chains

Hopefully I will be able to get core credit for 4 and 5, because I would've much rather taken 2 more History courses.

Suffice to say I am counting the days (10 to be exact).  Oh, and to top it off, its Carnivale next week.  And I'm not there.  Talk about crappy luck (or college conspiracy...)

Till next time (possibly in Venice!!!) Ciao Bella!
 Allie