The weather these past two days has become the perfect metaphor for the days themselves. Yesterday was cloudy, rainy, and cold. It never let up. And it never got warm. Today is beautiful and almost 60 and sunny. So draw your own conclusions.
Yesterday a large group of us had to go get our residency permits, which basically tell the government of Venezia that we can support ourselves while we're here and we aren't criminals. In past semesters, students have had to pay the 73 euro, but their date for getting the permit was after they left. So it was only a minor hassle. However, it seems the immigration office has cut some of the red tape because we received dates only two weeks after we brought our forms to the post office!! Luckily 2 groups of students had gone before us, and so we had some idea of what to expect and how to get to the office in Mestre.
We woke up around 6:30 to catch the 7:05 boat to San Marco, and then a 7:23 boat to Piazzale Roma, where we caught the 6/ bus. (Apparently they have too many buses for #s, and instead of adding letters they just put a slash...) Anyway, that was all any of us knew. I somehow became unofficial leader, so I asked to make sure it was going the right direction, and then stood by the bus driver so she could tell me what stop we were supposed to get off at. Once we embarked, we noticed a line of umbrellas all walking the same direction, so assuming they were going where we needed to be, we followed. They were and we stood in a rather long line to go up to a window and receive a ticket. (Our original paperwork had a time on it, but that apparently meant nothing because those of us with earlier times did not finish before those with later times....in fact, the more we tried to figure out the order the more random it seemed.)
When we reached the front we spoke with the man at the ticket window who spoke only italian, and just said "Si" and handed us a number. The strangest part was among the 6 of us, applying for the same thing, we received 3 different colored tickets. (See what I mean about order...) Then we waited.....and waited.....and waited....and waited.
I was the first to be called into a room with a large orange door and a friendly man with a purple sweater and absolutely no grasp of English. I am so glad I took Italian! It was not that hard to understand him and he gathered my paperwork, asked for my phone number and whether or not I was studying, stamped my papers and told me to wait to be called.
I waited with Nick and Rich who finished after and before me respectively, but Nick was the first one called into the office for fingerprinting. In fact, Rich and I weren't called till about an hour later. Then we sat at a table with some supremely attractive cops and put each finger on a scanner. And then were given papers to go get finger printed again, by more professional seeming people. This whole process should've taken about 10 minutes, but instead took an hour between all the waiting.
While waiting for the second fingerprinting I started chatting with a little old Italian man from Mestre. He spoke no English, but was super friendly, and so I used my scattered Italian to tell him I was a student living in Venice. He said that he has lived in Mestre his entire life and his mom is 100 years old. He also asked me if I liked Venice and what I had seen. After I got fingerprinted he waited for me to say goodbye and "Tanti Auguri." Which basically made my day.
Once everyone was finished (I was 3rd, and Amanda who had the 1st ticket was the very last one done....) we headed back out into the grey rain and to San Servolo. We stopped for a mini-lunch as we were starving (It was 3:45!) and then grabbed our boat back to the Island. I did homework and skyped and went to bed early. I was exhausted...from waiting!
Today, by contrast, was beautiful. And not particularly interesting, but still a very good day.
UPDATE: We went back to Piazza San Marco today because it was all lit up....like for a movie! So we went to see if any action was taking place. Our Vaporetto driver asked us where we were going (as if his Vaporetto moonlights as a water taxi) but we told him, "Just the normal spot please." and waited for Brangelina. The square was even more lit up and there were people standing around the lights. So I, the brave one, went and asked what was going on. I am sure he laughed at my Spantalianish, but he got across the point that it was just being shot for a panorama. No Brangelina to be spotted. But we still strutted across a few times, in case they were shooting from the air. And then retired to our island abode.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
The Land of Garda (but not Gardaland)
I just got back from an awesome trip to Peschiera del Garda and Sirmione: 2 towns on Lake Garda which is just east of Milan. The weather was warm, but cloudy, yet we still had a really fun trip. We left on the 9:30 am boat and caught an 11am train to Peschiera. It only cost 7,90 Euro one way, and it left on time. I love Italian trains. The ride was about 2 hours long, but went by really quickly. Once we arrived, we met up with Ryanne's friend Jenna whose train came in at the exact same time. We took about 3 steps out of the train station and stepped into our hotel, which the website claimed was a 12 minute walk! Maybe if you were on crutches....
We were one of the only people staying in the hotel and the owner seemed to have our papers already and waiting for us. He asked us for our papers, we signed a sheet, and got the hotel key. Once in our rooms it was evident that we had done a good job finding the hotel. Breakfast was included, the beds weren't too uncomfortable, we had a balcony and a clean bathroom full of amenities all for about 27 euro each! We dropped our bags, used the clean bathroom and then asked where the bus was for Sirmione.
The bus driver seemed to find us all quite amusing. We had no idea how much to pay or where to get off, so he kept calling Jenna up to give her our tickets, or a map, and whenever she would turn to come to the back he'd put his hand up and say "No, please. Please." That was about the only English he knew, it was quite comical.
He dropped us off right in front of the castle/fortress, but we decided to grab lunch before touring. We stopped at a little restaurant that was reasonably priced. The waiter standing outside asked Jenna if she was a model, to which she instantly replied, "Si! Tutti." Meaning, yes we all are. He definitely believed her, at least about herself because he started telling the other waiters that she was a model. It was really funny. And the food was really good. And he kept calling me diavoleta (little devil) because I ordered the diovola pizza, which is pepperoni, but means devil. Quite an entertaining experience, and we hadn't even seen anything yet!
After we had lunch we went to the castle and only paid 2 euros for entry since we were students. We went all around taking pictures and climbing to the top of the highest turret. It was annoying though because a lot of the stuff we would've loved to see (like an area that looked like a dungeon) was roped off. But it was still fun exploring it and imagining what a cool fortress it would've been....Uh oh the History dork in me is coming out.
Anyway, next we grabbed the ever-essential gelato and took a stroll by the lake. Eventually dipping out feet in b/c it just looked so alluring. But it was cold. Freezing cold. We took a picture anyways though. Then we wandered on the beach, and saw some guys swimming! We were really confused, until we smelled sulfur and realized the water was steaming. They were in a hot spring right off the lake. I had never seen anything like that before.
We climbed up a ridge just to see what was up there...and stumbled upon the ruins of a Roman Villa. It also only cost 2 euro to enter and was completely worth it. We had a map that was partially in English and explained where all the rooms would've been. They even had a heated pool! One of the most ironic things was that they think it was the house of a poet. A poet made enough money in those days for a villa and a pool and tons of servants! My how times have changed....
After the villa we wandered down through the adorable part of town. It reminded me of Florida or Door County, except in the off season. I can only imagine how cute it is when everything is open and people are strolling hand in hand in their beachware... but it was even quaint in 50some degree cloudy weather with only about 15 or 20 other tourists around.
We caught the last bus back to Peschiera, with the same exact bus driver, who told us that Gardaland (the #4 rated theme park in the world) was open! We were so excited, but then we asked at the hotel, and they said it was closed until April.... which is what we had originally heard.
Once we got back, we flopped down onto our beds in the hotel to decide dinner. None of us had the desire to walk very far, so we just ate at the restaurant in the hotel. Which took our "Day" meal passes. The food was just as good as anywhere, and they let us sit for like 2 hours. It was the perfect end to a great day.
That night we had a little adventure because we realized that one of the light switches turns all the power off, and in the pitch blackness of the room it was a little difficult to find the bagno. Luckily, Megan saved the night with a little travel flashlight. Also, we all seemed to dream that Gardaland was open, which made it even more depressing in the morning when we realized it wasn't. But, alas, we didn't have that much time anyway.
In the morning we got up around 9:30 and grabbed our free breakfast, which was quite impressive and included pastries, yogurt, coffee, juice, cereal, fruit, and biscuits, the last of which we dropped into our bags to enjoy on the train. We had a leisurely meal, as most meals go here... and then ran upstairs and packed up and checked out. Then we realized we still had about 1 and a half hours. So we asked the manager if we could leave our bags with him, and we went for a walk around the lake and some of the old structures in Peschiera.
Peschiera was another town that I could see being twice as fun in the summer. We saw people canoeing and kayaking, as well as innumerable sailboats. Also there is of course Gardaland, which we have all decided we will go to at least once. (Especially when its warm considering it includes a water park...) But even so our walk was a relaxing end to the trip.
We grabbed a 1pm train back to Venice, and Jenna caught a train at the same time to Milan. We waved goodbye and then settled into our seats and talked about next weekend: Milan to visit Jenna. I can't wait!
<3 Allison
We were one of the only people staying in the hotel and the owner seemed to have our papers already and waiting for us. He asked us for our papers, we signed a sheet, and got the hotel key. Once in our rooms it was evident that we had done a good job finding the hotel. Breakfast was included, the beds weren't too uncomfortable, we had a balcony and a clean bathroom full of amenities all for about 27 euro each! We dropped our bags, used the clean bathroom and then asked where the bus was for Sirmione.
The bus driver seemed to find us all quite amusing. We had no idea how much to pay or where to get off, so he kept calling Jenna up to give her our tickets, or a map, and whenever she would turn to come to the back he'd put his hand up and say "No, please. Please." That was about the only English he knew, it was quite comical.
He dropped us off right in front of the castle/fortress, but we decided to grab lunch before touring. We stopped at a little restaurant that was reasonably priced. The waiter standing outside asked Jenna if she was a model, to which she instantly replied, "Si! Tutti." Meaning, yes we all are. He definitely believed her, at least about herself because he started telling the other waiters that she was a model. It was really funny. And the food was really good. And he kept calling me diavoleta (little devil) because I ordered the diovola pizza, which is pepperoni, but means devil. Quite an entertaining experience, and we hadn't even seen anything yet!
After we had lunch we went to the castle and only paid 2 euros for entry since we were students. We went all around taking pictures and climbing to the top of the highest turret. It was annoying though because a lot of the stuff we would've loved to see (like an area that looked like a dungeon) was roped off. But it was still fun exploring it and imagining what a cool fortress it would've been....Uh oh the History dork in me is coming out.
Anyway, next we grabbed the ever-essential gelato and took a stroll by the lake. Eventually dipping out feet in b/c it just looked so alluring. But it was cold. Freezing cold. We took a picture anyways though. Then we wandered on the beach, and saw some guys swimming! We were really confused, until we smelled sulfur and realized the water was steaming. They were in a hot spring right off the lake. I had never seen anything like that before.
We climbed up a ridge just to see what was up there...and stumbled upon the ruins of a Roman Villa. It also only cost 2 euro to enter and was completely worth it. We had a map that was partially in English and explained where all the rooms would've been. They even had a heated pool! One of the most ironic things was that they think it was the house of a poet. A poet made enough money in those days for a villa and a pool and tons of servants! My how times have changed....
After the villa we wandered down through the adorable part of town. It reminded me of Florida or Door County, except in the off season. I can only imagine how cute it is when everything is open and people are strolling hand in hand in their beachware... but it was even quaint in 50some degree cloudy weather with only about 15 or 20 other tourists around.
We caught the last bus back to Peschiera, with the same exact bus driver, who told us that Gardaland (the #4 rated theme park in the world) was open! We were so excited, but then we asked at the hotel, and they said it was closed until April.... which is what we had originally heard.
Once we got back, we flopped down onto our beds in the hotel to decide dinner. None of us had the desire to walk very far, so we just ate at the restaurant in the hotel. Which took our "Day" meal passes. The food was just as good as anywhere, and they let us sit for like 2 hours. It was the perfect end to a great day.
That night we had a little adventure because we realized that one of the light switches turns all the power off, and in the pitch blackness of the room it was a little difficult to find the bagno. Luckily, Megan saved the night with a little travel flashlight. Also, we all seemed to dream that Gardaland was open, which made it even more depressing in the morning when we realized it wasn't. But, alas, we didn't have that much time anyway.
In the morning we got up around 9:30 and grabbed our free breakfast, which was quite impressive and included pastries, yogurt, coffee, juice, cereal, fruit, and biscuits, the last of which we dropped into our bags to enjoy on the train. We had a leisurely meal, as most meals go here... and then ran upstairs and packed up and checked out. Then we realized we still had about 1 and a half hours. So we asked the manager if we could leave our bags with him, and we went for a walk around the lake and some of the old structures in Peschiera.
Peschiera was another town that I could see being twice as fun in the summer. We saw people canoeing and kayaking, as well as innumerable sailboats. Also there is of course Gardaland, which we have all decided we will go to at least once. (Especially when its warm considering it includes a water park...) But even so our walk was a relaxing end to the trip.
We grabbed a 1pm train back to Venice, and Jenna caught a train at the same time to Milan. We waved goodbye and then settled into our seats and talked about next weekend: Milan to visit Jenna. I can't wait!
<3 Allison
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Irish in Italy
So it is 2:26am on the morning of (well technically after) one of the most interesting St. Patrick's days I have ever had. I take that back, THE most interesting St. Patrick's Day.
It all started this morning. I woke up around 9am and went for a walk through Venice. I had time to explore because my Italian class was canceled, and my next one wasn't until 1:30pm. So I got lost on purpose. A word on getting lost in Venice: its both easy and hard. Easy in that any street you haven't turned down before will lead you somewhere new. But hard in that you can pretty easily find your way back to a main thoroughfare if you walk far enough.
So I was "lost" until I found a little green park area, which are rare in Venice. I walked through it and witnessed some teacher giving her little kids a class with a headset microphone, outside of the playground. If I were them I don't think I could've stood it. And then, over the horizon, was the bridge that leads to the train station (aka I knew where I was.)
I decided to walk on the other side of the canal from the train station, and soon I saw throngs of people staring across the canal. I expected to see the train station on fire or something, but instead I caught a glimpse of Johnny Depp being filmed. I stood there for a good 15 minutes and watched them film the scene again, but as I reached down for my camera I realized it was at home charging!!! So I settled for texting all my friends, while I was watching Johnny and Ang. And then I went to the grocery store.
The rest of my day was much less interesting. I saw a police boat driving backwards and got whistled at by some construction workers, and tried "Crazy Pizza" which was crazy average. The night, however, was when it got fun again.
Ryanne, Meg, and I had planned a VIU dance before we realized that it was St. Patty's day. We knew we couldn't cancel, so instead we just bumped the hours up and put on our dancin shoes. The school provided us with an empty classroom that had kickass speakers. So Meg made a playlist while Ryanne and I set up tables. People started coming around 8:30 and it ended up going until 11:30, when there was a ferry to San Marco. We had a blast!! A lot of people came, and the music was loud and fun. Plus, Venice isn't really a clubbing city, so we made our own club.
Like I said before, we left the island at 11:30 to head to the Irish pub for a pint before the end of St. Patty's. We met up with a bunch of people who were already there enjoying the gaelic holiday... We met one kid, who will remain nameless, from Arkansas who's friend had asked us to go out and get him. At first he seemed pretty nice and cute, but when he opened his mouth he officially became a creep. Every other word was about how "awesome" he was, and he kept talking like a robot to cover up his southern accent. I finally told him to stop talking like that and asked him if he ever said "that dog don't hunt." He'd never heard that before, but immediately used it in regards to almost everything said. It was more than annoying. I was worried he' follow me onto the boat (considering he said he was willing to swim back from the island), but luckily my friend Luuk grabbed me and was like "its time to go..." It was an interesting encounter....and he didnt even buy me a drink!
So yeah, that was basically my St. Patrick's day. It was quite eventful, and now it is most definitely bedtime. Buona Notte!
<3 allie
It all started this morning. I woke up around 9am and went for a walk through Venice. I had time to explore because my Italian class was canceled, and my next one wasn't until 1:30pm. So I got lost on purpose. A word on getting lost in Venice: its both easy and hard. Easy in that any street you haven't turned down before will lead you somewhere new. But hard in that you can pretty easily find your way back to a main thoroughfare if you walk far enough.
So I was "lost" until I found a little green park area, which are rare in Venice. I walked through it and witnessed some teacher giving her little kids a class with a headset microphone, outside of the playground. If I were them I don't think I could've stood it. And then, over the horizon, was the bridge that leads to the train station (aka I knew where I was.)
I decided to walk on the other side of the canal from the train station, and soon I saw throngs of people staring across the canal. I expected to see the train station on fire or something, but instead I caught a glimpse of Johnny Depp being filmed. I stood there for a good 15 minutes and watched them film the scene again, but as I reached down for my camera I realized it was at home charging!!! So I settled for texting all my friends, while I was watching Johnny and Ang. And then I went to the grocery store.
The rest of my day was much less interesting. I saw a police boat driving backwards and got whistled at by some construction workers, and tried "Crazy Pizza" which was crazy average. The night, however, was when it got fun again.
Ryanne, Meg, and I had planned a VIU dance before we realized that it was St. Patty's day. We knew we couldn't cancel, so instead we just bumped the hours up and put on our dancin shoes. The school provided us with an empty classroom that had kickass speakers. So Meg made a playlist while Ryanne and I set up tables. People started coming around 8:30 and it ended up going until 11:30, when there was a ferry to San Marco. We had a blast!! A lot of people came, and the music was loud and fun. Plus, Venice isn't really a clubbing city, so we made our own club.
Like I said before, we left the island at 11:30 to head to the Irish pub for a pint before the end of St. Patty's. We met up with a bunch of people who were already there enjoying the gaelic holiday... We met one kid, who will remain nameless, from Arkansas who's friend had asked us to go out and get him. At first he seemed pretty nice and cute, but when he opened his mouth he officially became a creep. Every other word was about how "awesome" he was, and he kept talking like a robot to cover up his southern accent. I finally told him to stop talking like that and asked him if he ever said "that dog don't hunt." He'd never heard that before, but immediately used it in regards to almost everything said. It was more than annoying. I was worried he' follow me onto the boat (considering he said he was willing to swim back from the island), but luckily my friend Luuk grabbed me and was like "its time to go..." It was an interesting encounter....and he didnt even buy me a drink!
So yeah, that was basically my St. Patrick's day. It was quite eventful, and now it is most definitely bedtime. Buona Notte!
<3 allie
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Trully Ventuno
So I should probably be doing homework right now, but I would much rather update. Homework can wait, at least this once.
My 21st birthday was Sunday, so naturally we celebrated Saturday night. Saturday during the day I walked around Venice on my own and then met up with my friend Elizabeth who was visiting from home. Sadly, I only got to see her for about an hour because she had to catch an early train to Verona, but it was still quite a nice hour. She gave me an adorable and very functional purple purse that I have already started using.
Later that night, I met up with my friends who had just gone to Bologna. We walked straight from the train station to Campo Santa Margarita where we started and finished the night. It is a piazza where there are 8 bars and everyone buys a drink and then stands outside and mingles. Its basically a student hangout and we all love it. That being said we went into the 1st bar and sat down to warm up for the night. (It was pretty chilly...) My friend Lexie bought me a spritz (Prosecco and Aperol... a very Venetian drink) and so it began. We made our way to every bar, staying for various amounts of time in each, but at least enough for me to have a drink. I tried an "italian" shot in one bar, which was the colors of the flag, then set on fire, and drunk through a straw, as well as had a delicious Prosecco (which is basically champagne) at midnight on my birthday.
At midnight we were in a bar called Orange. My friend Aaron told the bartenders it was my birthday so they sang "Tanti Auguri a te" (Which is happy birthday with those words....I wonder which came first.) And then all of my friends, 20+ people erupted into Happy Birthday. I got innumerable birthday hugs and double european kisses, and then we moved on to the next bar. It was a super fun evening, and we took the last boat home.
A word on the final boat: It leaves at 2:10, but you have to call a half hour before. Also, we were about 30 minutes from the dock but we started walking about 15 minutes before the boat...so it was quite an adventure. On our way to the Vaporretto we had to go down a very small alley, with one light and a group of guys meowed at us as we passed. Now I have heard of a cat call, but I have never heard someone actually make a cat sound as one. It was really funny.
My friend Lauren ran ahead and was able to convince the driver, in Italian, to wait 5 minutes for us.... Otherwise we would've been stranded in Venice. Well not exactly, I mean we know people with apartments....but it would not have been a comfortable night.
The next morning my roommate and I woke up early (No hangover at all!) And went to Mass at San Marco. It was the longest one yet, and the priest had some accent that I could not understand at all. I mean I thought the other ones were incomprehensible, but this time I started counting the different scenes on the ceiling..... I guess I probably shouldn't admit that, but there wasn't much else to do besides frown at the tourists who kept coming in, and prepare for communion which is an absolute free-for-all. Italians don't seem to understand the concept of lines....at all. The back of the church usually sprints up the aisle before the priest has even made it down off the altar. You basically have to elbow your way into line and people give you dirty looks as if you were supposed to have gone already. It is quite an event.
After mass we went to grab the boat back to San Servolo, but the lady said that the boats were canceled due to the fog. Granted, there was a lot of fog...but it had been worse that morning and the Vaporetto still ran. I think she didn't want to look up the next time for us. It didn't matter though because the weather was warm and we were hungry, so instead we walked to a little cafe with outdoor seating and had a delicious little lunch.
That night we went out for Chinese food which was completely divine. It tasted just like it does at home. I don't know if I could ever get completely fed up with Italian food, but that Chinese did taste really good. We then tried to go to a Karaoke Bar, but it was closed on Sunday, so we ended up at our little Irish pub, I swear they should have seats with our names engraved on them.
All in all it was a very pleasant birthday full of good food, good drinks, and great friends. And now it is time for me to get a good night sleep. Buona Notte!
<3 Allie
My 21st birthday was Sunday, so naturally we celebrated Saturday night. Saturday during the day I walked around Venice on my own and then met up with my friend Elizabeth who was visiting from home. Sadly, I only got to see her for about an hour because she had to catch an early train to Verona, but it was still quite a nice hour. She gave me an adorable and very functional purple purse that I have already started using.
Later that night, I met up with my friends who had just gone to Bologna. We walked straight from the train station to Campo Santa Margarita where we started and finished the night. It is a piazza where there are 8 bars and everyone buys a drink and then stands outside and mingles. Its basically a student hangout and we all love it. That being said we went into the 1st bar and sat down to warm up for the night. (It was pretty chilly...) My friend Lexie bought me a spritz (Prosecco and Aperol... a very Venetian drink) and so it began. We made our way to every bar, staying for various amounts of time in each, but at least enough for me to have a drink. I tried an "italian" shot in one bar, which was the colors of the flag, then set on fire, and drunk through a straw, as well as had a delicious Prosecco (which is basically champagne) at midnight on my birthday.
At midnight we were in a bar called Orange. My friend Aaron told the bartenders it was my birthday so they sang "Tanti Auguri a te" (Which is happy birthday with those words....I wonder which came first.) And then all of my friends, 20+ people erupted into Happy Birthday. I got innumerable birthday hugs and double european kisses, and then we moved on to the next bar. It was a super fun evening, and we took the last boat home.
A word on the final boat: It leaves at 2:10, but you have to call a half hour before. Also, we were about 30 minutes from the dock but we started walking about 15 minutes before the boat...so it was quite an adventure. On our way to the Vaporretto we had to go down a very small alley, with one light and a group of guys meowed at us as we passed. Now I have heard of a cat call, but I have never heard someone actually make a cat sound as one. It was really funny.
My friend Lauren ran ahead and was able to convince the driver, in Italian, to wait 5 minutes for us.... Otherwise we would've been stranded in Venice. Well not exactly, I mean we know people with apartments....but it would not have been a comfortable night.
The next morning my roommate and I woke up early (No hangover at all!) And went to Mass at San Marco. It was the longest one yet, and the priest had some accent that I could not understand at all. I mean I thought the other ones were incomprehensible, but this time I started counting the different scenes on the ceiling..... I guess I probably shouldn't admit that, but there wasn't much else to do besides frown at the tourists who kept coming in, and prepare for communion which is an absolute free-for-all. Italians don't seem to understand the concept of lines....at all. The back of the church usually sprints up the aisle before the priest has even made it down off the altar. You basically have to elbow your way into line and people give you dirty looks as if you were supposed to have gone already. It is quite an event.
After mass we went to grab the boat back to San Servolo, but the lady said that the boats were canceled due to the fog. Granted, there was a lot of fog...but it had been worse that morning and the Vaporetto still ran. I think she didn't want to look up the next time for us. It didn't matter though because the weather was warm and we were hungry, so instead we walked to a little cafe with outdoor seating and had a delicious little lunch.
That night we went out for Chinese food which was completely divine. It tasted just like it does at home. I don't know if I could ever get completely fed up with Italian food, but that Chinese did taste really good. We then tried to go to a Karaoke Bar, but it was closed on Sunday, so we ended up at our little Irish pub, I swear they should have seats with our names engraved on them.
All in all it was a very pleasant birthday full of good food, good drinks, and great friends. And now it is time for me to get a good night sleep. Buona Notte!
<3 Allie
Friday, March 12, 2010
Bici on the Beach
So I realize it has been a really long time since I've updated, here is a quick rundown:
Monday- Felt really sick, but still went to class. Took a nap and almost slept through one of my classes.... then watched "Pane e Tulipani" (Bread and Tulips), an Italian Romantic comedy which was much better than "Gattopardo" in my opinion.
Tuesday- Felt better, had regular classes, but the wind was insane. I felt like I was going to be blown over at any second. Trekked to McDonald's anyways, which was totally worth it. Also went to the grocery store for necessities like wine and brie cheese.
Wednesday- Had a presentation in one of my classes. The weather was insane.... It snowed all day!!! We decided not to brave it, and ate in the cafeteria instead.
Thursday- The weather was finally a bit nicer, still cold, but at least the snow melted somewhat. Classes were normal and we went into the city to our new favorite restaurant for dinner and then hung out at our favorite Irish pub.
Which brings me to today, and our bike ride through Lido, an island off the coast of Venice. It was up in the air for a while, but when we woke up this morning and saw the sun was shining and it was over 30 degrees out, we knew we'd be ok.
We met our professor at the dock in front of San Marco at 9am (Yes, I got up that early!) and waited for a small, but fast, private boat to pick us up. (Private because there was a city wide strike today that put a minor hitch in our plans, and the plans of everyone who wanted to travel.) When it finally came we saw that we were all to sit on small benches on the flat side of the stern. It seemed very unstable from the dock, but once on it was actually quite comfortable. The boat stopped to pick up a group of kids from Franklin College in Switzerland who joined us on the tour. There were about 13 of them and 6 of us, which ended up being the perfect number.
Once we landed on Lido, we walked literally 2 steps to a bike rental shop where are bikes were basically ready and waiting. One of the Franklin girls, however, had never ridden a bicycle before!!! While we waited for everyone to get their bikes we attempted to teach her. She was actually a really fast learner, but still decided to stay on the boat that followed us instead of attempt to ride some of the more difficult paths we went down.
Our professor, Luca, led the way and every once in a while would pull over to show us an interesting building or give us a mini-history lesson. It was a really fun way to see the area! However, also scary because after 3 weeks in Venice, I definitely forgot how fast cars go. I barely escaped certain death at least 5 times, to which I would always gasp "Oh my goodness!" As if it hadn't just happened about 5 minutes before....
We stopped a few times while the 2 professors discussed lunch, and then we ended up on a really pretty beach. It was still a little nippy, but the sun felt amazing and the same woman who drove us over in the boat, prepared a meal of Pasta Fagiole soup and bread and cheese and wine. It was fabulous to have a warm picnic on a chilly beach with a bunch of new friends.
The ride back was longer and muddier because Luca wanted to show us the MOSE project, or the effort to save Venice. We really couldn't see anything but cranes, but the way to get there was quite wet. We then rode a different route back to the bike shop, which was fun because we got to see people picking their kids up from school, waiting for the bus, and walking their dogs.... basically just the normal life of Lido-ians.
We didn't get back to San Servolo until about 6pm, so it was quite a packed day. However, it was totally worth it. I am windburnt and tired, but very content.
Anyway, it is time for a quick siesta before dinner and whatever else the night entails. A presto!
<3 Allie
Monday- Felt really sick, but still went to class. Took a nap and almost slept through one of my classes.... then watched "Pane e Tulipani" (Bread and Tulips), an Italian Romantic comedy which was much better than "Gattopardo" in my opinion.
Tuesday- Felt better, had regular classes, but the wind was insane. I felt like I was going to be blown over at any second. Trekked to McDonald's anyways, which was totally worth it. Also went to the grocery store for necessities like wine and brie cheese.
Wednesday- Had a presentation in one of my classes. The weather was insane.... It snowed all day!!! We decided not to brave it, and ate in the cafeteria instead.
Thursday- The weather was finally a bit nicer, still cold, but at least the snow melted somewhat. Classes were normal and we went into the city to our new favorite restaurant for dinner and then hung out at our favorite Irish pub.
Which brings me to today, and our bike ride through Lido, an island off the coast of Venice. It was up in the air for a while, but when we woke up this morning and saw the sun was shining and it was over 30 degrees out, we knew we'd be ok.
We met our professor at the dock in front of San Marco at 9am (Yes, I got up that early!) and waited for a small, but fast, private boat to pick us up. (Private because there was a city wide strike today that put a minor hitch in our plans, and the plans of everyone who wanted to travel.) When it finally came we saw that we were all to sit on small benches on the flat side of the stern. It seemed very unstable from the dock, but once on it was actually quite comfortable. The boat stopped to pick up a group of kids from Franklin College in Switzerland who joined us on the tour. There were about 13 of them and 6 of us, which ended up being the perfect number. Once we landed on Lido, we walked literally 2 steps to a bike rental shop where are bikes were basically ready and waiting. One of the Franklin girls, however, had never ridden a bicycle before!!! While we waited for everyone to get their bikes we attempted to teach her. She was actually a really fast learner, but still decided to stay on the boat that followed us instead of attempt to ride some of the more difficult paths we went down.
Our professor, Luca, led the way and every once in a while would pull over to show us an interesting building or give us a mini-history lesson. It was a really fun way to see the area! However, also scary because after 3 weeks in Venice, I definitely forgot how fast cars go. I barely escaped certain death at least 5 times, to which I would always gasp "Oh my goodness!" As if it hadn't just happened about 5 minutes before....
We stopped a few times while the 2 professors discussed lunch, and then we ended up on a really pretty beach. It was still a little nippy, but the sun felt amazing and the same woman who drove us over in the boat, prepared a meal of Pasta Fagiole soup and bread and cheese and wine. It was fabulous to have a warm picnic on a chilly beach with a bunch of new friends.The ride back was longer and muddier because Luca wanted to show us the MOSE project, or the effort to save Venice. We really couldn't see anything but cranes, but the way to get there was quite wet. We then rode a different route back to the bike shop, which was fun because we got to see people picking their kids up from school, waiting for the bus, and walking their dogs.... basically just the normal life of Lido-ians.
We didn't get back to San Servolo until about 6pm, so it was quite a packed day. However, it was totally worth it. I am windburnt and tired, but very content.
Anyway, it is time for a quick siesta before dinner and whatever else the night entails. A presto!
<3 Allie
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Cold Italy
I have also been coughing up a storm for the past 2 days, so today was spent between my bed and my computer. I didn't leave my room except for church and dinner, and although part of me felt guilty at the thought of "wasting" a day in Italy, all it took was one look outside at the people being blown away like leaves in a hurricane.
Mass was not any easier to understand. Actually it was more difficult because I didn't have the little translation cheat sheet for the readings, so it was particularly incomprehensible. I basically understood the many times the priest said "Ascoltate" (or listen) and I would obey, only to be put in a state of utter confusion as to what he was saying.
Anyway, I have some Italian homework to get to. So ciao for now!
<3 Allie
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Green Man says GO! (Adventures in Padova)
Meg, Alex, and I got up early and took the 9:40 ferry and then a train to Padova (Padua) yesterday. Certain boys were supposed to join us, but apparently cannot get their butts out of bed before noon. So we left without them on a gray, chilly morning, when we probably would've rather been in bed as well.
The train ride was super short: 40 minutes. And it only cost 2,90 euros. Well worth it. When we arrived the 1st thing we saw was McDonald's, so naturally we went in. (Don't worry, it was only to use the restroom.) Then we decided to find our way to the center of town, which, according to the website I checked before we left, wasn't that far. Well, either we followed the wrong signs or the website lied, but it took us almost an hour to get to the Prato della Valle, which is the main piazza. The walk wasn't terrible, it was just longer than expected, so we entertained ourselves by playing I spy with the Day symbol (the meal vouchers we have.) Apparently Venice is pretty stingy on them considering we saw more restaurants in Padova that took them than didn't.
The city itself was quite a bit more industrial than a Verona or Venice, but it still had that European air of antiquity. There would be an obscure, but obviously old building halfway hidden by some monstrosity from the 70s.
Once we arrived at the Prato della Valle we took pictures of the statues and even struck our own statuesque poses. Then we went to Basilica Sant'Antonio, which is where St. Anthony is buried. It was a very baroque church, with different plaques dedicated to the deceased covering any surface that wasn't painted in 15 different designs. The tomb of St. Anthony was rather beautiful, surrounded by pictures of those whom St. Anthony was meant to protect. On our way out I noticed little leaflets in different languages on which you could write your prayer and then stick it in the offering box. That was pretty normal, until I read the bottom of the card where it explained that you could also email your prayers and petitions to dearsaintanthony@santantonio.org . They even had a website: http://www.carosantantonio.it. It was all a bit much if you ask me...
After these observations we decided it was lunch time and found one of the many restaurants that took our vouchers. Not only that, but we got a drink, a coffee, and an entire pizza, for 7 euro. It was heavenly, and warm considering the weather had not brightened at all.
Next, we decided to try and find Gallileo's house, which was supposedly near where we were, but ended up back at the central square when I received a surprise text message: The boys had come to Padova.
We agreed to meet in front of the duomo, but knowing that they had a long walk, we took our time getting there: stopping to take pictures of a strange street performance that University students were giving near the famed Caffe Pedrocchi. They were reading off of some sort of banner while the other participants covered them in different food products (flour, ketchup, etc.) It was a strange spectacle, that required some documentation. Then we almost got run over by a bike, which they ride more quickly than cars over there. We finally found the Duomo, as well as Xander and Nick, and we all headed to find Scrovegni Chapel, famous for its frescoes by Giotto.
The chapel was a bit of a walk from where we were, but we didn't mind: the sun had finally come out, and the wind wasn't quite as bone-chilling. Upon arrival we found the ticket office and received an awesome Student rate, 5 euros, bringing our total to 7,90 for the day. They had us watch a movie in an encapsulated glass room so as to adjust the "micro-climate" of the chapel. It was all very sci fi sounding, but once inside it was anything but futuristic. The chapel was painted in a series of frames that told the entire story of Christ's life, as well as that of Mary and Anne. This culminates at the final and most well-known scene at the rear of the church, which depicts the last judgment. It was all completely astonishing, and our allotted 15 minutes went by quite rapidly.
The consensus after the chapel was to head back to the train and thus to Venice, since it was dark and getting later. We located the train station with little difficulty and proceeded to buy tickets for 2,90 again. We ran to our gate only to find that the trains were delayed. As we settled in to wait, a train pulled up and we gladly hopped aboard.
As we walked to the coach cars, I began to get the feeling that we may've made a mistake considering the seats were nicer than those aboard an airplane and we passed a very nice snack car. This fear was realized when we finally sat down, and 2 minutes later someone told Nick that he was in her seat. The train had assigned seating. Fearing another train conductor tongue-lashing, Meg, Alex, and I decided to stand in the doorway and get off at the next stop. The next stop, however, ended up being one from our actual station, and the boys convinced us to stay aboard. I mean the worst that could happen is they fine us, which they didn't. The ride was a success, considering the 45 minute ride had been cut down to about 25 minutes. Relieved, we headed to Rialto to meet our friends at our favorite Irish pub.
Thus ended a very nice trip to a city that I wouldn't have even known about. Fun Fact: Padua is also the setting for Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew.
As for today, I woke up about 11:45, which felt quite nice, and now plan to go outside and enjoy the bit of sunlight I can see through the skylights. Tonight is a birthday party for 3 of our fellow classmates at Campo Santa Margarita, basically the only place with nightlife in Venice.
A presto!
<3 Allie
PS I promise pictures soon; my camera is out of battery.
The train ride was super short: 40 minutes. And it only cost 2,90 euros. Well worth it. When we arrived the 1st thing we saw was McDonald's, so naturally we went in. (Don't worry, it was only to use the restroom.) Then we decided to find our way to the center of town, which, according to the website I checked before we left, wasn't that far. Well, either we followed the wrong signs or the website lied, but it took us almost an hour to get to the Prato della Valle, which is the main piazza. The walk wasn't terrible, it was just longer than expected, so we entertained ourselves by playing I spy with the Day symbol (the meal vouchers we have.) Apparently Venice is pretty stingy on them considering we saw more restaurants in Padova that took them than didn't.
The city itself was quite a bit more industrial than a Verona or Venice, but it still had that European air of antiquity. There would be an obscure, but obviously old building halfway hidden by some monstrosity from the 70s.
Once we arrived at the Prato della Valle we took pictures of the statues and even struck our own statuesque poses. Then we went to Basilica Sant'Antonio, which is where St. Anthony is buried. It was a very baroque church, with different plaques dedicated to the deceased covering any surface that wasn't painted in 15 different designs. The tomb of St. Anthony was rather beautiful, surrounded by pictures of those whom St. Anthony was meant to protect. On our way out I noticed little leaflets in different languages on which you could write your prayer and then stick it in the offering box. That was pretty normal, until I read the bottom of the card where it explained that you could also email your prayers and petitions to dearsaintanthony@santantonio.org . They even had a website: http://www.carosantantonio.it. It was all a bit much if you ask me...
After these observations we decided it was lunch time and found one of the many restaurants that took our vouchers. Not only that, but we got a drink, a coffee, and an entire pizza, for 7 euro. It was heavenly, and warm considering the weather had not brightened at all.Next, we decided to try and find Gallileo's house, which was supposedly near where we were, but ended up back at the central square when I received a surprise text message: The boys had come to Padova.
We agreed to meet in front of the duomo, but knowing that they had a long walk, we took our time getting there: stopping to take pictures of a strange street performance that University students were giving near the famed Caffe Pedrocchi. They were reading off of some sort of banner while the other participants covered them in different food products (flour, ketchup, etc.) It was a strange spectacle, that required some documentation. Then we almost got run over by a bike, which they ride more quickly than cars over there. We finally found the Duomo, as well as Xander and Nick, and we all headed to find Scrovegni Chapel, famous for its frescoes by Giotto.
The chapel was a bit of a walk from where we were, but we didn't mind: the sun had finally come out, and the wind wasn't quite as bone-chilling. Upon arrival we found the ticket office and received an awesome Student rate, 5 euros, bringing our total to 7,90 for the day. They had us watch a movie in an encapsulated glass room so as to adjust the "micro-climate" of the chapel. It was all very sci fi sounding, but once inside it was anything but futuristic. The chapel was painted in a series of frames that told the entire story of Christ's life, as well as that of Mary and Anne. This culminates at the final and most well-known scene at the rear of the church, which depicts the last judgment. It was all completely astonishing, and our allotted 15 minutes went by quite rapidly.
The consensus after the chapel was to head back to the train and thus to Venice, since it was dark and getting later. We located the train station with little difficulty and proceeded to buy tickets for 2,90 again. We ran to our gate only to find that the trains were delayed. As we settled in to wait, a train pulled up and we gladly hopped aboard.
As we walked to the coach cars, I began to get the feeling that we may've made a mistake considering the seats were nicer than those aboard an airplane and we passed a very nice snack car. This fear was realized when we finally sat down, and 2 minutes later someone told Nick that he was in her seat. The train had assigned seating. Fearing another train conductor tongue-lashing, Meg, Alex, and I decided to stand in the doorway and get off at the next stop. The next stop, however, ended up being one from our actual station, and the boys convinced us to stay aboard. I mean the worst that could happen is they fine us, which they didn't. The ride was a success, considering the 45 minute ride had been cut down to about 25 minutes. Relieved, we headed to Rialto to meet our friends at our favorite Irish pub.
Thus ended a very nice trip to a city that I wouldn't have even known about. Fun Fact: Padua is also the setting for Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew.
As for today, I woke up about 11:45, which felt quite nice, and now plan to go outside and enjoy the bit of sunlight I can see through the skylights. Tonight is a birthday party for 3 of our fellow classmates at Campo Santa Margarita, basically the only place with nightlife in Venice.
A presto!
<3 Allie
PS I promise pictures soon; my camera is out of battery.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Walking Slowly through Narrow Streets
We've been noticing lately that no one here seems to be in a rush to wherever they are going. And I've decided I find it completely refreshing. I mean, it isn't fun when you have to run around people in tiny little passageways on the way to catch the boat... but for the most part, it is so nice to be a part of a society where you can enjoy the walk.
My friends and I just booked our flights for Spring break, and we are going to Nice! I am so excited, I can't even explain. I love Europe. It is so easy to get around, and everywhere you go is gorgeous and historical. What's not to love?
My classes are also awesome. They are all different, taught by different professors, and yet they all seem very interesting. The professors have different teaching styles: my Italian teacher has us play games constantly, while my Sovereignty teacher gives us a break after 45 minutes, and my Music teacher makes us do a quick recap every time we meet. However, their common thread is the fact that they all seem to love their job. All of them are so excited to be teaching here, and that just makes me really excited to learn. (I sound like a dork, I know.)
Well, thats about it for now. I may go to Milan or Vienna this weekend. Either way, I'll make sure to update.
Bacci!
Allie
My friends and I just booked our flights for Spring break, and we are going to Nice! I am so excited, I can't even explain. I love Europe. It is so easy to get around, and everywhere you go is gorgeous and historical. What's not to love?
My classes are also awesome. They are all different, taught by different professors, and yet they all seem very interesting. The professors have different teaching styles: my Italian teacher has us play games constantly, while my Sovereignty teacher gives us a break after 45 minutes, and my Music teacher makes us do a quick recap every time we meet. However, their common thread is the fact that they all seem to love their job. All of them are so excited to be teaching here, and that just makes me really excited to learn. (I sound like a dork, I know.)
Well, thats about it for now. I may go to Milan or Vienna this weekend. Either way, I'll make sure to update.
Bacci!
Allie
Monday, March 1, 2010
Mini- Update
Today was the first day of classes, and though I would immensely enjoy writing a nice long entry about each of my classes, I chose to go to a "cultural showing" of the italian movie, Gattopardo or the Leopard. It may possibly have been one of the worst choices I have ever made as it lasted over 3 hours and about a 3rd of that was a ballroom scene. There wasn't even a real story line.... But, sadly, it means that I have some reading to do before bed, and don't have time to write a long entry. So I will do my best to write a nice juicy one tomorrow.
Ciao!
Allie
Ciao!
Allie
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