Wed Apr 23, 2008
What We Have Learned...
It is needless to say that over the three month period, we have learned a thing or two. But just so we don't forget it, I summed up some of the highlights.
What we have learned:
-The pleasures of real towels, a bathtub, and having enough room in the shower to shave.
-To pack lightly because what you bring you will have to carry, drag or weigh
-That discount airlines are cheap for good reasons
-That some of the best things you can’t plan or find in Rick Steve’s
-That the hotel, La Rupe and the porchetta stand make a killing from us because we are too lazy to walk anywhere else
-The joy of cold aqua del rubinetto (free and not frizzy)
-To amuse ourselves with reminiscing over old game shows, i.e. the slobsticle course
-To watch our purses and passports as if even the nicest old lady falling over on the bus is plotting to rob us
-To live without a trusty dryer, English cable, a good cell phone, or a high powered blow-dryer
-That playing the ‘question game’ can drive some of us crazy
-That there is no place better or cheaper to eat than the Chinese restaurant
-To brush things off, talk things out and to use ‘I/you’ statements
-More about each other in three months than some friends learn in years
-To adapt to different customs here like late meals, less personal space, lots of carbs, paying for bathrooms, and “Italian time”
-To make it 4 weeks without a washing machine
-To plan trips on our own including planes, buses, metros, and a lot of wandering
-That being abroad is not for everyone but something that everyone should try
-That we learn just as much through our experiences as we do in the palace
-That there are some people here that we will never forger- Jessica for answering all of our questions, Marco and Mary Lou for being those grandparents you love to listen to, Roberta for planning all of the behind the scenes work, Maurizio for his amazing networking skills, Rosella for making us thinking harder about philosophy than most of us can handle, Francesco for his funny comments and random appearances, Susanna for always being adorable and saying “God bless your heart” when we sneeze, Cinzia for being willing to do anything to help us out, and Dr. B for always being ready to laugh out loud until she is red in the face (i.e. MultiAss)
-The importance of hand sanitizer, Febreeze, and Charmin to-go
-That no matter where we are, we can bet on hearing Riahnna’s ‘Please Don’t Stop the Music’
-To share clothes, stories, and food with each other
-That America may not be so bad after all but then it might not be so bad either
-To overcome language barriers with a smile, sign language and the phrases ‘per favore’, ‘posso’, and ‘mi dispiace’
-How to say, “The dog is eating the meat” and “Giovanni and I are going to Rome today”
-That there is no Italian equivalent to a bag of good-ole Goldfish
-How much we love and miss Mexican food, Chik-fil-A, Waffle House, and unlimited ketchup and coke
-That being abroad and updating your profile constantly is a quick way to piss off your friends at home
-That we can both love and hate Skye simultaneously
-How to use a Europacard, navigate Termini, and use an Italian video-producing software
And most importantly…
-That this has been three months that we will never forget!
Ciao, safe travels, and good luck in life!
Mon Apr 21, 2008
All Good Things Come To An End!
Today starts the beginning of our last week in Italy. The time has absolutely flown by! Even though we are all excited about heading home to see our friends and family, we are all sad about leaving our new home in Ariccia, Italy. Most spent our last weekend together soaking up all the sights of Rome and enjoying each other’s company. The city has changed so much since February. It is hard not to notice that tourist season has started. The Spanish Steps are beautifully decorated with flowers and tons of tourists fill the streets.
Me, Rachel H., Alisa A., and Kendal B. at the crowded Spanish Steps this weekend
As we start cleaning out our closets and packing our luggage, we are all reminded of the experiences we have had during our stay here. I will never forget the first day we arrived in Italy. We were all extremely tired, but so excited about seeing our new home. I will always remember the first day we went to Rome as a class. The steps were the first sight we saw and I will not forget how I stood there in awe. In the beginning it was hard to adjust to the cramped rooms and culture shock, but now I am going to miss it more than ever.
Our experiences in Ariccia, Rome, Italy, and all over Europe have all shaped us in different ways. Our teachers continue to tell us that we have all changed, and even though we don’t see the changes, our friends and family will. It will be interesting to see just how much we have changed and how these experiences will impact the rest of our lives.
Thu Apr 17, 2008
What an Experience
I believe that everyone does something in his life that changes him forever. We can all honestly say that not too many people get the opportunity to live and study in Italy as we do. Even when we are not in a classroom, we are constantly learning in our everyday experiences. Just last week, we were in Milan learning about fashion and design, which is something I never thought I would do in my life. I met some of the most influential people I have ever met, and I learned a lot about the professional world from our Milan professors.
Just this weekend, I traveled to Velden, Austria to visit the property that West Paces Hotel Group has there. I have never been so blown away by a single hotel/conference center property. I currently work with the West Paces Hotel Group in Auburn. I cook at the restaurant Ariccia, and have gained an interest in the company. Without this experience, my eyes never would have been opened to what is out there. Experience is the greatest way to gain knowledge.
So many people go through life, and are not able to have life changing experiences like this one. We all study in Auburn specifically for what we want to do with our careers. It is very special, however, to gain experience like this. Our eyes are now open to the world and different cultures. I think this is very important to better ourselves in an ever-globalizing world. We are extremely lucky to go through this experience, and with the final days nearing an end, I am realizing how much this trip will affect me in a positive way for the rest of my life.
Check out these handsome men!!! (me and John)
Mon Apr 14, 2008
The Gift of True Knowledge
This past weekend in Greece a few of us girls encountered a man who was sitting on a chair, smoking his cigarette and enjoying the beautiful weather. He immediately knew we were Americans and wanted to chat with us. One thing he said truly stuck with me: “Any one can obtain an education, but it requires world travel to obtain knowledge.” If one quote could sum up my entire trip thus far, it would be that one. During these past few months I have been given a gift that most people could only dream about and, therefore, have been given the gift of true knowledge.
My newly acquired knowledge has been a gift that continues to grow each day. This past week, we spent four days in Milan exploring architecture, design, and fashion. As a fashion design and merchandising major, there is nowhere better to be to learn about fashion than Milan. Italian design has long been known as one of the most innovative and a traveler need not look past the people on the streets to know this. Although I did learn about fashion while in Milan, I also learned about world culture. Here I was exposed to new artists such as Giacoma Balla and introduced to a master of Italian design, Achille Castiglione.
While in college, so many of us focus strictly on our area of study, and we forget to look at the big picture. This trip has been a constant reminder for me to look for inspiration everywhere, whether it be on the streets, in an art gallery, or even in the packaging of a lamp. The world is such a large place that if we only focus on one specific part of it, like fashion, we will miss out on so much more. My time at Auburn University has given me a wonderful education in which to enter the fashion industry. However, it has been my time abroad that has truly given me the knowledge to set myself apart.
Austin and I preparing for our walk down the runway on the set of "Modeland."
Something for Everyone!
We just got back from a whirlwind tour of Venice, Milan and the Cinque Terre. I could spend paragraphs writing about the beauty of this country, but I am not eloquent enough to do it justice. If there is one thing I have noticed that I did not expect, it would be the diversity of cities and scenery in Italy. Every place we have visited has its own personality, citizens, and ambiance. Going to three places on the heels of each other helped me to observe these differences.
Venice was our first stop on our Grand Tour. I absolutely love it; it is my new favorite city in the whole world (and that's not an exaggeration)! It has an old-world feel to it that is fresh and unexpectedly relaxing. The elaborate buildings and slow-moving gondolas are reminiscent of Venice's glory days, when it was the height of elegance, wealth, and luxury. You could get lost in the maze of streets and canals and not even care if you ever find your way!
Amy L and me on a bridge in Venice!
Milan was a total surprise to most of us. I heard someone say that it reminds them of New York but with less traffic! It is very cosmopolitan, but somehow it manages to keep that Italian charm. At times I even forgot I was in Italy, at least until I tried having a conversation with anyone! We visited art exhibits, skyscrapers, and design studios, and we learned many interesting things about architecture, fashion, and interior design.
Milan has a strange tradition that requires every visitor to the Galleria to stand on the private areas of Torino's bull mascot and spin around three times! Cinzia was very graceful!
Traveling from Venice to Milan was an adjustment, but it was nothing compared to the contrast between Milan's big city atmosphere and Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre literally translates to "five lands." It is a National Park based around five coastal and mountain towns. There are trails linking each town, complete with breathtaking views at every turn. We spent the whole weekend hiking and enjoying the sunny weather. It was a nice change from the hustle and bustle of Milan.
Kendal, Erika, Jenny, Katie, and me standing on a rocky outcrop right before a huge wave soaked everyone (of course I got the brunt of it)!
I knew I was going to love Italy years before I came. I expected it to be beautiful, fun, and interesting. What I wasn't prepared for was the variety of experiences to be had here. There is truly something for everyone in Italy!
Wed Apr 02, 2008
Spring Break in Greece
It was one of the most interesting weeks of my life. I took a train into Florence on the 21st to meet up with my friend Melody and her friends studying abroad there. We left on the 22nd with Euroadventures and dove into a ton of traveling. Euroadventures was started by a guy who studied abroad in Europe a couple of years ago. He found it pretty challenging to go on weekend trips not knowing much about transportation and good deals, so he started up this company that helps students who are studying abroad find good deals around Europe. So we loaded on to 3 charter buses with 200 students studying all over Europe and made our way to Ancora. From Ancora we took an overnight cruise to Greece. Once there, we took a ferry then an hour and a half bus ride and finally made it our destination, the island of Corfu. It was a beautiful island where we spent 3 days relaxing on the beach and enjoying ourselves in the famous hostel, The Pink Palace. On the third night we loaded on to charter buses again for an overnight bus ride to Athens. Athens looked like any other city, but just being somewhere with so much significance and history was really incredible. We went up to the Acropolis and spent the day walking around Athens in awesome 65 degree weather. That night we went to an all you can eat and drink authentic Greek meal for 20 euro and it was probably the best meal I have ever had. The meal was never ending with lamb, pork, greek salads, cheese, bread, musaka, red wine, white wine and a very interesting dessert. Athens was probably my favorite city since being abroad. This was the best spring break ever, and I would highly recommend seeing the Islands of Greece, as well as Athens.
The crew I hung out with during spring break (in front of the Acropolis, obviously under a little construction).
Ti amo, Italia
Before porchetta, before wine and cheese, before cappuccino, and before "Ciao", we were all strangers. By strangers, I don't necessarily mean that we knew nothing about each other...we just had a lot to learn. Today is our two month anniversary in Italy and what a phenomenal two months it has been! We have all grown together through the things we have experienced, and the concept of "strangers" no longer means anything to us. The weather is warming, revealing new life all around us. The park we pass on the way to class everyday, once empty, is now constantly filled with playing children. People are out everywhere, and we wonder why they are still wearing heavy jackets and scarves in the new warmth.
Spring break was a nice week for everyone. It was a chance for us to go to those places we'd been dreaming of visiting. I spent my time with my mother in Tuscany, and the wonderful relaxation made me a new person upon returning to little Ariccia. As always, though, I was glad to see the Hotel Villa Aricia sign after a week of absence. Some people went to Spain, others to Paris, London, etc. Everyone came back with new stories of crazy happenings and newly-made memories. Now we are preparing for our longest leave from Ariccia, an eleven-day trip to northern Italy. Although we have no idea how to pack for this long excursion, it's exciting to know that we will see the busy streets of fashionable Milan, as well as some picturesque scenery in Venice and the five small hill towns that make up the Cinque Terre. It's hard to believe that when we return there will only be thirteen days left in Italia!Pictured below is just one of the many delicious dinners we learned to prepare in Tuscany. Every night there were cooking lessons and wine.
Yesterday, our group ventured to Perugia and Deruta, both in the region of Umbria. Deruta is famous for its handmade ceramics, 75% of which are imported to the United States where they are sold in Williams-Sonoma, Neiman Marcus, and many other fine establishments. This nice fellow demonstrated how the vases are made in a matter of a few minutes completely by hand. Extraordinary! 
Mon Mar 31, 2008
Easter and Spring Break
The Italian “Buona Pasqua” Easter events were quit memorable despite the very cold and rainy weather. I was glad to avoid the rain in Rome, and the crowds of people in the Vatican and stay in Ariccia to attend an Easter Mass at the domed circular church of the Assunta, by Bernini, across the street from the Palazzo Chigi were we go to class. The service was beautiful, and the few things I could understand from the priest’s message were truly inspiring. Then Monday afternoon it was off to the airport to travel for a sunny and warm spring break in Malaga Spain with my boyfriend and travel buddy, Alex Mitchell.
In Malaga I stayed in the most amazing hostel, The Melting Pot Backpackers Hostel, and was treated like family for my entire stay. Malaga is an exciting and beautiful city rich in culture and history. During our visit we went to the Alcazaba and the Roman theatre, the Gibralfaro Castle, and the Museo Picasso Malaga which is home of over one hundred of Picasso’s most famous works (Malaga is also the birthplace of the great artist). We also enjoyed the abundance of incredible Topas bars that Spain is famous for.
From Malaga, we took a sight seeing adventure through the coastal towns of southern Spain and Andalucía until we arrived in Tarifa, where we jumped on a fast ferry to Tanger, Morocco. This is where the most excitement begins! Visiting Morocco has been the biggest adventure of my life, and something I will always remember. From Tanger, we took the Marrakech Express and arrived in the “Red City” near the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Marrakech has a beautiful old city “the medina” that contains the city square “Djemaa el Fna” where the famous souks are located.
It was incredible to see so much and to feel so far from home. Morocco is wild and eye opening. It is filled with many things to ponder on and to learn about. Being a Human Development and Family Studies major, I couldn’t help but to see the differences in the role of the family and in the roles of men and women in this culture. I felt an appreciation for the beauty of the Arab world, and curiosity for the things I cannot understand as a westerner.
Here is a picture of a man whom I bought Moroccan slippers from in the souk market. He is a Moroccan Berber and his family is from the mountains. I learned here that part of the experience of agreeing on a price for the shoes is to sip on a complimentary cup of mint tea. What a great way to make a purchase, huh?
Wed Mar 19, 2008
Oh! Were half way there :(... Oh Livin on a Prayer!
This past weekend was our halfway point here in Italy. It is amazing how fast the time has flown, but at the same time I believe we have accomplished so much since we first arrived in Ariccia. We have all become world travelers, and we still have over a month left to travel!
This past weekend many of us traveled to Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day. It was a short trip, but well worth the effort. Saturday was spent exploring Dublin. Although it rained all day, we made the most of the time and the weather we were given. We went to the Guinness Factory and learned about how they make their beer…we felt like we HAD to taste some (it was delicious!). Since it was St. Patrick’s Day, bands were playing all over Dublin. It was fun to sit, drink a Guinness, and listen to the Irish band play. Later in the evening, we joined others at an Irish pub and celebrated being in Ireland by drinking black and tan’s. It was definitely a fun night!
Lauren, Amy and I are touring the Guinness Factory.
This week many of our families are here visiting. It is exciting to meet everyone’s families, boyfriends and girlfriends. Yesterday we visited Frascati to see the beautiful villas. We were able to go inside the Villa Aldobrandini with Prof. Francesco Petrucci. Today we visited the “Bernini” primary school in Ariccia. All of the children were so excited to see and meet us. Some classes even prepared poems to read for us in Italian and English. I enjoyed visiting an Italian elementary school and singing songs with all the adorable children.
My boyfriend Philip and me in front of the Villa Aldobrandini.
Mon Mar 17, 2008
Wait, I thought they spoke English in Ireland...
Being abroad for a month, I have become accustomed to listening to languages I can’t understand. Whether on the metro or sitting at a restaurant, I have gotten used to draining out conversations around me because I have no clue what is being said. I have been around Italian, Hungarian, and Spanish speaking people for the last month and I have been ecstatic about my trip to Ireland this past weekend. While I had been looking forward to the St. Patty’s Day celebrations, fish & chips, and well, BEAUTIFUL Ireland, I was mostly anxious to hear English!
When I arrived, I continued to answer questions with “si” and say “grazie” rather then “thank you.” When it finally hit me that I can speak English, I found myself talking to the Irish very slowly, as if they couldn’t understand me. But then I realized that I needed them to talk slowly to me because they talk so fast! It was so odd to finally be hearing my own language and still be in complete confusion as to what they are saying!
Jenny, Lauren, and I with our free pints at the Guinness Factory
Dublin at sunset
While Ireland was amazing, it feels so great to get on a plane back home…when home is Italy! I can’t help but smile when I can say “grazie” when going through customs, it truly feels like home. Mi amo Italia!