Just thought I would let you all know I won't be updating until next Sunday when I return from Spring Break..you know so no one worries about where their weekly reading has gone. Tomorrow I am headed to Bologna for the night where we will take a flight from Saturday morning to Granada, Spain! We're spending two days there, then going to Sevilla, and ending our trip in Barcelona! There is a group of 8 of us going. Should be quite an adventure! Let's just hope we all make it back in one piece and I think we could call it a success. I hope everyone has a wonderful week and I will update (probably way longer than anyone will care to read!) upon my safe return back to the Villa!
Ciao amici!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Dog Days
The week was pretty typical. Nothing too earth-shattering to update anyone on there. To be honest, I spent a lot of it laying in bed. Kind of a rainy week, everyone was pretty lazy. Thursday night those who were left at the Villa (some had left already for weekend trips) had a jam session in the basement. People were playing the piano, guitar, and singing. I attempted to keep my sub-par singing voice at a lower level, but it was just too fun.
Friday morning a group of six of us took off to Perugia and Assisi. We pretty much conquered TrenItalia and had no problems. For once. We arrived in Perugia around one took the Mini Metro into the city center. This Mini Metro is quite the concept. Take a subway and just picture one of the cars. That's it. It was the oddest looking little thing. We were in some sort of future world it seemed. Once we got into the center we walked around the trying to get our bearings. It's possible we went into a church or two. Yes now I do remember--we saw the Madonna's (Virgin Mary) wedding ring! Eventually we decided we should check into our hostel. Walked around forever trying to locate it, only to find out that it was approximately half a block from where we started the hunt. After arriving and being condemned for not bringing our passports with us and for having one guy stay in our room with us, we entered our room..or more so mansion. There was a loft! It was spectacular. Cue bunk beds and campfire talk. After dropping our things off we went back out into the city and wandered a bit more, eventually finding a nice place for apertivo. Upon finishing that, we walked about ten steps and found a place for dinner. Which is where we met Mario. I will draw you a mental image. Older Italian man, probably in his 60s. White beard, very jolly. Wearing a pepto bismol pink shirt. I believe this was his restaurant. We ate some delicious pizza, and after finishing that he basically ordered us to have dessert. "It is mandatory! Not optional!" So we obliged. Me and two of the other girls opted to share some biscotti that you dip in brandy. I was unaware that each bite would basically knock my socks right off. A little strong for me. But I finished it for Mario. After about a three hour dinner we headed back to the hostel. This is where I need to draw you another picture. Ben, our dear friend who joined us on this trip, is the proud owner of what is called a Blue Kazoo. A sleep sack. Sleeping bag. Cocoon. And an inflatable pillow that one wears around their neck. This served as a laughing point for a good half hour.
The next morning we rolled out of bed, somewhat unwillingly, got some pastries, and took the train to Assisi. Not that I should expect anything less in Italy, but we arrived at the station, and looked up. And up. Of course, Assisi would be on top of a hill. That is the only place Italians like cities. I will admit, this does provide for some great views. We took a bus to the top, we weren't crazy enough to walk. But don't think we lucked out too quickly. There were stairs. And more stairs. A few more, and when the stairs were done, there were just some nice inclines, sans the stairs. But unlike in Siena, where it was uphill both ways, this time, you got to go downhill after going uphill. Oh the joy. So Assisi is the birthplace of St. Francis, for all my Catholic readers. We got to see the church where he and St. Claire were baptized and his tomb. Both were very fascinating. A good majority of the day, we sat around at various places, it seems that we tend to do this a lot. We assigned everyone Hogwarts houses and dogs. Productive use of our time. Somehow I ended up in Slytherin. Whatever that means. I'm boycotting that decision. And I'm also a chocolate lab. Those two can't go together, so they are wrong. It provided for some great entertainment. Everything in Assisi was just fantastic. The views were some of the best I've seen, and the weather was perfect.
Saturday night I stayed up in attempts to watch the Sartell Sabre Dance Team at state. Of course, the streaming wouldn't work until the dance RIGHT after Sartell, but I was able to watch them be announced as STATE CHAMPIONS!! What a fantastic moment for the team--so deserving. I can't believe I missed being there in person, but I'll just hope for some repeat action next year!!
Today Camellia and I went into Florence (it was raining, of course, because it rains every Sunday here) and we finally went to the Uffizi. I actually went on Thursday with class, but after being here a month and a half, we considered this quite an accomplishment to venture there on our own. After that I did a little shopping, got some new scarves from the market and a pair of heels to wear to the opera on Tuesday. Italian opera. This should be interesting.
My next post will be about spring break! Spain!! Brace yourselves for a long one!
Friday morning a group of six of us took off to Perugia and Assisi. We pretty much conquered TrenItalia and had no problems. For once. We arrived in Perugia around one took the Mini Metro into the city center. This Mini Metro is quite the concept. Take a subway and just picture one of the cars. That's it. It was the oddest looking little thing. We were in some sort of future world it seemed. Once we got into the center we walked around the trying to get our bearings. It's possible we went into a church or two. Yes now I do remember--we saw the Madonna's (Virgin Mary) wedding ring! Eventually we decided we should check into our hostel. Walked around forever trying to locate it, only to find out that it was approximately half a block from where we started the hunt. After arriving and being condemned for not bringing our passports with us and for having one guy stay in our room with us, we entered our room..or more so mansion. There was a loft! It was spectacular. Cue bunk beds and campfire talk. After dropping our things off we went back out into the city and wandered a bit more, eventually finding a nice place for apertivo. Upon finishing that, we walked about ten steps and found a place for dinner. Which is where we met Mario. I will draw you a mental image. Older Italian man, probably in his 60s. White beard, very jolly. Wearing a pepto bismol pink shirt. I believe this was his restaurant. We ate some delicious pizza, and after finishing that he basically ordered us to have dessert. "It is mandatory! Not optional!" So we obliged. Me and two of the other girls opted to share some biscotti that you dip in brandy. I was unaware that each bite would basically knock my socks right off. A little strong for me. But I finished it for Mario. After about a three hour dinner we headed back to the hostel. This is where I need to draw you another picture. Ben, our dear friend who joined us on this trip, is the proud owner of what is called a Blue Kazoo. A sleep sack. Sleeping bag. Cocoon. And an inflatable pillow that one wears around their neck. This served as a laughing point for a good half hour.
The next morning we rolled out of bed, somewhat unwillingly, got some pastries, and took the train to Assisi. Not that I should expect anything less in Italy, but we arrived at the station, and looked up. And up. Of course, Assisi would be on top of a hill. That is the only place Italians like cities. I will admit, this does provide for some great views. We took a bus to the top, we weren't crazy enough to walk. But don't think we lucked out too quickly. There were stairs. And more stairs. A few more, and when the stairs were done, there were just some nice inclines, sans the stairs. But unlike in Siena, where it was uphill both ways, this time, you got to go downhill after going uphill. Oh the joy. So Assisi is the birthplace of St. Francis, for all my Catholic readers. We got to see the church where he and St. Claire were baptized and his tomb. Both were very fascinating. A good majority of the day, we sat around at various places, it seems that we tend to do this a lot. We assigned everyone Hogwarts houses and dogs. Productive use of our time. Somehow I ended up in Slytherin. Whatever that means. I'm boycotting that decision. And I'm also a chocolate lab. Those two can't go together, so they are wrong. It provided for some great entertainment. Everything in Assisi was just fantastic. The views were some of the best I've seen, and the weather was perfect.
Saturday night I stayed up in attempts to watch the Sartell Sabre Dance Team at state. Of course, the streaming wouldn't work until the dance RIGHT after Sartell, but I was able to watch them be announced as STATE CHAMPIONS!! What a fantastic moment for the team--so deserving. I can't believe I missed being there in person, but I'll just hope for some repeat action next year!!
Today Camellia and I went into Florence (it was raining, of course, because it rains every Sunday here) and we finally went to the Uffizi. I actually went on Thursday with class, but after being here a month and a half, we considered this quite an accomplishment to venture there on our own. After that I did a little shopping, got some new scarves from the market and a pair of heels to wear to the opera on Tuesday. Italian opera. This should be interesting.
My next post will be about spring break! Spain!! Brace yourselves for a long one!
It's Perugia!
Rad hostel
Would you like some biscotti with that brandy?
View from the hostel
The mini metro!
Loving the mini metro
Font where St. Francis was baptized
Some fort back in military days I believe
Assisi
Stairs.
Artistically gazing out over Assisi
Shadow puppets
St. Francis
Panoramia!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
When in Rome
Thursday morning our whole program went to Rome for the weekend. I'll give a little recap of what went down during the week though.
Tuesday I went to Mai Dire Vecchio ("Never Say Old," the senior center). I think I fell in love. Through some language barriers I learned that one old fellow (sans teeth) has two sisters, one named Grazella I think and one who he can't remember the name of. Another women told us how she used to own a fresh pasta store, and she had forgotten all about it until just when she told us! It's so fun being there, even though I understand very little of what is going on.
Wednesday night in preparation for Rome all the girls at the Villa watched the Lizzie McGuire movie. Classic. I suggest everyone watches it. Twice. Maybe three times. This is what dreams are made of after all.
So then Thursday, practically before the sun was up we were all on the bus headed to the Eternal City. After two hours on the road we stopped at a rest stop, and I think all of us who went to Prague were a little disgusted that our fellow travelers would need a break after two hours! So then two more hours later we had arrived and got settled in to our hotel and then made our way to Vatican City. Walking is a little bit of a struggle for me sometimes. You would think fifteen years of dance would give me at least a center of balance, but this was certainly not the case. While in the midst of telling a story or something, I proceeded to trip. And then barrel forward in a feeble attempt to catch my balance, practically taking out one of my peers. This act of tripping repeatedly lasted at least ten seconds. In front of everyone. All in all, it was a fantastic start to my day. Fortunately, things did turn around from there. We spent the majority of the afternoon wandering through the Vatican Museum and climbing St. Peter's. The view from the top was amazing, the 551 stairs to the top, not so amazing. But definitely worth it. After watching the sun begin to set, we headed back down and went to the hotel to rest our feet a bit before dinner. We ate dinner in a nice little place outside in Campo del Fiori where I devoured a pizza. Later in the night we went to a few pretty Americanized bars, but they were very fun. Met a big Packers fan and that provided plenty of conversation and entertainment. At the end of the night, one of the girls and I decided we needed to find the Trevi Fountain. If you were unaware, Rome is big. Very big. We didn't find it. By the time we looked at our map we were practically off the map. Finally, we ended up at the Spanish Steps, sat and rest for a few minutes, then taxied back to the hotel.
Friday morning we had an early wake up call, breakfast at 8, and went to have a tour of the Roman Forums. Probably one of the coolest things I had ever seen. A little difficult in the walking department since it was all these stones laid out in paths, I kept imagining I was on lily pads. I was very careful so we wouldn't have repeat action of the epic fall from the day before, which was recreated possibly 50 times throughout the weekend. After the forum we went to the Colosseum, which as one may expect was spectacular. The remainder of the afternoon we spent exploring Rome, going to both the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps and doing some people watching while enjoying some delicious gelato. We took a nice leisurely lunch where wine was the same price as water. These Italians really got some things right (but they sure did get a few things wrong let me tell you..for instance, my package that was sent probably a month ago has yet to arrive. Timeliness really isn't a primary concern for them) After a long day we went to this fantastic place near our hotel for dinner. I think we all went into some state of comatose from the food it was so unbelievable. Post-dinner we took a few bottles of wine to some Roman monuments (Colosseum and Trevi) and enjoyed a wonderful night out in Rome, singing the likes of the Spice Girls and busting out some dance moves.
Saturday morning we went to see one of the strangest, most bizarre things I have ever seen. It was a church decorated (if that is the right term) with the bones of 2000 monks. I was a little disturbed by how much I actually enjoyed it, but it really was one of the coolest things. After we spent about an hour sitting on the Spanish Steps just people watching. I think I could do that for hours. I am learning so much about Italian fashion. Some is outstanding and some I think if it comes to the States I will throw a fit (plastic puffy jackets...never) Finally we went back to the hotel and went with the whole group to Villa Borghese, a villa that was used soley for showing off a personal collection of paintings and statues. I remember at one point seeing a statue and saying "this is ACTUALLY cool." Sometimes we're on art overdrive and it's a little much, but there was some pretty great things there. After awhile we got back on the bus and returned to the villa...where none other than BURGERS AND FRIES were awaiting our arrival. Then I called it an early night because I was mentally and physically worn out.
Today a few of us went into Florence, expecting to go on the 1pm train. Naturally the train never arrived (because why would something actually come when it is scheduled to?) and after about a half hour of waiting in the rain we decided to go take the bus instead. We went for the final day of the chocolate festival. Sorry mom, you would have loved it. I thought about getting some for you but then realized it would be not so good by the time you got here and obviously the postal service here is just not up to par. But I enjoyed a little bit for you so don't worry. Then of course the Italians were protesting about something or another in the street, so we joined in.
So that was pretty much my week! I'll be meeting my conversation partner tomorrow! Her name is Sara, but without the H. So we'll see how that goes. I'm partial to SaraH but I guess since she's Italian and all I'll give her a chance. But once I had a friend in the first grade named Sara and I didn't like her. She was my friend though. I think this will be different.
Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
Tuesday I went to Mai Dire Vecchio ("Never Say Old," the senior center). I think I fell in love. Through some language barriers I learned that one old fellow (sans teeth) has two sisters, one named Grazella I think and one who he can't remember the name of. Another women told us how she used to own a fresh pasta store, and she had forgotten all about it until just when she told us! It's so fun being there, even though I understand very little of what is going on.
Wednesday night in preparation for Rome all the girls at the Villa watched the Lizzie McGuire movie. Classic. I suggest everyone watches it. Twice. Maybe three times. This is what dreams are made of after all.
So then Thursday, practically before the sun was up we were all on the bus headed to the Eternal City. After two hours on the road we stopped at a rest stop, and I think all of us who went to Prague were a little disgusted that our fellow travelers would need a break after two hours! So then two more hours later we had arrived and got settled in to our hotel and then made our way to Vatican City. Walking is a little bit of a struggle for me sometimes. You would think fifteen years of dance would give me at least a center of balance, but this was certainly not the case. While in the midst of telling a story or something, I proceeded to trip. And then barrel forward in a feeble attempt to catch my balance, practically taking out one of my peers. This act of tripping repeatedly lasted at least ten seconds. In front of everyone. All in all, it was a fantastic start to my day. Fortunately, things did turn around from there. We spent the majority of the afternoon wandering through the Vatican Museum and climbing St. Peter's. The view from the top was amazing, the 551 stairs to the top, not so amazing. But definitely worth it. After watching the sun begin to set, we headed back down and went to the hotel to rest our feet a bit before dinner. We ate dinner in a nice little place outside in Campo del Fiori where I devoured a pizza. Later in the night we went to a few pretty Americanized bars, but they were very fun. Met a big Packers fan and that provided plenty of conversation and entertainment. At the end of the night, one of the girls and I decided we needed to find the Trevi Fountain. If you were unaware, Rome is big. Very big. We didn't find it. By the time we looked at our map we were practically off the map. Finally, we ended up at the Spanish Steps, sat and rest for a few minutes, then taxied back to the hotel.
Friday morning we had an early wake up call, breakfast at 8, and went to have a tour of the Roman Forums. Probably one of the coolest things I had ever seen. A little difficult in the walking department since it was all these stones laid out in paths, I kept imagining I was on lily pads. I was very careful so we wouldn't have repeat action of the epic fall from the day before, which was recreated possibly 50 times throughout the weekend. After the forum we went to the Colosseum, which as one may expect was spectacular. The remainder of the afternoon we spent exploring Rome, going to both the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps and doing some people watching while enjoying some delicious gelato. We took a nice leisurely lunch where wine was the same price as water. These Italians really got some things right (but they sure did get a few things wrong let me tell you..for instance, my package that was sent probably a month ago has yet to arrive. Timeliness really isn't a primary concern for them) After a long day we went to this fantastic place near our hotel for dinner. I think we all went into some state of comatose from the food it was so unbelievable. Post-dinner we took a few bottles of wine to some Roman monuments (Colosseum and Trevi) and enjoyed a wonderful night out in Rome, singing the likes of the Spice Girls and busting out some dance moves.
Saturday morning we went to see one of the strangest, most bizarre things I have ever seen. It was a church decorated (if that is the right term) with the bones of 2000 monks. I was a little disturbed by how much I actually enjoyed it, but it really was one of the coolest things. After we spent about an hour sitting on the Spanish Steps just people watching. I think I could do that for hours. I am learning so much about Italian fashion. Some is outstanding and some I think if it comes to the States I will throw a fit (plastic puffy jackets...never) Finally we went back to the hotel and went with the whole group to Villa Borghese, a villa that was used soley for showing off a personal collection of paintings and statues. I remember at one point seeing a statue and saying "this is ACTUALLY cool." Sometimes we're on art overdrive and it's a little much, but there was some pretty great things there. After awhile we got back on the bus and returned to the villa...where none other than BURGERS AND FRIES were awaiting our arrival. Then I called it an early night because I was mentally and physically worn out.
Today a few of us went into Florence, expecting to go on the 1pm train. Naturally the train never arrived (because why would something actually come when it is scheduled to?) and after about a half hour of waiting in the rain we decided to go take the bus instead. We went for the final day of the chocolate festival. Sorry mom, you would have loved it. I thought about getting some for you but then realized it would be not so good by the time you got here and obviously the postal service here is just not up to par. But I enjoyed a little bit for you so don't worry. Then of course the Italians were protesting about something or another in the street, so we joined in.
So that was pretty much my week! I'll be meeting my conversation partner tomorrow! Her name is Sara, but without the H. So we'll see how that goes. I'm partial to SaraH but I guess since she's Italian and all I'll give her a chance. But once I had a friend in the first grade named Sara and I didn't like her. She was my friend though. I think this will be different.
Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
Roma!
Walking into Vatican City..St. Peters
Illegally taking pictures of the Sistine Chapel
BEST gelato. I say that everywhere..but for real this time.
Rome from the top of St. Peters
So. Delicious.
Roman Forum
Vestal Virgin House
Colosseum
Trevi Fountain
View from the Spanish Steps
Friends on the steps
Canolli at the chocolate festival!
Italian protest
Monday, February 7, 2011
Czech me out
As of today, February 7th, I have been at my program for one month! I cannot believe how fast time is going. I wish I was able to update more frequently, but I just never seem to find the time. This past weekend I went to Prague (or as the Czechs say, Praha). English speakers! I mean, most of them are fairly fluent anyway. I still said gratzie and ciao to everyone though. In the habit it seems.
Six other friends from the Villa and I began our adventure Thursday night. We were going through a program called Florence for Fun and met them at the train station in Florence and hopped on the bus for a brief bus ride through a few countries up to Prague. By brief I mean it was 12 hours. Unfortunately I could not get comfortable and was unable to sleep really, but this turned out to be okay since this past weekend I learned the amazing powers of a good cup of joe. And I drank it black each time. I am just growing up so fast. Tear.
We arrived at a FOUR STAR HOTEL around 8am Friday. Not that I have really been roughing it, I mean I live in a beautiful villa and have only stayed at a couple hostels, but it really was quite a treat. A full size shower! I could actually lather shampoo in my hair before it rinsed out because I can't get away from the spraying water. And hot breakfast! I had practically died and gone to heaven and I hadn't even seen the city yet. So after freshening up a bit we went on a walking tour with a fantastic tour guide from Prague. The weather really wasn't too bad, but for some reason we were all pretty certain we were going to lose our toes because they were so cold. After walking around the city for a couple hours with the tour guide we were left on our own to explore. We decided to go to the communism museum which was very fascinating, but really quite sad to realize how such a short time ago things were for this country. For dinner the whole group went to this nice traditional Czech restaurant. Naturally, since I love to try new foods and am very adventurous in any situation..."hamburger please." But it was made in Prague! I also indulged in my first Czech beer. The Czechs are very proud of their beer--Pilsner--and claim to brew the best in the world. And in their defense, it was pretty delicious. After dinner we were pretty wiped, so we headed back to the hotel.
Saturday morning walked to the Charles Bridge, the John Lennon Wall, and the castle. The weather was perfect and we had such a great day. One of my favorite activities was spot the Italian. Now we weren't the only foreigners! You can spot them immediately by their outerwear--these fashion gurus are all either wearing giant fur coats or giant shiny puffy jackets. These may or may not include fur. We met a few girls on the trip and they introduced us to a tradition they have had since they arrived in Italy last September. Every major site they see, they form a human pyramid in front of it and take a picture. We joined in and got some stellar pictures all over the city. One of the best was probably at the club we went to that night in the middle of the dance floor. The girl who was the top of the pyramid though may or may not have given the fellow clubbers behind her a bit of an extra show, so we hightailed it out of that room immediately post-picture. Pre-club we went to the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner. In the essence of saving money and my waistline, I opted for an appetizer. After receiving my bill and doing a little conversion number, I realized my dinner and drink was a whopping $28. So if a Hard Rock Cafe employee happens to come across my blog and reads this far, I have a bone to pick with you. But overall, the day was one of my favorites thus far in my semester.
After a bit of a late night, we went back to the hotel to try and get some sleep before what was to be a long day and night ahead. The next morning we got up and ready, had breakfast then got on the bus for the return trip back to our home away from home in Florence. Most of us were pretty set on spending the majority of the bus ride back working on homework, but then they turned the first movie on and it was Ferris Bueller's Day Off! Laptop went riiiight back into my bag and I situated myself for a nice session of probably 4 movies. Eventually I did get everything I needed done (no worries parents) but I enjoyed a little procrastination. Nothing like the adrenaline rush of not knowing if you'll finish an assignment in time! 11:59 due at midnight? Don't mind if I do!
Finally we arrived back in Florence around 12:20 and me and a few others I was with gathered our belongings as quick as possible then sprinted full speed ahead to a taxi, got in and used my best Italian--"Red Garter, rapidamente! rapidamente!" I don't actually know if rapidamente is an Italian word, but it definitely got the point across. And by kickoff we made it to the bar to watch our beloved Packers play in the Superbowl! By 4:30am we were headed back to the Villa, hearts racing, smiles plastered across our faces, and a constant GO PACK GO running through my mind. What a perfect ending to a perfect weekend.
Six other friends from the Villa and I began our adventure Thursday night. We were going through a program called Florence for Fun and met them at the train station in Florence and hopped on the bus for a brief bus ride through a few countries up to Prague. By brief I mean it was 12 hours. Unfortunately I could not get comfortable and was unable to sleep really, but this turned out to be okay since this past weekend I learned the amazing powers of a good cup of joe. And I drank it black each time. I am just growing up so fast. Tear.
We arrived at a FOUR STAR HOTEL around 8am Friday. Not that I have really been roughing it, I mean I live in a beautiful villa and have only stayed at a couple hostels, but it really was quite a treat. A full size shower! I could actually lather shampoo in my hair before it rinsed out because I can't get away from the spraying water. And hot breakfast! I had practically died and gone to heaven and I hadn't even seen the city yet. So after freshening up a bit we went on a walking tour with a fantastic tour guide from Prague. The weather really wasn't too bad, but for some reason we were all pretty certain we were going to lose our toes because they were so cold. After walking around the city for a couple hours with the tour guide we were left on our own to explore. We decided to go to the communism museum which was very fascinating, but really quite sad to realize how such a short time ago things were for this country. For dinner the whole group went to this nice traditional Czech restaurant. Naturally, since I love to try new foods and am very adventurous in any situation..."hamburger please." But it was made in Prague! I also indulged in my first Czech beer. The Czechs are very proud of their beer--Pilsner--and claim to brew the best in the world. And in their defense, it was pretty delicious. After dinner we were pretty wiped, so we headed back to the hotel.
Saturday morning walked to the Charles Bridge, the John Lennon Wall, and the castle. The weather was perfect and we had such a great day. One of my favorite activities was spot the Italian. Now we weren't the only foreigners! You can spot them immediately by their outerwear--these fashion gurus are all either wearing giant fur coats or giant shiny puffy jackets. These may or may not include fur. We met a few girls on the trip and they introduced us to a tradition they have had since they arrived in Italy last September. Every major site they see, they form a human pyramid in front of it and take a picture. We joined in and got some stellar pictures all over the city. One of the best was probably at the club we went to that night in the middle of the dance floor. The girl who was the top of the pyramid though may or may not have given the fellow clubbers behind her a bit of an extra show, so we hightailed it out of that room immediately post-picture. Pre-club we went to the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner. In the essence of saving money and my waistline, I opted for an appetizer. After receiving my bill and doing a little conversion number, I realized my dinner and drink was a whopping $28. So if a Hard Rock Cafe employee happens to come across my blog and reads this far, I have a bone to pick with you. But overall, the day was one of my favorites thus far in my semester.
After a bit of a late night, we went back to the hotel to try and get some sleep before what was to be a long day and night ahead. The next morning we got up and ready, had breakfast then got on the bus for the return trip back to our home away from home in Florence. Most of us were pretty set on spending the majority of the bus ride back working on homework, but then they turned the first movie on and it was Ferris Bueller's Day Off! Laptop went riiiight back into my bag and I situated myself for a nice session of probably 4 movies. Eventually I did get everything I needed done (no worries parents) but I enjoyed a little procrastination. Nothing like the adrenaline rush of not knowing if you'll finish an assignment in time! 11:59 due at midnight? Don't mind if I do!
Finally we arrived back in Florence around 12:20 and me and a few others I was with gathered our belongings as quick as possible then sprinted full speed ahead to a taxi, got in and used my best Italian--"Red Garter, rapidamente! rapidamente!" I don't actually know if rapidamente is an Italian word, but it definitely got the point across. And by kickoff we made it to the bar to watch our beloved Packers play in the Superbowl! By 4:30am we were headed back to the Villa, hearts racing, smiles plastered across our faces, and a constant GO PACK GO running through my mind. What a perfect ending to a perfect weekend.
Girls getting ready for the long busride there
1000 bill! Unfortunately, it didn't go too far
The Powder Tower...I think...
Astronomical Clock. Apparently this tells time in like 37 different ways or something ridiculous like that.
Karl Marx Statue
First beer in Prague!
Villa friends at dinner
View of the castle from the bridge
Pyramiding!
John Lennon Wall
Camellia was falling..
Ha...ha
Cathedral in the castle
View of Prague from the castle
Nightclub in Prague. Gorgeous exterior.
Villa girls and our new friends
Bucky has been to the club too!
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