More to come at a later time. Now I must finish packing. Good bye.
25.4.08
24.4.08
I'm sorry for the down-er pervious blog. Please excuse it.
Now an update. As of today, I only have 2 full days left in Perugia, today- Thursday and tomorrow- Friday. Saturday morning at 1am I will be on a bus to Rome where Tina and I will start our two week travels through Western Europe. I will be home shortly after.
I don't know if I'll blog much anymore. Perhaps if I find internet connection and I have a good story to write about. I'll definitely put up some pictures. Maybe some late stories or ending blogs I was working on. But probably not until I come home.
I'm totally going to miss Perugia. But there are things from home that I miss too. So basically, I'm coming back to Europe someday. And when I do, perhaps I can show YOU around. :)
22.4.08
a thunder storm
Today's weather reflected my mood: roller coaster.
This morning it was sunny with a high of 75, and later on in the day sprinkles came. Now it is thunder-storming, rumbling, and pouring rain buckets.
What can you do when your thoughts are so loud that you cannot even hear your iPod?
The good news is that I ran for a good long 35 minutes today and a good long 45 minutes yesterday.
The other good news is that I just ate at my favorite Pizzeria: Quattro Passi. Our favorite pizza guy Gennario, made me and my two friends heart shaped pizzas. Then he gave us kisses goodbye when he learned that we were leaving.
I watched part of Notting Hill today when I was supposed to be studying.
Still workin on travel plans, I'll be home mid-may.
I cannot explain my current state in a blog, so I will not attempt.
21.4.08
Times
The beloved Nutella Cake.
Hoopla is a wonderful new game i learned. I need to find it at home.
The Steps.
20.4.08
Oh travel
Ciao! It's been awhile since I've updated on what my plans are actually going to be for the remainder of my trip here.
Well, this is my last week in Perugia. I'll be very sad to leave this town and people here. This weekend has been a pretty relaxing one so far, my hard finals have passed, and I only have two more tests to take later in the week. Yesterday was a good day. Metra and I woke up early to spend a few hours in Florence. We had a good solid 4 hours in the Firenze sunshine. The sun has finally decided to grace us with it's presence here, in Italy. As a result I need to underline one thing: Italy is gorgeous! During our 2 hour train ride, I fell in love with Italy all over again. Everything is turning so green, flowers are blooming, the sky is blue, and the sun is warm. I'm so excited to be here. We were gone most of the day, and got home around 6:45pm.
Metra and I took the Mini Metro back to our apartment, and little did she know what was waiting her there. Next Saturday, the day in which most people in our program heads home, is Metra's birthday. The two roommates and I knew that we wanted to do something for her, as a surprise, sooner rather than later. So yesterday was the day. When we got home, Metra was surprised with a lasagna dinner and Nutella cake. It was such a fun time. We had a few other girls over also; we played hoopla, sat out on the Steps (more on the Steps later) and ended the night with a movie. I'm happy to say that Metra enjoyed it. I also have a few pictures to share from the evening, but I'll have to upload them a bit later.
Finally, I'd like to announce that if I ever said that traveling in Europe was easy... I lied. I'm sorry, I am realizing that it isn't so easy, and rather expensive too. The poor quality of the dollar doesn't help situation. I'm saying this because my flight home is for 2 weeks and a few days after the program here ends and my roommate Tina and I are planning on doing some slow travel. (More on slow travel later.) We have planned out a bit of our 2 weeks and it is a lot more complicated than I thought. I suppose it's just easier and cheaper when you can be based in one place (like school).
However, I am confident that I can plan this trip with all the experience I've gained this semester and I know that the rewards will be great. I'll leave it at that.
Oh and also, I opened up a much needed page in the Good Book, and it really helped me. This is what I found:
5Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;
Romans 8
Focus on God and the rest will fall into place.
I hope all is well back home.
Well, this is my last week in Perugia. I'll be very sad to leave this town and people here. This weekend has been a pretty relaxing one so far, my hard finals have passed, and I only have two more tests to take later in the week. Yesterday was a good day. Metra and I woke up early to spend a few hours in Florence. We had a good solid 4 hours in the Firenze sunshine. The sun has finally decided to grace us with it's presence here, in Italy. As a result I need to underline one thing: Italy is gorgeous! During our 2 hour train ride, I fell in love with Italy all over again. Everything is turning so green, flowers are blooming, the sky is blue, and the sun is warm. I'm so excited to be here. We were gone most of the day, and got home around 6:45pm.
Metra and I took the Mini Metro back to our apartment, and little did she know what was waiting her there. Next Saturday, the day in which most people in our program heads home, is Metra's birthday. The two roommates and I knew that we wanted to do something for her, as a surprise, sooner rather than later. So yesterday was the day. When we got home, Metra was surprised with a lasagna dinner and Nutella cake. It was such a fun time. We had a few other girls over also; we played hoopla, sat out on the Steps (more on the Steps later) and ended the night with a movie. I'm happy to say that Metra enjoyed it. I also have a few pictures to share from the evening, but I'll have to upload them a bit later.
Finally, I'd like to announce that if I ever said that traveling in Europe was easy... I lied. I'm sorry, I am realizing that it isn't so easy, and rather expensive too. The poor quality of the dollar doesn't help situation. I'm saying this because my flight home is for 2 weeks and a few days after the program here ends and my roommate Tina and I are planning on doing some slow travel. (More on slow travel later.) We have planned out a bit of our 2 weeks and it is a lot more complicated than I thought. I suppose it's just easier and cheaper when you can be based in one place (like school).
However, I am confident that I can plan this trip with all the experience I've gained this semester and I know that the rewards will be great. I'll leave it at that.
Oh and also, I opened up a much needed page in the Good Book, and it really helped me. This is what I found:
5Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;
Romans 8
Focus on God and the rest will fall into place.
I hope all is well back home.
16.4.08
Pictures of Perugia
I took a walk one weekend in Perugia.
I took some pictures too.
Most are of my favorite spot in the whole city, the overlook by the University for Foreigners. As I was approaching, the sky was overcast, but a few seconds later the sun came out. You will be able to tell as some of the pictures are brighter.
It's pretty great.
I took some pictures too.
Most are of my favorite spot in the whole city, the overlook by the University for Foreigners. As I was approaching, the sky was overcast, but a few seconds later the sun came out. You will be able to tell as some of the pictures are brighter.
It's pretty great.
List
Some things that I've learned this week:
1. Anime is the same in every language.
2. I have a talent. I can usually predict the outcome to Anime shows, despite the language.
3. The recipe to the best Macaroni and Cheese in the WORLD. (10 times tastier and healthier than Kraft.)
4. Americans are addicted to TV and movies. I've been American since age 1. So don't judge me.
5. My neighbor plays the guitar and (I recently learned) he plays the accordion too.
6. Our walls are thin.
7. His voice isn't too bad.
8. He recently had some people over to play with him, and a girl sang.
9. It is important to take life one day at a time and not get ahead of yourself.
10. Another thing learned, “A friend is someone who can see through you and still enjoy the show.”
11. Faithfully by Journey is just about my favorite song, presently. It is on repeat.
12. I've been using the word “evident” a lot, when writing papers.
13. Twelve is a good number to end on.
14. My old favorite number used to be twelve, but in high school I got stuck with eleven.
Anyways, here is my “new” haircut
A pretty proud plate. (Colors of the Italian flag.)
A random evening when the sky looked beautiful after class.
The end.
1. Anime is the same in every language.
2. I have a talent. I can usually predict the outcome to Anime shows, despite the language.
3. The recipe to the best Macaroni and Cheese in the WORLD. (10 times tastier and healthier than Kraft.)
4. Americans are addicted to TV and movies. I've been American since age 1. So don't judge me.
5. My neighbor plays the guitar and (I recently learned) he plays the accordion too.
6. Our walls are thin.
7. His voice isn't too bad.
8. He recently had some people over to play with him, and a girl sang.
9. It is important to take life one day at a time and not get ahead of yourself.
10. Another thing learned, “A friend is someone who can see through you and still enjoy the show.”
11. Faithfully by Journey is just about my favorite song, presently. It is on repeat.
12. I've been using the word “evident” a lot, when writing papers.
13. Twelve is a good number to end on.
14. My old favorite number used to be twelve, but in high school I got stuck with eleven.
Anyways, here is my “new” haircut
A pretty proud plate. (Colors of the Italian flag.)
A random evening when the sky looked beautiful after class.
The end.
15.4.08
Through American eyes
I fear that I might have let some blog readers down, as the numbers have probably dwindled. So I attempt to make up for such boring and personal blogs with this one. The following is focused on culture and not on me. These are some observations that I've been meaning to write about for a long time.
I don't pretend to be an expert on the Italian culture, I've only been able to observe on my short stay of 3 1/2 months. I don't want it to seem as though I am generalizing or stereotyping either, only observing, and I know that there is always room for exception.
La Bella Figura
To understand the culture of Italy a bit better, one first must understand the code: "la bella/il bruto figura." The code applies to both the men and women of Italy. Essentially it could translate into the good/bad impressions one may leave. However, there is no equivalent concept in English.
To explain more about the bella figura, it takes a lot of pride upon outward appearances and good manners (no laughing loudly in public) resulting in making good impressions. Everyone seems attuned to the latest fashions, and tons of money is spent on clothing. Preference is given to money on clothes rather than their houses, where not much time is spent.
Upon first adventure into the Italian culture, an American might wonder if Italian men are, by nature, "metro-sexual." On the majority of cases, Italian men are well groomed and always put together. They differ from American men as they are assertive and very affectionate. Even with fellow men. It is not uncommon to see Italian kisses on cheeks as both greeting and farewell in a meeting. They will kiss your hand, hug you and kiss the temple of your head. They are more persistent, less likely to take no for an answer and more likely to make an obscene suggestion to an almost total stranger. However, not all, obviously, are like this.
Italian women, at first, can appear very intimidating. But once you break through the barrier and enter their "club" they are very nice. Italian women will not talk about themselves too much. It's this sense of "bella figura" they do not want to seem too eager to talk about themselves.
And perhaps this "code" is a part of other European cultures as well, as I have seen some aspects of it in other cultural contexts.
Added is the Italian purpose of a woman: to cook and clean for their men. Once married and even throughout old age, a mother's purpose and reason to live is to cook and clean for their boys. When the boys are grown up, their wives take over. It is a vicious cycle producing generations and generations of momma boys.
I have seen la bella figura played out in a few instances of personal experience.
If you want to run in Italy, or at the very least in Perugia, you better suck up your pride. My roommate Tina and I have found this amazing running park where there are various activities like outdoor ping pong tables, dirt bike paths, running paths, cycling circle track, a duck pond, etc. However, in order to get there, one must take the MINI METRO, straight across town. It is in this Mini Metro that one must wear their running clothes in. I can't tell you how embarrassing it is to do such an act. I'm not sure why it humbles me so to walk around town in running clothes, except for the fact that NO ONE DOES IT. NO ONE. And especially not women. I blame it on la bella figura. Women run, but they certainly don't walk around in such non-flattering clothes in public. This small aspect has really tried my patience lately. I don't like being stared at on the Mini Metro. It's annoying.
One other aspect was when one of my roommates put the trash outside our apartment door, as she had planned to take it out in a few minutes. However, one of our neighbors who just happened to be walking past our door and up the stairs took the liberty of reminding us where we put the bag and demanded that we get rid of it right way. She knocked on our door and pinched her fingers. PHEW. She said and told us that it was unacceptable to keep the bag out there. I guess that we were in bruto form at that time.
Italian Food
I am going to miss Italian food. I am not so excited to return to the number one obesity struggling country in the world, where the food is so processed and so junky, that it is making our country gain weight as a whole.
Food is food everywhere. But Europeans have a different view of food. While Americans lust for foods, Europeans appreciate it.
In my personal experience, I've found that Italy has a lot of organic foods, straight from the fields. Big chain grocery stores are not as common as America. While there are the grocery chains Coop and Despar, most foods will come from the local mom and pop shop or specialty stores like alimenatri which will sell special meats, cheeses, and olives. Italians pride themselves in the quality of food. Therefore, much food production is small-scale and not industrial. Because of that and because the Italian equivalent of the FDA is not run by food company executives like in the US, Italian food is generally better quality and what do you know?...better flavor.
Education in Italy
In Italy everyone can go to university. Prices for university aren't +$20,000 like in the US.
Although it is not mandatory, most do go. The most important aspect of university in Italia are the exams. The ultimate score of your exams give you the class rank. The jobs that you are able to apply for depends on your rank. Thus, Italian teachers expect you to do good. No attendance is taken, it's not necessary. Most Italians do show up to class because they need to pass the exams.
I also get the sense that it is hard to get a job once you are past a certian age in life. I was talking to this intern at my school. She is originally from Croatia but she now is studying in Perugia's University for Forgeiners. She was explaining to me how nervous she was since she was finishing her Master's degree so "late" in life. I think that she was only 27. When I told her that it was okay, she told me that it wasn't because she might not be able to get a job because she was too old.
The job market is tight in Italy. There is not a lot of job turnover. Often times, if you are a barista, you will stay a barista for life. Although I only frequent a small part of Perugia, I've noticed that it is common to see the same people work in the same place, every day. I've memorized faces, and even when I see them out of context, I can trace the "pizza guy" or "spice seller" to where they work.
The job market is why most families in Italia live together for such a long time (children with their parents.) It is too expensive to move out. Even if you do get a job, the salary in Italy is not a lot. It can even be at poverty level by American standards. Although, I'm not sure how the whole economy thing works here, I'm very interested in finding out.
Italian sense of time
Another valuable note to be made is Italy's sense of time. To a hardset, narrowminded American, they will discover that "American effeciancy" is not present here. Service in resturants are slow, sit down meals take about 2 1/2 hours, even when calling in someone to fix the heat, it may take longer than expected. Things happen when they happen.
Also in the area of grocery stores, can one find this rule. Nothing is open 24/7. Consider even the great "PAUSA" between hours of 1-5 where most traditional shops close down for a break.
I think it's because Italians enjoy life rather than clutter it up like many Americans. I feel like life here is less busy, while in the US we always have something to do, or a place to go, or a meeting to be at.
I find that most Italians value relationships over these things. Spending time with family and friends is more valuable here. People aren't as busy so that they can spend time with each other.
What is success anyways? Is it who has the most money or most demanding schedule? Or is it the person who has love?
All in all, I was discussing this with my friend from Moldova, Max and he made a good point. "Most important is not to observe how different the cultures are, but to be amazed by the fact that people are people in spite of their native country. Feelings and emotions are the same everywhere, which is pretty cool." I agree. I think that it's pretty cool.
I don't pretend to be an expert on the Italian culture, I've only been able to observe on my short stay of 3 1/2 months. I don't want it to seem as though I am generalizing or stereotyping either, only observing, and I know that there is always room for exception.
La Bella Figura
To understand the culture of Italy a bit better, one first must understand the code: "la bella/il bruto figura." The code applies to both the men and women of Italy. Essentially it could translate into the good/bad impressions one may leave. However, there is no equivalent concept in English.
To explain more about the bella figura, it takes a lot of pride upon outward appearances and good manners (no laughing loudly in public) resulting in making good impressions. Everyone seems attuned to the latest fashions, and tons of money is spent on clothing. Preference is given to money on clothes rather than their houses, where not much time is spent.
Upon first adventure into the Italian culture, an American might wonder if Italian men are, by nature, "metro-sexual." On the majority of cases, Italian men are well groomed and always put together. They differ from American men as they are assertive and very affectionate. Even with fellow men. It is not uncommon to see Italian kisses on cheeks as both greeting and farewell in a meeting. They will kiss your hand, hug you and kiss the temple of your head. They are more persistent, less likely to take no for an answer and more likely to make an obscene suggestion to an almost total stranger. However, not all, obviously, are like this.
Italian women, at first, can appear very intimidating. But once you break through the barrier and enter their "club" they are very nice. Italian women will not talk about themselves too much. It's this sense of "bella figura" they do not want to seem too eager to talk about themselves.
And perhaps this "code" is a part of other European cultures as well, as I have seen some aspects of it in other cultural contexts.
Added is the Italian purpose of a woman: to cook and clean for their men. Once married and even throughout old age, a mother's purpose and reason to live is to cook and clean for their boys. When the boys are grown up, their wives take over. It is a vicious cycle producing generations and generations of momma boys.
I have seen la bella figura played out in a few instances of personal experience.
If you want to run in Italy, or at the very least in Perugia, you better suck up your pride. My roommate Tina and I have found this amazing running park where there are various activities like outdoor ping pong tables, dirt bike paths, running paths, cycling circle track, a duck pond, etc. However, in order to get there, one must take the MINI METRO, straight across town. It is in this Mini Metro that one must wear their running clothes in. I can't tell you how embarrassing it is to do such an act. I'm not sure why it humbles me so to walk around town in running clothes, except for the fact that NO ONE DOES IT. NO ONE. And especially not women. I blame it on la bella figura. Women run, but they certainly don't walk around in such non-flattering clothes in public. This small aspect has really tried my patience lately. I don't like being stared at on the Mini Metro. It's annoying.
One other aspect was when one of my roommates put the trash outside our apartment door, as she had planned to take it out in a few minutes. However, one of our neighbors who just happened to be walking past our door and up the stairs took the liberty of reminding us where we put the bag and demanded that we get rid of it right way. She knocked on our door and pinched her fingers. PHEW. She said and told us that it was unacceptable to keep the bag out there. I guess that we were in bruto form at that time.
Italian Food
I am going to miss Italian food. I am not so excited to return to the number one obesity struggling country in the world, where the food is so processed and so junky, that it is making our country gain weight as a whole.
Food is food everywhere. But Europeans have a different view of food. While Americans lust for foods, Europeans appreciate it.
In my personal experience, I've found that Italy has a lot of organic foods, straight from the fields. Big chain grocery stores are not as common as America. While there are the grocery chains Coop and Despar, most foods will come from the local mom and pop shop or specialty stores like alimenatri which will sell special meats, cheeses, and olives. Italians pride themselves in the quality of food. Therefore, much food production is small-scale and not industrial. Because of that and because the Italian equivalent of the FDA is not run by food company executives like in the US, Italian food is generally better quality and what do you know?...better flavor.
Education in Italy
In Italy everyone can go to university. Prices for university aren't +$20,000 like in the US.
Although it is not mandatory, most do go. The most important aspect of university in Italia are the exams. The ultimate score of your exams give you the class rank. The jobs that you are able to apply for depends on your rank. Thus, Italian teachers expect you to do good. No attendance is taken, it's not necessary. Most Italians do show up to class because they need to pass the exams.
I also get the sense that it is hard to get a job once you are past a certian age in life. I was talking to this intern at my school. She is originally from Croatia but she now is studying in Perugia's University for Forgeiners. She was explaining to me how nervous she was since she was finishing her Master's degree so "late" in life. I think that she was only 27. When I told her that it was okay, she told me that it wasn't because she might not be able to get a job because she was too old.
The job market is tight in Italy. There is not a lot of job turnover. Often times, if you are a barista, you will stay a barista for life. Although I only frequent a small part of Perugia, I've noticed that it is common to see the same people work in the same place, every day. I've memorized faces, and even when I see them out of context, I can trace the "pizza guy" or "spice seller" to where they work.
The job market is why most families in Italia live together for such a long time (children with their parents.) It is too expensive to move out. Even if you do get a job, the salary in Italy is not a lot. It can even be at poverty level by American standards. Although, I'm not sure how the whole economy thing works here, I'm very interested in finding out.
Italian sense of time
Another valuable note to be made is Italy's sense of time. To a hardset, narrowminded American, they will discover that "American effeciancy" is not present here. Service in resturants are slow, sit down meals take about 2 1/2 hours, even when calling in someone to fix the heat, it may take longer than expected. Things happen when they happen.
Also in the area of grocery stores, can one find this rule. Nothing is open 24/7. Consider even the great "PAUSA" between hours of 1-5 where most traditional shops close down for a break.
I think it's because Italians enjoy life rather than clutter it up like many Americans. I feel like life here is less busy, while in the US we always have something to do, or a place to go, or a meeting to be at.
I find that most Italians value relationships over these things. Spending time with family and friends is more valuable here. People aren't as busy so that they can spend time with each other.
What is success anyways? Is it who has the most money or most demanding schedule? Or is it the person who has love?
All in all, I was discussing this with my friend from Moldova, Max and he made a good point. "Most important is not to observe how different the cultures are, but to be amazed by the fact that people are people in spite of their native country. Feelings and emotions are the same everywhere, which is pretty cool." I agree. I think that it's pretty cool.
13.4.08
Tivoli
HELLO.
Prepare yourself for a LOT of pictures. Sorry there are so many. I hope you enjoy though.
Went to a place called Tivoli this weekend.
Tivoli is a little-talked-about town about 1 hour train ride from Roma.
"The city acquired Roman citizenship in 90 BC and became a resort area famed for its beauty and copious good water, and was enriched by many Roman villas."
It's a great historical fact.
I hadn't heard about it until my friend Vasily told me that he lived there once.
My roommate Mel then told me that she was going to day trip there.
I thought I'd join in.
It was one of my favorites because of the garden and hike that we saw. Most beauty combined in one city out of all the places I've seen so far.
So if you would like to, take a walk in a gorgeous garden and a hike in a medieval park with me... through my pictures of course!
Train stopped here. For a no good reason. Those darn unreliable Italian trains. But it was pretty so I took pictures.
Mel and I were really worried about the weather... okay, well, it was mostly just me who was worried... It was raining on and off on the train ride over.
Take 30 minutes of swerving Italian countryside, higher into the hills out of the valley and all of a sudden you are hit BAM with this city.
"Villa d’Este, masterpiece of the Italian Garden. With its impressive concentration of fountains, nymphs, grottoes, plays of water, and music, it constitutes a much-copied model for European gardens in the mannerist and baroque styles."
97% of our time was spent in the garden and not in the villa. It was better that way.
It was headless
Views from the top of the Villa onto the gardens.
The flowers are gorgeous!
AMAZING
One of many beautiful fountains.
From the top of a fountain.
Ti amo.
View from the bottom of the gardens up towards the villa.
This is where I'm going to be proposed to.
These hedges remind me of Harry Potter.
View from an overlook at the garden.
I love this shot, the oranges make it.
Wildflowers!
Group of old Italian women wearing matching scarves.
Note the faces.
Note his nose.
Me and my buddy. I thought the effect on this picture would greatly enhance the feeling that me and this random old man truly share a bond.
This place was so big.
Behind the scenes, this is were cultivation takes place.
Then we left, in search of waterfalls.
A piazza in Tivoli
On to Villa Gregoriana "an impressive park set in a gorge with a 100m waterfall. The site has recently reopened to the public after restoration by the FAI (Italy's equivalent of the English National Trust, with free entry to NT members)."Just because i'm sure you were wondering.
I am fascinated by this tree root.
Mel is copying Alexander the Great or something like that...
We are the missing Roman statues.
Apparently we chose to go to the "valley of hell."
It really is a wishing well.
Thinking about pushing it over. I'm so destructive.
This reminds me of Rivendale, from Lord of the Rings. That's all I could really think of when I was there. And I wish I brought the books to read with me.
Pictures cannot do justice how extraordinarily BEAUTIFUL this truly was. You just have to come here sometime. It's my favorite place so far... well... that and the garden was.
I'm walking funny because I don't want to slip in the mud.
Rivendale. It really is.
We are dining.
Aww, I found a heart-shaped leaf!
But then I tore it in two because love is hard.
Goodbye Tivoli!
Stopped for a juice box pick-me-up.
Tivoli from the train and waterfall on the left.
The day ended with no rain, just pretty clouds!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)