Ten minutes before we leave.
And I'm freaking out, but it's still not hitting me.
Everyone else says there's a pit feeling in their stomachs, but not me.
It'll hit me in a week. When I'm looking at old pictures and then I just start bawling...
I said goodbye to Alece today, but I made sure it was just a simple hug and "I'm thankful for you, I love you, and I'll see you again soon."
I also went to Palazzo Strozzi's Bronzino exhibit.
And then it started SNOWING!
Florence NEVER snows, so I knew this was a gift from God.
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for your grace. Thank you for the best semester of my life, and thank you for letting me leave in it this pristine condition.
I'm going to miss so much about this place.
I'm going to miss all of the museums and the never-bored-ness.
I'm going to miss everyone looking so nice as they walk along the street.
I'm going to miss not understanding the language but learning from the Italians, and I'm going to miss being forced to use hand gestures and simple nouns as a form of communication. It's funny how you can bond with someone and understand them so well without a language barrier.
I'm going to miss Ricardo and our chats.
I'm going to miss the ISA ladies and the ways they were hilarious and so loving.
I'm going to miss my amazing roommates and the crazy nights we had together singing, dancing, and laughing together.
I'm going to miss my UK girls and the way they always make me laugh and feel right at home. I'm going to miss our conversations and the way that I feel I understand each of them. And I simply can say that I love them so dearly and deeply.
I'm going to miss Chiesa Evangelica and the varied style of worshiping the Lord.
I'm going to miss my street, Borgo SS Apostoli, and walking down the cobblestones after class every day.
I'm going to miss my teachers, especially my Literature Simonetta. She and I bonded, and she's given me a love for my favorite author, Calvino.
I'm going to miss the church bells.
I'm going to miss taking stunning pictures.
I'm going to miss dancing parties in our living room.
I'm going to miss haggling with salesmen.
I'm going to miss the Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo.
I'm going to miss the David statue.
I'm going to miss the accessibility of truffles, fresh produce, excellent breads...
I'm going to miss aperitivo and meeting up with my friends and chatting about our weeks and our beliefs over drinks.
I can't imagine myself not in the place after the four months of living in Firenze.
But, I'm excited to come home and take everything back there. I can't wait to share stories and sit and listen to my friends'. Christmas is on my mind and I am so looking forward to having a pine in our house. I can't wait to hug my family.
I'm grateful for the time I've had here. I've loved sharing it, and I've loved writing (almost daily!). I hope to write another blog about the different but still exciting life of a college student at UGA. I hope you'll follow it as well.
Tutto il mio amore.
All my love.
Cat
Firenze, Italia
The Ponte Vecchio (the Old Bridge) in Florence across the Arno River. This bridge is about two blocks away from my apartment.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Am I European Yet?
In the spirit of leaving this magical country, I compiled a list of ways that I have adopted European characteristics. Enjoy:
1. I no longer refrigerate my eggs, but they lay on my shelf in their clear plastic container.
2. I wear a belt.
3. Balsamic vinegar and olive oil are my favorite condiments.
4. Pasta is a staple in my diet.
5. I double-cheek-kiss my friends.
6. I know how to tie a scarf several ways. Going outside with a cold neck begs a cold.
7. I can wear heels on cobblestones (notice I didn't say I can walk well in them).
8. I don't smile at strangers passing on the street.
9. I use cash, not my credit card. Out of necessity, though.
10. I hang my clothes after being washed.
11. PDA doesn't bother me so much.
12. I buy fresh produce from the market.
13. I buy fresh bread from the bakery.
14. Whilest showering, I turn the water off to soap up and turn it on solely to rinse.
15. I don't think twice about using a converter.
16. I find men who wear scarves (and even ponytail buns) attractive.
17. Butter is unnecessary.
18. Sunglasses can be worn indoors as well as outdoors.
19. I have only worn sweatpants out of the house once since being here.
20. I show respect to elders and strangers by not using an informal salutation.
21. Eating while walking makes one seem barbaric.
22. My leather boots are my favorite accessory.
23. Black and monochrome are always "in."
24. I've started to learn to lower the decibel of my voice.
Today:
1. Exam. Hugged my favorite teacher Simonetta goodbye. Told her I'd add her on Facebook.
2. Made white wine and truffle pasta for lunch.
3. Went to Santa Maria Novella. Fell in love with Massacio's "Trinity" and Giotto's Crucifix.
4. Met up with friends for aperitivo at Ganzo. Which means "cool" in the Tuscan dialect.
5. Went to Grom to cleanse our palates.
6. Took pictures at the Duomo.
7. Home, uploaded pictures, studied a bit, read some news.
8. Bed time.
I'm in the mood for lists today. Getting up in 7 hours to take pictures with my KY girls. Buona notte, miei amici!
1. I no longer refrigerate my eggs, but they lay on my shelf in their clear plastic container.
2. I wear a belt.
3. Balsamic vinegar and olive oil are my favorite condiments.
4. Pasta is a staple in my diet.
5. I double-cheek-kiss my friends.
6. I know how to tie a scarf several ways. Going outside with a cold neck begs a cold.
7. I can wear heels on cobblestones (notice I didn't say I can walk well in them).
8. I don't smile at strangers passing on the street.
9. I use cash, not my credit card. Out of necessity, though.
10. I hang my clothes after being washed.
11. PDA doesn't bother me so much.
12. I buy fresh produce from the market.
13. I buy fresh bread from the bakery.
14. Whilest showering, I turn the water off to soap up and turn it on solely to rinse.
15. I don't think twice about using a converter.
16. I find men who wear scarves (and even ponytail buns) attractive.
17. Butter is unnecessary.
18. Sunglasses can be worn indoors as well as outdoors.
19. I have only worn sweatpants out of the house once since being here.
20. I show respect to elders and strangers by not using an informal salutation.
21. Eating while walking makes one seem barbaric.
22. My leather boots are my favorite accessory.
23. Black and monochrome are always "in."
24. I've started to learn to lower the decibel of my voice.
Today:
1. Exam. Hugged my favorite teacher Simonetta goodbye. Told her I'd add her on Facebook.
2. Made white wine and truffle pasta for lunch.
3. Went to Santa Maria Novella. Fell in love with Massacio's "Trinity" and Giotto's Crucifix.
4. Met up with friends for aperitivo at Ganzo. Which means "cool" in the Tuscan dialect.
5. Went to Grom to cleanse our palates.
6. Took pictures at the Duomo.
7. Home, uploaded pictures, studied a bit, read some news.
8. Bed time.
I'm in the mood for lists today. Getting up in 7 hours to take pictures with my KY girls. Buona notte, miei amici!
Vini e Vecchi Sapori and Christmas Caroling!
"The Clock's tickin' I just count the hours." I'm listening to Kanye's new album while I type.
I've had to fit in so much today, and I still haven't managed to knock anything else off my "to-do" list on my "I MUST do this" list.
SO, I woke up, studied, and went to make reservations at "Vini e Vecchi Sapori" because no one would answer the phone. I met the owner outside the door just as he was walking in. "Posso fare un prenotazione? Alle mezzogiorno oggi?" We had a bit of miscommunication, but the earliest the osteria was open was 12:45. I told him I had class at 1:30...but because it would only take an hour to eat, I was okay with sacrificing a few minutes of Italian class.
Next, I was on to pick a number to get my stay permit to live in Florence. Funny that I have three more days here and I just got the "go-ahead" to live here. Hmmph. At least I have a nifty card.
Anyway, I did some Christmas window shopping and price comparisons on the way to the office. Once I got there, the man told me to come back in two hours. Grr. So, I walked ALL the way back (25 minutes or so) but walked a part of Florence I'd never seen before, so it was worth it.
I had to meet up with Alece for our lunch, so we walked by the restaurant but it was empty...so we walked in again five minutes later at the same time as another couple. It was a-dor-a-ble!!!! The whole place has only 18 seats, and that's when every seat is full. About ten minutes after we sat down, every table was taken. And every person there was Italian. I felt like we had stumbled upon a Florentine secret!
They played some American music...a cover of a Celine Dion song and Outkast's "Ms. Jackson." Alece and I about died laughing when we heard that come on the radio.
There's pictures of locals, celebrities, and just about a shrine to Madonna there. I still don't understand the significance of all of those scattered pictures of her. Right when you walk in, there's a picture of the family that runs the restaurant: the son (the only waiter) and his mother (the chef) are sharing a laugh, and the father (overseer/chef) is smiling at the camera. I have to say that one of my favorite details of the restaurant was the service. The waiter's English was impeccable, and he told us exactly what was good and explained the choices.
We ordered a glass of the house red wine; a Chianti that didn't bite very much...probably the best I've had in Tuscany! Then, Alece and I decided to split an antipasto. We ordered a plate of mixed prosciutto and compared each type. Mmmmm, bellisimo!
Then, the waiter assisted us on our entree selections. I ordered stewed beef and a side of spinach, and Alece ordered a type of large noodle with ragu. We were STOKED when they came out! My beef was deliciousssssssss. It was so rich in flavor seasoned with peppercorns. I also realized how much I miss cooked spinach. It was hilarious, the waiter even came over and seasoned our plates without asking! So Italian. He took olive oil and dressed my spinach, and he put grated parmesan and fresh pepper on Alece's pasta. Of course, Alece and I shared and compared our meals. They were both FANTASTIC! One of the best meals I've had YET!
Oh, but it wasn't over. Alece and I LOVE sweets, and I read that getting dessert here was a must. We asked him for a suggestion, and without a second thought, he blurted, "Raspberry Tiramisu." We shared our bowl, and Alece fittingly said, "Let time slow down." It did with every bite. It was the best dessert I may have ever had. We just looked at each other in amazement after it was finished.
I asked for the bill and already had my fifty euro bill out to pay because I had to rush to class. He noticed and laughed, and brought the check as well as a twenty euro bill. But, our total was 34 euros (seriously cheap if you consider what a quality meal we had with the bottled water, wine, antipasto, two entrees, dessert, and coperto)! He was going to give us a four euro discount, the dear man! I decided to leave him a tip instead for his graciousness. Oh, how I love you
Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and I've already told my friends they have to go before they leave. Make sure to get reservations, though!
I went to class twenty minutes late. One more reason why I love Italians? My teacher asked why I was late and I told her that my lunch ran late, and I knew that wasn't a very good excuse. She said that was perfectly understandable and didn't count me late.
After class, I had my permit to stay meeting. This consisted of my botched Italian negotiating me a number, studying for a over an hour waiting to be called, and finally receiving a card after a few months' process.
A handful of people in front of me in line, I recognized a blue jacket. "SABS!" I called out. Sabrina had been there for a few hours and we never even saw each other! She introduced me to her new friend she bonded with while waiting, and then Sabs waited for me to finish so we could walk home together.
We decided to go to the grocery store together (pretty much just an excuse to spend more time to chat :). Then, I went to their apartment and got to see Meredith. We're scheming to end up all sitting together on the plane ride home from Rome to Charlotte.
I went home, and soon after, I had my Christmas party at Chiesa Evangelica! We sang Christmas carols, lit the advent candles, ate little treats, prayed and read scripture. I got to read Matthew 2:1-12. Man, I just love my church. I am so sad to leave it and my friends there. After, we worked up some confidence and went caroling around Florence. We received applause to "O Come, All Ye Faithful" from the Italians at the German Christmas Market. We also went to the Porcellini Market and the Ponte Vecchio. I love singing (even though my voice sounded grating compared to the chorale masters in our group) and I love spreading the joy of the gospel, so I'm thinking caroling needs to become an annual event. Anyone want to join me?
I adore my friend, Katie, who's in ISA with me. We've been each other's support system, and she and I have a similar sense of humor so we can bounce jokes off of each other. She kills me! Always an encouragement. When it was time to part from the group, I blew kisses to everyone and gave hugs. These people have been the hands and feet of Jesus while I've been here and needed his presence. Katie and I hugged a few times because she's not going to fly out of Rome with the ISA group, and we squeezed hands right before we left. Gosh, these goodbyes have taken me so off guard. We said we'd stay in touch though, and it's not goodbye. Even if it is on earth, we'll worship the Lord together again in Heaven someday.
Well, I have another final tomorrow. I best get some sleep!
Thanks for caring.
Tutto il mio amore.
I've had to fit in so much today, and I still haven't managed to knock anything else off my "to-do" list on my "I MUST do this" list.
SO, I woke up, studied, and went to make reservations at "Vini e Vecchi Sapori" because no one would answer the phone. I met the owner outside the door just as he was walking in. "Posso fare un prenotazione? Alle mezzogiorno oggi?" We had a bit of miscommunication, but the earliest the osteria was open was 12:45. I told him I had class at 1:30...but because it would only take an hour to eat, I was okay with sacrificing a few minutes of Italian class.
Next, I was on to pick a number to get my stay permit to live in Florence. Funny that I have three more days here and I just got the "go-ahead" to live here. Hmmph. At least I have a nifty card.
Anyway, I did some Christmas window shopping and price comparisons on the way to the office. Once I got there, the man told me to come back in two hours. Grr. So, I walked ALL the way back (25 minutes or so) but walked a part of Florence I'd never seen before, so it was worth it.
I had to meet up with Alece for our lunch, so we walked by the restaurant but it was empty...so we walked in again five minutes later at the same time as another couple. It was a-dor-a-ble!!!! The whole place has only 18 seats, and that's when every seat is full. About ten minutes after we sat down, every table was taken. And every person there was Italian. I felt like we had stumbled upon a Florentine secret!
They played some American music...a cover of a Celine Dion song and Outkast's "Ms. Jackson." Alece and I about died laughing when we heard that come on the radio.
There's pictures of locals, celebrities, and just about a shrine to Madonna there. I still don't understand the significance of all of those scattered pictures of her. Right when you walk in, there's a picture of the family that runs the restaurant: the son (the only waiter) and his mother (the chef) are sharing a laugh, and the father (overseer/chef) is smiling at the camera. I have to say that one of my favorite details of the restaurant was the service. The waiter's English was impeccable, and he told us exactly what was good and explained the choices.
We ordered a glass of the house red wine; a Chianti that didn't bite very much...probably the best I've had in Tuscany! Then, Alece and I decided to split an antipasto. We ordered a plate of mixed prosciutto and compared each type. Mmmmm, bellisimo!
Then, the waiter assisted us on our entree selections. I ordered stewed beef and a side of spinach, and Alece ordered a type of large noodle with ragu. We were STOKED when they came out! My beef was deliciousssssssss. It was so rich in flavor seasoned with peppercorns. I also realized how much I miss cooked spinach. It was hilarious, the waiter even came over and seasoned our plates without asking! So Italian. He took olive oil and dressed my spinach, and he put grated parmesan and fresh pepper on Alece's pasta. Of course, Alece and I shared and compared our meals. They were both FANTASTIC! One of the best meals I've had YET!
Oh, but it wasn't over. Alece and I LOVE sweets, and I read that getting dessert here was a must. We asked him for a suggestion, and without a second thought, he blurted, "Raspberry Tiramisu." We shared our bowl, and Alece fittingly said, "Let time slow down." It did with every bite. It was the best dessert I may have ever had. We just looked at each other in amazement after it was finished.
I asked for the bill and already had my fifty euro bill out to pay because I had to rush to class. He noticed and laughed, and brought the check as well as a twenty euro bill. But, our total was 34 euros (seriously cheap if you consider what a quality meal we had with the bottled water, wine, antipasto, two entrees, dessert, and coperto)! He was going to give us a four euro discount, the dear man! I decided to leave him a tip instead for his graciousness. Oh, how I love you
Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and I've already told my friends they have to go before they leave. Make sure to get reservations, though!
I went to class twenty minutes late. One more reason why I love Italians? My teacher asked why I was late and I told her that my lunch ran late, and I knew that wasn't a very good excuse. She said that was perfectly understandable and didn't count me late.
After class, I had my permit to stay meeting. This consisted of my botched Italian negotiating me a number, studying for a over an hour waiting to be called, and finally receiving a card after a few months' process.
A handful of people in front of me in line, I recognized a blue jacket. "SABS!" I called out. Sabrina had been there for a few hours and we never even saw each other! She introduced me to her new friend she bonded with while waiting, and then Sabs waited for me to finish so we could walk home together.
We decided to go to the grocery store together (pretty much just an excuse to spend more time to chat :). Then, I went to their apartment and got to see Meredith. We're scheming to end up all sitting together on the plane ride home from Rome to Charlotte.
I went home, and soon after, I had my Christmas party at Chiesa Evangelica! We sang Christmas carols, lit the advent candles, ate little treats, prayed and read scripture. I got to read Matthew 2:1-12. Man, I just love my church. I am so sad to leave it and my friends there. After, we worked up some confidence and went caroling around Florence. We received applause to "O Come, All Ye Faithful" from the Italians at the German Christmas Market. We also went to the Porcellini Market and the Ponte Vecchio. I love singing (even though my voice sounded grating compared to the chorale masters in our group) and I love spreading the joy of the gospel, so I'm thinking caroling needs to become an annual event. Anyone want to join me?
I adore my friend, Katie, who's in ISA with me. We've been each other's support system, and she and I have a similar sense of humor so we can bounce jokes off of each other. She kills me! Always an encouragement. When it was time to part from the group, I blew kisses to everyone and gave hugs. These people have been the hands and feet of Jesus while I've been here and needed his presence. Katie and I hugged a few times because she's not going to fly out of Rome with the ISA group, and we squeezed hands right before we left. Gosh, these goodbyes have taken me so off guard. We said we'd stay in touch though, and it's not goodbye. Even if it is on earth, we'll worship the Lord together again in Heaven someday.
Well, I have another final tomorrow. I best get some sleep!
Thanks for caring.
Tutto il mio amore.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Two finals DOWN. But Goodbyes already?
I just got an email from ISA. It was the ending survey. It's coming, it's coming!
I wrote a glowing review about ISA in the survey. Honestly, studying abroad: best decision I've ever made. I feel like I've matured so much and become more independent. I've met so many people and realized that not everyone believes the same things I do. Challenges did arise, but working them out has made me a stronger person. Hopefully, I now better understand people so I can love and serve them in a more beneficial way. And I have learned to love people better! Oh how I love my friends here.
The sand is seeping through the hole in the hour glass...I can't take a minute for granted. So now, while I study, I'm listening to some of Verdi's "La Traviata." Soakin' up some pristine Italian culture.
Today, I woke up early, studied, drank an espresso, and fixed some eggs before my test. My dad says protein is "brain-food" so I make sure that I eat some before exams. My first was a challenging but quick: History of the Italian Renaissance.
I got done early so I did some Christmas shopping. Success! Then, I checked my snail mail at the school. I had two letters that brightened my day! One was from my sweet grandmother, Lollie, and she even included a bit of cash. Score! Lollie told me she loved reading my blog, and it made me so happy to hear that she was traveling with me. I can't wait to talk to her about it in a few weeks! Her stationery included a drawing of "Pineapple Place," and honestly, Montreat is one thing I miss most about America! I've already talked to Olivia, Meredith, and Sabrina about having a reunion in the next few months there.
My second exam was Italian Vegetarian Cooking. This means a written test then a practical exam. Yikes! I was super nervous, but we were allowed to use our recipe books so I was very relieved. I relaxed when I was placed in my normal group of cooking buddies and we were assigned "Melanzane di Parmigiana." Mmmm! One of my favorite meals of the semester.
The muscle memory came back, and soon we were slicing and salting and grating like pros. We took plenty of pictures for our last adventure together.
When our dish was complete, we took it out of the oven and walked carefully with the plate to our chef for a tasting. We simultaneously took the first bite and critiqued. A tad bit too much cheese for Italian cuisine, the sauce was a bit oily. The eggplant was cooked perfectly and the flavors were excellent. We received an "A"! I just hope my written exam matches.
Sarah, my cooking buddy since the beginning, and I walked home together through the San Lorenzo Market, just like we do every week. When we reached the Ponte Vecchio to split, I realized that this was goodbye! It was so odd; it didn't even occur to me that this would be our last meeting. We hugged and vowed to be FBFF (Facebook Friends Forever). Welcome to the technological age.
I came home and have been studying off and on and watching Glee. My guilty pleasure.
Tomorrow I have to go Christmas shopping before meeting Alece for lunch at a place that Lollie recommended! I just have to get reservations - they've been closed for the past two days, and I've been out of the country for four days! We'll get there, though.
I forgot to write about Belgium again. I have to go to sleep now, though. I hope to write about it, but in the mean time, look at my pictures on Facebook!
Ciao ragazzi!
I wrote a glowing review about ISA in the survey. Honestly, studying abroad: best decision I've ever made. I feel like I've matured so much and become more independent. I've met so many people and realized that not everyone believes the same things I do. Challenges did arise, but working them out has made me a stronger person. Hopefully, I now better understand people so I can love and serve them in a more beneficial way. And I have learned to love people better! Oh how I love my friends here.
The sand is seeping through the hole in the hour glass...I can't take a minute for granted. So now, while I study, I'm listening to some of Verdi's "La Traviata." Soakin' up some pristine Italian culture.
Today, I woke up early, studied, drank an espresso, and fixed some eggs before my test. My dad says protein is "brain-food" so I make sure that I eat some before exams. My first was a challenging but quick: History of the Italian Renaissance.
I got done early so I did some Christmas shopping. Success! Then, I checked my snail mail at the school. I had two letters that brightened my day! One was from my sweet grandmother, Lollie, and she even included a bit of cash. Score! Lollie told me she loved reading my blog, and it made me so happy to hear that she was traveling with me. I can't wait to talk to her about it in a few weeks! Her stationery included a drawing of "Pineapple Place," and honestly, Montreat is one thing I miss most about America! I've already talked to Olivia, Meredith, and Sabrina about having a reunion in the next few months there.
My second exam was Italian Vegetarian Cooking. This means a written test then a practical exam. Yikes! I was super nervous, but we were allowed to use our recipe books so I was very relieved. I relaxed when I was placed in my normal group of cooking buddies and we were assigned "Melanzane di Parmigiana." Mmmm! One of my favorite meals of the semester.
The muscle memory came back, and soon we were slicing and salting and grating like pros. We took plenty of pictures for our last adventure together.
When our dish was complete, we took it out of the oven and walked carefully with the plate to our chef for a tasting. We simultaneously took the first bite and critiqued. A tad bit too much cheese for Italian cuisine, the sauce was a bit oily. The eggplant was cooked perfectly and the flavors were excellent. We received an "A"! I just hope my written exam matches.
Sarah, my cooking buddy since the beginning, and I walked home together through the San Lorenzo Market, just like we do every week. When we reached the Ponte Vecchio to split, I realized that this was goodbye! It was so odd; it didn't even occur to me that this would be our last meeting. We hugged and vowed to be FBFF (Facebook Friends Forever). Welcome to the technological age.
I came home and have been studying off and on and watching Glee. My guilty pleasure.
Tomorrow I have to go Christmas shopping before meeting Alece for lunch at a place that Lollie recommended! I just have to get reservations - they've been closed for the past two days, and I've been out of the country for four days! We'll get there, though.
I forgot to write about Belgium again. I have to go to sleep now, though. I hope to write about it, but in the mean time, look at my pictures on Facebook!
Ciao ragazzi!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Truffle.Skate.Gatto.
Dear ones,
I am safely back from the capital of the EU.
Let the week of packing everything I've wanted to do this semester but haven't COMMENCE!
There's just one small problem. Four of them, actually. Finals.
I guess the good thing about studying abroad is that your classes are...well, let's just say I'm going to study, but I'm not going to miss out on anything worthwhile to do so.
I started this morning. Alece and I met on the Ponte Vecchio and went to our favorite rockin' posh grocery store. We bought some ingredients (and others yesterday at Mercato Centrale directly after getting off the train) and headed to her place.
Alece's mom is a great cook, and she convinced Alece that she should make something with truffle while she had such easy access to it. Alece was hesitant to do it on her own, and, knowing that I take a cooking course, she suggested we make a truffle dish together. Best friend, free truffle lunch, and cooking experience? I was not going to turn down that opportunity!
Her kitchen is huge so cooking was a breeze, and I sighed with pleasure when I saw her gas range stove top.
We used a Pino Grigio and make a white wine sauce, then added the truffle after it had thickened and was off of the heat. All on her own, Lecey made the bruschetta and it was SCRUMPTIOUS! I'm really proud of our Tuscan lunch from scratch. We ate sooooooooo much.
I was thankful that our next stop on the last Sunday in Florence was rollerblading with my ISA buddies. When we strapped the blades on, we shared a sense of nostalgia. I felt like I was a pudgy eight-year-old strapping my rollerblades to nervously trample around Olympia Skate Center for a friend's birthday party.
Thankfully, rollerblading is just like "riding a bike." In a few minutes, I was no longer stressing my thighs, trying to brace in case I fell. I found my center of gravity and glided along the pavement next to the Arno River. Our group even had an Italian guide accompany us down the park. We chatted and took pictures in the sunset, and we exchanged sweet memories of our times in Florence.
Then, we decided we had to go to dinner together. We headed to "Il Gatto e la Volpe" just to have an excuse to spend more time together.
I met a man from Atlanta, and he and I chatted about Natalia's - "The Best Italian Below Atlanta" according to him..I gave him an extra high five because I was so ecstatic about meeting a fellow Georgian.
Il Gatto has cheap, all homemade pasta and pizza! They love students, so we get a 10% discount, too. Plus, they produce their own balsamic vinegar that's sweet and thick and soooooo good. While eating, we traded bites and made plans for the rest of the week. We're basically doing something every day of the week.
The reality of leaving my now-home hasn't quite hit me. I'm weird in these situations. Sometimes I'm so completely in denial that I don't even cry when saying goodbye to a friend. Or maybe it's just that I view "goodbye" as a normal, expected part of life?
Ikes. I've got to go finish studying for my two horrid exams tomorrow. Then it'll be smooth sailing for the week. Hopefully I'll post again and tell you all about our adventures in Brussels and Bruges!
Out.
I am safely back from the capital of the EU.
Let the week of packing everything I've wanted to do this semester but haven't COMMENCE!
There's just one small problem. Four of them, actually. Finals.
I guess the good thing about studying abroad is that your classes are...well, let's just say I'm going to study, but I'm not going to miss out on anything worthwhile to do so.
I started this morning. Alece and I met on the Ponte Vecchio and went to our favorite rockin' posh grocery store. We bought some ingredients (and others yesterday at Mercato Centrale directly after getting off the train) and headed to her place.
Alece's mom is a great cook, and she convinced Alece that she should make something with truffle while she had such easy access to it. Alece was hesitant to do it on her own, and, knowing that I take a cooking course, she suggested we make a truffle dish together. Best friend, free truffle lunch, and cooking experience? I was not going to turn down that opportunity!
Her kitchen is huge so cooking was a breeze, and I sighed with pleasure when I saw her gas range stove top.
We used a Pino Grigio and make a white wine sauce, then added the truffle after it had thickened and was off of the heat. All on her own, Lecey made the bruschetta and it was SCRUMPTIOUS! I'm really proud of our Tuscan lunch from scratch. We ate sooooooooo much.
I was thankful that our next stop on the last Sunday in Florence was rollerblading with my ISA buddies. When we strapped the blades on, we shared a sense of nostalgia. I felt like I was a pudgy eight-year-old strapping my rollerblades to nervously trample around Olympia Skate Center for a friend's birthday party.
Thankfully, rollerblading is just like "riding a bike." In a few minutes, I was no longer stressing my thighs, trying to brace in case I fell. I found my center of gravity and glided along the pavement next to the Arno River. Our group even had an Italian guide accompany us down the park. We chatted and took pictures in the sunset, and we exchanged sweet memories of our times in Florence.
Then, we decided we had to go to dinner together. We headed to "Il Gatto e la Volpe" just to have an excuse to spend more time together.
I met a man from Atlanta, and he and I chatted about Natalia's - "The Best Italian Below Atlanta" according to him..I gave him an extra high five because I was so ecstatic about meeting a fellow Georgian.
Il Gatto has cheap, all homemade pasta and pizza! They love students, so we get a 10% discount, too. Plus, they produce their own balsamic vinegar that's sweet and thick and soooooo good. While eating, we traded bites and made plans for the rest of the week. We're basically doing something every day of the week.
The reality of leaving my now-home hasn't quite hit me. I'm weird in these situations. Sometimes I'm so completely in denial that I don't even cry when saying goodbye to a friend. Or maybe it's just that I view "goodbye" as a normal, expected part of life?
Ikes. I've got to go finish studying for my two horrid exams tomorrow. Then it'll be smooth sailing for the week. Hopefully I'll post again and tell you all about our adventures in Brussels and Bruges!
Out.
Monday, December 6, 2010
I've made a list...I've checked it off twice.
"Buona Sera, signorina, buona sera!" Our apartment has been listening to Louis Prima. You know, the guy that sings "I want to be like you-ooh-ooh" from the Jungle Book. He and Dean Martin are my new guilty pleasures. They both sing with such magnetism. And they sing in Italian! I can actually understand a bit when I listen.
Be proud of me! I've checked TWO more things off of my Italian bucket list.
To remind you and me, here's the list:
1) Visit San Marco Convent.
2) Go to the Galileo Museum.
3) Santa Maria Novella Church.
4) Climb the Duomo.
5) Try out famous gelaterias:Vivoli, Perche No?
6) Orsanmichele.
7) Casa di Dante.
8) San Lorenzo Church.
9) Tempio Israelitico.
10) Palazzo Strozzi.
11) Hot Chocolate at either Gilli or Rivoire
12) Brancacci Chapel
13) Ribollita
Last night, Leyla, Jess and I decided to have a girls' night. We went to dinner at a place right down the street called "Grotto Guelfa" because it was cold and we couldn't drag our feet any longer. I was craving a pasta, but when I saw "Ribollita" on the menu, I couldn't resist! Ribollita is a traditional Tuscan soup that is made with leftover bread, and it is cooked down for about a day. It is delicious mush. Mmmmm! I'll definitely make it when I get back home. Check! One specialty down.
This morning, I woke up at six o'clock. Granted, I went to bed at 10. The earliest I have in probably a few years. So, I made breakfast, took a shower...and decided to cook. I made lentil soup. It simmered for about four hours. Ohhhh yeah. It was...decent. I added a little bit too much of too many spices instead of being an Italian and letting the flavors of the ingredients come out on their own. Lesson learned.
During this time, I checked off ANOTHER of my "to-do's" in Florence! I went to the Galileo Museum (also known as the Science Museum). It was SICK. I listened to MGMT and Ratatat while looking at all of the crazy inventions. It was epic. I saw Galileo's telescope. No big deal. I wasn't allowed to take pictures, but I snuck a few. As a student, I received a 3 euro discount, so that made the visit sweeter.
When I got home, Jess had picked up my and Leyla's mail. I received two letters from dear friends today, and they made my day! It makes me a bit sad that snail mail will be virtually non-existent when I'm back in the States. Oh well, I'll savor it now.
I only had my cooking class today, so I was thankful I had meager soup for lunch. We made pizza! Yes, I can make my own dough. Whoop whoop! It was delicious. I'll be making it on my own when I get home. The only really time-consuming part is letting it rise in a warm area. It takes an hour or two.
And now, I am back home and preparing to go out and meet Alece at the Ponte Vecchio. We're going to a Florentine venue called "Le Cite" to watch a jazz band at 10. Late, I know, but we've got to do what we can while we're still here!
Got to touch up the make up.
Buona sera, miei amici, buona sera!
Be proud of me! I've checked TWO more things off of my Italian bucket list.
To remind you and me, here's the list:
2) Go to the Galileo Museum.
3) Santa Maria Novella Church.
4) Climb the Duomo.
5) Try out famous gelaterias:
6) Orsanmichele.
7) Casa di Dante.
8) San Lorenzo Church.
9) Tempio Israelitico.
10) Palazzo Strozzi.
11) Hot Chocolate at either Gilli or Rivoire
12) Brancacci Chapel
Last night, Leyla, Jess and I decided to have a girls' night. We went to dinner at a place right down the street called "Grotto Guelfa" because it was cold and we couldn't drag our feet any longer. I was craving a pasta, but when I saw "Ribollita" on the menu, I couldn't resist! Ribollita is a traditional Tuscan soup that is made with leftover bread, and it is cooked down for about a day. It is delicious mush. Mmmmm! I'll definitely make it when I get back home. Check! One specialty down.
This morning, I woke up at six o'clock. Granted, I went to bed at 10. The earliest I have in probably a few years. So, I made breakfast, took a shower...and decided to cook. I made lentil soup. It simmered for about four hours. Ohhhh yeah. It was...decent. I added a little bit too much of too many spices instead of being an Italian and letting the flavors of the ingredients come out on their own. Lesson learned.
During this time, I checked off ANOTHER of my "to-do's" in Florence! I went to the Galileo Museum (also known as the Science Museum). It was SICK. I listened to MGMT and Ratatat while looking at all of the crazy inventions. It was epic. I saw Galileo's telescope. No big deal. I wasn't allowed to take pictures, but I snuck a few. As a student, I received a 3 euro discount, so that made the visit sweeter.
When I got home, Jess had picked up my and Leyla's mail. I received two letters from dear friends today, and they made my day! It makes me a bit sad that snail mail will be virtually non-existent when I'm back in the States. Oh well, I'll savor it now.
I only had my cooking class today, so I was thankful I had meager soup for lunch. We made pizza! Yes, I can make my own dough. Whoop whoop! It was delicious. I'll be making it on my own when I get home. The only really time-consuming part is letting it rise in a warm area. It takes an hour or two.
And now, I am back home and preparing to go out and meet Alece at the Ponte Vecchio. We're going to a Florentine venue called "Le Cite" to watch a jazz band at 10. Late, I know, but we've got to do what we can while we're still here!
Got to touch up the make up.
Buona sera, miei amici, buona sera!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Lucca!
Lucca. Say it out loud slowly. The city is just as dreamy.
The weather was bellisimo; the clouds were stunning and the sun was shining. Lucca is a city on a hill with a huge wall running around the top and grass below. The green grass must be watered to make it as vibrant as it looked. If I were wearing another jacket, heavier socks, another pair of tights and thicker gloves, I'd say it looked like springtime!
I took a solo trip, which at first really depressed me. I honestly LOVE adventuring by myself, so it wasn't that I wouldn't enjoy the time alone. It just hit me that this is my last weekend with my friends, and they were all going to be together in Pisa but not me. I convinced myself not to think about it. Once I saw the Duomo bell tower peaking over the hill and the green on the ground, every other thought vanished. You know when the feeling when you see something so beautiful it wells up in you? I cried. I smeared my eyeliner a little. I realized how utterly happy I am here, and how this will end. The tears came from the joy of the moment but the thoughts of leaving in two weeks caused them to be bittersweet.
I'd love to live in Lucca. It's the perfect size; not too small and not touristy. It has several gorgeous churches and I checked on the calendar: it has a festival just about every week. This weekend's was a celebration of chestnuts! Of course I had to go try out the gastronomic delights at the festival. They had regional wines, olive oil, polenta, sausages, porchetta, cheeses, honey, and chestnut breads and cakes. Mmmm! I bought some 1/2 pane integrale, and its inside is so light and fluffy! The cornmeal on the outside MAKES the crust.
I attended a few book fairs and huge market. I bought some new earrings, whoop! A man tried to sell me a pasta maker...I almost bought it but refrained. I don't think I can fit everything in my bags home...
My train home was delayed...an hour. No lie. I read a book on the Italian Language and got to chat with an Italian student sitting next to me on the bench. She was reading Allen Ginsburg poetry; English on one side and Italian on the other. She was really cool and her English was pretty good. She translated the message on the loudspeaker for me as the train's arrival time was pushed back again and again.
Finally, we boarded the train and I sat on the double-decker part of it so I could look out over the city lights. But I really just studied for my midterms...because I can't next weekend. I'll be too busy in the capital of the European Union. NBD. No big deal.
Now I'm just listening to "Skeletons" by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and melting into Karen O's voice.
Off to bed.
Sweet Dreams! Buona notte!
The weather was bellisimo; the clouds were stunning and the sun was shining. Lucca is a city on a hill with a huge wall running around the top and grass below. The green grass must be watered to make it as vibrant as it looked. If I were wearing another jacket, heavier socks, another pair of tights and thicker gloves, I'd say it looked like springtime!
I took a solo trip, which at first really depressed me. I honestly LOVE adventuring by myself, so it wasn't that I wouldn't enjoy the time alone. It just hit me that this is my last weekend with my friends, and they were all going to be together in Pisa but not me. I convinced myself not to think about it. Once I saw the Duomo bell tower peaking over the hill and the green on the ground, every other thought vanished. You know when the feeling when you see something so beautiful it wells up in you? I cried. I smeared my eyeliner a little. I realized how utterly happy I am here, and how this will end. The tears came from the joy of the moment but the thoughts of leaving in two weeks caused them to be bittersweet.
I'd love to live in Lucca. It's the perfect size; not too small and not touristy. It has several gorgeous churches and I checked on the calendar: it has a festival just about every week. This weekend's was a celebration of chestnuts! Of course I had to go try out the gastronomic delights at the festival. They had regional wines, olive oil, polenta, sausages, porchetta, cheeses, honey, and chestnut breads and cakes. Mmmm! I bought some 1/2 pane integrale, and its inside is so light and fluffy! The cornmeal on the outside MAKES the crust.
I attended a few book fairs and huge market. I bought some new earrings, whoop! A man tried to sell me a pasta maker...I almost bought it but refrained. I don't think I can fit everything in my bags home...
My train home was delayed...an hour. No lie. I read a book on the Italian Language and got to chat with an Italian student sitting next to me on the bench. She was reading Allen Ginsburg poetry; English on one side and Italian on the other. She was really cool and her English was pretty good. She translated the message on the loudspeaker for me as the train's arrival time was pushed back again and again.
Finally, we boarded the train and I sat on the double-decker part of it so I could look out over the city lights. But I really just studied for my midterms...because I can't next weekend. I'll be too busy in the capital of the European Union. NBD. No big deal.
Now I'm just listening to "Skeletons" by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and melting into Karen O's voice.
Off to bed.
Sweet Dreams! Buona notte!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Wine Tasting and Florence's German Christmas Market
Ahhh Florence. Even if you do have a fake German Christmas Market, it was still a good attempt.
I've been three times already, although I've only bought one thing (delicious apple strudel!). I'd love to live at the market. I'd sleep in the carousel/make-shift bar with some comfy slippers I stole from a neighboring kiosk, eat apple strudel for breakfast, try on jewelry for a few hours, sausage for lunch, call my friends and shop for ornaments together, chill on the steps of Santa Croce, eat some bbq looking pork for dinner, drink some hot wine, and repeat. This could be magical.
They have candied apples, a stand dedicated to Ireland, chunky jewelry, and even a stand with different flavored cheeses (wasabi, pesto, tomato and olive...).
Like I said...I could live there. I don't even think I'd get bored. Just cold.
When Alece and I went tonight, we couldn't stay long because we were so cold. My fingers were like ice cubes inside my leather gloves. We huddled together on the walk there.
Heading down Via de Neri, we heard two loud "bang! bang!"'s. She and I flipped, and I almost dropped to the ground. We still don't know what it was, but we changed direction...and five minutes later we heard it again! We grabbed each other tight and freaked out until we got to the festival. Once we got to the cheese station our mind changed to different things.
I loved just strolling with Alece and goofing off. We talked about the old times, we talked about THIS Wednesday's trip to Brussels! I can't wait! I've got to start researching.
I'm back home now, and going to Lucca in the morning for a day trip! All my ISA friends are going to Pisa for the day, but I've already been several times, so I decided to go somewhere I wanted to go. Plus, I always get a ton of studying done on train rides.
I'll take plenty of pictures.
As for Thursday, I had class and then roamed around Florence and the German Festival with Alva, Alexi, Justin and Jess. We took pictures again. I had to eat a sandwich, drink a teensy glass of Brunello, then feed the pigeons in Piazza Signoria. I hate pigeons, but I did it for the love of art.
Then we were off to the German fair, and Jess, Alva and I split a big chocolate pretzel and took pictures. We had way too much fun.
Later in the day was the wine tasting, and other than in France in high school, this was the first time I was taught how to really taste a wine. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
First, you examine and describe the color and the clearness, or limpidity, of the wine. We had to say out loud what we smelled (what fruit, if there was oak, honey, chocolate...the certain spice). It was crazy what you can detect, and a lot of it traces back to the region where it was grown. For example, the grapes in one wine we tasted was grown near the sea, so you could smell the ocean from the terroir in the wine.
We tasted the sweetness on the tip of the tongue, the tanons of the red wine in the middle, sour on the sides of the tongue, and bitterness towards the back. Then, you counted how many seconds the tinge "persisted" in your mouth.
This is how alcohol is meant to be used, and only in doses that are meant to be enjoyed and appreciated. You see the personality of the person who made the wine and you can detect what the land is like from the taste.
After the tasting, we went and made eggnog (having to roam the streets in the rain trying to find ingredients late at night...EVERYTHING closes early!) and watched "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town." Such a perfect Christmasy evening.
Well, I'm off to study a bit before hitting the sack and getting ready for Lucca! Ciao ciao!
I've been three times already, although I've only bought one thing (delicious apple strudel!). I'd love to live at the market. I'd sleep in the carousel/make-shift bar with some comfy slippers I stole from a neighboring kiosk, eat apple strudel for breakfast, try on jewelry for a few hours, sausage for lunch, call my friends and shop for ornaments together, chill on the steps of Santa Croce, eat some bbq looking pork for dinner, drink some hot wine, and repeat. This could be magical.
They have candied apples, a stand dedicated to Ireland, chunky jewelry, and even a stand with different flavored cheeses (wasabi, pesto, tomato and olive...).
Like I said...I could live there. I don't even think I'd get bored. Just cold.
When Alece and I went tonight, we couldn't stay long because we were so cold. My fingers were like ice cubes inside my leather gloves. We huddled together on the walk there.
Heading down Via de Neri, we heard two loud "bang! bang!"'s. She and I flipped, and I almost dropped to the ground. We still don't know what it was, but we changed direction...and five minutes later we heard it again! We grabbed each other tight and freaked out until we got to the festival. Once we got to the cheese station our mind changed to different things.
I loved just strolling with Alece and goofing off. We talked about the old times, we talked about THIS Wednesday's trip to Brussels! I can't wait! I've got to start researching.
I'm back home now, and going to Lucca in the morning for a day trip! All my ISA friends are going to Pisa for the day, but I've already been several times, so I decided to go somewhere I wanted to go. Plus, I always get a ton of studying done on train rides.
I'll take plenty of pictures.
As for Thursday, I had class and then roamed around Florence and the German Festival with Alva, Alexi, Justin and Jess. We took pictures again. I had to eat a sandwich, drink a teensy glass of Brunello, then feed the pigeons in Piazza Signoria. I hate pigeons, but I did it for the love of art.
Then we were off to the German fair, and Jess, Alva and I split a big chocolate pretzel and took pictures. We had way too much fun.
Later in the day was the wine tasting, and other than in France in high school, this was the first time I was taught how to really taste a wine. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
First, you examine and describe the color and the clearness, or limpidity, of the wine. We had to say out loud what we smelled (what fruit, if there was oak, honey, chocolate...the certain spice). It was crazy what you can detect, and a lot of it traces back to the region where it was grown. For example, the grapes in one wine we tasted was grown near the sea, so you could smell the ocean from the terroir in the wine.
We tasted the sweetness on the tip of the tongue, the tanons of the red wine in the middle, sour on the sides of the tongue, and bitterness towards the back. Then, you counted how many seconds the tinge "persisted" in your mouth.
This is how alcohol is meant to be used, and only in doses that are meant to be enjoyed and appreciated. You see the personality of the person who made the wine and you can detect what the land is like from the taste.
After the tasting, we went and made eggnog (having to roam the streets in the rain trying to find ingredients late at night...EVERYTHING closes early!) and watched "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town." Such a perfect Christmasy evening.
Well, I'm off to study a bit before hitting the sack and getting ready for Lucca! Ciao ciao!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
A Charlie Brown Christmas.
My weekday schedule always holds something special.
Mondays are cooking class days.
Tuesdays I go to Chiesa Evangelica.
Wednesdays we have aperitivo! I look forward to it all week. It's time to relax, to have an excuse to spend time with friends, and eat delicious, unlimited gourmet food. There's always the usual crowd and then those who come sporadically, but the conversation is always hilarious. Tonight, we ended up talking politics and "Glee." "Glee" was with my female friends, of course, but last night's episode was SO GOOD that we couldn't help talking across the table about it.
We then got on the subject of CHRISTMAS after Kyle starting singing Charlie Brown's "Christmas Time Is Here." Meredith, Kyle and I decided that we HAD to watch it. Tonight. I mean, it IS the first day of December!
After we said our goodbyes, we headed to Mere's, let the movie buffer on her laptop, and enjoyed a nostalgic trip into Schulz's cartoon. I never realized how daring he was to read the story of Jesus's birth in such a well-known film! I'd seen the movie a million times, but I guess when you understand the statement he was making, you appreciate his pointing towards the true meaning of Christmas.
We continued to ride the wave of nostalgia, and Olivia and Sabrina joined us. We watched part of "The Year Without Santa Claus" and even some Bill Nye The Science Guy. I love my friends.
Sadly, Kyle and I had to leave, but we decided that my apartment would host a Christmas party on the night before we leave. Christmas cookies! Christmas movies! Christmas tinsel! Christmas music! Ahhhhhhhhhhh! I can't contain my Christmas excitement.
Anyway, the beginning of my day began with waking up to a nightmare and hyperventilating under my covers. I had to stab someone who was trying to kill me first, but he didn't put up a fight. Maybe I've been watching too many documentaries.
Then, I edited my paper on Calvino's Invisible Cities and went to class. I love my contemporary Italian Literature Class...our teacher made us think of one significant book and write it down. Then, she compiled the list including six books of her own choosing, and made copies for our whole class. How thoughtful! I chose "House of Leaves" because of the way it made me think about the technical aspects of framing and writing as well as the book as an interactive medium of literature. Looking back, I may have chosen something different, more paradigm shifting. Ohhhh well. At least I have a list of meaningful books to read now!
After class, I came home, watched a documentary on Vlad the Impaler, and read until it was time to meet up for aperitivo.
Now I'm safely at home, getting ready for bed. Today's been a good day.
24 days until Christmas. And a few less than that til I come home, but let's not count those :)
XOXO, Cat
Mondays are cooking class days.
Tuesdays I go to Chiesa Evangelica.
Wednesdays we have aperitivo! I look forward to it all week. It's time to relax, to have an excuse to spend time with friends, and eat delicious, unlimited gourmet food. There's always the usual crowd and then those who come sporadically, but the conversation is always hilarious. Tonight, we ended up talking politics and "Glee." "Glee" was with my female friends, of course, but last night's episode was SO GOOD that we couldn't help talking across the table about it.
We then got on the subject of CHRISTMAS after Kyle starting singing Charlie Brown's "Christmas Time Is Here." Meredith, Kyle and I decided that we HAD to watch it. Tonight. I mean, it IS the first day of December!
After we said our goodbyes, we headed to Mere's, let the movie buffer on her laptop, and enjoyed a nostalgic trip into Schulz's cartoon. I never realized how daring he was to read the story of Jesus's birth in such a well-known film! I'd seen the movie a million times, but I guess when you understand the statement he was making, you appreciate his pointing towards the true meaning of Christmas.
We continued to ride the wave of nostalgia, and Olivia and Sabrina joined us. We watched part of "The Year Without Santa Claus" and even some Bill Nye The Science Guy. I love my friends.
Sadly, Kyle and I had to leave, but we decided that my apartment would host a Christmas party on the night before we leave. Christmas cookies! Christmas movies! Christmas tinsel! Christmas music! Ahhhhhhhhhhh! I can't contain my Christmas excitement.
Anyway, the beginning of my day began with waking up to a nightmare and hyperventilating under my covers. I had to stab someone who was trying to kill me first, but he didn't put up a fight. Maybe I've been watching too many documentaries.
Then, I edited my paper on Calvino's Invisible Cities and went to class. I love my contemporary Italian Literature Class...our teacher made us think of one significant book and write it down. Then, she compiled the list including six books of her own choosing, and made copies for our whole class. How thoughtful! I chose "House of Leaves" because of the way it made me think about the technical aspects of framing and writing as well as the book as an interactive medium of literature. Looking back, I may have chosen something different, more paradigm shifting. Ohhhh well. At least I have a list of meaningful books to read now!
After class, I came home, watched a documentary on Vlad the Impaler, and read until it was time to meet up for aperitivo.
Now I'm safely at home, getting ready for bed. Today's been a good day.
24 days until Christmas. And a few less than that til I come home, but let's not count those :)
XOXO, Cat
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