and I think I have a cold....
I thought it was allergies but I think I'm actually sick. Meh.
Oh well, I am in Italy and going to make the best of everything.
First off, I arrived about 2:30 yesterday where I went through border control with no problem, got my luggage and was met by the program director Richard who took me and my two roommates to our apartment via taxi. Giving us a sneak peak of the city.
We arrived at the apartment, and found we were up about 5 floors at the very top of the building which provides for great views and a noise barrier to the busy street below. It means I could also see the couple sunbathing across from us, the woman was topless. Welcome to Italy!
There are tiled floors on the main floor, a comfortable sized kitchen, living room, and upstairs loft where my roommates are sleeping and I happen to have my own room, which I didn't have to pay extra for.
It is simple but nice, and secure, double locks and all that. I also have my own bathroom, there is a washing machine tucked away upstairs and I have yet to figure out where to dry my clothes but I will try to be innovative.
We went to dinner last night at a restaurant just down the street when we failed to find the one suggested to us by Richard. I ordered a caffe, and when the waiter asked "espresso?"
"Oui" came pouring out of my mouth, instead of "Si", the waiter laughed as I smacked my head in embarrassment.
For my meal I had a seafood salad, with octopus, which I learned I do not like very much, too chewy. But I did love that the salad had a simple lemon for added flavor instead of being drenched in dressing.
Then it was back to the apartment, I needed rest and my roommates fell asleep without doing much either.
This morning I was up at 8:30 and took a walk in the search of a grocery store, I was starving but got sidetracked by pretty things. I finally asked at the Tourist Information Center where one would be, and she pointed me in a general direction which took another 15 minutes to find, but I did. I bought way too many groceries, pissing off the line behind me at the register, and the attendant, and my arms as I carried it all back home. But I needed toilet paper, dish soap, laundry detergent and actual food for the next few days. Eating out here is really expensive, and since I can't afford or justify €20 every meal, I'll be cooking in a lot.
Roommates left to get coffee and I am waiting 15 minutes to meet our program guide for a walking tour of the city and to check out our school where we will be taking classes. I am still unsure what I am taking. I know for sure I will be taking History of Modern Italy and then either The Italian Fashion Industry or Beginning Italian. I know whatever I am taking it will be a good learning experience.
As far as my feelings go about the people I am meeting, the locals are giving me a lot of "Stupid Americana" looks. Then there are others who are very kind and nice. I need to get used to asking questions in Italian, but I keep forgetting I am in another country. Which is really dumb on my part, but maybe I just feel so comfortable here it doesn't feel like I am in another country.
I am getting used to all the scooters, they keep running well into the night. And then last night, Saturday night, was of course a big party and clubbing night so there was a lot noise. I am getting used to people crossing the street wherever they want which seems all around European. Which is something I did in Denver all the time, but since I am used to helping raise a 6 year old and always using the crosswalks I am now that much more cautious. I'm also afraid of getting arrested for jaywalking or something stupid like that. Which would mean like 10 other people in my vicinity would need to be arrested, so that just doesn't make much sense.
I thought it was allergies but I think I'm actually sick. Meh.
Oh well, I am in Italy and going to make the best of everything.
First off, I arrived about 2:30 yesterday where I went through border control with no problem, got my luggage and was met by the program director Richard who took me and my two roommates to our apartment via taxi. Giving us a sneak peak of the city.
We arrived at the apartment, and found we were up about 5 floors at the very top of the building which provides for great views and a noise barrier to the busy street below. It means I could also see the couple sunbathing across from us, the woman was topless. Welcome to Italy!
There are tiled floors on the main floor, a comfortable sized kitchen, living room, and upstairs loft where my roommates are sleeping and I happen to have my own room, which I didn't have to pay extra for.
It is simple but nice, and secure, double locks and all that. I also have my own bathroom, there is a washing machine tucked away upstairs and I have yet to figure out where to dry my clothes but I will try to be innovative.
We went to dinner last night at a restaurant just down the street when we failed to find the one suggested to us by Richard. I ordered a caffe, and when the waiter asked "espresso?"
"Oui" came pouring out of my mouth, instead of "Si", the waiter laughed as I smacked my head in embarrassment.
For my meal I had a seafood salad, with octopus, which I learned I do not like very much, too chewy. But I did love that the salad had a simple lemon for added flavor instead of being drenched in dressing.
Then it was back to the apartment, I needed rest and my roommates fell asleep without doing much either.
This morning I was up at 8:30 and took a walk in the search of a grocery store, I was starving but got sidetracked by pretty things. I finally asked at the Tourist Information Center where one would be, and she pointed me in a general direction which took another 15 minutes to find, but I did. I bought way too many groceries, pissing off the line behind me at the register, and the attendant, and my arms as I carried it all back home. But I needed toilet paper, dish soap, laundry detergent and actual food for the next few days. Eating out here is really expensive, and since I can't afford or justify €20 every meal, I'll be cooking in a lot.
Roommates left to get coffee and I am waiting 15 minutes to meet our program guide for a walking tour of the city and to check out our school where we will be taking classes. I am still unsure what I am taking. I know for sure I will be taking History of Modern Italy and then either The Italian Fashion Industry or Beginning Italian. I know whatever I am taking it will be a good learning experience.
As far as my feelings go about the people I am meeting, the locals are giving me a lot of "Stupid Americana" looks. Then there are others who are very kind and nice. I need to get used to asking questions in Italian, but I keep forgetting I am in another country. Which is really dumb on my part, but maybe I just feel so comfortable here it doesn't feel like I am in another country.
I am getting used to all the scooters, they keep running well into the night. And then last night, Saturday night, was of course a big party and clubbing night so there was a lot noise. I am getting used to people crossing the street wherever they want which seems all around European. Which is something I did in Denver all the time, but since I am used to helping raise a 6 year old and always using the crosswalks I am now that much more cautious. I'm also afraid of getting arrested for jaywalking or something stupid like that. Which would mean like 10 other people in my vicinity would need to be arrested, so that just doesn't make much sense.
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