So, Day 2 and day 3 were quite rough. Even rougher than day 1. We started off Saturday by sleeping until noon, it was so difficult, I'm not sure how Katie, Amy, and I managed. Although the highlight of us sleeping was Kaitlin punching Amy due to her nasal blockage noises. After finally getting out of bed, Amy, Katie and I attempt to catch a bus/ferry/train to Sorento. Sadly it is siesta aka everything shuts down for approx. 5 hours or so. Which means no transportation is available to take us to Sorento. Solution? We go to the beach in Naples of course! After getting in a taxi, we ride into the Beverly Hills of Naples. We are all quite confused and out of our element without trash, stray cats, and our favorite restaurant around the corner. Fortunately we are able to cope. We get to the beach and are greeted with blue water, boulders for laying out, warm sun, and fit Italians-WHAT THE HEC!?! There isn't a crapping kid in sight or children who kick soccer balls at your head. The three of us are all traumatized and close to tears. We decide to go lay on some boulders and get tan (er, burnt in my case). After laying out with a cold drink for a few hours, we decide to get some nourishment. We choose a restaurant overlooking the water and the surrounding islands. Gosh life sucks. After stuffing ourselves until we are about to birth 10 food babies, we precede to call a taxi back to the Hos-tel (by this point we are distraught and going through withdrawl). Katie talks to the taxi company for a few moments, and then is told "No taxi." Wait, I thought this was a taxi company? Apparently they were running low on cabs that day. Luckily for us, the hot dishwasher from the restaurant saves the day (on the side he is the star of the Italian version of Twilight, along with the couple from yesterdays ferry ride). Enzo, who is suffering from a minor case of laringitis, rounds up an army of Italians who call another taxi company, who actually have a full fleet of cars (and no worries, the laringitis was not contagious!)While waiting for our taxi, some hotties ask us for pizza that night, and we decline(the only excuse for this insanity I can think of is that we were suffering from heat exhaustion). We arrive safely back at our hostel, wait tonight we're in the hotel I mean, and take a snooze. We then all go to dinner at, yes you guessed it!, our FAV restaurant!! AND THANK GOODNESS, they have chocolate balls tonight and french fries AND watermelon!! Not to mention our toothless sexy waitor from Thursday is working!! We almost faint from happiness (or maybe from the heat radiating off of Kelsey's lobster-colored skin)...After having a few more food babies, we call it a night in the hotel room. BUT WAIT! we are a tad hyper and Katie's leg is restless, resulting in a late night for all. After waking up, Kaitlin and Eliza leave for Florence. Amy, Katie and I go back to Capri. We are almost killed from a stampede of Asian's who are afraid of the sun and run onto the ferry. We make it out alive, and sit by some elderly folks, one of which airs out his feet on the boat. After getting to Capri, Katie and I buy some sexy floppy hats and we treat ourselves to some 8 euro daquiris! We then meet some guys from Georgia who are unlucky enough to be staying in a villa in Capri instead of our hotel in Naples. We then go on a boat tour around Capri in our own private boat. Kelsey accidently dumps her really cheap drink onto the boat, but it all turns out okay. After seeing all sorts of caves and rocks, we jump into the Sea, where I remember I can't swim. Good news though, I am writing this blog, so I did not drown. After our horrendous boat tour on the private boat with our cute Italian driver, we make our way back to Naples. We then go to the train station, and sadly I forget my awesome M&M towel at the hotel. The train ride is grand, especially once the seat next to Katie is accompanied by a man with gas. At approximately 9 at night, we return to our home sweet home in Florence where we have a buffet of nutella and pringles!! MAN, LIFE IS ROUGH.
***Note to reader-this post and the previous Naples post are not meant to be taken literally. Most sentences are dripping with sarcasm and inside jokes only understood by those on the trip. In reality, this weekend was the best of most of our young lives.
Monday, August 2, 2010
We got the shaft-Naples/Capri-Day 1
Welcome to Naples. Home of the guy whipping out his dick in public to pee. Night one, we arrive at the hostel. Wait no, it's just a street full of trash. Just kidding, the hostel is there, it's just in a random building on the sixth floor. Good news though, it has a/c. Although the sink waterfalls, the shower doesn't work right, and the toilets broke. Oh, and Katie's sheets have holes and chunks of the wall are missing. No biggie, we are in a hotel the next two nights across the hall and we are across the street from the second best hostel in the WORLD. For dinner, we had awesome pizza and then some choco balls. Except for Amy and Eliza who had the shaft with some really good uh sauce. Oh yes, dont forget the really good wine, our favorite no doubt. We may get some shipped to the US for later drinkage. After eating,our waiter decided to give us kisses-except Eliza who ran away because the guy was missing a tooth (it was actually sort of sexy, everyone's going to be jealous). The next morning we awaken bright and early for our Capri trip which cost 32 euros just to get there and back.I almost die by getting hit by a vespa but luckily my reflexes kick in and I jump back, narrowly avoiding a bloody scene. Upon arriving in Capri we go to the beach, a lovely place. We're greeted with a topless woman who was very fit looking. Then we are further welcomed by a small boy shitting a water bottle sized turd. Afterwards a group of heathen kids decide to take over our area of the beach forcing us to go boulder hopping. after the beach we go for lunch. which cost 98 euros for five girls. compliments of Katies 10 dollar banana split. complete with a sparkler. luckily we saved a whole 3 euros bc they forgot to add a latte onto the bill. we then pile onto a cable car so we can go shopping. oh wait, we couldnt afford any of the stuff so we wandered around until we got bored. we then got back on the charming cable car complete with a small child in her stroller who kicked kelsey in the butt the entire ride down. after buying tickets back to naples, we get onto the ferry. we get to sit behind a couple who lovingly bite and lick each other ferociously like they are stars of twilight. we get to see a cute polar bear though aka K-Nut kelsey's future italian dog. after taking a siesta in the hotel, we all get pretty for a fun night out. we go to dinner at our favorite restaurant in naples aka the only one weve been too. we get the best most fluent english speaking waitor in the house. after pizza we order dessert. no shaft tonight. or balls either. tonights balls were actually chocolate ice cream sadly. and there was no watermelon or french fries. wuh wuh. kelsey katie and kaitlin then try to find a bar. they get asked if they are strippers. then they find out the first bar is shut down. the second well, it might or might not exist. we got too afraid to keep walking after two men cat call to us and follow us diligently, even reversing down a one way street. then a man parts traffic for us so we can get back safely to the hotel. man, i cant wait to see what day 2 will bring!
ps. Our hos-tel had an awesome receptionist man named David who suffered from a slight skin irritation. Also, the second man was very fond of us, especially Katie. AND good news, the elevator in the Hos-tel was free at night and we had a piazza all to ourselves.
ps. Our hos-tel had an awesome receptionist man named David who suffered from a slight skin irritation. Also, the second man was very fond of us, especially Katie. AND good news, the elevator in the Hos-tel was free at night and we had a piazza all to ourselves.
If traveling by train...(assignment 5)
After thirty minutes of sitting in my tiny, cramped train seat, I realized it was going to be a long trip. Besides being stuck without a bed for the eight hour overnight journey, I also was forced to keep my backpack on my lap for fear of having something stolen. My slight irritation grew into a simmering anger once the temperature began climbing well into the 90’s. If the stifling heat wasn’t enough, it wasn’t long before my fellow passengers, who didn’t even know each other upon entering the train, decided to do a little bit more than chat. Overheated and exhausted, I was not pleased at the canoodling going on a mere foot away. Last time I checked, it was not very good manners to play tongue tag in front of complete strangers. Feeling alone and slightly close to insanity, I was less than comforted when the door opened and a scowling head popped in, demanding to see my train ticket. After getting off the train, I realized the trip might have seemed worse because I was taught that public displays of affection are not exactly the classiest thing. In addition, my last minute reservations and small amount of planning resulted in my lack of a bed, teaching me to always book tickets well in advance. Overall, despite the intense make out I witnessed and the extreme heat, the trip taught me a valuable lesson-ALWAYS book a bed on night trains and if possible, make your ticket first class.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_KACgT-ZD0 -This is a clip from Eurotrip which reminded me that uncomfortable train trips aren't limited to just myself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_KACgT-ZD0 -This is a clip from Eurotrip which reminded me that uncomfortable train trips aren't limited to just myself.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
The Wine Bar (assignment 3)
At only thirty-five years of age, Manuele Giovanelli seems as if he should just be starting his life. Quite on the contrary, Manuele is actually an accomplished business owner. Born in Pisa and raised in Milan, Manuele has lived in Florence for over a decade. He is now the proud owner of The Wine Bar, and has been for over a year.Originally, Manuele worked as a bartender for several years. After attending schooling, he moved into his current postition as owner of the bar. The Wine Bar receives much of its business through word of mouth, although individuals can book wine tasting's online. Overall, Manuele enjoys meeting new people and explaining his craft. He says his job requires him "to be very patient," but that he loves discussing the joy of wine. Manuele's favorite wine is Brunello di Montalcino,but his best seller is Chianti. As the owner of the bar, Manuele must work fourteen hour workdays, which can be quite demanding. Despite the energy required to work so frequently, Manuele remains quite upbeat about his job. Whether you are simply stopping in The Wine Bar for a drink or looking for an evening of conversation, Manuele Giovanelli is the perfect host.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Big Trains, Big Crowds, and Big Macs (assignment 2)
Sitting against the wall in the middle of the chaos at the Florence train station, a person can see almost anything. People of all nationalities and attire push their way through the crowd, trying to reach their desired platform or the never-ending line to purchase tickets. To my left is a small woman begging those who pass her for money, but mainly receiving scowls or looks of disgust instead. Looking to the right I am hit with a strong odor of frying food, which to no surprise is accompanied with a glowing golden “M.” As I continue watching the crowd, I hear a young child begging for ice cream from a glowing machine. The agitated mother ignores this request and continues pulling the unhappy child towards a waiting train. Everywhere I turn, my eyes fixate on a glowing sign, a large, noisy train, or another person trying to get on with whatever business brings them to this hub of activity. The train station, with its bustling crowd and stores selling everything from a carton of fries to a cheap plastic toy, is easily one of the most diverse places I have ever been.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Florence: Week 1
Ciao! After being in Italy for just over a week, I have finally found the time to do a little writing for pleasure (granted I could be reading about art or doing laundry but who really cares?). So, where to even begin? Well lets start from the very beginning because I wouldn't want to leave out any part of what has surely been one of the most memorable weeks of my young life.
Day 1: Tuesday, June 29th-We arrive in Florence! This is quite grand after being on a plane since Monday evening (it is now approx 630 in the evening the next day). Even more grand is the fact my luggage actually arrived on time, which we were warned frequently is not the case. I am greeted with an extreme burst of heat as I exit the airport doors. They really aren't exaggerating when they say how hot it is here. Regardless, I AM IN FLORENCE ITALY. Better yet, it's for seven weeks. We are quickly taken to our living quarters, which sadly is air condition free. Nevertheless, I have a roof over my head, running water, and wireless internet. After an interesting dinner (food will be further detailed later no worries), we unpack and look around nearby. Most importantly, I have my first taste of true Italian gelato. Best/worst decision of my life considering I am now addicted to the creamy, smooth texture that is offered in an abundance of flavors.
Day 2: Wednesday, June 30th-After an early awakening (which is only one of many early mornings) we eat breakfast which is about as, uh, delish as dinner. We then have an orientation type session which is quite hazy considering we all just wanted to start experiencing Florence. Following lots of talking, we go out on a tour which is relatively interesting, even if each of us is sweating like its our job. Next is lunchtime. Sounds great right, I mean you can't go wrong with food? WRONG. We are served some sort of meaty pasta-ish blob, which is an issue when you don't eat red meat. The next course (yes, you have several here) is, you guessed it, MEAT. Needless to say, I was a little hungry after this meal, but I had faith this was just a freak incident. Later in the evening all of us got dressed up for a "fancy dinner party" on the roof of a hotel. This made me quite happy because it gave me a reason to wear this great GUESS cocktail dress that still had tags on it. Well, the dinner party wasn't quite what I expected, but it was still fun. Many good photos and laughs came of it, despite the lack of typical "dinner" foods (I've never had chex-mix and peanuts for dinner but at least it was meat free!). After the dinner party, everyone went and further experienced the Italian culture where I learned a VERY valuable lesson: Being blonde and blue eyed is quite rare here. And also quite scary. Italian men dig blondes. BIG TIME. I won't go into detail, but if you are light haired, watch your back here.
Day 3-Thursday, July 1st-Well, this day consisted of lots and lots of sleeping (must have been the jet lag or something) along with some orientation type stuff once again. After resting up until around dinner time, I preceded to pack for the upcoming weekend trip to Venice. Katie and I then went and got some pizza, which is the one meal here I was able to eat and truly enjoy. A few of us girls then explored, found a charming cafe, and of course, got gelato.
Day 4-Friday, July 2nd-We all wake up bright and early, being that the bus leaves at 8am sharp for Venice. Upon arriving in Venice, we realize Florence was not nearly as hot as originally believed. At over 100 degrees with 95% humidity, Venice felt as if the bus had made a wrong turn and dropped us off in, well, hell. Aside from this, Venice is GORGEOUS. Absolutely breathtaking really. The beauty was a bit hard to appreciate on this particular day though, considering we took a numerous hour tour in the extreme heat. By the end of the afternoon, all 40-some of us were tired, overheated, and a tad grumpy. The solution? SIESTA (aka. naptime). I must say the fact Italians close basically everything from 1 to 3 for siesta is a brialliant idea. Whoever called that laziness has apparently never taken a tour in 105 degrees after a four hour bus ride.
Day 5-Saturday, July 3rd-By this time at breakfast, I have realized Italy is not good for picky eaters who aren't fond of meats, cheeses, or loads of carbs. Thus, I have resulted to living off gelato, loads of water, and coffee (which is totally different in every aspect from the U.S.). Maybe I'll end up going home fit and tan after all? We can only hope. Anyways, today is a grand day. Why you ask? THE BEACH (which everyone should know is my favorite place). I will not elaborate much on the beach because my first assignment for journalism goes into plenty of detail. After the beach, a group of us go for dinner and some world cup soccer, followed by some further exploring of Italy after the sun has gone down.
Day 6-Sunday, July 4th-Well, as most people probably guessed, there are not many fireworks displays or cook outs here to celebrate America's independence. Instead we go on a 6 hour boat tour that morning (which was both good and bad, but hey that's life) and begin the long journey home to Florence. After a nice cold shower, I, along with a fellow Kelsey, go to a really cute restaurant called The Wine Cellar if I'm correct (specializing in pasta and pizza not wine of course. Then a group of us celebrates independence day like it's going out of style.
Day 7-Monday, July 5th-MORE orientation type speeches, and more siesta-ing to prepare for class starting the next day. Then dinner, my favorite. Followed by a group of us getting gelato (Thank goodness for this) and doing more exploring. Oh yes, and the first batch of homework.
Day 8-Tuesday, July 6th-Lets start off by stating that whoever said summer classes are less work blah blah blah, LIED. Tuesday's consist of approx. 12 hours of class only breaking for lunch and dinner. Then homework. I'm not going to elaborate on this day because I'm trying to block it from my mind. Okay, maybe I'm being a tad dramatic, there were some interesting things learned. It may not have been a totally awful day, since it was spent in Italy.
Day 9-Wednesday, July 7th-Much like yesterday, today was full of class. Although I went to a cute cafe beforehand to get some expresso shots, which is always good. Also, I was relatively productive, getting all of my hw done, going for a run (which in the heat is bothersome at times), and updating my blog of course. Well, if you made it this far in the post I owe you a present from Italy because I'm quite impressed. I suppose I should go to bed and prepare my mind and body for class tomorrow. Oh yes, and the beginning of MY TRIP TO MUNICH (I'm a tad bit excited in case you couldn't tell). I will write again after returning from Germany! Ciao (yep, it can mean hello and goodbye)!
Day 1: Tuesday, June 29th-We arrive in Florence! This is quite grand after being on a plane since Monday evening (it is now approx 630 in the evening the next day). Even more grand is the fact my luggage actually arrived on time, which we were warned frequently is not the case. I am greeted with an extreme burst of heat as I exit the airport doors. They really aren't exaggerating when they say how hot it is here. Regardless, I AM IN FLORENCE ITALY. Better yet, it's for seven weeks. We are quickly taken to our living quarters, which sadly is air condition free. Nevertheless, I have a roof over my head, running water, and wireless internet. After an interesting dinner (food will be further detailed later no worries), we unpack and look around nearby. Most importantly, I have my first taste of true Italian gelato. Best/worst decision of my life considering I am now addicted to the creamy, smooth texture that is offered in an abundance of flavors.
Day 2: Wednesday, June 30th-After an early awakening (which is only one of many early mornings) we eat breakfast which is about as, uh, delish as dinner. We then have an orientation type session which is quite hazy considering we all just wanted to start experiencing Florence. Following lots of talking, we go out on a tour which is relatively interesting, even if each of us is sweating like its our job. Next is lunchtime. Sounds great right, I mean you can't go wrong with food? WRONG. We are served some sort of meaty pasta-ish blob, which is an issue when you don't eat red meat. The next course (yes, you have several here) is, you guessed it, MEAT. Needless to say, I was a little hungry after this meal, but I had faith this was just a freak incident. Later in the evening all of us got dressed up for a "fancy dinner party" on the roof of a hotel. This made me quite happy because it gave me a reason to wear this great GUESS cocktail dress that still had tags on it. Well, the dinner party wasn't quite what I expected, but it was still fun. Many good photos and laughs came of it, despite the lack of typical "dinner" foods (I've never had chex-mix and peanuts for dinner but at least it was meat free!). After the dinner party, everyone went and further experienced the Italian culture where I learned a VERY valuable lesson: Being blonde and blue eyed is quite rare here. And also quite scary. Italian men dig blondes. BIG TIME. I won't go into detail, but if you are light haired, watch your back here.
Day 3-Thursday, July 1st-Well, this day consisted of lots and lots of sleeping (must have been the jet lag or something) along with some orientation type stuff once again. After resting up until around dinner time, I preceded to pack for the upcoming weekend trip to Venice. Katie and I then went and got some pizza, which is the one meal here I was able to eat and truly enjoy. A few of us girls then explored, found a charming cafe, and of course, got gelato.
Day 4-Friday, July 2nd-We all wake up bright and early, being that the bus leaves at 8am sharp for Venice. Upon arriving in Venice, we realize Florence was not nearly as hot as originally believed. At over 100 degrees with 95% humidity, Venice felt as if the bus had made a wrong turn and dropped us off in, well, hell. Aside from this, Venice is GORGEOUS. Absolutely breathtaking really. The beauty was a bit hard to appreciate on this particular day though, considering we took a numerous hour tour in the extreme heat. By the end of the afternoon, all 40-some of us were tired, overheated, and a tad grumpy. The solution? SIESTA (aka. naptime). I must say the fact Italians close basically everything from 1 to 3 for siesta is a brialliant idea. Whoever called that laziness has apparently never taken a tour in 105 degrees after a four hour bus ride.
Day 5-Saturday, July 3rd-By this time at breakfast, I have realized Italy is not good for picky eaters who aren't fond of meats, cheeses, or loads of carbs. Thus, I have resulted to living off gelato, loads of water, and coffee (which is totally different in every aspect from the U.S.). Maybe I'll end up going home fit and tan after all? We can only hope. Anyways, today is a grand day. Why you ask? THE BEACH (which everyone should know is my favorite place). I will not elaborate much on the beach because my first assignment for journalism goes into plenty of detail. After the beach, a group of us go for dinner and some world cup soccer, followed by some further exploring of Italy after the sun has gone down.
Day 6-Sunday, July 4th-Well, as most people probably guessed, there are not many fireworks displays or cook outs here to celebrate America's independence. Instead we go on a 6 hour boat tour that morning (which was both good and bad, but hey that's life) and begin the long journey home to Florence. After a nice cold shower, I, along with a fellow Kelsey, go to a really cute restaurant called The Wine Cellar if I'm correct (specializing in pasta and pizza not wine of course. Then a group of us celebrates independence day like it's going out of style.
Day 7-Monday, July 5th-MORE orientation type speeches, and more siesta-ing to prepare for class starting the next day. Then dinner, my favorite. Followed by a group of us getting gelato (Thank goodness for this) and doing more exploring. Oh yes, and the first batch of homework.
Day 8-Tuesday, July 6th-Lets start off by stating that whoever said summer classes are less work blah blah blah, LIED. Tuesday's consist of approx. 12 hours of class only breaking for lunch and dinner. Then homework. I'm not going to elaborate on this day because I'm trying to block it from my mind. Okay, maybe I'm being a tad dramatic, there were some interesting things learned. It may not have been a totally awful day, since it was spent in Italy.
Day 9-Wednesday, July 7th-Much like yesterday, today was full of class. Although I went to a cute cafe beforehand to get some expresso shots, which is always good. Also, I was relatively productive, getting all of my hw done, going for a run (which in the heat is bothersome at times), and updating my blog of course. Well, if you made it this far in the post I owe you a present from Italy because I'm quite impressed. I suppose I should go to bed and prepare my mind and body for class tomorrow. Oh yes, and the beginning of MY TRIP TO MUNICH (I'm a tad bit excited in case you couldn't tell). I will write again after returning from Germany! Ciao (yep, it can mean hello and goodbye)!
Life's a Beach (assignment 1)
It’s a hot day in Venice and what better place to be then the beach? This seems to be the thoughts of thousands of beachgoers, packed onto the hot sand and splashing in the salty water. At around a hundred degrees, with the scorching sunshine blaring down, an itty bitty bikini and miles of water seem like ideal choices.
As I lay down my beach towel and prepare to lather on some sunscreen, I take in the surrounding scene. The sky is a clear blue, broken only by the bright summer sun that is already beginning to turn my skin a little pink. The sand is blazing beneath my bare feet, and the stifling heat is already making me drip with perspiration. I take in the giant crowd that has flocked here, each one with their own story. Some of them are clearly tourists, much like me, while others seem to belong. Some run through the water, others perch on their fluffy towels. Some wear a smile; whereas, others frown as if they have forgotten they are at a beautiful beach. Despite the differences amongst us all, there is a one thing most have in common. We are all engaged in lively conversations.
After scanning the beach for a short while, I realize one thing quite different from beaches back home-the attire (or might I say lack thereof). It doesn’t take much time for me to realize it is more acceptable to wear whatever you want. Unlike beaches back home, there are little to no individuals wearing garments to conceal their body rather than flaunt it. Here it is quite the opposite. Men strut around in tiny speedos, while women shimmy into the water in what would barely pass as a bikini. Looking even closer, I realize there are a few females who have nothing but a swimsuit bottom on. To me, it seems strange to wear so little in a very public place, but to most it does not seem out of the ordinary. I quickly learn that modesty is not a common trend here on the beach. Luckily, this seems to make most beachgoers more comfortable in their own skin, allowing us all to focus on enjoying the experience.
As I walk into the snack bar area, I begin to listen to the surrounding dialogue, many of which I cannot even begin to decipher. As I desperately search around for a cold water to quench my thirst, one conversation in particular sparks my interest, as it is in English and spoken by two good looking men. After casually listening for a few minutes, I realize the two are American soldiers stationed in Germany who have come to Venice for a long weekend. One talks of how he “can’t figure out where to go out late at night,” and the other agrees. Upon thinking about it, I am surprised the pair found this difficult, as Italy is known for having quite the nightlife.
After what seems like an eternity but was probably mere minutes, I find water and return to the hot sand. Despite the many differences among Italian and American beaches and there inhabitants, I realize there is one thing that unites us all. Each individual, no matter where they are from or what language they speak, is here to experience this little piece of heaven we call the lido.
As I lay down my beach towel and prepare to lather on some sunscreen, I take in the surrounding scene. The sky is a clear blue, broken only by the bright summer sun that is already beginning to turn my skin a little pink. The sand is blazing beneath my bare feet, and the stifling heat is already making me drip with perspiration. I take in the giant crowd that has flocked here, each one with their own story. Some of them are clearly tourists, much like me, while others seem to belong. Some run through the water, others perch on their fluffy towels. Some wear a smile; whereas, others frown as if they have forgotten they are at a beautiful beach. Despite the differences amongst us all, there is a one thing most have in common. We are all engaged in lively conversations.
After scanning the beach for a short while, I realize one thing quite different from beaches back home-the attire (or might I say lack thereof). It doesn’t take much time for me to realize it is more acceptable to wear whatever you want. Unlike beaches back home, there are little to no individuals wearing garments to conceal their body rather than flaunt it. Here it is quite the opposite. Men strut around in tiny speedos, while women shimmy into the water in what would barely pass as a bikini. Looking even closer, I realize there are a few females who have nothing but a swimsuit bottom on. To me, it seems strange to wear so little in a very public place, but to most it does not seem out of the ordinary. I quickly learn that modesty is not a common trend here on the beach. Luckily, this seems to make most beachgoers more comfortable in their own skin, allowing us all to focus on enjoying the experience.
As I walk into the snack bar area, I begin to listen to the surrounding dialogue, many of which I cannot even begin to decipher. As I desperately search around for a cold water to quench my thirst, one conversation in particular sparks my interest, as it is in English and spoken by two good looking men. After casually listening for a few minutes, I realize the two are American soldiers stationed in Germany who have come to Venice for a long weekend. One talks of how he “can’t figure out where to go out late at night,” and the other agrees. Upon thinking about it, I am surprised the pair found this difficult, as Italy is known for having quite the nightlife.
After what seems like an eternity but was probably mere minutes, I find water and return to the hot sand. Despite the many differences among Italian and American beaches and there inhabitants, I realize there is one thing that unites us all. Each individual, no matter where they are from or what language they speak, is here to experience this little piece of heaven we call the lido.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
In less than two weeks I will be sitting in an Italian cafe sipping on a hot latte...
So, today is officially Day 1 of my blogging. Technically speaking, I don't have to start blogging just yet, as I am still stuck in Cambridge, OH, but I figured hey why not try it? Hopefully I can get the hang of exactly how this works considering I am technologically challenged, that way I am able to not only document my travels in and around Italy, but put up pictures as well. Lucky for me, I have 12 more days to figure out just how to navigate this blog before I leave Cambridge to embark on my travels. Well, because the bridge is such a happening town and has so much to do (said with the upmost sarcasm), I am going to end this epic first post. Fingers crossed that the posts get a tad bit more exciting once I am actually in Florence. Arrivederci (this is me attempting my first bit of Italian, impressive I know)!
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