remember when we went to Ireland for spring break and all the bars were closed?

We're in the land of Ire! Our adventure began the minute we woke up at 2 in the morning to catch our flight at 6...getting to pisa wasn't difficult- after sidestepping a few annoying american tourists to get on the bus we ended up sleeping the whole way anyway. We got to Pisa without a hitch, got on our plane, and we were off; playing the mission impossible theme on my ipod as we left the runway. When we got here it was- surprise!- raining and cold; we never thought we'd miss the current Italian weather but apparently even Italy is warmer than here.

Finding our hostel was an adventure in and of itself- it was super windy and when my umbrella decided to reveal how cheaply made it was (it turned completely inside out!) a nice man stopped and helped me fix it. Everyone kind of looks like a leprauchaun here- there aren't too many gingers (rosie and I have been counting every one we see) but other than that all other stereotypes have been found to be entirely correct. Everyone is extremely friendly and there are bars on every corner!

At our hostel we met some interesting people- when we first went up to our room (on the very top floor, mind you), a naked Korean man randomly came out of the bathroom. Great start to our vacation! Very soon after we left the room (no offense naked Korean man, but we have better things to to than stick around to see your you know what) and wanted to get a beer. We found the first bar we could, sat down on the stool, only to find out that- surprise again! It's good friday here and so they aren't serving any alcohol. Who would have thought the Irish were THAT Catholic?? I think Rosie was more upset than I was but I'm pretty sure they're serving beer today. I have a feeling everyone's going to stock up before tomorrow when all the bars shut down again!

The rest of the day was spent finding our way between all the sights; we paid to see the Book of Kells where I blessed Rosie with the history of the book recited in Lord of The Rings style. She also found out where the Ring of Power came from, thanks to yours truly. Some guys who were walking in front of us thought it was funny but someone else shh'ed us for being too loud. sheesh, lighten up!

We also found a Tesco right by our hostel, and to save some money that's where we've been eating. Last night for dinner Rosie bought a packaged pizza (like we haven't had pizza before) and I got some soup in a bag for 60 eurocents. cheap and easy! We went back to the hostel to cook our dinner and- third surprise!- everyone who was staying there was LEGIT cooking- yeah, that's the real thing- instead of using the microwave in the corner. People were making chicken, omelettes, hot dogs with tomato sauce (yeah, I don't get that one either) and everyone was staring (and probably internally laughing) at my bag o' soup. Hey, I'm traveling, leave me alone.

We went back up to our room after dinner only to discover that more people had moved into our room- there's Extremely Hairy Guy (who sleeps right below Rosie) who had no problem flashing me his testicles this morning. That was a great wake up call! There's also the two Spanish guys (one of whom brushes his teeth super loud) and another Spanish girl who I was looking at this morning when another head popped out of her covers. Surprise again! There's two people sleeping in that bed; which is a lot better than the alternative that I considered. I thought she was one of those conjoined twins or something. At breakfast today we met two Italian women (who I practiced my Italian with for 4.23 seconds before I realized that hey, I don't have to speak Italian here) and Weird Brochure Lady who's an extremely obese American woman passing out brochures to everyone. She kind of smells funny too but that's okay because so does the entire hostel.

So, that's where we're at right now. We're headed to the guiness factory today because it's closed tomorrow (in my humble opinion Jesus didn't plan his ressurection very well- couldn't he have waited until NEXT weekend?) and right now we're at a little internet place where everyone is playing WOW and checking their facebook.

Can't wait to see what adventures we're going to find today!!!

Ciao for now.

Sitting on the fence

Talking with my grandmother the other day brought up an interesting topic of conversation... and it really made me think. If it all was going to end right now, what would you want to have done differently?

I know that I would have wanted to spend less time worrying, and more time going with the flow. I would have wanted to tell people how I actually feel instead of pretending that everything is ok all the time. I would have wanted to tell my family that I love them, and I would have wanted to finish reading all the books I put down.

I would have wanted to talk to more people, to write more, and to learn how to cook. I would have tried that cafe on the corner I always pass but never go into. I would have wanted to go more places and to see more; even though I know that you can’t do it all. I would have wanted to spend less money on things and spend more on people.

I would have wanted to judge people less and to stop assuming the worst. I would have wanted to give people the benefit of the doubt more instead of just assuming that they didn’t come through.

good thing I still have more time.

broken promises, broken bones

The things you buried long ago

Indentations, once were red

Company you kept between your sheets

But never in your head

You spread your wings and tried to fly

At least that’s what your mother said

Your life displayed upon the wall

Picture frames and dirty glass

Distant drums of memories past

You wish you knew but never asked

And oh, your weathered and wrinkled skin

bones dissolve, Begin again

The grapevines grew in twists and turns

Pushed and pulled, pierced, removed

Reminiscent of the way

Our mouths and bodies used to move

And oh, your weathered and wrinkled skin

bones dissolve, Begin again

And now you’re one plus eighty three

The mirror shows what you can’t see

Touch the lines upon your face

Deep avenues of woven lace

And oh the things you’ve seen

Four walls and a tambourine

And oh, your weathered and wrinkled skin

bones dissolve, Begin again

You're Now Leaving: Your Comfort Zone

Today I decided to disregard the weatherman, break free from the bonds of winter, and bust out my shorts for old time's sake. Despite the constant double takes and stares I received from the ever-so-proper Italians (although it might have been because my legs haven't seen the sun in 5 months) I was definitely happy with my decision. Something about not dressing like a nun makes me excited to go home! Although by wearing something other than a shiny black jacket and scarf I made it painfully obvious that I am nothing but a tourist, no one on the street today came up to me and asked me to sign something, asked me for money, or obscenely placed their hand on my ass (which was a nice change of pace from normal happenings around this city). That's enough incentive for me to continue looking like a tourista! Maybe I'll even add flip flops next time to add to the effect.

I've been having trouble concentrating lately and I think it's because the last class with my 6 year olds is tomorrow. I wonder how I'll feel- rushing off to the school after my morning class, frantically ringing the bell at the gate to be buzzed in, calming down Chiara, Neri, and Lavinia when they don't win BINGO; for the very last time. Ever. It feels so final. I know that the end to something always brings the beginning of something else, but I can't help but feel a little melancholy when I think about teaching those kids. I guess this is just the first goodbye of many to come and I'd better get used to it. Some other stuff needs to end too but I can't bring myself to do it.

Only 2 more months to go and then my parents will be picking me up at the airport. I know it sounds strange but I kind of want to live with my parents next year- not because I feel comfortable at home, not because it's the easy decision, not because I actually want to live under the same roof as my parents, but because I don't think I'd be able to handle going from walking past the Duomo everyday to living in Fullerton again. If I have to be anywhere I'd rather be in a place that I enjoy; a place that has more scenery than the Del Taco across the street from the Baseball Stadium. And while I absolutely lived for Taco Tuesday last year I'm pretty sure Ventura's Del Taco will have it too.

I just need to tell myself not to stress about it; that what's going to happen will happen without any help from me. Part of me is definitely a control freak and I need to let that go: in this, and in one main aspect of my life right now. Just relax! Trust that everything will be ok, and it will be.

Anyway. I need to make cookies for my class tomorrow and it's already 12:30. Past my bedtime! Nikki and the girls made me dinner tonight (hamburgers with mashed potatoes? yes please?) and we went out for a few drinks afterward. Definitely worth staying up, but I need to get to bed soon if I'm going to convince myself to go to my 8:30 class tomorrow morning.

Ciao for now.

Things in your Pocket

I saw a woman carrying sun flowers today. Normally this wouldn't be something memorable enough to commit to memory, however the bright yellow (a connotation of Tuscan Spring) contrasted nicely with the snow falling everywhere.

Yup, the winter weather is back for another round. Thanks a lot, stupid groundhog.

I suppose the dismal weather is (in a sense) something good- I think (and I'm not trying to be negative) that it will make it easier to go home when the time comes. I'm definitely ready to go home as it is, but I think the novelty of being back in the States will eventually wear off just as the novelty of being in Italy did. In other words, I know I'm going to want to come back once I'm gone; but the harsh reality of winter will help keep my memory in check- instead of remembering Italy for only the good parts (as I tend to do), I'll remember it for what it was; the good and the bad. This weather is just too damn cold to forget!

Tomorrow morning we're headed to Southern Italy for our longest field trip yet- we'll all be together for a whopping four straight days. It might be nice to get out of Florence for a while, and when I was in Napoli for the first time I didn't get a chance to try the pizza! Although I never finished the book, "Eat, Pray, Love" had some good suggestions for where to go.

I also need to figure out what I'm going to do for the nine days in June I'll be here. I've got a lot on my plate right now. I missed my 20th Century Authors course this morning; I slept right through my alarm (I'm not going to lie and say that it wasn't on purpose) so I'll have an "extra project" to do when I get back. Will 8:30 class ever get any easier?

What an interesting post, huh?

The trivialities of life are all that's on my mind right now.

I need to go veg.

Ciao.

Don't look back.

Last night marked the 5th (6th?) Thursday in our weekly dinner tradition; this week's theme being "food we like to eat and want to share." (Very well put, Emily.) I meant to take pictures, really, but somewhere in the midst of all the wine, cheese, food and conversation I got sidetracked. I tried my hand at cinnamon rolls of the homemade persuasion- even the bread was delicately created by yours truly. Who knew domestication could be fun!? Amanda made strawberry cream-cheese wontons, Emily and Chelsea whipped up their hummus with verdure and a fruit salad, and Rosie put together a salad inspired by the deliciousness of the one at Capriccio in downtown Ventura. YUM! Gwenyth and Michael brought over their standard (but incredibly amazing) cheese plate with olives and prosciutto, and the newcomers brought over wine, torta, and Jason's famous mac n' cheese.

I suppose last night's influx in food intake is the inspiration for my newest attempt at Dr. Gott's No Flour No Sugar diet. It's a bit easier to do when you're sick of looking at pasta; bread is really the only thing I'm going to miss. Amanda's doing it too so at least I have some moral support at the apartment. Emily and Chelsea have been going vegan lately and I give them mad props because there's no way I could cut barbarism out of my diet. I like meat, 'nuff said.

I've been running lately (yes, still, shocker) but I haven't been keeping up with it as much as I'd like to. While it sucks complete ass having to leave the apartment to go for a run, I always feel better when I'm coming back. Once my shorts actually fit like they used to I'll feel a lot better too!!! Plus the weather has been absolutely beautiful lately, and I want to get in the habit of running before it gets super hot again and I can't find the will to go outside without a fan. Maybe I'll even get to wear my flip-flops soon! Cross your fingers.

Anyway, tomorrow I'm hopping on a 4 am train to Venice! I'm cleaning all my shit up now so I don't have to worry about it later (Friday is definitely turning into my room cleaning day). I'm super excited to cross this one off my list, Venice is a place I've always wanted to go... the girls said I'd better bring rainboots- I knew the city was 'sinking' but who knew St. Mark's Square floods every afternoon? Maybe we can even take a gondola ride into the church. Ha-ha.

Adios, Adieu, and most importantly....Ciao!

Windows into Florentine Life

It was another beautiful day in the city! I'm home alone (again). Everyone left for their whirlwind vacations yesterday which means that I get to walk around in my underwear until Sunday. Freedom!

Let's face it, I need money. But who doesn't? My travel plans will have to be cut a little short- Ireland is (fortunately) already booked, so I can't talk myself out of that one. But for the remainder of my time it looks like I'll be sticking around Tuscany! If I had to be stuck somewhere because I'm completely destitute, I think I chose a pretty good place to do it.

I went for a run today- actually kind of a run/walk/jog (not necessarily in that order) and I went back to the "oasis" I discovered a few days ago. Running past the embassy on Monday gave me an extra boost of energy (there's definitely something to be said about hot soldiers in uniform) and I went further than I have before, only to discover a little slice of nature right in the middle of Florence. The setting definitely makes me feel like I've stepped back in time- there's neatly trimmed hedges lining the dirt road, and antique streetlamps surrounded by flowers and grass and trees. Plus, the Arno's dam breaks off at a certain point which makes the river look something like a waterfall. People lay around sketching and reading by the river, and Italian women take their dogs for a walk while Italian men walk their mothers. (Yes, that stereotype is entirely correct).

I found peace in my solitude, and laid for a while on the grass listening to a brilliantly crafted playlist on my Ipod. Until an Italian man (mid 40's at least) stopped by on his bike and poked me with his foot so I would wake up and we could "chat." I gave him "yes" and "no" answers to his questions for a while, but after a few minutes I couldn't contain my creeped-out-ness and told him that I was tired and was going home. What is it with these Italians??? First I get followed by a man on a bike (the first day I started running again) and now another one is under the impression that it's ok to stop and strike up a conversation by poking me with his foot? I'm certain these men aren't drawn to me by my looks- I have a hard time fathoming that a sweaty, red, round face is a sign of attractiveness even in Italy. Maybe I should keep my newly acquired tummy, it seems to be driving these Italian men crazy. On second thought...

On a lighter note, my class is going extremely well! Teaching the one hour a week that I do is the best, most rewarding thing that I'm doing/ will do while I'm here. I'm learning my way around my kids just as they're learning their way around me. We tried to play Bingo the other day (they're learning colors in English) and half the class ended up sobbing when they didn't win. There's something to be said for competition in this country- it's obviously instilled at a very early age! So I'm hoping that if there's no more bingo there won't be anymore crying, screaming 6 year olds to handle. Actually, the walk to and from the elementary school is one of my favorite parts; it gives me a chance to move around a little before I have to get back to class. Luckily in this semester's schedule I have the same time slot open which means that I get to keep my same class.

On Thursdays I go to Mythology (this semester it'll be 20th Century Italian Authors) from 8:30-9:50 and sprint out of Aula 2 as I have to make it to the elementary school by 10:30. First it's past Sister's Bar, then I walk to the train station. Once I'm over the bridge that crosses the tracks, I pass by the soccer stadium, then the REAL men's soccer stadium where the professionals play. All I have left to look for is the carousel right next to the outdoor market. Left at the Carousel, Right onto Via Cento Stelle (Street of 100 Stars) and a straight walk until the school. I love passing by the fisherman's store on the way, the old men who work there remind me somewhat of the Italy that I expected when I first moved here. They're always fighting with each other (a battle of hand gestures) while they're smoking outside. Old women are always out walking their dogs in their finest furs, and I pass by the same Security Guard standing outside of the local bank every Thursday. I think he's even starting to recognize me- the girl who always rushes by, listening to her ipod, with a silly grin plastered on her face. Sheesh, she must be weird. The same African Immigrants offer me the same umbrellas and lighters and hats every Thursday, and the same man passes me on his vespa.

Who says I don't have roots here?

Anyway, I'm going to get back to my book. Edith Wharton really knows her stuff.