Firenze, Ti Amo

Ciao everyone!

This weekend was definitely an experience and a half. It all started with 11 of us attempting to book a reservation on a train to Florence. This was not easy when you do not speak Italian and are trying to work your way through a computerized ticket machine. Not only did the people working at the train station only speak Italian, but the police officers standing next to us didn't speak English either. We went and waited in line at the ticket office, only to find out the train we wanted was booked. We ended up having to get tickets for sunday morning. Sunday could not come soon enough, we were so excited for Florence. We have only ever heard good things about it. The Cathedral, the statue of David, and of course....THE SHOPPING! Their must have been a million stands on the streets and leather stores everywhere. However, let me get back on track. The shopping was fun, but the cathedral and Statue of David were MAGNIFICENT! I have never seen anything quite like the Cathedral. We caught a glimpse of it from a few blocks back and could see it through the buildings as we were approaching it. I was already in awe, you did not even need to see the whole thing to admire the beauty of it. Being up-close was almost too overwhelming, its beauty just kept you looking, and you would never want to stop! The walk up to the Statue of David was definitely a tough one, hill after hill after hill. It was absolutely perfect once you made it to the top. The entire town of Florence was at your fingertips. I felt so inferior to the world that surrounded me. We had lunch overlooking the entire city. I have only ever seen such beauty in movies, but now I was actually there. The train ride home was bitter sweet, I was happy to crawl into bed, but sad I know I would not be there again for a long time. I feel truly blessed.

I'm off to bed now, hoping to wake up for another wonderful experience tomorrow.

Crystal

7 crazy americans running thru pisa!

Ciao,

Well this weekend was amazing. Saturday we went to Venice and it was great. We had the chance to ride a Gondola and tour the city. We were very lucky to have Nicks Italian roommate with us which was a great help! We were able to go up a bell tower and take some of the most amazing pictures. We were also able to walk around the church. It was so big and the graphics were just amazing. On sunday we went to Florence and Pisa. In Florence or should i say "The Work Out City," we climbed a huge hill and many steps just to see the replica of the Statue of David. But the view and the statue were totally worth it. After that we had the most amazing lunch and steak. Next on the trip came Pisa. We only had 2 hours to make the train so we walked to the tower of Pisa took a bunch of photos some of us actually went up the tower while the others watched. It was then we realized we had about 30 minutes to catch the train and had a 25 minute walk ahead of us. All off a sudden the town of Pisa was like a marathon. 7 Americans sprinting and yelling for people to get out of our way. It was a work out! I haven't ran like that in years. Half of us were running barefoot while the other half kept stopping to catch their breath. It looked like a scene out of a movie. But, WE MADE IT with 3 minutes to spare. It was on that four hour train ride where things went crazy. People should never talk to Americans who have just ran 25 minutes to catch a train, who were all sweaty, who haven't eaten or drank anything in 8 hours and on the verge of going crazy on one another. But overall it was the best weekend ever and we can't wait to do it again next weekend in Rome. Bye for now, miss everyone at home!

-Heather 

Pictures from Venice

Looking over the city of Venice

-Becky-

There's a first time for everything, like paying to use the bathroom in Venice

Today was quite the experience as a group of us journyed to Venice. We started off this morning around 8:30am to tour Venice for the day. We got a fast train around 9am and arrived in Venice around 11am. Once we all got off of our train we had to use the rest room, little did we know we had to pay .80 euro to do so. We were all flabbergasted by this and thought it was absolutely outrageous that we had to pay to use a restroom. We still don't understand why we had to pay this fee while in Venice but also heard it was common for Northern Italy to charge this amount of money for people to use these facilities. After we all got out the the train station we began our journey to find the square Piazza San Marco. On our way we found a great deal for the nine of us to split in two groups to go on a 30 minute gondala ride. The gondala's were beautiful and the men were singing to us while they rowed. The two gondala's were near each other the whole time so we could still share the experience with the other half of our group since we were split up. We then ventured to Piazza San Marco, which we would have never be able to find it without the help of Nick's roomate, Maurizio. He was an awesome help and asked for directions to get to the square which we finally made it to after a long time of walking. The square was breath taking. Basilica di San Marco was the church that was in Venice in the square. We only waited a short time to go into the Basilica and it was amazing! However, we couldn't take any photos, but we got plently of the outside. Also while there,we went up in the bell tower which over looked all of Venice. We got the best pictures here, they're like pictures on postcards! The bells starting going while we were up top and it was a little loud. The 8 euro we paid to go to the top of this tower was worth it and even more. On our way out we grabbed something to eat before we left to get on our train. The place we got something to eat at was strange because the prices differed whether you were getting the food to go or if you were sitting outside to eat. We got our bill and were shocked and didn't understand why there was a huge difference in the cost of the meal for what we thought it should have been and what it said on the receipt. We tried to ask the guy who worked there what was up with it and he had no explaination. I guess we'll have to be more careful about that next time were out. We are going to Florence and Pisa tomorrow so until then ciao!!!!!!!

-Becky-

Agricultural School!!!

This morning we visited an agricultural school to experience a new type of schooling they offer in Italy. When we walked into the auditorium, we were given a great big welcome with a loud applause. All the high schoolers seemed excited to meet us. We were welcomed and were soon able to exchange questions with one another. It was a great way to learn about this type of schooling system in Italy. The students at the school are taught how to grow crops, raise livestock, and even make wine! We got a grand tour of the beautiful venue. We visited the wine cellars, the various types of livestock (horses, cows, pigs, goats, ducks, ostriches, ponies, and deer), the orchards, the green house, among others! They let us pet the animals and walk around the beautiful green house full of flowers. Once done the tour, we were able to mingle with the students and chat. Although the language barrier was difficult, for the most part we could understand one another. It was so fun because they brought out a rugby ball and a soccer ball. We were juggling the soccer ball with them and they taught some of us how to throw a rugby ball! It was so fun. In return, Tom and Nick taught the Italian boys how to play lacrosse. They brought lacrosse sticks to teach them and they seemed to be so excited about it because they have never played before! It was fun to exchange cultures with them. We sang the National Anthem for them and they sang the Italian National song as well for us! We met some great friends today and experiencing their type of schooling system and even their culture in general was very interesting.

~Gwen

Americans grace the pages of an Italian Newspaper?

It is true, our faces are in the paper. While visiting the Agricultural School yesterday, we were asked to pose for pictures and allow a photographer to follow us as we were given a tour. To our surprise, we found this picture in the newspaper this morning. Needless to say, we are thrilled!

We are representing Gwynedd-Mercy College, America, and our families, and we could not be more proud. Fortunately, we have the opportunity to converse with students and discuss any stereotypes they may have towards us. Several Italians I have spoken with believe Americans are all like the casts of TV shows including: The Jersey Shore, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Family Guy, American Dad, The Simpsons and South Park. (Gasp) Let's hope we can change their opinions. - Jordan DiSanto

Two Different Worlds

Today we talked to English speaking classes within the high school we attend Italian class at.  It was a fun experience,and we all laughed the entire time!!   The three Italian students that I was paired up with, talked about the differences and similarities between the United States and their home country, Italy.  It was not surprising to see that we live in two completely different worlds.  The school day in Italy last from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. and attend class from Monday until Saturdays.  I looked at them and asked them how they felt about Saturday class, all responded with the same answer.  It is terrible and they hate it!!!  We also talked about how the students can choose whether or not they can study music or art, where as in my high school, it was mandatory to complete both of the two courses.  One other difference that I was blown away by was that the students are free to smoke outside of school during class time.  Some students were even lighting up with their teachers!  In my high school, it was frowned upon by the teachers to do this, and if you really felt it necessary to go out and smoke, you would of had to leave school property and go down the street and around the corner to do so.  Good luck fitting all of that in within 4 minutes.

The three students and myself also talked about other topics other than the school day.  In general, we all like to listen to the same music (Justin Timberlake and Lady Gaga) and pretty much partake in the same out of school activities such as shopping, going out with friends, and lounging on days we don't have school!  My favorite question that the students asked me, still have me laughing to this minutes!  The girls asked me if American schools can typically relate to the series of events that happens in the movie "Mean Girls".  This made me laugh because it is one of the most popular movies in America, and personally, is my favorite as well.  I told them some high schools are exactly the same as what you see, but you have to choose your friends wisely because you do not want to get mixed up in all that rudeness.  It also makes me laugh because American movies can sometimes make The United States look bad, and gives the assumption that rudeness, selfishness, and bad behavior is a common trait for all of us.  Today was an overall fun day and I can't wait to compare and contrast the differences between the two countries!! :)

Christinee

Verona

Ciao!!

        So, since a bunch of people already told you of our experience in the Argilcultural institute (which was awesome! we're hanging out with the italian students tonight!) I will tell you about our first trip to another city in Italy. VERONA! A group of 11 of us decided it was a great day to take our first day trip. Verona was BEAUTIFUL. The train ride there was a bit difficult, however. Being that we speak very little Italian trying to figure out how to purchase a round trip train ticket to Verona and back became quite the adventure. No one around was able to help us, their English in Brescia is not so good. However, thanks to a student we were with who took Italian last semester we were able to get on the fast ticket machine and find the English button! Finally, we were purchasing the tickets, until we realized all 1 of us needed them, and the train was coming in 5 minutes. Unfortunately, 2 of them were left behind, but managed to grab the express train and met up with us not long after we arrived.
         Right away we knew we wanted to travel to Juliets house. It was so incredibly mind-blowing to be there. Juliets wall, with all the love notes on it was the most adorable thing i have ever seen. So many wishes were on that wall for true love. Many of us added our own note, mine holding the name of the person I love and wishing for it to be everlasting. Apparently, there is a tradition to touch the breast on the statue of Juliet, and it will bring you good luck. I had never heard of this tradition but of course, when in Italy do as the Italians do! We each took turns rubbing it for good luck, it was quite an interesting experience.
         Since the first day, we have all been eating very authentic Italian food, so while in Verona we decided to have a flashback to some American food. ( We were starting to miss it and needed a little taste) Many of us ordered cheeseburgers, multo buona. Very good. Now we can go back to the Italian food for a few days, until I  am sure, we will miss it once again.

         We am learning more and more everyday, through our experiences, espeically with the Italian language. The more places we go the more we need to ask, so the more we learn. It is hands on learning at its finest. I can't wait to come home and forget to speak in English. Maybe all of you back home should start studying some Italian, because we may never want to speak English again!

Ciao for now!


Crystal

Verona!!

Yesterday after our Italian language and cultures class, a group of about 11 of us decided to travel to Verona for the remainder of the day and evening. After biking to the train station, which was easier than expected, we attempted to get tickets. Most of us got our tickets by the time the train arrived, but we had to leave Jon and Jenna at the station because they still needed tickets. We got to Verona and waited for them to arrive to start our little adventure.  Once they got there, we walked to Juilet's balcony and saw the wall of love letters and notes. It was such a beautiful and amazing sight to see all of the different people that put their love on this wall. I put my own addition on this wall as well :) We also touched Juliet's right breast because it is said to bring good luck to those that touch it.  That was quite an interesting experience. After Juliet's balcony we traveled to Romeo's, which was much less exciting. It was just a door, but now I can say I have been there.  After this, we shopped in an outdoor market for a little while and had dinner at one of the more American restaurants we have seen since we have been here.  I got a hamburger and french fries and enjoyed it thoroughly.  Once dinner was over, there was not too much else to see so we hopped on the train to go home.  It is very surreal to say I have now been to Verona and on Saturday I will be in Florence.  I am not sure if it has really hit me, even a week into the trip, that I am living in Italy.  This has been such an experience and there is so much more to come!! -Michelle

Agricultural School! (pictures)

Agricultural School!

Calcio

Calcio! Translation: American football. Today was a beautiful day spent studying in a park close to our apartments. Several of us chose to practice our pronunciation skills on a couple of Italy natives, Maurizzio and Niccolo. These gentlemen are room mates with one of the american students, and have become part of our italian family here in Brescia. In between studying, our breaks consisted of calcio/ football/ soccer. We exercised our bodies along with our minds. After leaving the park, Maurizzio invited us to watch him play football for his team in Brescia. The game was fast-paced, intense, and dare I say mind blowing! The skills each player possessed made me envious, and wish I had their abilities. The experience was one of a kind. Along with watching a game of football, we had the opportunity to see the activities of italian locals on a daily basis. Children playing soccer on the basketball courts next to the turf, parents sitting in the cement bleachers watching their sons, grandparents conversing with other grandparents, and a gelato in the hands of a child here and there. I would like to say that it was the perfect day for relaxing, adjusting to culture, and partaking in a trademark of Italy. - Jordan DiSanto

"Speaking" Italian!

Fortunately some group members were set up to live with preexisting italian students in their apartment. Upon arrival, two italian boys from Nick's apartment were there with a helping hand from the get-go. Internet problems? No problem, Nico can speak broken English and help! Door opening issues? Do not fret, Maurizio can help out. These two italian boys have been lending us a hand from the star...people in both apartment buildings! So anyway, Maurizio offered to cook dinner for a few of us last night and it was a meal and a half! First of all, Jordan and myself have been attempting to cook pasta in our room since we've arrived, but we have had multiple issues with olive oils and correctly tasting sauces. So, when Maurizio offered, we were thrilled! (Not only did he offer, he WANTED to cook for us!)
We arrived and the table was set really nice and they gave us a warm italian greeting. They told us to sit down (we offered to help but they refused and refused!) They gave us small pizzas that they made for an appetizer as we sat and waited. Then came the spaghetti with great tasting pasta sauce! It was such a treat to eat a good plate of pasta since being in italy! Then Maurizio gave us potatoes AND italian sausage...it was amazing! Not to mention, we were not allowed to refuse food. They put food on the table, and we had to take some of whatever it was! (Italian personality!) Another italian personality we experienced was that every time a new food item came to the table, we had to use new plates....I said, "No! It is more cleaning work you have to do, I can keep the same plate!" They refused like no other! Maurizio pointed to something in the other direction (gullible me looked) and he took my plate away and put a fresh one in front of me! Such gentlemen they are! Anyway... after dinner (and a finally stuffed feeling in our stomachs from good italian food) we sat and chatted. We showed them what we are learning in italian class an they helped us with homework...and more! They taught us some tricks, words, gestures, and even italian games. It was so amazing to learn so much and be in the presence of italian kids our age.
Then...italians cannot forget about dessert! They brought out some soft, creamy, rich gelato ice cream....offering strawberry, vanilla, and tirmasu. Jordan and I got tirmasu and Nick got strawberry mixed with vanilla. It was the topping on the cake of a great dinner. Amazing is an understatement when describing italian ice cream/ gelato. It does not even compare to the ice cream in America! We joked saying that our spoons get bent when attempting to eat ice cream from a container at home, while here, it is so soft and creamy!
Finally, once dinner was finished, we sat and talked and joked for a few hours! We arrived around 8pm for dinner and did not even leave until after 12am! We compared cultures and just enjoyed each others company. I enjoyed the italian culture of enjoying themselves taking their time and eating and enjoying the experience. They also would not let us help with cleaning! They are so hospitable! Having Nick be paired with those guys has been a blessing. Next time we told them that we are going to cook them eggs and sausage for breakfast because that is something they find repulsive! We are excited to show them an American treat! We will let you know how it goes!
~Gwen

Santa Giulia Museum

Today was our second day of class and were beginning to learn the numbers and verbs. I can already tell that this class is going to help me communicate with everyone here. After class we had lunch and went to a tour of the city museum of Santa Giulia. It was very interesting; we were able to watch a short film on where the city all began and the things that still remain. I think that the best thing I was able to see today was this old temple that still stands with beautiful architecture. Pictures do not even do it justice; it was really just a sight to see. I feel that I am adjusting more and more as the days pass and learning my way around town a little better. All I need now is to become fluent in Italian! I wish my family could be here to experience this with me; I’m having an amazing time!
Sara

 Everyone in front of the remains of original architecture.

Unknown territory, no more!

Since we've arrived, we obvious Americans, have been using any free time to explore the terrain of the town we are residing for the next four weeks... Brescia! We were given maps upon our arrival (which have become added appendages of our bodies)and we are doing our best to bike ride through every street. A semi-impossible goal we know, but Italy seemed almost impossible and here we are. So, as we continue through the busy streets we are beginning to recognize street names, buildings, intersections, and cafe's. What scared me in the beginning does not seem to be as much of a threat as before. I plan to bring my map home with me when this trip comes to a desolate end, and I will show my friends and family all the ground I covered in one month. And I will never forget the feelings associated with the new landmarks I encounter each day. - Jordan DiSanto

Gelato Galore.

The past couple of days have been a blast. Last night a group of us took a late night walk to get some gelato. It is so interesting to see that so many places are closed so early in Italy, unlike PA where things are open and people are running around until all hours of the night. It is very relaxing to see people just out and about for the pleasure of just being outside and enjoying the night. We just sat on steps in a beautiful square and enjoyed eachother's company. We even got the oppourtunity to speak with a classmates roomate who knows both Italian and English, and we were able to ask him many questions about the Italian culture, and what he thinks of the American culture. It was a great, relaxing, and informative night. I really had a wonderful time.

Today we were lucky enough, as the post below me states, to visit Santa Guilia Museum, and learned all about the history of brescia. It was cool to see where it started, and how similar it is to where we are now. We are really staying  in a place that is timeless, the buildings are old but so incredibly beautiful. We saw a church with images on the walls that blew my mind. I feel so lucky to have been able to view and learn all the sites and ruins of Brescia.  (Although the tour could have gone a little faster.) Either way it was a great experience....

Ciao for now!! Hope the US is treating you good...


Crystal

museum visit!!

Today we visited the santa giulia museum that contains some of the oldest artifacts in Bresica Italy!!! here are some pictures!!  a video is to follow, as soon as we learn how to put it up!!!

Christine

Our first experience in Brescia: Getting lost!

Saturday we went as a group to go pick up our bikes. After we got our bikes the group went grocery shopping. Christine, Heather and I couldn't go with the group because we had to get more money back at our apartment. We were then going to meet up with the group to go grocery shopping but instead decided to go grab a bite to eat at a pizzeria. We parked our bikes and began to walk to find a desirable location to have our first Italian meal. We found a restaurant at about 3pm and ordered calzone's. The calzones were huge but delicious. One thing we noticed was that there wasn't any sauce in the calzone so we had to ask for some on the side. It was difficult to get across what we wanted because they didn't speak any English. We also noticed that the Italians next to us got bread as an appetizer before their meal and we did not. After our first experience we left and all of us forgot how to get back to where our bikes were. It took us about an hour to get back to where our bikes were and consequently ran into the rest of our group just in time to go to class. That's all for now. Ciao!

Becky-

A night out in Brescia

Ciao everyone,

Well a few friends and I have met a group of Italian boys who go to Catholic University. A few nights ago they took us out to a local pub there was about 12 of us all together. We had a few drinks and shared stories about our home compared to theirs. They are teaching us to speak Italian while we are teaching them to speak english. We are learning a lot from them. They are about the same age as us so that makes it easier to talk about similar topics we are all interested in. We like some of the same music, sports interest and other things. Meeting them really helps us practice the italian that we are learning in class. I really enjoy learning new words in class and actually being able to use it while talking with them. They tell us if we are saying the correct words and how to use it sentences. They are really a big help and making this a great experience.
Hanno un grande giorno,

-Heather

First Day of Class!!

Buonasera to everyone in Italy and Buongiorno to those who are just waking up! Today was our first day of class at the local high school and it was an overwhelming yet mind blowing experience. It was fun to recognize how different the students are here to the students in America. There were students outside everywhere you turned and it seemed that the students all got along rather than being in their own individual "cliques." The students all gawking at us made us a bit timid but once we were in the classroom, it felt like we were at home. I'm excited for this class because I feel we will all be fluent in Italian by the time we come home! We took a tour around the college campus and it is seven Gwynedd's fit into one. The students were all studying for their finals in the library so we did not get to speak with other college students, but I'm sure we will eventually interact with the Catholic College students!

Christine!

The Hills Are Alive :-)

If you were in my apartment you could see this amazing castle up on a hill, that every day we all admire. Today 5 of us set out on a quest to find it. We must have walked for about 30 minutes until we came across a park, we climed hundreds of steps and hills, until we realized we were on our way up to that castle! For almost an hour and a half we walked uphill towards what we knew was going to be an amazing and beautiful site. On the way we tried to ask people for directions (that was an epic fail), none spoke english. Finally we came to a clearing, not only could we see the castle only a few hundred feet in front of us but we turned around and saw the entire town of Brescia, thousands of rooftops and the most beautiful mountains surrounding them all. It left me truly breathless, I have never seen such beauty as I did at that very moment. Everyday I feel like I find so many beautiful things and the people here are so lucky to have this beauty at their fingertips. I hope they do not take the beauty they have surrounding them. I want to embrace all of these moments, capture them in memories and in photographs, and never take for granted the experiences I have here. Today was the first day it hit me, that i was truly in Italy, and honestly, I don't want to be anywhere else.

I am looking forward to tonight because the whole group is getting back together for a welcome dinner. It'll be my first true Italian pizza, I can't wait! ---Crystal

Gelato

One word comes to mind when Italy is discussed... GELATO! Authentic, Italian Gelato. It is by-far, incomparable to the american ice cream.The taste is magnifico! Upon our bike tour of the city, Mrs. Clewis brought our group to a small Gelateria where several indulged in the ambrosial dessert. It was the perfect way to rejuvenate after biking through a very busy city, on a day of festivities. Although we could not pronounce the flavors, the clerk was highly accommodating. The general atmosphere here in Brescia is sweet as gelato, and I could not ask for a better experience thus far. Viviamo la vita dolce.

-Jordan DiSanto

GMC In Italy Day-1

Traveling around the city

Today we took our first guided bike ride around the town. We rode throughout the town, learning where everything was located from where we had to class to where mass was held (both Latin and English). We even got to check out a Ferrari Car show located in the Piazza Paolo VI (town square) right outside of the Paolo VI Cathedral. Afterwards we all tried our first gelatos, which are much softer and in my opinion much better than the ice cream and/or water ice from America. I got to meet the gelato maker. He said that they make everything fresh every morning and right in the back of the store with fresh fruit. After this we were allowed to go as we pleased. Myself along with a couple other students decide to explore more of the town and expand the area of our known region. It is absolutely beautiful here, but also not too different from an American city. Here in Brescia, everything is just much more consolidated; better dressed, family oriented and a lot more people smoke cigarettes. So far everything is going well!

Click link to check out some of the cars at the Farrari Car Show!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-I1BfDpQYQA

Our first days in Italy. Christine

Being in Italy has so far been an amazing experience and adventure.  After only two days we have been exposed to several different cultural differences!  One thing we noticed is that waiters do not like to be tipped!  This was very unusual because in America it is required to leave a tip!  Last night we met a few Italian students from the catholic college who gave us a little bit of the background history on Brescia.  These students were helpful and it was interesting to see how similar the students in America vs the students over in Italy actually are.  At the end of the night, the students paid for our meals, and refused to let us pay!  Being around the college students made us feel welcomed in their country!  So far we have had an amazing experience and can not wait to see what adventures we have left in our journey!

Here's what a few of us had to say about the first night in Brescia!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hv3mhQUTpqI

Night Life in Italy!

Once everyone was unpacked and settled into their rooms, a group of 10 of us decided to go out to dinner around 10 o'clock at a small little cafe near our apartments. This was our first real experience in the real world of Italy and boy it was a sight to see. Not a single person in our group knew more than 5 words in Italian, none of which dealt with food. Everyone struggled while attempting to order, but the waiters were more than friendly and turned it into a great night. The entire night turned into a continuous game of charades and a mix between English, Italian and somehow Spanish??? Everyone, including the waiters, had a blast the entire night. At the end of the night we tried to tip them for their help and patience with us but they told us that they do not accept tips. This surprised me because usually most people in the US who are overly nice are hoping to get a generous tip, but no, not here. They were some of the nicest people I have ever met and they did it because they wanted too. I love this place!




Miss Everyone At Home,

Nick

Arriving! A long journey...

Last night we arrived in Milan after a long journey! Our travels consisted of meeting at the Philadelphia airport at 5:15am on Thursday morning! We then checked in and got through security...everyone surprisingly awake with excitement! Once past security, many of us grabbed some juice and bagels and we then got on the plane!!! However, the plane ride was to Chicago...only a slight delay in the process of traveling to Europe! From Chicago, we had to quickly scurry to our new plane going to...London! Phew...it was pretty hectic but once on the plane mostly everyone napped! The flight was sooooo long!!! So so long! 7 hours felt like 20! But it made the arrival in London that much better! We arrived in London at about 11pm London time....it was a full day of travel. The good news was that nobody's luggage was lost (pleasant surprise)! We got a quick taste of England by traveling to a motel in taxis (which drove on the left side of the road)! The motel in London was a bit crazy! Everyone was exhausted from traveling all day and we piled into rooms, showered, and passed out. The motel rooms were very basic and plane jane. They had only a bed and a table. The televisions did not work, but we all just passed out anyway so it didn't matter! The next morning (Friday) we ate croissants and apples for breakfast and headed to the London airport again via shuttle buses to catch our final plane to Milan! The London airport was incredible. It was HUGE and once inside and past security,  we had time to relax for about 2 hours before boarding the plane. This time was spent by going to the shops in the airport, which was really like a ginormous mall.... literally. They had so many stores from jewelers (like Tiffany's!) to Department store-like areas, to shoes stores, to cafe eating areas, to electronics stores, to clothing stores, to book stores...name it and it was there! We noticed that Europeans tend to buy a lot of wine and a lot of perfume, because shops for those could be found al over the place in the airport mall! It was fun to explore the airport, but once we were ready to board the plane, everyone was pumped! The flight to Milan seemed so fast! (especially compared to the flight to London!) This flight was nothing...a piece of cake to us! We quickly arrived to Milan and got through Customs and got settled on a bus which then took us to Brescia!! We stopped along the way and grabbed some quick toiletries and snacks but this was a quick stop because we all couldn't wait to arrive and unpack! Upon arrival we were escorted to our respective apartments and got settled in! It is finally time to experience Italy!!!...

WOW!

Wow is the only expression that can come to my mind when I think about all of the things I have experienced through this journey already, and we have only been here for 2 days.  The flights were long and tiring, but I do not have a heavy fear of flying, so that part didn't bother me.  I was much more nervous about missing my family and friends because I have never traveled far away from them ever.  I thought I would be handling it much worse than I actually am, and I am pleasantly surprised.

The first experience that truly touched me was flying over the Alps.  I have never seen anything so big and beautiful in my entire life, and to believe that I was really seeing something I had only seen before in magazines was extraordinary.  Another experience was trying to get dinner.  There were 7 of us that wanted to eat, but a lot of places were very intimidating and we were unsure of where to eat. We finally settled on a cute little pizzeria, and the food was absolutely delicious.  However, the entire menu was in Italian (obviously) and the waiters knew no English at all.  Communication is the hardest barrier to overcome.  It is very hard to communicate with people when they speak such a different language from your own.  This will be the hardest yet probably best experience to overcome.

I think for my first two days in Italy, I can say with pride that I am already loving this experience.  The food is spectacular (I had spaghetti carbonara last night, fabulous), the sites are gorgeous, and the weather is beautiful.  Our apartment is so cute and cozy, and we have already made it into our little home for the next month.  I am more than excited to travel, but I am also excited to envelope myself in this culture that is my family background yet I feel like I know so little about.  I want to go home with much more knowledge about my culture to tell my Pop-pop. I can't wait to make him proud.

Ciao! - Michelle

There is me and michelle at our first Italian dinner! There was a big group of us and it was so fun trying to read the menu. we did a pretty good job for our first time. There is my very first authentic spaghetti (YUMMM)! Also, the next 2 photos are our beautiful apartment buildings, they are both gorgeous and so authentically Italian, its great. Than there is the view of the mountains from italy, it is beautiful. The one that looks like a castle on the hill is the view from me and Michelle's room, HOW AWESOME!! Finally, that was our view from one of the THREE flights we took in. Everything was beautiful.


--Crystal

First full day in Italy

Today was our first official day in Italy. We were all suffering from jet lag so we all slept in until we all met up to get our bikes around 11:45. We walked through town for a little bit to get adjusted to the area we are going to be living in for the next month. There was a market, kind of similar to Rices market back home that some people may be farmiliar with, but we were running late so we did not have time to stop. Once we got our bikes we traveled to the biggest market in Brescia to do some grocery shopping. We all had to put our food in boxes and put them on the back of our bikes or use the basket on the bike. They make you pay for plastic bags so most Italians pick up empty boxes around the store and put them on the back of their bikes. We have class later on today, until then we are farmiliarizing ourselves with our new surroundings. So far Italy is beautiful, and I am so excited to see everything.

Getting here on the other hand was a long trip. We flew from Philadelphia to Chicago then went right from that flight to our 8 hour flight to London. We then stayed in London over night, although not many of us got sleep, then woke up early to arrive at the London airport for our 12:00 flight to Milan. The airport in London was extremely large and very nice. It had what seemed to be a shopping mall located inside. The flight from London to Milan was not long at all, at least compared to the flight to London. Once we arrived in Milan we took a bus to Brescia where we then settled into our apartments for the night. It was a very long trip here, but very worth it because Italy is wonderful so far.

This is just a picture that I took when we were riding our bikes around.

-Julie

Culture SHOCK.

I can not begin to tell you what a culture shock this has been. Coming to a place where we are the ones who do not speak a word of Italian, having people get frustrated with us, and stare at us like were a zoo exhibit is very different. However, I can't say I don't love it, because I do!!! I love the experience, everyday is a culture, and some people are so cute when they laugh at us trying to speak their language. We really do try our best! Today we got our bikes and there was about 17 of us all riding together, which is so hard through a small town where everyone is walking and driving, and we share a road with both. We did our best not to hit any pedestrians, or pigeons (which there are a TON of).

Also,  I have never seen such a beautiful town. It is nothing like America. Every building seems to be from a time of true art. Everything is so intricate, from the huge statues to the tiny carvings into the marble and stone. It is captivating, I wanted to take a picture of everything I was seeing. I don't want to miss a single thing that there is to see, and I want to experience everything I can.  I look forward to everyday that I am here. If I love Brescia I can't imagine what seeing all the other places will be like, Rome, Venice, Florence. They are obviously going to blow my mind! So Italy here I come!!


Next stop, Gelato.


-Crystal