Ciao Bella!

Well, I have now been home for about a week and am settling into Westport living. It has been so nice reuniting with my family and friends, but I do miss the constant activity of Florence life. Around 10 pm each night I find myself walking in circles trying to figure out what to do with my night. And when I get home from doing one thing, I'm already ready to go on to the next. I realized how accustomed I became to going out, exploring and trying new things 24/7.

I ended my time in Florence studying for my two final exams (which is why the lack of blog posts) but also soaking in every ounce of culture I could...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I went to the beach at Viareggio for a relaxing day in the sun
...ok, not so cultural, but it was a nice study break! However, these beaches are tourist traps where you are charged 7 euro to sit on the beach and people walk over to you every 5 minutes trying to sell you bracelets, hats, and henna tatoos.

I saw the famous "Il David" by Michelangelo, toured the Boboli Gardens (owned by the founders of Florence), and saw the Birth of Venus (among many other Botticelli paintings) at the Uffizi museum

At the Boboli Gardens

I ate outside at a restaurant on the Piazza della Republica while a jazz band entertained my friends and I

Cooked one last "family dinner" with my roommates

Ate at a restaurant we went to quite frequently where we know the owner, Antonio (who cooked us food that couldn't be ordered off the menu!)

Had a 6 course, true Italian dinner
(proscuitto and melon, bruschetta, 3 pastas, chicken and spinach, chocolate cake, dessert wine, biscotti, limoncello)

Inside the restaurant

Chocolate cake like none I've had before...

Biscotti!

...clearly we did a lot of eating....

Watched fireworks over the Ponte Vecchio Bridge in honor of San Giovanni (Saint John the Baptist)

Beautiful light show before the fireworks began!

Went to an all-white party where I ran into the Jersey Shore cast

Bought leather souveniers at the outdoor market

Had Bellinis (again!) at a rooftop restaurant with a friend of mine

Watched the sun set from the Ponte Vecchio with my roommates on our last night

Danced at a night club called "21" until 3:30 am with my friends...
Then found Florence's "Secret Bakery" at 4:00 am....
(its a regular bakery by day, but if you go at 4 they sell you the freshly baked goods that are just-out-of-the-oven. I had a warm nutella croissant fresh out of the oven and it was SPECTACULAR!)

And lastly, watched the sun rise on the balcony of our friend's apartment around 6 am.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 It was, all in all, a truly magical end to an incredible 7 weeks. I couldn't have asked for anything more. Taking the time to write about these experiences in words only reaffirms how unique this time abroad has been. When I applied for this trip in January, I never could have imagined doing some of the things I got the chance to do, traveling to the places I did, eating the foods I tasted, learning what I did, or meeting the interesting and fun people who made my trip all the more exciting. I got to meet my Italian relatives, cook with a chef in the hills of Tuscany, visit museums and famous monuments, go to bars and nightclubs (and drink legally), wine taste, indulge in pastries and gelato daily, cook for myself, ride in a gondola, experience living on my own in a city, and so much more.

While it may sound cliche, I'm truly thankful to my family and everyone who made this trip possible. ...Especially those who helped coordinate my visit with my relatives, an experience that I am so appreciative of and will not soon forget.

I hope I've given everyone whos been keeping up with my blog a detailed account of all I've done and seen and tasted! Thanks for reading!

When in Rome

Yesterday I went to Rome for the day with my class and professor. It was an early morning and an exhausting day in the heat, but completely worth it. I got to see many famous sights and monuments!

We started with the Colosseum. It is amazing to think that this structure still stands so many years after it was built. Men dressed up as gladiators stood outside trying to get money for staging photos with tourists. People really know how to capitalize off of tourists around here!

Fun Fact: The Colosseum has numbered entrances so the audience would know where to sit ...just like sports arenas today. In its time, it held 75,000 people!

There was a museum exhibit inside where we learned about the different battles that went on inside the Colosseum. It wasn't just gladiator fights, but the brutal slaughtering of animals too. Anything violent, the ancient Romans liked to watch.

Fun Fact: In the picture above, where the wood floor is located on the left was where the actual floor was located years ago. The area underneath was where the gladiators sat (in the dark) before fighting...and oftern, dying.

(Not so Fun) Fact: Below, you can see a cross standing in the Colosseum. It is to honor the many Christians who were stoned to death for trying to stop the ruthless killing of animals. The Romans didn't want their gruesome show to stop, so when the Christians protested the violent 'games' the audience threw stones at them until they died.

After the Colosseum we visted other famous sights, such as the Roman Forum, the house of the Vestal Virgins, Caesar's tomb, the Spanish Steps (bit of a let down, they're really just a plain stair case), and the Trevi Fountain. It was quite the busy afternoon!

Where the Vestal Virgins used to live. They were women sworn to virginity for life. If the gods sent a sign that alluded to the fact that one of them lost their virginity, they were buried alive. Romulus, founder of Rome, was said to have been born from a Vestal Virgin and the god, Mars. (Kind of sounds familiar...being born from a virgin and a God...)

^Where Caesar is said to be buried

The Trevi Fountain



Tossing my coin in...Italy, I'll be back!!!

My friend, Katie, and I in front of the fountain

The Spanish Steps...the widest staircase in Europe!

Our last stop was the Pantheon...one of the most impressive buildings I have ever seen. It is so tall and majestic from the outside but when you walk in the ceiling does not seem as tall as it is. The design on it creates somewhat of an optical illusion. I learned that because of the hole in the ceiling, it rains and snows straight into the Pantheon! I was amazed at the condition the marble floors are in despite being weathered.

Fun Fact: On the outside of the Pantheon, it says that emperor Marcus Agrippa built it. This is actually false. Hadrian built the Pantheon years after Agrippa was dead. Historians speculate that he might have given credit to Agrippa in order to create a connection with Augustus and the glory of those times.

^The view from inside the Pantheon, looking up

All in all, a very educational day. It was awe-inspiring to stand in places that were built in 80 AD and are still in remarkable condition today. I also enjoyed going to Rome on a class trip rather than an unplanned excursion with friends because I was able to learn a lot about the history of ancient Rome. My professor was very helpful in answering any questions we had throughout the day.

Mia Famiglia

On Sunday I had one of the most unique and exciting days of my stay here in Italy. I had the pleasure of meeting my Italian relatives who live here in Florence! After weeks of preparation and communication with relatives in the U.S. and Canada, the visit was finally arranged!

I met Stefano (the husband of my grandfather's cousin's daughter!) near the Arno River Sunday morning and we drove to their home. Fortunately Stefano speaks perfect English, so he was able to translate for me throughout the day. On the way to their home we chatted about his house in Massachusetts, sights to see in Italy, the opera and much more. He was helpful in suggesting places to visit and tour during my stay.

The array of yummy appetizers!

Upon arriving, I was greeted before the car even stopped by Ninetta, my Papa's cousin. She appeared at the window of my car door saying "Oh, un Americana! Que Bella!" ...it was so sweet! What a greeting!

She gave me a warm hug hello and, despite the language barrier, I felt so welcomed at their home. Appetizers were being prepared when I arrived...mozzarella, artichokes, sun dried tomatos and a tuna dip with capers. We snacked while Stefano grilled delicious ribs outside and talked about our mutual family members.

Their adorable dog...that they love as much as I love Bella!

Later, Stefano's son and his girlfriend came by to join us for lunch. They were just a few years older than me and knew English too, so it was great to talk to native Italians and share our music tastes and interests.

Our meal was outstanding. Sabina (Stefano's wife) gave me a tour of their garden where they grow many of the vegetables they eat! And let me tell you, all of the greens were fresh and crunchy and wonderful in our side salad.

We ended the meal with beignets and coffee and afterwards, some fresh cherries. It was such a pleasant afternoon! Sabina gave me honey that her brother made himself...I can't wait to try it when I get back home! Their entire family was very skilled at home-growing and home-making things-- Stefano explained to me that he is currently working on a strawberry flavored alcoholic beverage. I was so impressed by their creativity and culinary genius!

Ninetta went to look for old photos of she and my Papa before I left. She wasn't able to find any while I was there, but did find other pictures of their family and our Canadian family together! I hope that soon I will be able to meet that branch of family and thank them for coordinating this visit. I am so thankful for the experience that no other student on my trip will be able to have. I feel even more connected to and in love with Italy than I did before! It was such an indescribable feeling to be related to these Italian family members and talk about mutual relatives and friends. I learned that a common language is not necessary to show affection and emotion. I still felt welcomed and apart of the conversations simply through gestures, smiles, nods and hugs. We also communicated through our enjoyment of the meal. Shared "mmm's" allowed us to appreicate the meal and express our shared delight without words.

My wonderful Italian family!

A Taste of the States

Last week, after purchasing tickets at the Santa Maria Novella Train Station, my friends and I were hungry so we decided to stop for lunch…at an Italian McDonald’s! I had my first real American meal in a while— Big Mac, coke and fries to top it all off. The funny thing was, this McDonald’s featured Italian specialties like gelato and paninis with mozzarella and tomato!

Later for dinner, we continued our American-themed eating streak by trying the new Hard Rock Café of Florence. It was its second day open so it was packed, but the taste of home was much appreciated (not to mention, it was nice to read a menu in English for once!).

Videos from the Opera

The singing of the Italian National Anthem before the opera

A song from Act II

"La Traviata" Opera in Verona!!

Anyone who knows me well knows it has been my dream for quite some time to attend an opera. (My family knows I like to belt out the few songs I know in my best opera voice from time to time...)

On Friday my dream came true.

I spent the day in Verona and visited Juliet's Wall, where the protagonist of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" was said to have stood and had conversations with her love.

I sampled fresh fruit at an open air market-- my first peach of the season! It was delicious and fresh. Italians don't put preservatives in their fruit, so while everything goes bad faster than in the States, it is much healthier. I ate lunch, and later dinner, with some new friends and took pictures around the quaint city.

Finally, at 8 pm, it was time to enter the outdoor amphitheatre where "La Traviata" was showing. The opera lasted from 9:15 pm to around 1:00 am but it was the greatest 4 hours. The opera was everything I had imagined it to be and more.

Before it began, we watched a procession of well dressed people enter the ground floor. I can best compare it to the Oscars. The women were in floor length gowns and draped in jewelry and there were paparazzi at the entrance. The main level was actually lined with a red carpet! I imagine the people seated there must have paid a pretty penny for their tickets.

The president of the Republic was in attendance, as it was opening night. He was seated in a private section that had a perfect view of the stage and was escorted by police in cars and on horseback.

After sitting (in the nosebleed section of the amphitheatre) we were passed  little candles that resembled your typical birthday candle. When it got dark, just before the opera began, the entire audience lit and held their candles up and illuminated the amphitheatre. It was such a magical moment, sitting in the candle light and looking up at the moon and stars above us. The night air was cool which was a pleasant change from our hot day. The orchestra began. There was one main stage and two smaller stages on each side of it, which gave the eye many places to look. The singers were outstanding and they were even talented actors as well. The costumes were elaborate and the set changes were all done by human hand.

Fun Fact: There is no microphone usage at the opera! Everthing that we heard in the elevated section was straight from the vocal cords of the singers. They are so talented and have the ability to project so well that we could hear them perfectly!

Fortunately, the story line was given to us beforehand. While I don't speak much Italian, it was interesting to see how the body language could convey so much meaning and I was still able to follow along. I was even able to understand and appreciate some of the jokes made. It was truly an incredible experience. The music was soothing, the storyline had the quintessential mix of romance, comedy and drama and the atmosphere was all I had hoped it would be. If I had to sum up the experience in a word: magical.

Blueberry Steak

Tonight I had the most satisfying meal...I think possibly of my entire life.

My roommate Jess, who has been to Florence before, knew of a hot spot just a few blocks away from our apartment. "Acqua al 2" is famous for its blueberry steak, a filet doused in a fresh blueberry sauce with bits of fresh, whole blueberry mixed in. Upon hearing of this combination, I was somewhat turned off by the thought of mixing fruit and meat. However, I tried proscuitto and melon, so I figured I'd try the restaurant's specialty (I mean, where else am I ever going to have a blueberry steak??)

The outside of Acqua al 2

The verdict: like I said, most amazing meal I have EVER had. My friend Alyssa and I split a side dish of eggplant (also delicious and rich) and managed to finish every ounce of food on our plates. We sopped up the excess blueberry sauce with bread so as not to waste a single drop.

Bit of a splurge, I'll admit (about 18 euro for the steak alone) but it was worth every single penny.

...and, I pulled off four inch heels on the uneven, cobblestone streets of Italy. Couldn't tell ya the last time I wore heels, so I'm pretty impressed with myself for not tripping or wobbling a bit. What a night!

My friends and I outside the restaurant!