Well I have finished my first class in Italy! I took a two
portion test for my Italian language class and feel as if I am a natural. With this new knowledge I have gotten around
much better in Italy so I can ask questions and figure out main concepts. Thank you! Life is a little easier. Besides that my latest struggle is my Italian
sim card not working in my Verizon phone.
I have been to the wireless store here and they say its Verizon’s
problem, Verizon says it’s not their fault.
Ugh. Come on I can tell its Verizon’s issue. So I am in the process of figuring all of
that out. Other than that it has been an
interesting week and weekend. I went shopping for a purse and found a great
place having a 50-70 % off sale on half the store. So I got 2 bags, a wallet, and some gifts for
my mom. I love sales. Then came my recent experience to Castello
Sforzesco. Which is a real life castle
which has been turned into a museum for the public to view the history of
Milano. It was very interesting. I learned about the guy who the street I live
on is named after. Via Michelangelo Buonarroti. I saw amazing ceiling paintings (apparently a
huge trend in Italy). As well as just
the structure of the castle which is amazing.
Outside of the walls not even
500 feet is where the EXPO Gate
stands. In preparing for Expo 2015 which
is in Milano. Everything is happening,
renovations, building, decorating, and placing
of events. After eating a late lunch or early dinner I
guess we went walking just following the crowd through the city center and
shopping strips. To realize that Saturday February 21st was the last
day of Carnevale for Milano so the citizens were out in the City center to
celebrate despite the rain. They were
out in
costumes, masks, throwing confetti, spraying silly string, and even
shaving creaming each other. After
making it through the masses into the Duomo (which yes I have been to before),
but never like this. From the masses of people we walked into a Mass in the
Duomo. That was a very interesting
experience. It is a different world all
together. It was amazing to see though.
After
listening for a while we headed back out to navigate the masses in the
square. After making it to the metro
station I ran into some friends from my building that were out fighting the masses
as well. Only to end the night with a 4
cheese pizza that would make anybody hungry (including the dog I passed in the
street). As I look at my experiences so
far I realize that this wouldn’t be possible without some people. To start I want to thank my Mom from the
bottom of my heart in believing in me with all my choices and supporting me
wholeheartly. Next would be my Dad and
Grandparents for all the help and support they gave me. My dad for just letting
me experience this. Next is my friends
especially my two best friends (Emily and Brad) for celebrating with me and
putting up with me through the stress and supporting me. Then now to the people who helped me actually
get here. First Maryville College in general for my acceptance into the school
which gave me the chance to experience this. As well as the opportunity they
supplied me after accepting me into the study abroad program and scholarship
opportunities. Next is Dr. Gallagher for
the last minute (at Christmas) Re-do of my approved course list for this
semester. Last but not least is Brittany
Coats and Kirsten Sheppard who as the International Director and International
House Intern at the time of my application.
For reading re-reading, helping me, distressing me, and just for the good
vibes they gave me about this experience.
I appreciate each and every one of you like you don’t know. Without you
I may have been a different person without this opportunity. Now enough of the sapping stuff. Back to the good stuff. Italy is a dream come true so far and as my
classes start on Tuesday and it’s a crazy schedule (classes from 9:30 am – 5:30
pm) seriously not kidding. We will see
how that goes on Tuesday. I hope everyone
is bearing the weather in Tennessee well. Luckily no snow here just rain and
wind. Sending love and sunshine y’all’s
way.
L’invio di amore!
Ciao Amici!