Days 7-9: Part 1 Firenze

Days 7-9

A Weekend in Florence

Part 1: This is what happened

This weekend I traveled with a few of my friends to the lovely city of Firenze (us 'Mericans call it Florence). It was a 45 minute bus ride to Pesaro* then a 2ish hour train ride to Faenza then another hourish to Firenze, with a two hour layover between trains. Let me tell you it's not so cookie cutter go in one direction.

We arrive in Firenze confused and directionally challenged. We found an english speaking man and he helped us navigate to our hotel. Thank goodness, other wise we would have been totally lost. 

We stayed at a very cute hotel. The room was adequate for the group I was with. There was one bathroom, which in girl culture meant we all had to be as quick as we could putting on makeup and getting ready so someone else could do the same.

After freshening up and settling down, we were finally ready to explore Firenze in the late afternoon. The hotel was on the very edge of the city so we started walking through streets. We had no idea where we were headed and just explored random alleyways. On the main streets, the clothing shops were designer and expensive, but we were able to find this adorable boutique that sold hip and stylish clothes at a normal price. Since we were starving, the group pledged that we would come back to this place.**

Later that night the group decided to head into town. We met some other Americans, one of them was named Nigel*** and some really cool Italians. Italians are so stylish. But what I don’t understand is that they wear pants and long sleeved shirts in toasty weather. The other day one of the interpreters was wearing jeans, a sweater, and a scarf in 70 degree weather. What…? I don’t understand why they aren’t dying of heat. Maybe that’s why they are so skinny: they sweat off their weight and more.

We ended the night with kabobs and a restful sleep.

The next morning we woke up to eat breakfast. For the first time in Italy I was actually impressed by the breakfast food. They had orange juice, yogurt, cereal, plenty of bread (as usual), and coffee (also as usual).

Saturday morning we headed out to see some sights. Our first stop was the Duomo****. The moment I saw it, my jaw dropped. It was huge. And impressive. We found the ticket line, but after we waited for about 20 minutes, the person at the front would not let two of my friends in. Some of us were wearing dresses, and that was fine, but the other two were wearing shorts, and in the Catholic church I guess we would go to hell if we stepped inside without longer articles of clothing. So we headed to another ticket place and were able to find activities that pantsless people could do.

Our first order of business was to climb the Bell Tower. This building was over 300 steps, narrow, and sweaty. But the view was of the entire city and the Duomo.

There were more English speaking people in Firenze than I thought. I went up to a man, showed him my camera, and said, “poso?” It translates to “may I?” I meant to ask him to take a picture, but it didn't matter because he didn't understand. I quickly switched over to English and asked him to take a group photo. Most of the waiters and storeowners knew a decent amount of English, which was also helpful getting around the city.

The group headed over to another church and then ate pizza for lunch. After that, we headed to the famous Firenze bridge and had a mini photo shoot. We got gelato and headed back to our hotel. It was hot and everyone was exhausted. The moment I laid down, back to the bed, I folded my hands across my chest and passed out. I didn’t even take off my shoes. The classic dad nap.

Then we walked around and kinda shopped. It was more like looking into shops, but not being happy about the prices. I had my heart set on finding that cute boutique from the prior day to spend my money at. After searching and searching for this store we finally found it! I bought a teal maxi skirt and I will rock it.

Before calling it a day the group headed to the Hard Rock Café. We craved something American. The waiters were really chill and we had a casual time before heading back home.

Sunday woke up and had another great breakfast. The group tried going to see David, but the line took forever and we had to catch the train. Instead we got Subway and stopped by a church on our way to the train station.

*That was one of the oddest cultural moments I have encountered. The bus to Pesaro was a double decker. Luckily my group came early enough to get a seat. There was a group of friends who sat around us and some of them arrived late to the bus. Instead of not getting on, people sat on each other's laps or in the aisle. I guess it's not that crazy, but at 8am I was like wow, no one better sit on this girl's lap.

**This store was hard to find again. We walked up and down streets, hoping to catch a glimpse of the beautiful clothes in the shop, literally it took all day.

***Who the hell names their kid Nigel???

 ****Also called the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, or in English, "Basilica of Saint Mary of the Flower"

Day 6

Day 6

My delicious coffee at Sugar Cafe

Time seems to be going sloth pace. It's not that I'm not having fun, but I think getting used to a new environment and trying not to miss your bf when you subconsciously know you are surround by attractive Italian men is hard. But at the same time, it feel as if we have been here for at least a month already. A lot of times I feel very comfortable and safe in Urbino enough to walk anywhere alone.

The lovely tour guide

In fact, when I was sitting at breakfast alone (please someone get some nom on with me at 8am) and trying not to make eye contact with anyone, I realized that they do serve yogurt. You can't fathom how happy I am. I love yogurt and anything that has that consistency (milkshakes, smoothies, pudding...). It's weird to think about how universal food is. My family can tell you I was so worried that they wouldn't have yogurt or fruit in Italy, but logic clearly shows it is.

At the lovely Sugar Cafe today, I also received a yummy surprise. I had a ginseng hot coffee-esk drink with this whipped cream-esk topping. Usually I only apply ginseng to my face (it's in a lot of face washes and moistures to get you energized), but I thought maybe drinking it would also be satisfying. And wouldn't you know it has swiftly made it to my list of all-time favorite drinks. Starbucks has nothing on it.

Two women admiring a painting

Before I headed to the lovely cafe, I went to the Palazzo Ducale with part of the class. I am doing my article on the restoration of this great historical palace. My energy was completely zapped as I tried to film, take pictures, and listen to the tour guide. It was hard to multitask, but the palace was beautiful though and the details worth-wild.

And old painting in the Palazzo Ducale

The ceiling of one of the rooms in the palace

But the craziest thing that happened today was that I FOUND A SCORPION. It was just chilling there minding it's own business. I felt bad stepping on it, but I thought rather him than me. And even after squashing him with a shoe, he was still moving so I threw the little bugger outside. Maybe one of the millions of wild cats will eat him.

I probably won't update this blog til Monday, but have a lovely weekend!

A large grand room

Beautiful glass windows

The stairs that led down towards the cellar where, in the olden
days, the Italians would store snow in these chambers
in the winter and use the melted snow up into the summer

Day 5

Day 5

The Wifi sucks here. I can get on for 2 minutes, then it decides to have a melt down and have a hissy fit and not work. So instead of putting up a fight with a noncompliant entity, some of the class decided to work on our pitches at this adorable little hole-in-the-wall restaurant called Sugar Café. The owner there knows English and is very friendly with the program’s foreign students.

Then Hailey and I went to the mall. It is underground and very hip. I told one of the salespeople, “sono Americana”, which means “I’m American.” I was very impressed with my Italian, hollaaaa.

On one of the ways back from class, there is this jaw dropping view of urbino. Literally deemed it my favorite spot. I think once I actually get my article going, I am going to edit it there. It is one of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever scene. It looks like a painting it's so beautiful.

Chow bellas!

Day 4

Day 4

I was not feeling my best this morning, but thankfully we had a huge gap of non-class time. We spent the first two hours going over our ledes* with our mentors, then I was able to go back to the dorm and squeeze in a half and hour nap before lunch. I like how in Urbino the shops sometimes close in the middle of the day. I think Americans should take the hint and create a law that designates a national all-shops-close-at-this-time-in-the-afternoon day so I can take a naptime and not have to worry about work.

I’m writing this outside on a park bench. Right now there is a couple yelling at each other in Italian. Stereotype that Italians have hot tempers…check.

Funny thing happened today: I was walking back to the dorms after class got out. It's about a 20 minute walk and depending on the route you take, there may be massive hills. I was by myself because I had to stay after and follow a lede. I decided to go a way that cuts through a beautiful neighborhood where flowers hang from all the porches and where the residents had spotless homes.

Amazing view of the Palazzo Ducale and Urbino

About halfway there, I saw a white gravel lot with a stunning view of the Palazzo Ducale. I had to take a few pictures because 1. I am doing my article on the topics and 2. Didn’t I say it was stunning? As I was taking my camera out of my bag I noticed a car had pulled up to the side of the road and stopped. I knew there was a young woman reading a book feet away and I had been walking behind an older woman so I mentally prepared myself if I had to run or scream for help. The car eventually turned around so I thought it had just been lost.

I continued my trek, this time down a little white gravel path. The path ended up going back to the main road so I kept walking. Then the car that had stopped earlier stopped in front of me again. Yea I am definitely going to get dragged off, this is when I need to call Liam Neeson to save my helpless American butt. I walked on the other side of the street** and ignored the man in the car. He sped up in front of me and started saying “bella."

Close up of the construction that's happening to
the towers at the Palazzo Ducale

Phew, I’m glad I got hit on by a guy rather than captured, drugged, and sold. But this incident made me think of how entertaining and honestly very immature courting can be. Of course every girl loves to be called bella, but at the same time, what are you supposed to do? Chase him down and give him your number?*** Yell something at him because even though you are the most beautiful person that has ever walked this Earth that your brain should be the thing that impresses him the most? Throw your fist in the air because complements are always the best?

I do give them mad props especially when you compare Italians to American standards. Some guys are too shy or nervous to make a move, but these Italian men just tell you how they feel. Of course it’s awkward and a catcall, but it’s upfront. I feel that in America you have to play mouse and cat (the girl and guy switch roles of the animals) too keep interest. I love this and flirting, and I would never change this way of courtship, but it is refreshing to just hear you are beautiful by a complete stranger. 

I keep telling my single friends that they have the life because when they get hit on by a gorgeous Italian man they can keep him and take him back to America.

*Common journalism error: ledes = leads

**Rule #3 in safety 101: Don’t walk next to a creepy man in a car (it’s right after Rule #1: Don’t take candy from a stranger and Rule #2: Avoid big white vans with supposed puppies inside.

***He was veryyyyy good-looking. Dark hair and chiseled. I kept telling myself I have a boyfriend (No worries KG I love you and will never leave you for an Italian man.)

Day 3

Day 3

What’s ironic is that I was literally telling Morgan yesterday how I am paranoid of my alarm not going off, me sleeping through the alarm, and alarm issues in general. And what do you know, I didn’t hear my alarm clock go off, instead I received a lovely wake up call from Dr. Anderson. I think Dr. Anderson likes me enough to write me a recommendation, but after this late morning call, I’m not sure. Goal: get back in his good graces. But then again, it’s hard to actually tell his emotions. He is such a serious fellow that when he cracks jokes and sarcasm lets loose I can’t tell if he is doing it to be mean or trying to make the class laugh. I’ll keep you updated.

And because I was late I missed my chance to sign up to visit a secret Italian military base that was also covered up by the CIA and now they are exposing themselves to the rest of the world. Dang.

We had a long day of classes today. And we started Italian.* I took Latin in high school because no one speaks it. Our teacher speaks all in Italian and we are expected to pick it up pronto. That’s not really how my brain works. I cannot retain information when it is spoken to me, I’m more of a visual learner. When I was taking notes I didn’t even write the actual word because I knew I wasn’t going to understand it when I referred back to them. Instead I just wrote the pronunciations.

For example: me key-a-mo Katrina (My name is Katrina)**

After my brain was emotionally raped from this first class, I needed gelato fast. So I got some and it way delicious.

During the day I also worked on a photo assignment. We had to get three good pictures of people showing their emotions and doing some sort of action. This was one of the most awkward assignments ever. Because I still can't speak Italian, I couldn't go up to the people and ask to take their picture and explain it was for an assignment, so you had to be sneaky and awkward instead. 

For the two boys eating gelato, I had another student stand kind near them so it wouldn't look too creeperish.

The old man picture is my favorite. I pointed to my camera and said "may I" in Italian. They said yes and you can certainly tell some of them are posing. Old men are so cute.  

Then of course after every awkward photo where the talent looked at me, I would snap some random shots of the buildings to play cool. I think my strategy worked.

After I took the picture with the boy and his dad, the father looked at me and moved his child away from the camera. I wanted to tell him sorry I don't want you to be freaked out!***

*Aka the bane of my existence 

**I would give you more examples but I can't remember them and I am too lazy to get my notebook.

***This picture was really adorable, but I forgot to submit it and chose another photo instead.

Day 2: Making Memories

Day 2

I've never been one to take a camera places. I rely on the expertise of others in that particular department. But since my arrival at Urbino, I've wanted to capture every moment on camera (1a.) Because I have a terrible memory to the point where if I had a brain scan the doctor would be convinced I had the brain of an old lady (1b.) I need to remember this event (2.) I guess you followers want to live your lives through me...or maybe that's just my mom. I've also been thinking about all the great summers I have had over the years (especially Cincinnati and Governor's School) and I don't want to forget the great times I have had and the even better memories. That is why I am planning on getting a tattoo back in the states of something along the lines of:

The memories you make in the past effect the person who you will become in the future

If you can come up with something better let me know. But this is another reason I'm writing this blog, to look back on what I wrote and the pictures I took and how I've grow.

But enough thinking about serious things for now, my brain is already tired from the first day of class where I actually had to pay attention since school got out. 

First day of school at the University of Urbino June 1, 2014

As usual, I was late with a few others to the first day of class this morning. We got somewhat lost and ended up on the outskirts of Urbino. I'm blaming the very vague directions we received yesterday.

The first day at the University of Urbino was just like any other day of school (except the obvious fact that it was in Italy). We went over the mundane syllabus and general information such as contact information, our mappie, and the schedule. I also took a first day of school picture.* I don't usually take a first day of school picture but I decided to be crazy today.

Then we ate lunch where they gave us too much food (literally just had a huge plate of just green beans) and I was pretty impressed that the cafeteria food was pretty good. 

We went back to class and split off into groups with our designated mentor to talk about our leads. My story is on the restoration of the Palazzo Ducale. At first I was a little worried about the topic because a building can seem a little dry, but I talked about it with my mentor and I'm super excited now! I'm still worried on how I'm going to be able to communicate with my sources, but I have high hopes. 

Next we had a lesson on photography.

Then I got gelato.

And Erin, Morgan, Whitney, and I founded Our Place.**

And there was a parade. It was short ad festive, but no where was I close to the front.

A boy picking out a balloon***

A statue of something important

Some old ladies looking out of their windows at the parade below

At dinner I realized that the cafeteria food is going to get very old very fast. I am happy to say though that the cantaloupe was beyond banging, it was full on amazing in my mouth.

Then my friend Hailey got some gelato. So I had to take pictures of the so adorable gelato place which oddly reminded me of a Starbucks because of the color choices the shop used.

And that's about it. Today wasn't all that exciting and it weirdly feels as if I have been in Urbino for at least a week.

Chow for now!

*This picture was taken right before dinner after classes got out

**Official name unsure 

***My goal was to capture a beautiful father son moment not be a creeper. After I took the picture, the father gave me a weird look. I proceeded to take pretend pictures to make myself appear the part of a stereotypical tourist