Final Comments & Blog

Final Comments & Blog
July 2009-upon returning to New York

It is difficult to begin to describe my experience in Salerno as it touches me on many different levels. To me, Italy has always been more than just a physical place to visit, but a state of mind. Reading a text book cannot begin to explain the thousands upon thousands of years of history that dwell amidst the Italian people, the buildings, the faith, and most importantly, in their hearts. I hope to find a piece of myself in it all. Before beginning this program, I had many expectations about what I would feel, learn, and how I would interact with the other students. While some of these turned out exactly as I expected, others resulted in life-changing realizations that I will never forget.

With all that I was experiencing interacting with my peers, another revelation entered my mind regarding my faith and relationship to the Church. I had the intentions of using my time abroad to become closer to God, figuring that I would be less distracted and have more free time. It turns out that I was very wrong. While I did have a lot of time to think and reflect on this journey, my spiritual life took a backseat for most of the trip. It’s only now that I look back that I see that it wasn’t as distant as I thought. In the end, it affected me in a very real, but indirect way.

In the end, my project group and I concluded that although the geographical heart of Catholicism is located in Italy, the spirituality of the religion branches across the world. While some of these observations may sound harsh or biased, we acknowledged the fact that they were based on only a few experiences in one town, and may not truly represent Italy as a whole. At the same time, we were also comparing all of these observations against our traditions in America, possibly skewing our perception of truth.

In other words, while my goal on this trip was to become more connected to my faith through personal prayer, I was disappointed that this was not the major focus in the end. Instead I became connected indirectly through my academic studies, cultural observations, and interaction with both Italians and the other students.

I have to repeat a point I made awhile back in another post: The biggest thing I took away from Italy was the way Italians live their lives. The simplicity of happiness there baffles me. It makes me realize how much I over-complicate my life. I make myself believe that I want these things; power, success, wealth. But in reality, I really do know what’s important to me; I just don’t know how to obtain them. It seems like the tangible material things are easier to acquire, especially when the things you truly desire involve other people; family, friends, and lovers. If I learned anything there, I hope that I learned to appreciate the small things that I treasure; for wherever your treasure lies, there will you find your heart. Spending an afternoon with my nephew just giggling and playing, a meaningful conversation with my parents, or the embrace of the one you love; none of these can be measured in vanity, numbers, or by spectators.

(Photos: Jumping for freedom & Castellammare del Golfo, Sicilia)

Saturday, June 6th 2009 @9am Blog #23

Saturday, June 6th 2009 @9am
Blog #23

Arriverderci Roma! My blogging has been lacking without an internet connection here in Rome this past week. And what a week it was. I’ve learned more about myself, my peers, and my family in this one week than all my time in Salerno. Both good and bad of course.
The good: the city, where many periods of history and modern times collide at full speed into a mess of different emotions and forms of expression. Some compare it to New York, but I don’t agree. It’s a different dimension and not quite reality. I could spend months exploring all the Roman ruins and Renaissance art here, and I feel cheated doing it in only a few days and under the constraints of others. But I’m not worried. I know I will be back. There’s not a doubt in my mind that many more adventures await me in Italy. It’s hard to explain this passion of mine to see the world, especially when I hear those around me complaining. I yearn to experience different cultures and to see how they affect me, and I feel that I do so with an open mind. I want to understand the world’s differences, both good and bad, and embrace them as they are. It’s ironic that when you travel, you tend to notice that many of the world’s problems root from simple misunderstandings and people’s inabilities to accept simple cultural differences. I can go on forever….
Now for some more good; my family here in Rome. A few days before my parents and brothers arrived, I was warmly surprised by my family who basically ambushed me at my hotel. It was a reunion filled with many tears and catching up, and it’s hard to explain the feelings that overwhelmed me. I guess I was missing that closeness of family after being surrounded by students for 5 weeks. I was also fortunate to meet my cousin Lucio’s baby, for the first time. Luca is 16 months old and quite a hand full! He reminds me of Christian in many ways; very clever and saying the funniest things (except they’re in Italian)!
As I sit here in Fiumincino airport, waiting for my flight to Sicilia, a wave of diverse emotions are stirring in my head. Relief; enjoying the beach of Castellammare after a month of school work. Joy; seeing my Dad’s family after 2 years. Anxiety; coping with trying to get along with my family. I’ve always been different, but I think the more time I spend away from home, both in Boston and abroad, the gap seems to widen. And lastly, I feel love; for certain friends at home, and for Rob. Time apart always does the heart well, and in my case, my feelings have only strengthened.

(Photo: Making my 2 wishes at the Trevi fountain….the first is secret, and the 2nd is to return to Rome)

Friday, May 29th 2009: Last Day of Class

Goodbye Salerno, saluti a Roma e Sicilia!

Our visit to Piacenza

Me, Bobby, Emily, Amanda, Gaia, and Peppe

Saturday, May 25th 2009 @9pm Blog #22

Saturday, May 25th 2009 @9pm
Blog #22

I can’t believe I only have one more week left in Salerno. I have to really focus this week because there is a language final at L’Accademia, a culture final exam, paper, and project (all which will affect my GPA at Northeastern). I’m doing my project on Catholicism in Italy vs. America based on all the observations I’ve made these past few weeks. It should be interesting as I haven’t felt comfortable at any church yet. I’m very worried about my language final because my mid-way progress report was lower than I expected. But to be honest, I don’t think they reflect well on my capabilities. For example, I got a 4/5 under comprehension, when I understand 100% of what the teacher says. The only thing I can think of is that I ask a lot of questions on new vocabulary, but I can’t imagine why asking questions would lower my grade. Anyway, I need to boost it up on the final.
I’m also super excited about seeing my parents and 2 brothers in a week! It’s the first time we will be in Italy all together. I’m wondering if my brothers will actually want to hang out with me, or treat me as their little sister. At home, we rarely hang out because of the age difference, but I’m hoping that we can use this experience to become closer and have some fun, and I would like to be included as an equal in this. The way I can see it, it can go 3 ways: we can all go out together at night, they will judge me for going out, or they will go out without me. We shall see what happens.
Tonight is Stefano’s last night in Salerno (our guide) because he’s going to France for another job. So we are heading out for drinks to say goodbye….

Saturday, May 24th 2009 @10pm Blog #21

Saturday, May 24th 2009 @10pm
Blog #21

The wind is a horse:
hear how he runs
through the sea, through the sky.

He wants to take me: listen
how he roves the world
to take me far away.
-Pablo Neruda

Bobby and I spent the day on the island of Capri taking in the scenery, the sun, and carefree attitude we brought along with us. The poem above is from a famous Chilean writer and politician that I like who spent some time on the island back in the 1950s. My favorite part was a walk we took up and down the many paths that surround the villas that are tucked away into the mountain side. It was nice to get away from the tourists and see some nature. It was so hot out that we couldn’t resist going swimming on a very rocky beach (my feet are all cut up) that had crystal clear blue water. Unfortunately, I couldn’t go to the grotta azzurra like I’ve always wanted to because it was too expensive and my pockets seem to have a whole in them lately. I felt bad because it’s not like one goes to Capri everyday….hopefully one day I will return and be able to see it.

(Photo: Me on the boat Capri!)

Saturday, May 23rd 2009 Blog #20

Saturday, May 23rd 2009
Blog #20

Returned from my trip to Piacenza to see my future university: L’universitá Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Some of the students on this trip with me will also be attending there with me in September 2010 for our International Business program. I would like to study there for 2 years so that I can receive a double degree and masters, but it will be a lot of work. When we arrived in Piacenza, we were greeted by my Italian friend Gaia and the director of our program at the Cattolica. They showed us all around campus and answered many questions we had about the program. Then Gaia took us around the city and all the historical sites. I took lots of pictures! It was a beautiful day out, but a bit too hot for me since there was no breeze from the ocean. Gaia told me that compared to Northeastern, la Cattolica is relatively small, and sometimes there’s not as much to do. I think my high school was bigger in campus size. Even if this may be the case, I still think that the university will be an interesting place to study to obtain the goals I have for myself in the future.
Since I stayed with Gaia over night, I was able to meet her friend Peppe, her parents and brother. They were so nice for opening their house to me and giving me a place to sleep. I’m glad I made this trip, even if it was long and expensive, because at least now I know exactly what to expect, and I can make some decisions.

(Photo: Me in front of the school’s sign)

Wednesday, May 20th 2009 @ 11:30pm Blog #19

Wednesday, May 20th 2009 @ 11:30pm
Blog #19

I just paid 5 euros to get my ass kicked by some Italian boys in soccer. We rented a field outside of the city and had a Italy vs. America match….which is just as unfair as saying ‘we’ll play you at democracy.’ I envy their fancy footwork. Oh well, we tried our best and it was quite a work out! I had so much fun as goalie and then forward, even if I couldn’t keep up with the Italian boys. But I think they admired the effort. I’m not sure if my father would of have been proud or disgraced. I kept having flashbacks of him yelling from the sidelines when I use to play. Oh god!
I went ahead and bought my ticket for Piacenza for 2 days. So I will be leaving tomorrow night, and returning late on Saturday. I’m staying with my lovely Italian friend Gaia who I met at Northeastern. I hope that I get to see the entire university and get a better feel for where I will be spending 2 years of my life. And of course, have some Northern Italian fun while I’m visiting!

(Photo: Team U.S.A. in action)

Tuesday, May 19th 2009 @ 9:30pm Blog #18

Tuesday, May 19th 2009 @ 9:30pm
Blog #18

Today in class we discussed Catholicism in Italy, and I must admit that I was very uncomfortable. I guess because it’s such a sensitive topic for me and I really don’t like when people express opinions on a subject they know nothing about it. I totally support debating and hearing different opinions and thoughts, but I don’t appreciate when people who don’t practice the religion try to tell me what my own religious thoughts are. I hope that makes sense. For example, ‘Catholics do this because of this….’ It’s just very hard for me to stomach comments such as that. I had to really control myself from speaking up on every issue. But then again, I guess I really shouldn’t care what others think. It was more of a matter of separating fact and fiction in order to have an educational discussion.
Anyway, on a funnier note continuing on the topic of religion……did you know that in some Northern Italian cities, such as Milan, eating a kebab in public is forbidden? Do you want to know why? Because right ignorant extremists think it will make you Muslim. Yes, apparently food can influence your religious preference. So I dedicate today’s blog picture to Berlusconi and other Italian politicians. Please come and arrest me!

(Photo: Me eating a kebab on the steps of a church!)

Monday, May 18th 2009 @11pm Blog #17

Monday, May 18th 2009 @11pm
Blog #17

As I sit here and listen to a beautiful opera song called Omaggio, which means homage or reverence, I can’t help but wonder what my life would be like if I actually followed the lyrics to the music that moves me.

Voglio vincere, grazie a te, sogniamo insieme (I want to win, thanks to you, let’s dream together).

The simplicity of happiness here in Italy baffles me. It makes me realize how much I overcomplicate my life. I make myself believe that I want these things; power, success, wealth. But in reality, I really do know what’s important to me; I just don’t know how to obtain them. It seems like the tangible material things are easier to acquire, especially when the things you truly desire involve other people; family, friends, and lovers. If I learn anything here, I hope that I learn to appreciate the small things that I treasure, for wherever your treasure lies, there will you find your heart. Spending an afternoon with my nephew just giggling and playing, a meaningful conversation with my parents, or the embrace of the one you love; none of these can be measured in vanity, numbers, or by spectators.

(Photo: I found the DVD’s I’ve been searching for like 2 years! Sorry that the picture does not match the tone of my writing, but it was the only eventful thing that happened today).

Sunday, May 17th 2009 @ 5pm Blog #16

Sunday, May 17th 2009 @ 5pm
Blog #16

I’m sitting on the sand right now in Salerno observing the Italian teenagers at the beach. They must be a few younger than me, but they remind me of trips I use to make to the beach with my friends in high school. The girls are tanning, the boys joking around; some are swimming trying to get the girls wet. Very similar to my memories.
While it’s hot today, the sun has been coming in and out of the clouds. Not that I mind because it’s a nice change from the usual direct sunlight. Most of the students slept in all day because of the long night they had. I’m so glad I stayed in and let my body rest. I was happy since that internet was working so well last night that I was able to make a few phone calls home.
I tried a different church today called San Benidetto. Unfortunately, the information I had was wrong so I walked into mass late, but the atmosphere overall was much nicer. Next Sunday, I’ll try another church…...The next 2 weeks are ‘history week’ of Salerno, with various celebrations and events every day. Tonight there’s a poetry reading and classical concert at Santa Sofia, so I’m probably to go check that out.

(Photo: Me at the dock by the beach where I am writing this)

Saturday, May 16th 2009 @ 8:30pm Blog #15

Saturday, May 16th 2009 @ 8:30pm
Blog #15

This morning we took a day trip to Ravello, a small town on the seaside of the Amalfi coast. It is very similar to Salerno, but is higher up in the mountains and less modern looking. The best part for me was when our guide Antonella and I creeped a wedding that was happening in the piazza. The bride and all the details of the ceremony were so Italian looking and beautiful. I told her that weddings were my obsession, so she was like ‘Let’s do it!’….so we hid in the back of the church like crazy people. I also thought it was interesting how the whole town comes out to watch, and it’s perfectly normal for strangers to clap and take pictures.
P.S. Rob, I want to get married in Italy.
Luckily, it wasn’t sunny or too hot today so my skin is getting a day to heal a bit. Right now I am looking over the ledge of a terrace at Mar Tirreno. Although there’s fog today, the water is still amazingly blue and the colors of the houses still glisten off the roofs.

(Photo: Me at Ravello)

Friday, May 15th 2009 @ very late Blog #14

Friday, May 15th 2009 @ very late
Blog #14

I had my 2nd language test today and it didn’t go as well as the first. It seems like I reversed a whole section of sentences because it sounded better in my head. Prof. Maiellaro said she would take a look at it because she thinks that I just did it different rather than wrong. Sometimes there’s no black and white answer with languages, especially when you’re learning both written and spoken.
Tonight we went barhopping with the entire group. It was a lot of fun and I didn’t have to be the mom! We found one place that was playing 70s through the 90s music, so us 20 Americans crashed the discoteca, and the DJ loved us. One word: YMCA…..and various U.S.A. chanting. My translating abilities consisted of:
‘He says he loves you’
‘Tell him he barely knows me’
‘He wants to marry you’
‘He barely knows me!’

(Photo: Maria, Stefano, Me, and Regan)

Thursday, May 14th 2009 @ very late Blog #13

Thursday, May 14th 2009 @ very late
Blog #13

Today was a very hot day….further worsening my skin situation. I feel awful and I had to go to the doctor again. On a good a note, we went to visit a Buffalo Mozzarella factory today in the country side, about 40 minutes away from Salerno. We took a beautiful but lengthy walk to get there, and on the way, were able to see many Greek ruins and temples. The one I’m standing in front of in the photo is the temple of Zeus. At the factory, we learned about the process of raising buffalos for milk and the very old tradition of making the cheese. We were able to sample a fresh ball of mozzarella and some ricotta afterwards. It was very different than what we find in America, even the imported stuff. Delicious!

(photo: me in front of the Greek temples)

Wednesday, May 13th 2009 @ very late Blog #12

Wednesday, May 13th 2009 @ very late
Blog #12

Not much to write about as it was a very uneventful day. I’m upset because I wanted to talk to my family and Christian tonight, but the internet connection was shitty so the call kept dropping on skype. We really take the internet for granted at home. Feeling a tad bit homesick today…..but I blame the internet and the drama between people here. I’m also starting to truly miss Rob today; it’s hard to see all the girls meeting all these guys and doing romantic things. It’s not that I want to do the same; I just wish the guy I love was here to experience this with me. But I guess it will be beneficial to grow on my own as well.
I’m trying to decide whether I want to take the train to Piacenza to see the university I will be attending next September. I feel that it’s important to get a preview of where I will be spending 2 years of my life, but at the same time it would mean missing a weekend here in Salerno, and a costly ticket of about 150 euros.
I can’t believe I’m already 2 weeks into classes. The time is flying by. I’m looking forward to going to Sicily after with my family and spending time with my cousins there. I can’t imagine how hot it will be given the temperature here. My sun poisoning hasn’t gotten any better, and I’m worried because we’re going to the Amalfi coast again this weekend. I’m praying that it will heal soon.

Sending all my love to those at home!

(Photo: Vietri)

Tuesday, May 12th 2009 @ 6pm Blog #11

Tuesday, May 12th 2009 @ 6pm
Blog #11

I decided today that I like the Italian healthcare system. It seems that I have sun poisoning because of the combination of medications I’m on and extreme sun exposure. All I had to do was go to the pharmacy and explain the problem and the guy wrote me a prescription right there. He asked me if I was Italian, and I said yes, so I only paid 5 euros for the cream. Very simple; they don’t waste time, money, and resources on simple medical issues. No insurance companies or bullshit. Granted they pay much higher taxes on their wages then in the U.S. (I think about 40%), but for me and the experiences I’ve had, I prefer this way because I think it distributes the wealth more fairly. (Yes, I realize how socialist that sounded!) That’s just my opinion…..
During today’s culture lesson, we discussed immigration and racism in Italy. Our teacher distributed various newspapers from the left, right and center so we can get a better idea of those points of view, which are different than those of the left, right, and moderates in the U.S. For example, religious people (Catholics) are on the left, and are democratic. Where in the U.S., we view the Christians of the South (the Bible belt) as being very right and conservative. One of the newspapers we read called Il Libero, of Berlusconi, was headlined “Are you a racist? Take our test”. I felt like I was reading a magazine or something. And the questions were all skewed so that being anti-foreign was a positive thing. For example, one question said “A group of immigrants above your apartment are making a lot of noise at 3am….how do you feel about it?” a) I’m mad as a bull and will take action b) they don’t know any better because of their culture c) I think foreigners are cute. I felt like I was watching Jon Stewart making fun of the news, but this was not for comedy, it was real. Another quote I found especially shocking came from the founder of the Lega Nord (political party). A journalist asked if a Lombard is at top of a tower with a black man and southern, which would he push off? The politician responded first the southern out of obligation, and then the black man for pleasure. Ugh.

(The photo is il castello at Vietri the other night with Raffaele and the Italian boys).

Monday, May 11th 2009 @ very late Blog #10

Monday, May 11th 2009 @ very late
Blog #10

I had the best time last night with the Italian boys I’ve been hanging out with all week. I would like to call it; The Fast and the Furious, Italian style. I met Raffaele at zero-otto-nove with 2 other students, and he said he had a date with some friends at another bar, and if we would mind coming too. Naturally, we said yes thinking it was two minutes away. So apparently, it was another city altogether! And we drove through the mountains….you know the ones where the streets are so narrow that if another car comes speeding around the corner, you die. It was awesome.
Today, the ladies finally had a chance to go shopping in town, and of course, we went to my favorite European store, Benetton. Surprisingly, the prices were much cheaper here in Italy. In Boston and NY, Benetton is a ‘splurge store’, for example, one item usually runs about $100. But today I bought two nice dresses (because I packed like an idiot) for 50 euros. Sono contenta  I must admit, part of the reason I wanted new clothes was because I was getting made fun by the Italian boys because apparently I dress like a….well, American girl. Meaning I haven’t been spending 2 hours getting ready every day and wearing high heels around town. So I had to show them up tonight, and prove them wrong. Mission accomplished.

(The photo is of some of the American students sporting our Benetton goods)

Sunday, May 10th 2009 @ 4:30pm Blog #9

Sunday, May 10th 2009 @ 4:30pm
Blog #9

This is the life. As I lay on the beach of the Amalfi coast, it seems like there is not a worry in the world for these Italians. This beach is called Vietri (about 10 minutes from Salerno), and is like the Jones Beach of this area. I’m looking up at the town right now. Each house looks like a step to a very large staircase that jet out from the cliff. We’ve been laying out in the sun since the morning; tanning, swimming, listening to music. The picture is of me in my natural state; “Tan, Tipsy, and Tranquilla”.
As the sun begins to go down over the mountains, and the tide subsides, I wonder where my future will take me. I try not to think about co-op and Boston, but the thoughts are slowly creeping into my mind when it’s quiet. At the same time, maybe this experience will help me better discover what I truly desire.

Saturday, May 9th 2009 @ 11pm Blog #8

Saturday, May 9th 2009 @ 11pm
Blog #8

Today I stepped back into history with my visit to Pompei. I’ve always wanted to see it for myself, and it was even more interesting than I thought. The city was over 60 acres in size, and not all of it has even been excavated because people starting building on top of it many years ago without realizing what was underneath. I learned that the people of Pompei had a Napolitano complex, and therefore worshiped male sexual parts (which are depicted on every street corner and art). Many penises equal a lot of laughs.
I never realized how complex the civilization was until I walked the streets myself. It was very surreal in that many modern aspects of urban planning such as a grid system, drainage, centers and squares were already being developed thousands of years ago. I think the weirdest part for me was seeing the victims covered in ash, especially one of a mother and child huddled together, and then eerily looking up to see Vesuvio in the horizon.
Tonight we were suppose to go to the discoteca with the boys I’ve been hanging out with, but there were some problems last night, so let’s just say that some people are on ‘probation’. Instead, I went over to Prof. Maiellaro’s house for dinner and played Legos with Alessandro. Playing with him reminds me of Christian a lot, so it makes me feel good inside so I don’t get homesick. Tomorrow is suppose to be high in the 80s so I am definitely taking the bus to go to a better beach that’s 15 minutes away.

(The photo is of Beth, Cara, Maria and me when we were out last night).

Friday, May 8th 2009 @ 8:30pm Blog #7

Friday, May 8th 2009 @ 8:30pm
Blog #7

I can’t believe its Friday night and a week has gone by already! Today was a tiring day at school. On a good note, my first test went very well; I only made 4 grammar mistakes. In language class we played Taboo in Italian! It was so much fun that I want to buy it for home to practice and learn new words. You can all imagine how competitive I was.
For culture class, we took a tour around the historical center of the city. It’s funny because they’re so many landmarks nearby, but I haven’t had the chance to really explore, so I had no idea. Some of my favorite sites included a botanical garden created 1000 years ago (where the first school of medicine in Italy was located), Il Duomo and all the dedications to San Matteo, and il Teatro di Verdi (one of my favorite composers). They’re also many historical sites from Il Risorgimento (Italian unification) and from the liberation by the Allies during WW2. The history nerd in me was eating it all up!

(The photo is of Bobby & I at the gardens)

Thursday, May 7th 2009 @ very late, Blog #6

Thursday, May 7th 2009 @ very late
Blog #6

Another beautiful day. It began with an old man yelling at me for wearing shorts, go figure. In class today, we discussed il congiuntivo, a tense I’ve always had trouble with because we don’t realize when we use it English. My teacher at the Accademia taught it differently then what I was use to, so I think understand it a little better. We’ll find out when I take my first exam tomorrow morning! I was originally worried, until the teacher told us to go out tonight instead of studying. I guess it’s nothing too serious.
I met a group of boys last night at this place I like to hang out at called ‘zerottonove’ (0-7-9). It was such a weird coincidence because one of them, Rafaele, is the cousin of my language teacher. We had the funniest conversation until 2am discussing topics from male-female differences in both countries, to why I wasn’t allowed to discuss politics with them (apparently it’s rude because it starts fights). They’ve agreed to take a few of us to the nearest discoteca on Saturday night to dance. We haven’t been able to find one because they’re none in walking distance.
Tonight the school treated us out to dinner at a local place, which was a nice change from the typical tourist stuff we’ve been eating like pizza and pasta. I finally had some vegetables tonight!

(The photo is of me in front of the fountain at our hostel).

Wednesday, May 6th 2009 @ 6:30pm Blog #5

Wednesday, May 6th 2009 @ 6:30pm
Blog #5

What a beautiful day at the spiaggia (beach)! Once again, class was painful as we are learning a tense that doesn’t exist in English called il futuro anteriore where something in the past happens in the future. Crazy Italians. For some reason, I mastered that fairly quickly but I’m still having trouble with yesterday’s lesson of si impersonale vs. si passivante. Unfortunately, most of my homework was wrong for that subject.
After our language class this morning, Bobby and I went to the beach to read our text book (such good students!) with Stefano, who is our personal assistant while we’re in Salerno. He treated us to beers at this little hut and we decided to stay and read in the sun. I usually don’t like Italian beers because they’re typically very light in taste, and I like full-bodied beers, but I found one today that was 12% and on the robust side. So reading, tanning, and good beer….what else can I ask for?
Following this, we had culture class in the afternoon we’re we discussed the Italian government and politics. I think the other students think I’m a little nuts because I was very ‘passionate’ on the subject (down with Berlusconi!). I tried to explain to my professor that the reason why the Italian Republic has fallen over 40 times since 1947 is because the system of checks and balances doesn’t exist, and the Prime Minister has way too much power, especially Berlusconi because of his wealth and various businesses. If they let me, I can solve all their problems…..(that’s what Stefano thinks anyway).

(The photo is of Bobby and me playing with Prof. Maeillaro’s son, Alessandro).

Tuesday, May 5th 2009 @ 7pm Blog #4

Tuesday, May 5th 2009 @ 7pm
Blog #4

We woke up today to a gray sky on the way to class and a bit chilly, but the sun soon gave way when we had our coffee break. It’s very difficult to dress here because things change so rapidly. For example, I went from a jacket and jeans earlier on to getting a tan by the afternoon. Today I realized that class is going to kick my ass; 4 hours of language class plus 2 hours of culture class daily. Seems like there’s no time to do any homework when you factor in naps and going out so late every night!
I had a lovely day with Bobby at the beach. Between our two classes, we went to the lungomare, which is like the boardwalk by the sea, to read our text before class. I was the happiest person today when I discovered a place that sells granita, sort of like an Italian ice, and I asked them to make it Sicilian style; con la vodka! 20 minutes and 2 granitas later (which equals about her 5 shots)….we had class…..oops. I thought the lady would think I was crazy for ordering it like that, but the expression on her face was like ‘what a good idea’. After, we went to lay on these rocks where the water breaks and talked about Italian politics for a few hours because we’re intelligent like that. I think this will become my new habit….

(The photo is of us enjoying our granita limone con la vodka)

Monday, May 4th 2009 @ 3:30pm Blog #3

Monday, May 4th 2009 @ 3:30pm
Blog #3

First day of school! You’ll notice from the photo that (Angela, me, Bobby, and Regan) were awake in time. I cannot begin to explain how much I love our school, L’Accademia Italiana. The 4 of us placed in the same advanced level along with many other international students of all ages from places such Austria, Mexico, and Switzerland. It’s interesting because we can’t use English as a fall back when the only thing we have in common with our peers is Italian. It forces you to push harder and explain things differently in order to convey your message. An excellent way to learn! In the first day alone, I learned a ton of new vocabulary and my sense of confidence grew within this unique classroom setting.
I’m having a lot of trouble with the internet here. For some reason, Italy seems to hate Facebook and I can’t login anywhere; this is going to be tough! My email accounts work on the school computer and this blog works on the hostel’s wireless. Go figure. So I have to travel depending on the website I wish to visit. It’s funny how we take things for granted like high-speed internet. Tonight I will be meeting up with some of the international students who have been here longer than us, and they’ve agreed to show us where the best places are to go out and such. Should be a good time…..

Sunday, May 3rd 2009 Blog #2

Sunday, May 3rd 2009 @ sometime past midnight
Blog #2

So much for ‘sunny Italy.’ It’s been raining since we arrived today. What a trip! We were all pretty exhausted since we skipped a day of sleep because of the time difference. Salerno is so beautiful, even with the bad weather today. I figured out quickly that unlike my time in Sicilia and Venezia, this will be VERY different. I experienced Italian culture shock today! How is this possible? We went to a family owned trattoria that literally looked like it was someone’s house. The Husband was running the place, the son the waiter, and the mother cooking in the back somewhere. We never quite received what we asked for, the service was slow, and the bill was made-up. The New Yorker in me had a difficult time dealing with this after being grumpy from travelling. On a good note, the food was delicious! I had gnocchi with garlic and zucchini flowers. I figured out quickly that I’m going to lose a lot of weight here given the size of the portions. There was about 10 gnocchi on my plate……about 1/6 of the plate I would eat at my brother’s restaurant in Brooklyn.
After a nice 6 hour nap, our local guide, a young man named Stefano, took us for a brief walk in the rain to learn the streets a little better. We went to a ‘pirate themed’ pizzeria for a late dinner. My money is going fast! I had a pitcher of Sangria and others had a lot worse if you know what I mean! But we all had a good time. Unfortunately we have a placement exam bright and early tomorrow. Yikes 0:-)

(The picture is of Regan and Bobby in front of our hostel)

Saturday, May 2nd 2009 @ 11pm Blog #1

La Mia Avventura in Italia

Saturday, May 2nd 2009 @ 11pm

Blog #1

As I sit on the plane, 7 hours into my flight, I’m filled with a sense of anxiety and excitement at the same time. This will be the longest time I’ve spent out of the country and away from those I love, and I’m not sure how to process it all. I’m grateful for the opportunity to study in Salerno (part of the reason I choose Northeastern), but I think my nervousness stems from all the unresolved issues I leave behind. It seems like your troubles follow you, even to sunny Italy. I have so much to look forward to; improving my language skills, spending time immersed in the culture, the beach and the night life, and my family meeting me in Rome on the 5^th of June.

Today marks the beginning of my adventure, (appropriately titling this blog). I wish to use this as an outlet to document my journey for myself to reflect on how it changes me both personally and as a student. I choose to do this publically instead of in a journal because I hope to share this experience with others, both strangers and loved ones, in order to have a better understanding of the differences between Italian and American culture and way of life. Reading a text book cannot begin to explain the thousands upon thousands of years of history that dwell amidst the Italian people, the buildings, the faith, and most importantly, in their hearts. I hope to find a piece of myself in it all.