Dancing The Night Away in Sorrento

February 28th: Sorrento

We nearly screamed when we saw the water during our approach. I forgot the ocean exists here! Once we walked the ten-minute hike from the train station to our hostel we were even more pleased by the cleanliness of our hostel! It was actually nicer than many of the hotels my dad usually books back at home and it was only 32 Euros. After taking off the 50 pound backpacks we went to a seafood restaurant recommended by the people at the counter. If you ever decide to order shrimp in Italy note this: 1. The shrimp are TINY. 2. You take off the heads but eat everything else. I did not know this and I was trying to peel off all the skin when the owner approached me and told me to eat everything but the head. After looking at my expression he was kind enough to bring me some free calamari. Finally good customer service! He also gave us free samples of desserts and brought out a bottle of some sort of chocolate liquor for us to have. After gaining 25 pounds we walked to the American bar and started dancing like fools. We were the only ones there and for the first ten minutes we were singing(screaming) and dancing(mocking the dances in music videos), and no one had purchased a thing. You could tell the people behind the counter were not fond of us by the annoyed/dissatisfied look on their faces. It wasn’t until three eighteen year old Italian boys came in and kept trying to dance with us that we decided to leave. We were having too much fun dancing to stop though and we asked a cute Italian couple where to go next. Through charades we were able to communicate and they told us about a fancy club we should go to but weren’t sure if we would be able to get in with our apparel (yoga pants, running shoes and t-shirts). There were two men in suits at the door who asked if we were on "the list." Of course we weren't, but they let us in anyways. I believe it was because no one was there yet. We tore up that dance floor until people began to arrive. Everyone that showed up was wearing dresses, slacks or something of the sort and then there was us… None of us cared and we continued to dance in the midst of everyone and people just stared. After a while a few people joined us on the dance floor but at one point I realized it was just Nikki and me. Instead of stopping I ran and got a couple of guys that were watching and brought them on the dance floor. Within a couple of minutes a flood of people joined. When it was time to finally leave we were flattered by a few Italian guys that told us it was more fun with us there and that we were good dancers…never heard that one before! It was the most fun I have had here. I ate like a pig and danced like a fool. No complaints from this girl!

Is it Ruined?

February 28th: Pompeii

To finish our long weekend we decided to head to the ruins of Pompeii and then go to the beautiful coast in Sorrento. I never imagined how big Pompeii was. We walked around a lot of the city but were not too sure what we were looking at because we didn’t have a tour guide. I did learn however that in every house they had a hole in the center of the ceiling for ventilation and other reasons I didn’t really understand, but under the hole there was some kind of contraption that would drain out the water if it rained. Imagine having that in the middle of your house! We also saw an arena that I assume was used for some sort of competition and a small building with sexual images inside like a menu that people could choose from and “practice” in the rooms that were provided. The beds were made of stone and it looked as if it was in an alley. It was obviously something to be ashamed of. On a different note, there was more preserved than I had expected and I felt as if I were walking the streets near the time the catastrophe occurred.

Am I Catholic?

February 27th: Did I just convert to Catholicism? The Vatican

I am not Catholic. I do not know anything about Catholicism although I wish I did but let me tell you, being Catholic is not necessary to appreciate the Vatican. I wish I could describe how captivating the artwork is but there are neither words nor pictures that can. You need to go yourself. Our tour was 4 ½ hours long and I felt I was only able to see a fraction of the things there. Apparently, in order to see everything it would take 12 years, that is what our tour guide said anyways. I loved looking at all the artist's works. We heard about Michelangelo, Rafael, and DiVinci’s artwork in my last class but actually seeing it was a completely different experience. The artwork depicted biblical stories and different historical events. It was mind-boggling. I was surprised that in the Sistine Chapel you are not allowed to talk or take pictures. I was happy that people could not talk because it allowed me to stare at the ceiling and walls and fully embrace what I was seeing in peace. Add going to the Sistine Chapel to your bucket list. You will thank me later. While I was there I got a rosary for my dad. I was hoping the Pope could bless it but since I could not be blessed by his presence I got a priest who works directly with the Pope to do so -- at the Vatican! I thought it was pretty neat. (:

Those Damn Americans

February 26th: The Colosseum

It was time to see the Colosseum and everyone was more than excited to see this historical place! Once we entered we could not stop looking around and taking pictures of ourselves in front of everything. So much history is here! I am not a big fan of selfies but I realized on this trip I have taken more than I ever thought I would. Going to places like the Colosseum does not happen everyday and if I did not capture the moment it would have felt as if it were just a dream. We are so lucky to get to see, feel and experience all the history this place has to offer.

Rome

February 25th: Do as the Romans do

Spending three days in Rome was the perfect break after our final. I ended up making an 87 in my class but I suppose that is okay. Riding on the bus to our hotel I was a little nervous because of the graffiti and torn down buildings that surrounded us. I was thinking that Rome was overrated, boy was I wrong. When entering Rome it turned from shab to chic. Each building, old or new was exquisite. They truly take care of the city. I can understand why the Roman Empire lasted so long. We went to the square and saw a young man in a superman onesie making HUGE bubbles! It was fascinating watching the bubbles floating gracefully creating excitement for people of all ages. We were screaming and cheering (trying to blend in). Then the young man asked if I would like to try. I tried but could not master his technique. The rest of the day we toured the city and different cathedrals but nothing seemed quite as beautiful as the simplicity of the bubbles in the square and the excitement and childish play in such a magnificent place.

400 Level Classes Abroad?

February 23^rd: The Reality of Study Abroad

Before studying abroad I was told by almost everyone, while you are there it is an easy 4.0. Although this may have been true with their experience, mine has been a little different. I have learned a lot of information in a very short period of time. Within two weeks, I read an entire textbook, and filled my entire notebook with lecture notes.  We had a quizz every morning over our readings and past lecture. Everyday we had at least three hours in the classroom, if not more and then had reading and studying on top of that. For all of you who think our classes here are as easy and breezy as Covergirl your WRONG! 

Come To Cortona

February20th: Come to Cortona

Today was the perfect day! After class I went outside and wrote in my journal under the Tuscan sun. Then we all loaded onto a bus to Cortona where the film, Under the Tuscan Sun was filmed. It is by far my favorite place in Italy! It’s similar to Castig but a little larger and on a higher hill. Our tour guide gave us a quick history of the town and told us about Saint Margaret whose body we were able to see in one of their churches. It was a little strange in my opinion but you could tell she was very important to the people living in the city.  At the end of the tour I was able to talk to our tour guide and I felt I really connected with her. She was so kind and gave me two hugs before leaving. It was very comforting. We had an hour to search the town on our own before the bus came back. It wasn’t much time to explore but we had the greatest coffee and met several Americans that go to school in Georgia but who are studying in Cortona. We exchanged numbers and decided we would go back to Cortona and hang out with each other. I am looking forward to spending time with some fellow Americans! On the bus ride back everyone started singing together. It didn’t sound too well but it made me happy to see the relationship we have built. I love each and every one of these people. Everyone is so different but so beautiful. I can’t wait to see what our relationship is like by the end of this trip.

Hebrews

February 16^th: Bible Study

Hebrews 6: 7-8

            Soak up God’s words, lean on him and pray to him because he will help you grow. He is providing you with love. If you do not take his love you are wasting it.

Hebrews 6:10

            God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.

When you love God, lean on Him, trust in Him, and pray to Him you are not doing so only for yourself, but for all of His children. He will see this love and will be glorified by it. God does not forget the love that is shown to Him. He knows your love, He knows when you are lost, and He will not give up on you. If you need Him reach out to Him and He will lead you the way.

Walking With the Strays

February 14^th: Athens Again!

            We went on a tour of Athens, recommended by our hostel, and made two new friends, Koen from Holland and Jeremiah from Colorado. Our tour took an unexpected turn when we learned that an undercover cop was following us.  It turned out that our tour guide was giving tours illegally. Our illegal tour guide quickly ditched us so we decided to figure it out on our own. We went to the market, ate an amazing lunch followed by authentic Greek yogurt and then went to Acropolis. We took a million pictures that I’m sure Jeremiah and Koen loved! Being around Koen and Jeremiah made me feel safer and I noticed Jeremiah, although quiet, was very protective of us. I really hope they accomplish what they need to on their lone journeys.

            We went on a bar crawl with T-dawg(Thomas) who showed us the neatest bars. The first one had an art gallery and the second was Mexican themed. It was too crowded for us to stay but someone heard Thomas telling us all to go upstairs. All eleven of us went only to find two bathrooms. Everyone at the bar busted into laughter and we did too.

            Overall, Athens was a good place to visit. It had its ups and downs but we were able to see a big part of history and meet two sweet men along the way. Before we left Koen walked with us to the train. It was really hard to say goodbye to our new friend but it was time to return to our safe, comfortable home in Castig.

Hanging with Rita!

Picture with Koen and Jeremiah

Bar Crawl

Athens

February 13^th: Athens Awaits

This weekend is one for the books. Eleven girls including myself decided to head to Athens for the weekend. The adventure began before we even left. Before getting on the train to Rome we grabbed a bite to eat at a coffee shop in Castig and we all decided to use the bathroom before jumping on the train. After finishing my business I hit the button I thought would flush the toilet but no flushing took place. In order to fix the situation, I saw a string that was hanging down next to the toilet thinking that would help so I decided to pull it (not a good idea). What I did not know was the string set off an alarm to the entire restaurant. I tried to pretend I was not involved but when I saw the girls concerned faces I informed them it was in fact me that made the alarm go off. Whoops! I began to feel a deep pain in my stomach and while on the train nausea, dizziness and a headache followed. I tried to ignore the pain but the motion of the train and the small quarters only made it worse and I started to lose my breath. A small man that worked on the train helped me find a restroom and when he realized I was crying his eyes widened and he began rushing to each bathroom to help me.  The man quickly started unlocking doors only to expose men in mid-pee. He finally found one that was available to me and I rushed in with the intention of making the big spit. I quickly lost the urge and changed my mind when I saw crusty dry poop inside the toilet. Instead of leaving the bathroom like a normal person would, I stayed inside to catch my breath and dry my tears before returning to my seat. 

After the torturous train ride we made it to Rome where we would be flying to Greece but first we had the taxi ride of death! Romans drive like maniacs! To my surprise my stomach began to settle even though I felt like I was on a roller coaster ride while playing bumper cars. At the airport we stood at the gate patiently waiting to board when we heard an Italian mumble on the loud speaker. We didn’t know what was said but when everyone from our terminal started running to another location we decided to follow. There was a 30 minute delay but we made it onto the plane and landed safely in Greece. After our arrival we had a 45 minute train ride to Athens (I was so hungry). Luckily our hostel, Athens Backpackers, was only a block away from both the train station and a pizza place. At the pizza shop I met a sweet puppy(he was a stray,) and all the girls were grossed out because I pet him. Little did they know we would see him again. 

      After cleaning up we decided to explore Athens night life. During our search for bars my dog friend showed up and started following us. He howled then five more of his dog friends showed up. I thought of them as our protectors but the girls were not too pleased by their presence. I returned to the hostel fairly early but some girls continued on the bar search. It wasn’t too long before they returned and told us those dogs continued to follow them.  It turns out that the dogs acted like guardians in this strange town as they barked at a homeless guy and a van that was trying to follow the girls. I kindly reminded them that dog spelled backwards is god and they were God’s little angels sent to protect us. 

Arezzo

February 7^th: Arezzo

            Ciao! Today was a good day! For the first time since I’ve been here I actually felt I was able to explore a part of Italy. We went to Arezzo as a means to learning how to use the trains. It wasn’t difficult to learn and when we arrived our tour guide greeted us. He was a petite man with a “big nose,” and stubble on his face. We all got excited when we found out his wife was from Dallas. He had the greatest sense of humor and had us laughing from the very start. While waiting at a crosswalk he told us that Italians never wait but because we were in a big group, “We waited for a green light like the Japanese.” He then looked around and asked if there were any Japanese in the group. This was the first of many “racist” jokes. He made jokes about the French, Germans, Italians, and many more making me wonder what he would say about Americans. At one point he even said, “They’re mean in Italy. It’s a socialist country. If you’re happy they hate you.” I think he was being a bit dramatic but it did make me question if there are Italians who truly feel they want change. After the tour of extravagant cathedrals, Alexa, Mel, Tara, Kelsey, Emily and I went to eat lunch and get gelato. We went to a place called Gelateria Soft. I tried pulling the door open but like always I tried to open it the wrong way and thought the door was locked for siesta. The girls and I were staring at the hours of operation sheet when finally the lady behind the counter opened the door for us…it wasn’t locked I just didn’t push. She didn’t seem to mind and she allowed us to get behind the counter and take a group selfie.

Travel Tip:  Don’t take tissues from men standing outside of churches. They are either thieves or trying to make money. I mistakenly took tissues from a man thinking he was just giving them away out of generosity. I either stole them or tricked a thief because they he didn’t get anything from me! Oh well!

February 8^th: Can I get a Pisa please

The girls and I decided to take a day trip to Pisa. Like all the foreigners to this land we felt the need to take pictures with the leaning tower and our trip was focused on just that! It took two trains and two hours to get there which made a full day of traveling. I got to pretend I was holding, kicking, and leaning on the leaning tower so I would say it was worth it. The day started with Abby and Allison hitting the snooze button. Alexa was dressed first and being the motherly type, went around and knocked on everyone’s doors to tell them we needed to head out soon. As we were leaving, Allison and Abby were hastily putting on their clothes while walking out the door. We had a 15 minute walk to the train station and only 17 minutes before our train was scheduled to depart. There we were, ten Texas girls with our hair and makeup done, dressed in boots and nice shirts, speed walking up and down the cobblestone roads. With only a two minute cushion, the speed walking turned to a slight jog and then fairly quickly into a sprint. You could imagine the looks we received from the locals.