Goodbye, Roma.

The time has come. Time for me to leave this beautiful city. Time for the experience I waited practically my whole life for to come to an end. I can’t say I’m not sad about it, but I am lucky to say I squeezed as much as I possibly could out of this experience. My whole time here truly has taught me so much and changed me for the better. Every 4am alarm to make a 7am flight, every euro spent, every straight twenty four hours spent traveling, every sprint through metro stations, and every day I have spent here has made me a better person. I have never seen so much, slept so little, eaten so well and grown so quickly. I’ve been to more places in this three month time period than most people see in their entire lives. I’ve never learned so much about myself and this world in my entire life, and I could not be more thankful for that. 

One main lesson I learned here is how to prioritize. I’ve always had a pretty good head on my shoulders and I’ve always known what’s important to me, but when studying abroad brings it to a whole other level. With only three months here, I had to know exactly what I wanted to do with my time. For example, instead of going out every Thursday, I went to bed because I knew I was waking up for a 6am flight Friday morning and I did not want to miss out or sleep through a day because I was too tired or hungover from the night before. Instead of sleeping in, I woke up early to go see as much as I could of whatever city I was in. Instead of spending all my money on clothes or shoes or drinks, I spent it on flights and tickets to museums and experiences.  There’s no right or wrong way to study abroad, but for me, seeing as much as I possibly could was most important, so that’s what I did. I have absolutely no regrets from any of the trips I made and I am so happy I did as much as I could.

The second is that I learned to trust. Ya gotta trust your gut. If it feels like you are going the wrong way, you probably are. If it feels like we are on the wrong train, we probably are. Also, trusting friends. Traveling with friends is a whooollllleeeee different ballgame. Knowing who you are with and knowing they care for you is key. Lastly, trusting strangers. In countries you don’t know the language, you have no choice but to trust that one guy who speaks kinda sorta English to help you out. You just hope for the best and go with it. Fortunately, this world is full of a lot of good people who truthfully want to help.

Next on my list would have to be knowing what I need. This sounds cheesy but it’s true. Traveling takes a lot out of you. A lot. It is physically and mentally exhausting getting on a plane or train every 4 days for three months straight while taking fifteen credit hours. So I let myself sleep every once and a while. Sometimes, after eating pasta and pizza nonstop, all I need is a salad. So yes, I get a salad. When my family left after thanksgiving, I spent all day in bed watching movies. And that’s ok, because without those times of just letting myself have what I need, I would not be sane.

I’ve learned that I love Europe. I absolutely love it. I need to come back as soon and as often as I can. I want to see as much of this world as possible. I have acquired a love for travel.

I have also learned that I can handle being more than an hour and twenty minute car ride away from Joliet. Of course the impossibility of going home was daunting at first for someone who has literally been more than a drive away from home for more than a week, but I managed pretty well. Partly because I was in Rome (duh) and partly because of that whole growing up thing I talked about earlier. Nevertheless, I survived. Lol.

I’ve learned unfortunate travel experiences make for hilarious memories and GREAT dinner table conversation. I’ve learned that I love the challenge of a new city, and that no two cities are the same. Language barriers are a real thing and they do make life harder, but that’s part of the fun. I’ve learned that Subway tastes the exact same in Italy and that freaks me out. I’ve learned that gnocchi is God’s gift to humanity. I’ve learned that you can’t go wrong with the house white wine. I’ve learned that maintaining relationships with friends and family on a different time zone is harder than expected. I’ve learned how to walk. I’ve learned that food actually does taste better than skinny feels. I’m sorry but it does. I’ve learned that study abroad brings out the worst and best in you. 

The most important lesson I’ve learned this semester is that I am incredibly blessed. The fact that I spent three months living in a hotel in the center of Rome with 34 other amazing girls is unbelievable. Even walking around tonight, it was difficult to fathom how lucky we are and how quick it went. I have made some amazing friends that will always hold a special place in my heart. I love and adore them, and I truly would not have made it through these three months without them. They have been there for me at my lowest and highest moments, and nothing can change the bond we have formed. I am so thankful that Saint Mary’s made it so possible for all of us to have this time here, I am thankful I go to a school that wants me to experience so much.  Most of all, I am so thankful I have such great parents who gave me this opportunity. Not a single day here would have been possible without them. No words can describe how grateful I am to have them as parents. I am so blessed to have seen as much as I have, done as much as I have, and lived as fully as I have. 

Europe, I will miss you so dearly, but this is just the beginning of a beautiful romance we share! As for you, J-Town, I will see you soon.

Favorites, Bests, and Things I'll Miss the Most

It is officially my last week here in Roma! I cannot believe how fast the time went, but at the same time when I think about my first day here, it seems like years ago. It's so odd because I want finals to be over, but I don't want to leave Rome, and I cannot wait to spend Christmas with my family but I want to come back to Europe as soon as I can. It is a weird in between feeling of wanting to stay and wanting to go. It is honestly the weirdest feeling in the world. Fortunately, I have been so blessed to have had this experience and I am so blessed to have a wonderful family and friends to go home to. Anyways, more on that later. For now, I want to reflect on my favorite things about Europe and what I will miss most.


In no specific order, things I will miss most about ROME:
1. Gelato
2. The fact that ancient ruins are a common thing
3. Good pasta, almost anywhere you go
4. The pizza
5. How much the people love wine
6. The Albergo del Sole and it's wonderful staff (shout-out to you, Aldo)
7. Living with Haley Bellis

Things I will miss most about Europe:
1. The drinking age
2. The shopping
3. The fact that no two cities feels the same
4. The fabulousity
5. The cultural love of food
6. The great metro systems
7. The cheap flights
8. Everything is funnier in Europe

Favorite gelato flavor:
Tie between After Eight from Frigidarium, champagne with raspberry or limoncello with blackberry from Gioletti's

Favorite meal:
Gnocchi. Gnochhi or die.

Favorite wine:
Chianti.

Favorite pizza:
Marinara.

Favorite store:
Habana or Mango

Favorite bar:
Drunken Ship, for sentimental reasons. I would say Scholar's but they kicked me out that one time.

Favorite restaurant:
Tony's (RIP, why'd you have to close for winter)

Best cappuccino:
Tazza D'oro

Favorite city:
PARIS. My heart is in Paris forever.

City with the best food:
Thessaloniki 

Prettiest church (St. Peter's Basilica excluded):
Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

Most fun weekend:
London!

Best purchase:
My 100% real fur vest.

Favorite memory:
Having my family and Ryan in Rome!!!

SIT DOWN, MR. PEASLEY!

Ello Govna.

This weekend I was in London!! And let me tell you, I LOVEEEEDDDDD it. I really did. It was the most fun weekend I have had in Europe. Our flight landed mid-morning in London, but due to London's extreme border control that questioned me on what period of Roman art history I was studying and the exact places I'm visiting in London, we didn't get to our scary hostel until about noon. And by scary, I mean scary. I mean bunk-beds-coed-community-bathrooms-drifters-with-dreadlocks-firetruck-in-the-middle-of-the-bar-SCARY. Because of the whole co-ed community bathroom thing, there was not the slightest chance in hell I was showering in there. No way, not a chance, not now, not ever. I was not bred for hostel living. I simply wasn't made for it. However, the rest of London, I was made for that. I loved every little bit of it. The people were sooo nice and friendly to us and the city had a great vibe. Friday, we went on a tour of Westminster Abbey, which was AWESOME. So much history, but also so much modern importance. It holds the tomb of Henry the 8th and Queen Mary of the Scots and all the kings and queens but it was also where Diana's funeral was held and where William and Kate were married. It was awesome to see. We also saw the Big Ben and went to Harrods. Harrods was amazingggggggggg. The coolest, biggest, most luxurious, classiest shopping experience I have ever had. We walked around and pretended to be Blair Waldorf and took all of it's Christmas magic in. We went to Laduree and sat and had tea and macaroons and talked for about 2 hours. It was so fun and absolutely fabulous. That night we went to an English pub and talked more. Go figure. Saturday, we went to the Tower of London and saw all the old armory used by the monarchy and the fortress and the Bloody Tower and the Crown Jewels. The Crown Jewels were gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous. Then we went to Oxford and Regent Street which was all decorated and lit up for Christmas. It was so fun just walking around and getting in the Christmas spirit. We were supposed to go on a Jack the Ripper tour, but due to some unfortunate events, we were left sprinting through metro stops, going tube to tube, sweating profusely through our heavy winter clothes, and missing it. Everything happens for a reason though, because we ended up at a famous pub that was formerly owned by Charles Dickens' fathers. We sat there for 3 hours and ate fish and chips and talked and laughed and had a jolly good time. That night was super weird because at around 4am there were extremely drunk Scottish/English/Irish guys screaming in the hallway "JUST A WEE BIT OF WOBBLING" and "SIT DOWN, MR. PEASLEY!!!" and "YA BEING A BASTARD" over and over for an hour straight. I'm not kidding you. VERY WEIRD HOSTEL, PEOPLE. Sunday was really really scary because none of us had showered since Thursday night and we were running through London, sweating on public transportation and living in a scary hostel. I honestly feel bad for anyone who had to sit withing 20 feet of us. Sunday we went to Buckingham Palace and back to Harrods for some more shopping (sorry we ain't sorry). We then took a train to the airport. Quick side note about our train ride. So we are running to get on this train to make it to the airport on time (a lot of running happens when we travel for some reason) and I get there first opening the doors to a packed doorway with suitcases blocking the door. Then this woman standing there says in her British accent, "ohhhhh noooo, it's blocked!" and does nothing. So I threw my bag onto the train and literally climber through this woman's bags to get onto the train. I turned around to make sure Meg and G got in and as soon as I saw we were all there the train started moving. We just made it. Then we are standing there, along with many other people, and this beautiful drifter boy is sitting there with his dog who has her own separate seat. There are at least 10 people standing and this guy has his white fluffy Maltese/Schih Tzu/street rat mix in a pink collar sitting on her own seat. He kept telling everyone she was tired. Honestly, you encounter the weirdest people when you travel. All in all, it was a fabulous weekend and I could not have asked for a better last weekend trip of the semester. It was the most fun I have had all semester and it was a WONDERFUL city. I really did love it. It's sad to think it was my last trip of the semester, but I know I will be back in Europe to visit all these cities I love again.

My Temporary Home

Things that make the Albergo the Albergo:
1. Aldo.
Every hotel should have a front desk work that rolls his own cigs, drops the f-bomb every three words, and literally does not care. At all.
2. Towel heaters in the rooms.
The most luxurious part of living here.
3. The housekeeping staff that acts like your grandma and treats you like a princess.
They are so sweet, even if you cant understand a single word they say.
4. Cow cat.
As much as I hate, HATE, hate cats, this little guy will always have a special place in my heart. His nonstop meowing and weird love for my things make for a great friend when you have none.
5. The horrible DING DING DING DING that rings in the maids closet. Like why.
6. The never quite right room temperature.
Always a little too hot or a little too cold.
7. Clean towels that cover you head to toe.
8. A fresh made bed every day. And not having to change your sheets. Basically being a princess.
9. The lack of supervision.
10. The fact that is in Rome.

Roman Holiday: Morrissette Takeover

This week I was lucky enough to have both my family and Ryan visit me in Rome!!!! The fam got here Tuesday evening after spending the earlier part of the week in Rome. The whole day I was like a jumping bean and could not wait for them to get here. I was so flipping excited because I missed them so much. About a half hour before their arrival time I couldn't take it anymore so I started pacing back and forth from Campo di Fiori and our hotel. On my second walk back I saw Meggles and her little head and I ran to her and gave her and everyone else a big hug. To my surprise, I actually started tearing up when I saw them. Who knew I was so emotional?? Anyways, we talked and talked and ate and talked and everyone was exhausted so everyone slept except me because I was too excited. The next day we went to the Vatican to hear the pope speak. At one point we were literally no more than 10 feet away from Pope Francis and it was so cool to experience that with my family. After that, I showed them my classroom building and library and a few cool spots in Rome. We again ate a lot and talked a lot. Side note: we drank at least 2 bottles of wine for both lunch and dinner. Steve-o and Renedawg should visit me in Europe more often. Once again, I got no sleep that night because I was far too excited for the one and only Ryan Utter to make his debut outside the continental U.S. of A. By Thursday morning I was going certifiably insane and I thought I saw Ryan walking into the market in Campo di Fiori. Well it wasn't him. So I, defeated and anxious, walked back into the hotel and there he was in the lobby! I will admit that I cried but only for a second I swear. Then we all made our way to the ancient Roman Forum and the Colosseum! It was awesome showing them around because I know so much about the structures due to my classes here. It was fun being a bit of a tour guide for the day. After that, we visited the "Jesus steps." The steps that Pontius Pilate ruled from and that Jesus walked up and down during his condemnation were moved from Jerusalem to Rome by the mother of Constantine, Saint Helen. The marble steps have been covered in wood, but glass has been put over the spots were there drops of Jesus' blood. The steps can only be climbed on one's knees in silence. It was one of the coolest things I have ever done. It was so painful, but every time you thought about how hard it was, it was followed by a thought of how much suffering and pain Jesus went through. It was one of the most moving things I have experienced in Rome and I could not be happier I was with Ryan and my family. More wine and food followed. Duh. Friday we got a private tour of the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter's Basilica. Once again, one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I am so happy I got to share it with my family. Our tour guide was so informative and really made the whole experience so interesting and deep. That night we went out for another nice dinner and then more gelato and then the favorite part of the entire week occurred. My entire family went to Scholar's. HAHAHAHA. Side note: Scholar's is the bar I was infamously kicked out of about a month ago for trying to get on stage to sing karaoke. So you can see why I am so humored by the sight of Renedawg sipping a gin and tonic in Scholar's. After that, Ry, Dan, Brit and I went to the Drunken Ship for another drink because why not. The next day we went to Via del Corso, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi fountain. We shopped and just walked around. It was a nice relaxing last day in Rome. Saturday night we went to one of my favorite restaurants and reflected on how great the week was. I still can't believe how blessed I am to not only have this experience but share it with the people I love most. Having my family visit was such a blessing and I couldn't be happier I was able to show them a piece of what my life has been these past couple of months. It was hysterical seeing my parents straight out of Joliet prancing around Rome. Meggles was also owning it. Too good. The whole week was so fun with them. Also, not many nineteen year old girls have a boyfriend willing to fly over 4000 miles and nine hours just for three days together. Just saying. I am one lucky girl.

Now I have only 19 days left in Europe, and I plan on making the most of them before I leave for Christmas! Cannot wait to see you all when I get home!!
XOXO

Cheetah Girlz Cheetah Sistas

Hey hey hey, my fellas. As you may have guessed from the title of this blog, I was in Barcelona this weekend. The wonderful city is known for two things and two things only: 1) being the location of the second Cheetah Girls movie and 2) discotecas. I'm going to keep this blog short and sweet because I have about a million and four things to do this week.

Highlights of my weekend:
1. Seeing Lissa. As soon as I saw that blonde beauty in the Sagrada Familia Basilica, I ran over to her, hugged her so tight and I actually started crying because I had missed her so much. It was so nice spending time with her and catching up. I love that little lady.
2. Our hostel. It was honestly awesome. Free coffee all the time, super cute vintage chic decor, awesome desk workers, fantastic free breakfast, great bathrooms. Honestly the whole thing was the cutest.
3. Nightlife.
4. The biggest market I've ever seen with the awesome fruit.

XOXOXOXO

Things Not Found in America

Currently, there is a violent protest in Campo di Fiori and there are SWAT teams in front of our hotel. Yes, you read that correctly. Also, while all of this is happening, everyone else is acting like this is completely normal. My Art History professor looked at us like we ad three heads when we showed genuine signs of concern after hearing a mob screaming outside out classroom building. All she said was, "What? No protests in zee States?" Uh we have protests, lady, but none that involve a SWAT team in front of my place of residence. Anyways, this little occurrence has inspired my thoughts on other things that do not occur in the United States.

1. Over abundance of cats.
There are cats everywhere in this continent. There is a cat that lives in my hotel, there is a cat sanctuary down my street, there was a cat walking around the Paris airport. They're everywhere.
2. Lack of ice.
WHY DOES EUROPE NEVER HAVE ICE?? This never happens in America. Haley ate it the other day and we all thought she was literally going to be in a body cast for six months, and we couldn't even get the poor girl some ice.
3. Gelato
Self explanatory. America does not have and will never have anything as good.
4. Flexible prices.
We are poor college kids, wanna give me this for half off? Ok, thanks. Could you imagine pulling that in America? Doesn't happen.
5. Cheese as a sole food group.
6. Super cheap flights to really cool places.
I'm sure you could get a cheap flight to somewhere but honestly, no one is on skyscanner looking up flights for a fun weekend to Cleveland.
7. Old stuff.
America is like a one sixteenth of a millisecond old compared to Rome.
8. ME
lol. But really, not ready to leave Europe. I just can't.

We'll always have Paris.

Remember last week when I said Capri is the most beautiful place I have ever seen? I take it back. Paris, by far, is the most beautiful place I have ever been to.

I've always been drawn to the Parisian life. Something about a diet full of crepes, macaroons and champagne, a wardrobe full of socially accepted fur and the way you instantly feel prettier when someone says "Bonjour, Madame" really appeals to my Eloise at the Plaza/Blair Waldorf/Beyonce inner diva queen animal spirit. Paris was the one city I REFUSED to leave Europe without visiting. And let me tell you, it lived up to every expectation.

Our flight was at 6:50am, which in my Steve-o conditioned mind meant that we needed to be there at the night before at 7pm. I was not missing this flight for anything. Unfortunately, not many other people were brought up with this obsessive compulsive need to be there with enough time to finish a PhD thesis, so we got there around 5:30am. Not enough of a time cushion for this diva queen. I pushed through lines, ran over children and the elderly, threw elbows and made it to the line for the flight. Once again, I was not missing this flight. Thank goodness, everything was fine and we all made it to Paris in one piece. Whew. When we got to Paris, we ran off the plane, got on a bus, got in a cab and made it to our hotel. After getting settled , we took the town. I was immediately awestruck by how incredibly beautiful the entire city is. I loved every inch of it. We walked around and I just soaked in how ornate and wonderful and fairytale-like every street corner, shop, bakery and restaurant was. It was love at first sight. The whole time I kept thinking to myself how I HAVE to come back with my mom and my sister, and how I HAVE to come back with Ryan and how I HAVE to come back with the girls I was with right then. The gorgeousness of the whole city just made me want to share with everyone. We went to the Eiffel Tower, thought about how blessed we are, and took about 70,862 pictures (even though no picture can capture the way I felt). After that we headed to the Louvre to hang out with our gal Mona Lisa. The Louvre was super cool and one of those places you can't not go to. Lucky for us, it's off season so there was no line, and it was after 6pm so we got in for free! We then met up with Carole's cousin who lives in Paris and we went out to dinner. We had a fab time. Side note, without Carole, Paris wouldn't have been such a success. She's fluent in French and amazing on all accounts.

The next day, Haley and I woke up earlier than the others to go to the Museum Orsay. We got pastries and our first ever French macaroons on the way there (ps. the macaroons ARE as good as they say). Anyways, we got to the museum and once again the line was super short and we got in quickly. Honestly, this was cooler than the Louvre. The first room we walked into had a Picasso. Oh. Okay. Then we walked into two more rooms FULL of Van Gogh paintings. Probably 20 Van Gogh paintings. Just chilling in their permanent collection. We went upstairs to the Impressionism floor and took in the entire floor of Degas, Monet and Pissarro. It was super impressive and awesome to see so many famous paintings. After that, we started walking to the Cathedral of Notre Dame and obviously stopped for a Nutella banana crepe (heaven) on the way. We met the other girls and went into the cathedral. It was so vast, imposing and impressive and different than anything church I have ever seen. We then made our way to the Love Bridge. It was iconic Paris and looked exactly like I thought it would. After Meg and Carole broke their lock while trying to put it on the bridge, we headed for the main shopping street of Paris, Champs Elysees.I looooovvveeeeeeeed it. Loved it. Couldn't love it more. It was already all decorated for Christmas and reminded me of Michigan Avenue on steriods. It was beautiful and magical and I didn't want to leave. There was amazing shopping including the Louis Vuitton flagship store, Cartier, Mercedes Benz and obviously, ten Zara's. There were also little family owned shops on the little side streets. Actually, this is were I spent the last euros I had to my name and bought a fur vest. Yes, I did. The shop owner was the cutest little man and I love my fur vest with everything I have in the deepest depths of my soul. I'm not kidding. After that, we ate a brie and lettuce baguette and shopped around some more. It was so much fun and really made me miss shopping downtown with my friends from home and family. It actually made me want to bring all of them to Paris. We saw the Arch di Trumph and then went back to the Eiffel Tower to see it lite up at night. Oh and we gt macaroons from the most famous macaroon place in Paris. Anyways, back to the Eiffel Tower at night. This vision, my friends, is the most incredibly beautiful sight I have ever laid eyes on. At one point, I mentioned how I'm not sure if the sight of my first born child will measure up the Eiffel Tower at night. Then we climbed all 1400 steps to the top of the Eiffel Tower. We got an amazing view of the city at night and the very top of the tower. I will never forget it. That night for dinner we had fondue and you guessed it, crepes. It was the most wonderful weekend in Europe and I CANNOT wait to go back to Paris. It is by far my favorite city and I already miss it.

Other random things I love about Paris:
1. The metro system. I love everything about it. I love how cheap it is. I love how easy it is. I love how good I am at figuring it out. I love it.
2. Bakeries on every corner. Finished with your box of twenty macaroon? Don't worry. More are just around the corner.
3. The grocery stores have goldfish.
4. You can get six bottles of water for 1 euro.
5. Everyone looks fab. No outfit or print or fur hat is too outlandish or flamboyant for this town. Go bold or go home.
6. You can't possibly fit all of Paris into one trip. You just can't. But I think that's part of why we love it so much. It's this Mary Poppins bag of culture and art and food. You can't possibly do it all so you HAVE to keep going back. It's heartbreaking to leave but part of you is comforted by the fact that because you didn't finish it, you have to go back.
7. The whole city is in love.
8. It's perfectly okay, and even encouraged to be the full blown, out-of-this-world divalicious Queen of the World you are.

Moral of the story: go to Paris. I don't care who you are or what you do or when you go, just go. I truly fell in love with the city and I already cannot wait to go back.

My Week in So-It

Hello, fellow homo sapiens.

This Tuesday, at 7am, the entire SMC Rome Program shuffled on a coach bus to make our way to Southern Italy (So-It as us trendy people call it). We were in for five days of 6am wake up calls, head counts, ancient ruins and beautiful Southern Italy.

Tuesday: We went directly to the ancient ruins of Herculanium and Pompeii. Really cool stuff, but a very long day. By the time we checked into the hotel and got settled, we were on the verge of falling over from exhaustion. After a good dinner of bruschetta, pasta, fish, potatoes, salad and tiramisu, that is exactly what we did.

Wednesday: After a wonderful breakfast of multiples breads, yogurts, fruits, juices and coffees, we set out fr our day on the Amalfi Coast. It was gorgeousssssss. One of the most beautiful places I ahve ever seen. Also, they are famous for their lemons and limoncello. They have lemon everythinggggg. Lemon soap, lemon perfume, lemon chocolate, lemon candy, lemon candles. It was fun to spend some time sampling and shopping around the lemon-laden town.

Thursday: We spent the day in the archaeological museum and ancient ruins of the Magna Grecia town, Paestum.

Friday: CAPRI. Actually probably the most beautiful place I have ever been to ever. We took a bus down to the beach and then had to take another boat to the island of Capri, but it was worth every minute of travel. As soon as we got there, some of us went on a boat tour of the island. It was incredible. It was one of the places you can't quite capture in a picture (however, you can tell by my 48,986 pictures on Facebook, I tried). It was gorgeous. The water was the bluest I have ever seen in my entire life. At one point in the tour, we got out of the boat and got into small rowboats to go int the Blue Grotto. The Blue Grotto is a grotto (obviously) that is lit via reflections of the sun onto the limestone on the bottom of the grotto. The light comes up through the water and creates a neon blue that illuminates the entire grotto. It's gorgeous. However, the entrance to the grotto is so small that everyone has to lay down in the boat to get through the teeny tiny hole in the rock. I won't say it's my favorite moment, but I will say that having the weird rowboat rower lay on me to fit through the hole of the grotto is in my top five. After the tour, we spent the day exploring and taking in the beauty of Capri. I truly hope one day I can go back and spend more time there.

Saturday: Haley and I woke up with bedbug bites. Yes. Bed. Bug. Bites. NOT OK. SO NOT OK. We spent the day in Naples doing ancient stuff and what have you but as soon as we got home we washed all of our stuff and dried it on the highest heat and sprayed everything we had with us with rubbing alcohol. The bugs are gone for sure since we were so aggressive with it but our bodies are still covered in itchy bites that look like chicken pox. Honestly, only us. We spent Saturday night watching a movie on the terrace as the smell of 90% rubbing alcohol left our room. At least we slept in peace knowing the bugs are GONE.


xoxoxxoxox from the infested girl

Arabic Speaking Canadians take Greece

Greetings, earthlings. Princess Keit here. 

This weekend was my first experience traveling outside Italy. What an experience it was. We woke up early Friday morning ready for our glamorous journey to Thessaloniki, Greece. The weirdness started as soon as we got to the airport where they checked our passports and boarding passes actually 17 times. Then we got on a bus that drove us about 100 yards to the plane that was in the middle of the runway. As soon as the bus stopped, everyone started sprinting to the plane. Literally a no-holds sprint. We were all super confused. Someone offered up the possible explanation of the fact that RyanAir doesn’t have assigned seating…? Well neither does Southwest but people don’t sprint to the plane knocking down children and the elderly. Anyways, we get on the plane and they hand us a booklet with pictures of the RyanAir stewardess swimsuit calendar (weird) and price lists to buy a hotdog on the plane. I took a Dramamine and slept the whole flight, until all the sudden we were landing and people were clapping and over the intercom played a “Dodadalo dodadalo do do do doooo” sound after we landed? Then once again everyone started sprinting off the plane. Never seen anything like it. Then we took a cab to our hotel, which was really near the city center, and started exploring Thessaloniki. We were starving so we stopped for gyros. Honestly, heaven in my mouth. Soooooo good. So good. I feel bad for people who haven’t had one.We walked down to the water and walked right along the waterfront and saw the White Tower. The weather couldn’t have been better and the relaxed vibe was just what we needed after a long week of midterms, papers and presentations. At this point, we see a Jamaican themed boat-bar. Yes. A bar. On a boat. Painted as the Jamaican flag. Playing Bob Marley. Honestly best idea we’ve ever had. It took us around for an hour and we enjoyed strawberry daiquiris and a gorrrrrggggggeous view of the city. The water, sunset, city and rum made the experience more than perfect. After freshening up, we headed back out to walk around some more and get dinner. We ended up at this great restaurant near the marina. We all got an appetizer and then got a Greek salad to share. It was amazing. They gave us bread and tzatziki. Then we got sautéed pork in a white wine lemon sauce. Rice stuffed grape leaves. Oven roasted feta with cherry tomatoes. Fried zucchini. Something with fennel that was really good. And Greek salad. And then we got dessert. Some sort of greek sweet thing topped with ice cream. Not entirely sure but it was awesome. It was all awesome, and it was all waaayyyyy cheaper than Rome. It was refreshing to know that we were going to get a good, less expensive because we weren’t in a super touristy town. We loved it. That night we walked around a little bit more until we went to bed in our hotel (which was the Albergo del Sole 2.0 Greek version). We also had an identity crisis when two men asked us where we were from and if we spoke English. They clearly must have heard us speaking English and that’s why they asked us, but we froze. We were warned that some Greeks really don’t like people from the States, so of course I get the bright idea of responding with “Canada.” But it wasn’t like I responded with conviction; it was almost like I was trying to say it low enough for only my friends to hear. I remember hearing myself say it and thinking “why did my voice sound like that?” It was a cross between Cher and Robin Williams saying “Canada” in a low whisper. Well, the men ignored that, so they continued to ask us if we speak English. Again, nothing. We are like statues. We just stared at them. I think we stared for a solid 45 seconds before Carole started ranting to them in Arabic. All we did was stand there, staring and nodding like we understood what Carole was saying. We confused them enough to get them to walk away but we actually couldn’t breathe we were laughing so hard after they left. I don’t know if this story is as funny via blog, but you can imagine how hysterical we thought it was that we just stared at two random men for five minutes and the only solution we could come up with was acting like we were Arabic speaking girls from Canada that can’t understand English. 

The next day we woke up and set out for our Eat and Walk tour. It was probably the best experience I have had in Europe thus far. It was a private tour for just the 5 of us given by a fabulous woman named Magda. Magda speaks four languages. Magda is a psychiatrist. Magda was born in Thessaloniki, went to grade school on an island, went to high school in Thessaloniki, studied all over, lived in Barcelona for a year, lived in Berlin for 6 years, never took a single cooking class in her life, knows the food history of Thessaloniki, and gives Eat and Walk tours to do something for her town. I’m sorry, what? Can I be you, please??? It started with a homemade Greek breakfast in her cooking lab. Cheese and cream filled pastries, a traditional sesame bagel thing and Greek coffee. After she told us some history and we finished eating, she read our fortunes using the lines of dried coffee inside our cups. The craziest thing was how all five of our fortunes could not have been truer. After that, we left the cooking lab and started walking through the streets and markets of Thessaloniki. We met her friend and stopped at a little shop and tasted homemade cheeses- incredible. She walked us through the fish and meat markets (the veggies were a little freaked out by the pig heads but we made it through). She had us try special olives from the region and explained certain techniques and why certain foods were the way they were. We then sat down and tasted more food and a traditional Greek alcohol, ouzo. Then we went to this shop full of homemade jams and marmalades and Greek sweets. After tasting all that, we went to a super trendy and chic restaurant. Not kidding, they brought out a least fifteen different full dishes of food. I have never eaten so much or so well in my entire life. Greek meatballs, Greek salad, a salad with lemon and pomegranate, baked feta, grilled vegetables, eggplant, fried zucchini, more meat dishes, breads, chick pea salad, bean salad, spinach stuffed things, fruit over Greek yogurt and wine. It was all fabulous. The best part about it was that it didn’t feel like we were on a tour. It felt like we had a friend from Thessaloniki who was showing us around. She joked with us, showed us good bars to go to, told us stories and acted like we were her friends. It really was a great experience and I am so glad that I got to enjoy it with people who appreciated it as much as I did. After that we were nearing entering a food coma, so we walked around just a wee bit more before looking at some ancient ruins and churches, watching the sunset, getting a coffee, heading back to the hotel to rest and get ready for the night. That night we were not even close to hungry for dinner so we decided sangria at an outdoor bar would be the perfect end to our day.

Today, we woke up, went on a search for baklava, found baklava, ate baklava and checked out of our hotel. We also got a Starbuck’s, because those don’t exist in Rome and we missed it a lot, ok??? The person taking my order spelled my name K-E-I-T….? I don’t know, it’s Europe. Anyways, we flew back to Rome  and once again was confused by the clapping/landing/RyanAir thing and here I am. It was honestly a perfect weekend and I could not be happier. The even better part- we only have one day of classes this week before we leave for Southern Italy as a program on Tuesday. Pretty cool, huh? I’m sure I will have plenty to say about the millions of tours they will make us go through and the gorgeousness of the Southern Italy coast. 

Until next time,

Xoxo

International Kitty

Ps. Wednesday is our half way point. WHHHHHHHHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY I DON’T WANT TO LEAVE YOU CANT MAKE ME LEAVEEEEEEEEE

Visitors from the Land of Guiness

This week the girls who are studying in Ireland came to visit Rome and it has been so fun! It's crazy how different our two experiences are, yet we have so much in common. I loved seeing familiar faces from Saint Mary's and being able to hug my dearest Marge. We had a ball and I am sooo happy I was able to spend so much time with them!! I can't wait until Barcelona when the Ireland, Seville and Rome gals are all together. That actually might be too much for Barcelona to handle.

Ten Courses Later.....

I am happy. Really really happy. I had a great weekend. I'll tell ya why.

Friday night we went to dinner at Tony's which is my favorite and I had chicken parmesan and they gave us two bottles of the house white and lemon gelato for free. Fab.

Saturday we had a tour of Hadrian's Villa (the 40 excavated acres) where I gave a presentation on his bathroom, so that was fun and then we went to this beauuuuutiful garden full of fountains and statues and waterfalls and plants. Absolutely gorgeous. One of those places a camera couldn't capture, and I loved that about it. It was the same garden part of the Lizzie McGuire movie was filmed and yes, I did run through it and pretend I was running with Paulo singing "This Is What Dreams Are Made Of." Anyways, after that we went to another ancient town and climbed a huge structure and saw some more ancient stuff and headed back to the hotel. We showered, went to dinner at Mimi and Coco's and got a seafood pasta dish and then we went out to our stomping grounds: the Drunken Ship. It's never the place we wanna go, but it's kinda like the place we always end up. Somehow. Saturday night ended with Gina and I running right into each other and an entire gin and tonic getting spilled down my front. After that little mishap, me and my gin soaked outfit called it quits and headed home.

Sunday we woke up and got ready to visit Gina's great aunt and cousins in a tiny village 200 miles south of Rome. It was actually the greatest. We got off the train and realized there were no cabs. We went into the train station and asked and he was like "it's Sunday... there's no cabs." Todo, we aren't in Rome anymore. We ask a guy working at the station and we call a random number given to us by the guy and somehow in broken Italian, we get a cab. Cab shows up. It's like a 1970 Cadilac. Not kidding. Two back seats, fits all 6 of us, it's like actually hysterical. He's driving like a typical maniac and suddenly stops and asks a man on the street if he knows the address. The bystander responded by asking for Gina's family name and immediately knew who Lillina was and where she lived. That's how tiny this town is. We get there and are greeted by her Aunt Lina and cousin Maria. They each hugged us and kissed us as we introduced ourselves. They both spoke absolutely zero English so communicating with them was a bit of a struggle at first. Gina's English speaking cousin arrived soon and really helped us out with the language barrier. As soon as we walked in, Zia Lina says, "eat!" So we sit down at a table set for us. First we have homemade bread and olives from her garden. Then this like salami meat thing that we put on the bread. It was so good. I hate cold meat but I really liked it.Then big penne noodles in an amaaaaazzzzzinngggg homemade tomato sauce she made by cooking the tomatoes with meat bones for flavor then removing the bones. Actually best thing I've eaten here. Both vegetarians were so disappointed they couldn't have it. At one point, Meg, who hasn't eaten meat since age five. questioned her life choices and actually regretted not eating the sauce even though we are pretty sure her body would just shut down. That's another thing. Zia Lina didn't really comprehend the whole no meat thing. Then we had the best meatballs I've ever eaten. Ever. Ever ever. Then we moved on to thin breaded pan fried chicken. Then different kinds of creamy cheese. Then salad. Then fresh fruit including super sweet pears and huge grapes. Then we had a cake made completely from scratch. To finish it off, we had Italian coffee. Ten courses. It was the greatest meal I had in a longggg time. It was perfect. Then we walked around the town and saw where Gina's family was from. Everyone we met was so sweet and kind and loving. The treated all of us like their own kids and could not have been more welcoming. It was so nice to be hugged and be in a house instead of a hotel. It was honestly the best day. When we left, they sent us with homemade cookies and hugs and kisses. Each of them said "I love you" as they hugged all of us. It was the cutest. We already made plans to go back during finals week.

All in all, great weekend in great places. Too much love in my heart right now.

One down, two to go.

A month ago tomorrow, a horrifically tired Katie stepped off a plane and into a foreign world. When I think about that day, it feels like ages ago… but when I think about how long I’ve been here, it feels like no time at all. The only time I realize how long I have been here is when I think about my odd familiarity with Rome. For example, after a long day of traveling and all we want is sleep and food and we get off that train, the first thing I think is “Ahhh, home.” But I’m not home. I’m in Rome. I also get mad at tourists. There have been times I have rolled my eyes behind large groups of tourists with stickers on their shirts and maps in their hands who don’t know how the whole stoplight thing works. Like whoa Kate, who made you a native Roman? I can tell the difference between good and bad pizza. Can you believe I just put those two words together??? Bad and pizza? Who am I anymore? I’m no longer fazed by the Pantheon. It isn’t even cool anymore. Just crowded. I am completely accustomed to being able to legally drink. Go figure. My feet no longer ache with the pain of walking multiple miles per day on cobblestone streets. I’m a huge diva. Huge. Bigger than before. I get annoyed if my cappuccino isn’t strong enough. My sense of direction has actually developed into something somewhat useful. Last but not least, I finally figured out how to unlock the classroom building door. I’m basically a true European.  

However, there are some things I just will not budge on. First and foremost, free bread and water. I’ll never forgive Europe for the lack of (American) generosity. The exchange rate will never be ok. I wish Europeans cared a little bit more about deodorant. I will never like veal. I will always want sweats to be a socially accepted thing. And I’ll honestly never not miss America’s efficiency and standards of cleanliness. Sounds odd, but it’s true.

As you can see, Rome and I have a great balance. Truthfully, I almost cried today thinking about how I only have two months left. This is been such a great experience so far and I will forever be grateful for this opportunity and this beautiful life I have here.  

Miss you all even more than I miss unscented toilet paper.

XOXO