Classes are over! Tonight we have an end of the semester banquet with dancing and superlative awards. I'm really hoping for "best alter-ego" because my friends here have this crazy idea that I am pretty hard core, so they call me "Debbie Kix." "Debbie" for "Debbie Downer" and "Kix" because I kick down doors like a bounty hunter.
My last days in Rome have been fabulous. We have had amazing weather for the most part and I don't feel like I'm drowning in homework. As much as I miss everyone back home, it still makes me sad to think about leaving. This has been such an amazing experience for me. I have come out of my shell a little more and I tried some things I never thought I could. This is not life - It is a stolen season, but no less wonderful.
I am so excited for my parents to come out here! I know my mom is going to love Rome, especially since she hasn't been here since she was 13. I already have the perfect place picked out for my dad to try some delicious microbrew beers. Maybe now he'll actually look into making that chocolate beer I've been asking for.
Ciao!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
5 Terre
I don't think I have ever seen anything so beautiful!
Cinqueterre is a series of five towns on the coast of Liguria region in northern Italy (home of the famous Genova salami and pesto). We took a midnight train from Roma to La Spezia where we transferred to the regional train that took us to Monterosso. Since it was only 5am when we got there and it was still dark, Rebecca, Jessica, and I hung out at the train station waiting for the sun to come up over the mountains.
After a delicious cappuccino and some pastries from the secret bakery in Roma we got started on the 9km hike through all five towns. The first bit was hard because there was a lot of uphill and downhill, but it was well worth the muscle cramps I felt later that night.
We stopped in each town to explore and grab something small to eat. In Vernazza we ate our bagged lunches by the water until we had to move for the ferry to dock. Vernazza was our favorite town because it was so picturesque, and quaint.
I had a delicious panino in Corniglia and Rebecca finally got her gelato!
By the time we reached Manarola we were ready to sit down for a real pesto pizza. The pesto was fabulous, but nothing compares to my dad's homemade delicacy! Who knew that Italians could skimp on garlic?
We stopped in the southernmost town where we spent the night at a really nice hostel. Riomaggiore is a pretty small town with about 5 restaurants and one cafe, but it was no less beautiful than the others.
I'm so glad I got the chance to go out there, and I'm even more greatful that I didn't leave Italy this weekend because my flight would have gotten canceled.
Cinqueterre is a series of five towns on the coast of Liguria region in northern Italy (home of the famous Genova salami and pesto). We took a midnight train from Roma to La Spezia where we transferred to the regional train that took us to Monterosso. Since it was only 5am when we got there and it was still dark, Rebecca, Jessica, and I hung out at the train station waiting for the sun to come up over the mountains.
After a delicious cappuccino and some pastries from the secret bakery in Roma we got started on the 9km hike through all five towns. The first bit was hard because there was a lot of uphill and downhill, but it was well worth the muscle cramps I felt later that night.
We stopped in each town to explore and grab something small to eat. In Vernazza we ate our bagged lunches by the water until we had to move for the ferry to dock. Vernazza was our favorite town because it was so picturesque, and quaint.
I had a delicious panino in Corniglia and Rebecca finally got her gelato!
By the time we reached Manarola we were ready to sit down for a real pesto pizza. The pesto was fabulous, but nothing compares to my dad's homemade delicacy! Who knew that Italians could skimp on garlic?
We stopped in the southernmost town where we spent the night at a really nice hostel. Riomaggiore is a pretty small town with about 5 restaurants and one cafe, but it was no less beautiful than the others.
I'm so glad I got the chance to go out there, and I'm even more greatful that I didn't leave Italy this weekend because my flight would have gotten canceled.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Brussels!
This has to be a quick blog because I'm off to the beautiful coastal towns of the Cinqueterre. We're going to be starting in the northernmost town of Monterosso and then we'll hike down to Riomaggiore where we'll spend the night. Cinqueterre is known for its beautiful views and picturesque landscapes.
Last weekend some girlfriends and I went to Brussels for a weekend of beer, frites, waffles, and chocolate. It was fabulous. I have never eaten so many carbs in such a short period of time, but I had a great time. And the Gothic architecture - WOW! I don't even care that I had my wallet stolen.
I'm really sad to be leaving Rome. I love it here so much, and I'm meeting so many fantastic people, but I'm really glad that I'm going to get to see all my friends soon.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOY!
Last weekend some girlfriends and I went to Brussels for a weekend of beer, frites, waffles, and chocolate. It was fabulous. I have never eaten so many carbs in such a short period of time, but I had a great time. And the Gothic architecture - WOW! I don't even care that I had my wallet stolen.
I'm really sad to be leaving Rome. I love it here so much, and I'm meeting so many fantastic people, but I'm really glad that I'm going to get to see all my friends soon.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOY!
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