You’ll never believe what I did this weekend…

Interlaken and Bern, Switzerland

Best Weekend of my life---Switzerland. Words cannot begin to describe everything so this entry will be erratic and chaotic, similar to my experience here.

Well we came in at 3:00 am Friday at the Funny Farm Hostel to be greeted by a GIANT Saint Bernard…yet I think all Saint Bernards are giant. Anyway, it was precious and it instantly added to the character of the hostel. Our rooms were nice, and we all crashed. We

woke up at 8 to sign up for…CANYON JUMPING. 1:00am we met with a group from Gonzaga, Syracuse, and Lafayette. We all agreed that we would have to tell our mom about this…after we jumped. Canyon Jumping is when you jump off a ledge 300 ft above this river in a canyon. You are attached to a harness with a rope on the other side so essentially you free fall for 5 seconds and then when you run out of slack you swing back and forth in the mouth of the canyon for a few minutes.

Fast forward through hiking up the most amazing mountain and trees and being the last one to jump (we had to jump in descending weight order, so lucky me…I was last…and everyone was

watching). I was so calm for most of the trip, yet when standing over the ledge…I didn’t know what to do. Canyon Jumping is said to be more intense than Sky Diving because you are alone…you have to willing choose to jump off a mountain into open air. You’d be surprised how hard

of a decision that is…instinctively I kept grabbing the bar, holding on for stability.

You are basically going against your natural mental state to avoid danger. Our guide, Biff (yeah I know…the crazy Swiss adventure junky, typical) kept making me let go and told me to hold onto the rope for stability. But everyone else jumped with his or her arms out and I wanted to be brave. Finally, after being up there for too long, I took the step off the edge….

I instantly went into fetal position, and screamed the whole way down. It’s the strangest sensation that is impossible to describe…your body is still but you know your moving. We were going approx 80 mph.

My eyes went into shock, it happened so fast, I was in the air, needing to

grab for something stable and then all of a sudden it looks like I am about to crash into the canyon wall. But right before I hit the wall I swing back over the river. Screaming the whole way yet not sure if I actually made noise because my voice box was closed up. When swinging all I could do was lie on my back and look up, reflecting that the most insane thing I’ve ever done.

Since then, I’ve been reliving the moment over and over again, feeling the fall, taking in the view, comprehending what I just did. My next post will be a video of the jump…check it out!

club scene

I am hammered....that is all i have to update you with. But i will wake up in time to shower... obviously i have my priorities... duh.

Good Food, Good Wine, Good People

On Friday we took a class trip to Assisi. A religious landmark—Assisi is the location of the Basilica of St. Francis, a place that serves as a close second to the Vatican to members of the Catholic faith. The city held a wealth of history, both catholic and not. Not only is this the burial ground for St. Francis and St. Chiara, but also it was a hiding place for Jews during the Second World War. Beautiful in its architecture and art, the basilica was a beautiful site.

Saturday some of us went on a wine tasting in Chianti. Nestled in the hills of the Tuscan countryside, Chianti is the top location for red wine vineyards, and its specially is obviously… Chianti wine! With the aid of our tour guide, Federico, we did an easy two hours walk around the vineyard and oil tree groves. We learned what qualities to look for when establishing a vineyard, and the maintenance required for a good harvest.

We then had a wine sampling at the Sassolini Family Villa. Lorenzo, the owner of the Sassolini vineyard was a rough Italian version of Johnny Depp from Chocolat. He invited us into his villa, which his family has lived in for the past 900 years. He and his wife, Federica, made us lunch to be paired with our wine. We began with a Chianti Classico.

In order to be considered an authentic Chianti wine, it must be sampled and approved by all the wineries in the Chianti guild, and they determine if it is worthy to take on the villages’ name. There is a special pink label wrapped around the neck of the bottle with the Black Rooster (symbol of Chianti) displaying this fulfillment. We learned how to swirl the wine and what to look for—taste, smell, color, and consistency. With the Chianti, we ate Tuscan salami, prosciutto, and bread with fresh, homemade olive oil. Delicioso! We then drank a heavier red wine, Terre di Panzano, which is made from three different types of grapes. Along with the Panzano we ate pasta with Pesto sauce, and pasta in a tomato cream sauce. For dessert we had biscotti and a vinsanto, a Tuscan dessert wine. And finally, to finish off the filling mean, we did a shot of grappa, an after dinner digestive. Everything was great (except the Grappa). Good conversation, good people, good atmosphere. Satiated, we walked around the Sassolini estate, admiring the breath taking view.

Lorenzo joked of his need for young people to come pick grapes in the fall. If I could afford to come back, I wouldn’t mind helping out. It was so picturesque. Another beautiful weekend in Tuscany!

Ciao

Ladini

The Week Flew By

Before I left for Florence, everyone kept warning me how the time just flies by when you are here. And up until this week, I didn’t believe them. I felt like after the first week we had been here, we had been here for months. But this past week was a blur—the days were zooming by, only punctuated by brief sleep. Classes and homework took up most of my time (so sorry that I didn’t blog, but I didn’t think you needed to hear about it since you have your own homework to deal with). We went to Fiesole yesterday to check out a roman amphitheater ruin.We re-enacted the play we are currently reading—Antigone. It was a really cool feeling.

After Fiesole, we went to a Florentine soccer game. They played against the roman team, Lazio. As you can imagine, there were many dedicated fanatic fans. But when I expected them to be drunk off their ass, I discovered that their choice of gaming preparation was pot. The reefer smell is still in my hair. The game was entertaining though (probably thanks to the weed).

You can feel the patriotism in their love for their Florentine team…the singing, flag waving, erratic behavior. It made me think of the Rock Chalk chant…how in the field house, I feel a place of belonging and community. Oh Jayhawks, how I miss you!

In my art history class, I learn so much about the city, the little clues that seem to be hiding in the walls, and when observed I feel like I just found Waldo. There is so much history in the architecture of this city; something I wish we had in America. Well anyway, in my endeavors to find these clues within the walls (family crests, pictures of the crucifixion, the Madonna and child, guilds of old Florentine working unions, etc) I seem to be tripping over myself. I have two swollen toes from last week from when a glass dropped on me, and I twisted my ankle because it got stuck in the pavement cracks of the stone streets. I was going to run in the streets to keep off the weight, but after the chaotic walks through the busy streets to get to class, my little feet can’t take it anymore. They are little swollen stumps!

The weekend in the outskirts of Tuscany

Friday morning, the group piled onto a bus on our way to Siena. We had the cutest little tour guide who gave such a beautiful history of this quaint town. We sat in the open square, eating Gelatto and watching people. It was a lovely afternoon.

We then went onto San Gimignano—a tiny walled in city on the hills of Tuscany. We saw vineyards and olive trees. When walking around in the city we passed little shops—the epitome of a town tucked away in the mountains.

The next day, some of us individually went to Pisa and Lucca. We went by train, which was a neat, yet, slightly stressful experience. When we got to Pisa it was a half hour walk to the leaning tower—trust me, there is nothing to do there besides taking corny pictures of you trying to hold up the tower.

After a lengthy photo shoot, we got back on the train and headed to Lucca—another city that sits on the outskirts of Florence, about an hour and a half away. Our Art history instructor gave us this great New York Time’s article about Lucca and how it is the Tuscan Food capital of the world. I wrote down numerous places to eat and when we arrived we found one almost immediately. Ristorante Giglio—with the most attractive waiter we’ve ever seen. Aside from drooling over him, we ate the best food we’ve had so far in Italy. I got a gnocchi dish with a crab sauce, while others tried stuffed ravioli and lamb.

The bread was so good because it was the only place in Tuscany that uses salt when making bread. We then walked around the city—it was unbelievable how picturesque it was. It was recommended to take a bike ride around the walls of the city so we found a place, Cicli, where they sold tandem bikes. Liz was my partner as we made the scenic, yet scary ride around the city. There were virtually no Americans here so we felt like we stood out with our loud laughter and goofy biking techniques, but the Italians were so much friendlier—they smiled as they walked their dogs through the trail.

It was just a perfect way to spend an afternoon. The sun was out, there was a lot of greenery…it was just lovely.

When I woke up today, I thought it was going to be another cold, dreary day in Florence. I grudgingly put on my rain boots and layered up for potential bad weather. However, it was a BEAUTIFUL DAY! After class, Alyssa, Taylor and I went to the student travel agency to book a trip to Interlaken, Switzerland. We are going to go Paragliding! Afterwards we casually walked around the city—getting Gelatto, bartering with street vendors, buying scarves, and drooling over H&M and Zara, I was officially bit by the shopping bug. It was a good thing I didn’t have much money because I was sure I would have bought a lot more.

As we made our stroll around the new market and the Piazza della Republica, we saw a guy making large chalk paintings on the sidewalk. Also we saw a man posing in the street, dressed in a “windblown” costume for money.

The city was alive with bustling shoppers and students getting out of school. Everyone was enjoying the beautiful weather. I finally saw the sun! I never realized how much I missed it until I saw it today. Hopefully it will stay out for the rest of my trip. But tomorrow’s forecast warns of snow…

The Heater Finally Works!

I went on my own for lunch—getting a bite at the “Oil Shoppe”—famous in all guide books for the best “panino” on a budget. I ate half of a giant chicken Parmesan panino and flipped through pages of the restaurant’s guest book. From all over the world, students had written of their devotion to the Shoppe and its welcoming owner. I even saw a familiar “Rock Chalk, Jayhawk” and instantly felt at home.

We did our first Art and Architecture class today, where the followed Madeline (our instructor) around the Duomo and the city’s main cathedral and baptistery.

I’ve referenced the Duomo numerous times before as our typical meeting place for the group. In my slide show pictures you will see many shots of this location in passing. But having had a lesson on its history, it means so much more.

After classes finished we headed back to the apartment in anticipation for the plumber, who promises to fix our frozen radiator. Someone promptly buzzes our door at 5. We look out the window to see three typical Italian men waiting…but for us foreigners, we instantly think them as “sketchy.” I get my phrase book to find the word for plumber and can’t find one. So instead I stick my head out the window and pantomime “plumber actions” and ask in loud, stupid English if they are the people we need. They say yes…. but we say no; too suspicious. A room full of young foreign girls with three older men—no bueno.

We ignore their constant buzzing and finally hear men outside our door.

It was our landlord and the plumber…the three men downstairs. Now I just feel stupid. And let me tell you—if there could have been an Italian version of Mr. Bean, it was my landlord. All the makings of a goofy, doping Mr. Bean, with the extra bit of Italian flavor mixed in. It was quite amusing. He even had a clunky walk like Mr. Bean. Anyway, the heater is now working, and I am ten times happier.

Things are about to get a lot better!

First day of School

Classes started today and I am sure it’s going to be tough. Not because the material is bad; the topics sound really interesting. But more than I am forced to be inside reading when I’d much rather be outside walking or shopping. Damn those dull textbooks.

Don’t my teachers realize I’m on vacation…I mean study abroad? Why do they expect the same amount of academic commitment as if I were on the Lawrence campus, I mean COME ON… its study abroad, relax! As I would often say back at home “NBD!”

I’m sure that I will begin to vent about my hatred of Plato and Aristotle…they are ruining so much already. I’ve been at home for the past few hours reading and freezing my butt off (the radiator is still broken in my room). That’s all for now

Buona Notte

Ladini

The Church Bell Alarm Clock

Determined to seize the day my roommates and I planned to wake up at 9:00 am. As Alicia and I were sound asleep, we heard the booming of large bells. It droned on for what felt like forever, but was truly 15 minutes. I am now wide-awake and yell out “WHAT IN GOD’s NAME IS THAT….oh right…its Sunday…it must be mass at the corner Church.” Alicia nodded in agreement and we passed out again for another few hours. A second round of mass must have gone by since the bells erupted again through our window.

Finally, rising out of a deep slumber, we look at the clock and realize its 2:00 IN THE AFTERNOON! Shoot, we overslept.

Everyone overslept as well so it was good to be on the same page. The group met at the Duomo at 3 and went around the city again for another mini adventure. We spent most of the day on the old Bridge and on our side of the city. Our last part of our mini walk through the city was at the church near our apartment. The Basicilia de si Spirto was beyond beautiful. The walls were sectioned off into mini scenes from the bible. It was breath taking. I feel like I overuse these expressions but I am running out of words to explain how amazing everything is here!

We stayed at home tonight to start working on homework (ew) and make pasta for dinner. Sort of excited for class tomorrow…hopefully it won’t ruin all the fun we are having.

Ciao!

Ladini

PS Don’t worry; I will definitely have an alarm clock set for tomorrow’s class.

Rain drops keep falling on my head

Saturday January 9, 2010

Yesterday the whole group went out for dinner and drinks. We ate at the Republic Centrale at this great decently priced restaurant. I got a tasty gnocchi al pesto and the house Chianti. We then went to this new bar called Amadeus where the bar owner kept offering free shots and awful 80s music. It was a blast—I really got to bond with the group and realized that we are going to have a wonderful time here.

We planned to meet today at the Duomo around noon to go shopping at the market. I was super excited because I got my blowdryer to work and took a nice hot shower. After two days of constantly wearing rain boots I decided that I would be bold and wear sperry’s and my fleece. What a dumb idea. Today was the day that we were outside the most and the rain demolished my freshly dried hair. My pants got soaked and my socks turned brown from the leather of my shoes. Whatever you do—always have rain gear for every day in Florence. It feels like it is always raining here!

Ciao

Ladini

Rain, Rain, go away

Friday January 8, 2010

Today was a good day—we got a walking tour of the city and I just about died from its beauty. I am overwhelmed by how amazing it is here. The architects of this city took their time to mention every detail in their work. Our bedroom ceiling has an ornate painted design. The bases that hold statues have gold etchings. No part of this city was ignored. It is all so beautiful! After our tour, we went to the ACCENT office (the coordinating group for my trip) and did orientation of what the culture differences are like—I now know why no one is smiling back at me on the street.

Also, it rains so much! I luckily wore my rain boots and raincoat, but it makes it difficult to look around when I am busy try to shield myself from the rain. My pants get wet and I become SO cold. But still, it’s not like a torrential downpour, I’ll make it work.

Nothing too exciting yet, but trust me, I’ll do my best to provide better stories next time

With love from Italy

Ladini

The Plane Ride

Thursday January 7, 2010

It is 11:32 pm—my first night in Florence! I decided to do a blog so I can let everyone know what’s going on with my little adventure without having to repeat myself a thousand times. Don’t expect elegant writing or lyrical prose…I am just simply not capable of that kind of wit.

Flying wasn’t too terribly bad. Checking in was a pain. I mean seriously, who in their right mind thinks a 50-pound bag is going to cut it for 4 months. I begged and pleaded, but eventually had to open the bag and frantically shove all kinds of random heavy objects into my carry on. Oh, that’s right—my carry on is a hiking pack. That is about three and a half feet tall. It overwhelms my spine. Awesome.

So here I am—my bag finally makes the 50-pound maximum, and all my excess has been transferred to my massive back pack. When I make it to Philly and try to hoist my messenger bag on my shoulder along with my hiking back, I realized that I have expedited the crippling on my back. I had to make a grueling trip from terminal F to A with the mother of all carry-ons strapped to my back. Yes, I may sound dramatic right now…but trust me, it was epic. It was probably the closest thing I’ve come to hiking. Sad, but true. I watched Audrey Hepburn’s Roman Holiday to get into the Italian mood. When we finally board for Munich, I get super excited to find that I have a seat 5 rows from the front and it is an aisle seat—score! Happily calling my parents to tell them this convenient news I had the feeling that I may have spoke to soon. And I was right.

While waiting for the rest of the passengers to board, a woman comes up to me and starts speaking in frantic Italian. Yes I realize that I should get used to this, but I was like, really…we are still in America…lets speak English. (This does makes me sound ignorant, but I’m nervous and was not ready to be ambushed in a foreign language just yet). The lady two seats down starts translating for the Italian. She tells me that the Italian has the seat next to me and her eleven-year-old daughter is in the back, separated from her mother. I was totally cornered. Ambushed with the “my poor daughter” story. Well obviously I can’t be an ass hole. I was pitied into switching seats with her daughter. I moved towards the back and realize that the eleven year old had a center seat in a four-seating section. Not only did I have to climb over the already-situated passengers near me, but the crazy German in front of my seat and put her luggage under her seat, which is where my carry on should go. And the eleven-year-old Italian stubbornly knocked over my blanket and pillow and stepped on them. Epic Fail. When I arrive to Munich I also come to the realization that I probably am Closter phobic because that flight was damn near awful. But flying to Florence made up for that. It was a beautiful trip—we flew over the Swiss Alps that went on for miles and miles. It was like one of the screen shots the show in the movies. It was magnificent. But that was nothing compared to arriving in Florence.

Florence was amazing. Beyond being breathtaking, you get this overwhelming feeling that you are not seeing enough. You just want to bottle everything up and take small sips every day. Man was my ADD going crazy. I was looking up, down, left, right. Everywhere there was beauty. I pretty much went straight to my apartment and met my roommates—three other girls within the program. My apartment is on the other side of the river, a good twenty-minute walk from where I will have my classes. To my surprise, everything is quite spacious for European standards. We have a great bathroom with hot water, and my bed is really comfy. Only bad thing is that the heater doesn’t work and we don’t have wifi like the other apartments. It’s so cold in the apartment, but thanks to my parents and our frigid house, I am somewhat use to this. We all showered, napped, and got dinner at a quaint restaurant down by el Duomo. We have two courses of plain Italian food—I wasn’t impressed. But I hope it will get better.

Hopefully all my other posts won’t be this long, but I thought I’d start off with a lot of details

Miss you all!

Ciao

Ladini