Hey Josh--
We switched places yesterday, so I haven't had time to write. I'll give you a quick update for now and send you something longer later! We left Rome, drove through and stopped in Assisi, and are currently in Florence, Italy! I haven't seen too much of Florence yet, but we had the best dinner yet last night! I'll let you know more on that later. Today is New Years Eve, so we get most of the afternoon free to celebrate. We're staying in a hostel in Florence. It isn't terrible, but it's still a hostel. Alright, more details later--I promise!
Love,
Maddie
Monday, December 31, 2012
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Ramblings from Rome, Day 3
Ciao!
It’s day three on my once in a lifetime journey, and it has
been a really long day. The group participated in a lot of “guided tours” which
basically means that I have five zillion facts jiggling around my brain right
now—hopefully I remember them tomorrow. You would love these tours, bud, since
you’re into history and everything. Rome is such a history-rich city.
Seriously, even the new buildings are just built on top of crumbled old
buildings and famous dead people. Cool and creepy—AT THE SAME TIME.
So, this was our schedule today:
Wake up at
7:30
Visit the
Coliseum
Visit the
Public Forum
Lunch
around 2:00
Visit the
catacombs
Visit the
Spanish Steps
Window shop
in the rich people areas
Dinner
around 7:00
Chill/Free
time
See? It was a pretty packed day, but I am feeling five
thousand zillion times better today and it was really nice weather outside. I
keep hearing about how home has snow out the wazoo, but here it is in the 50s
and feels glorious. While we were at the coliseum in the shade we were all a
bit chilly, but every other moment has been just wonderful.
Speaking of the coliseum, I think it was one of my favorite
places that we’ve been to so far! It was so cool seeing the giant theater/arena
and the technology they had in those days to raise fighters from underground.
There was so much thought into the design. I was impressed, at least. I think
it would be so awesome to redesign the coliseum and sell tickets to people to
go see a reenactment of sorts—without all of the blood and killing.
Million-dollar idea? Yes. After the coliseum we went to the public forum, which
was cool but honestly I was getting a bit hungry and tired of new information
at that point. I’m not as capable of information absorbing for long periods of
time as you are, bro.
I started to get hangry (OH NO), but we made it to this
little café on top of this building in the middle of Rome before that
terribleness happened. It was the most gorgeous view of Rome—a full surrounding
view while just snacking on a delicious salami sub. Seriously amazing. I also
had coke in a bottle, which they gave to me with a tiny little cup. Unaware
what I was actually doing, I just drank straight out of the coke bottle.
Apparently they don’t wash them—they just recap them. So, yes, that was nasty.
Thanks to Robyn for letting me know AFTER I drank the entire coke J
Lesson learned though.
After lunch we headed to the catacombs, which is basically
just where a bunch of dead people were once buried. It’s kind of
claustrophobia-inducing down there and really it’s just creepy overall.
However, it was the one time in my life where there were giant red buttons on
the wall and I was allowed to push them when I felt like it! Those buttons
controlled the lights in the group coffin, so that was fun! Completely
exhausted we headed to the Spanish steps, but a short nap on the bus
reenergized the group—so, I was ready to try out the language I actually do
know—Spanish! Apparently that’s not what the Spanish steps are for, though. In
fact, they are pretty much just steps. Good news though! There was a GOSPEL
Christmas music festival going on while we were there. It was so fantastic—I
knew all the songs, so I sang along. They were singing in Italian mostly
though, so that was a bit of a problem.
After we pried ourselves away from that we just did some
window browsing and headed back to the hotel. We even survived the metro ride
back home—we were literally packed on like sardines all smushed up against so
many people we didn’t know. It was uncomfortable but we made it. I didn’t even
get pickpocketed! Just picture me koala-bear-wrapped around my bag, and that is
how I avoid being stolen from. It has been effective so far (affective?
Something like that)!
Once at the hotel a small group—Megan, Elsa, James, and
Christian—all headed out to find some dinner. We stopped in this place where
the greeter guy (a lot of the restaurants have English speaking people standing
out front to attract tourists, offer “deals”, show off the menu, ect.)
convinced us to eat at this little restaurant by the train station. Our waiter
spoke absolutely zero English and was utterly confused by us. Also, my pasta
that was supposed to be Fettuccine with Ragu tasted exactly like Spaghettio’s.
Except not the good Spaghettio’s—the off-brand mom would make us eat from Aldis
with the gross meatballs. It was my first Italy food fail.
Exhausted after the long day, we headed back to the hotel
where the best thing ever was waiting for me. Okay, Okay. It wasn’t a
bottomless Dr. Pepper in a Styrofoam cup with ice. So, the second best thing—my
luggage!!! I am so pumped to finally have my lovely luggage back. Thank you
Delta for finding me before I left Rome.
A few more random notes:
--Today in
the train station we started counting the number of couples we saw publically
eating each other’s faces. We are already at four couples snogging
disgustingly.
--Today I
borrowed clothes from Robyn, the study abroad office representative who is
basically in charge, because I still didn’t have my luggage. She had gotten the
pants for Christmas and hadn’t worn them yet, so she kept saying Merry
Christmas to me since I borrowed her Christmas pants. They were a bit big, but
at least they were cute! Did I mention I love having my luggage?
--I have a
ton of cool photos and a friend said I could borrow his photo card reader soon,
so I will hopefully do a photo post soon!!!
That’s all for now!
Maddie
P.S. Sorry I am posting this so late—my internet at the last
hotel was being mean and we have been traveling a lot today!
Friday, December 28, 2012
Rome, Day 2
Buono sera (Good evening) Josh,
Hey there. It is the end of the second day of Rome exploration, and thought I'd shoot you a letter. I slept so well last night after not sleeping for an entire day and a half, and I am almost oriented time-wise here in Italy! This morning we woke up and went down to the hotel breakfast. I'm not sure what I was expecting (Waffle maker, maybe?), but the course was totally different! There was glass china and silver and all sorts of fancy serving dishes, and the food ranged from these little cream cheese puffs to dark chocolate fountain to fruit cocktail. I didn't eat too much because I still didn't feel very well, but it was quite the fancy spread.
After that we headed out on this big bus to our destination, the Vatican. The whole bus ride I just could not get over the fact that the buildings are SO cool looking. There are people eating outside of restaurants everywhere--exactly like a movie scene. And the streets are absolutely crazy. They are tiny and lots of itty-bitty cars and scooters parked every which way on them. Being a driver here would be nuts. When we finally got to the Vatican I was still amazed by the looks of the building. It was just the coolest mix of old-looking stuff right next to fancy flat screened televisions. We went and saw a super cool art gallery, and our tour guide was fabulous. Normally I don't like stopping and looking at every painting in an art gallery because I get bored, so it was nice that the tour guide just told us some really cool stories about several interesting paintings. After all of the build-up to the Sistine Chapel, I was not as impressed as I should have been. There were a billion people trying to look at it though, so it was hard to concentrate on the different scenes.
After we finished that tour we headed to a gift shop nearby where you could buy things and they would send them to be blessed by the Vatican and then delivered to you as soon as possible. Several people had rotaries blessed and got them back as soon as tonight. There was a wall of shot glasses in the gift shop, but I'm not sure you could get those blessed. Maybe if you call them communion cups?
We grabbed food at this delicious cafe nearby and I got a sandwich with the most delicious bread before heading to the Castle of the Angels with the group. It was this gorgeous castle with the most beautiful views of Rome. You could go up to the top and walk around the whole circle to see the entire city. They also had the prisons of the castle open for visitors to see which is not a usual thing for Rome. Normally the prisons are closed, but they opened them for a short period of time and I got to see them! Let's just say, I'm glad I'm not a prisoner.
After that we headed back to the hotel for a break, but I found out they still cannot find my luggage that was lost, so I had to go see if I could find any clothes to wear for tomorrow. Everything was super expensive though, so I am just going to mooch off of the kind people on the trip with me :)
The last trip of the day was this night tour around Rome. We saw a ton of huge monuments lit up by lights, Christmas lights were on everywhere, and people were out and about. It was gorgeous. We stopped in this square to grab dinner, and this guy basically counted the number of people in our group and told us he got a table for us, so we were like 'umm...okay...I guess we will eat there' and the food ended up being delicious! In Italy they include the tax into the food prices, I guess. So, it makes you feel better when you have to pay because it is never an additional percentage to what it says--convenient. Seems like an idea shops in America should adopt :)
A random story--I went to the bathroom with another girl on the trip and it was incredibly creepy. Restrooms in Italy are odd anyway because apparently they don't like seats, they are co-ed, and sometimes you tip/pay a bathroom attendant to use a restroom. Plus, there are like a million buttons to flush. The first time I used the restroom, I went with another person on the trip and we actually paid two euros (approx. three dollars) to pee. We had no idea why people were throwing money in the basket by the man distributing paper towels, so we WAY overpaid. Anyway, so we went to this incredibly creepy bathroom and it had a single lightbulb that was green and flickering back in this dungeon-like room. Seriously the creepiest thing ever.
At the end of the bus tour we went to see the Vatican at nighttime and we were taking pictures when our guide, Kostas, pointed out that the lights were on in two of the windows. Apparently that means that the Pope is home and that he is in those rooms. So, of course, I yelled 'HI POPE' and waved frantically. I'm pretty sure he thinks I'm the coolest Murray State student ever. Also, now I can tell all those Facebook people that said to 'say hi to the pope' that I actually did!
Well, that is the end of the day. Sorry my letters are such a random assortment of business of what I am doing. I wish I had more time to discuss my thoughts. Maybe you can think about a few of them before the next time I write? Here they are: (1) For those who live in Italy, how would it feel to wake up and be surrounded by this much history every day? (2) If my house had fancy designs and columns on it, would that mean I could let it get dirty and it would still look beautiful? I mean, it works on ancient roman buildings... (3) How many people can make it through such an entirely long, detailed and boring post of mine? If you made it through...a woot woot for you!
Ciao (goodbye),
Maddie
P.S. Still working on the picture problem
Hey there. It is the end of the second day of Rome exploration, and thought I'd shoot you a letter. I slept so well last night after not sleeping for an entire day and a half, and I am almost oriented time-wise here in Italy! This morning we woke up and went down to the hotel breakfast. I'm not sure what I was expecting (Waffle maker, maybe?), but the course was totally different! There was glass china and silver and all sorts of fancy serving dishes, and the food ranged from these little cream cheese puffs to dark chocolate fountain to fruit cocktail. I didn't eat too much because I still didn't feel very well, but it was quite the fancy spread.
After that we headed out on this big bus to our destination, the Vatican. The whole bus ride I just could not get over the fact that the buildings are SO cool looking. There are people eating outside of restaurants everywhere--exactly like a movie scene. And the streets are absolutely crazy. They are tiny and lots of itty-bitty cars and scooters parked every which way on them. Being a driver here would be nuts. When we finally got to the Vatican I was still amazed by the looks of the building. It was just the coolest mix of old-looking stuff right next to fancy flat screened televisions. We went and saw a super cool art gallery, and our tour guide was fabulous. Normally I don't like stopping and looking at every painting in an art gallery because I get bored, so it was nice that the tour guide just told us some really cool stories about several interesting paintings. After all of the build-up to the Sistine Chapel, I was not as impressed as I should have been. There were a billion people trying to look at it though, so it was hard to concentrate on the different scenes.
After we finished that tour we headed to a gift shop nearby where you could buy things and they would send them to be blessed by the Vatican and then delivered to you as soon as possible. Several people had rotaries blessed and got them back as soon as tonight. There was a wall of shot glasses in the gift shop, but I'm not sure you could get those blessed. Maybe if you call them communion cups?
We grabbed food at this delicious cafe nearby and I got a sandwich with the most delicious bread before heading to the Castle of the Angels with the group. It was this gorgeous castle with the most beautiful views of Rome. You could go up to the top and walk around the whole circle to see the entire city. They also had the prisons of the castle open for visitors to see which is not a usual thing for Rome. Normally the prisons are closed, but they opened them for a short period of time and I got to see them! Let's just say, I'm glad I'm not a prisoner.
After that we headed back to the hotel for a break, but I found out they still cannot find my luggage that was lost, so I had to go see if I could find any clothes to wear for tomorrow. Everything was super expensive though, so I am just going to mooch off of the kind people on the trip with me :)
The last trip of the day was this night tour around Rome. We saw a ton of huge monuments lit up by lights, Christmas lights were on everywhere, and people were out and about. It was gorgeous. We stopped in this square to grab dinner, and this guy basically counted the number of people in our group and told us he got a table for us, so we were like 'umm...okay...I guess we will eat there' and the food ended up being delicious! In Italy they include the tax into the food prices, I guess. So, it makes you feel better when you have to pay because it is never an additional percentage to what it says--convenient. Seems like an idea shops in America should adopt :)
A random story--I went to the bathroom with another girl on the trip and it was incredibly creepy. Restrooms in Italy are odd anyway because apparently they don't like seats, they are co-ed, and sometimes you tip/pay a bathroom attendant to use a restroom. Plus, there are like a million buttons to flush. The first time I used the restroom, I went with another person on the trip and we actually paid two euros (approx. three dollars) to pee. We had no idea why people were throwing money in the basket by the man distributing paper towels, so we WAY overpaid. Anyway, so we went to this incredibly creepy bathroom and it had a single lightbulb that was green and flickering back in this dungeon-like room. Seriously the creepiest thing ever.
At the end of the bus tour we went to see the Vatican at nighttime and we were taking pictures when our guide, Kostas, pointed out that the lights were on in two of the windows. Apparently that means that the Pope is home and that he is in those rooms. So, of course, I yelled 'HI POPE' and waved frantically. I'm pretty sure he thinks I'm the coolest Murray State student ever. Also, now I can tell all those Facebook people that said to 'say hi to the pope' that I actually did!
Well, that is the end of the day. Sorry my letters are such a random assortment of business of what I am doing. I wish I had more time to discuss my thoughts. Maybe you can think about a few of them before the next time I write? Here they are: (1) For those who live in Italy, how would it feel to wake up and be surrounded by this much history every day? (2) If my house had fancy designs and columns on it, would that mean I could let it get dirty and it would still look beautiful? I mean, it works on ancient roman buildings... (3) How many people can make it through such an entirely long, detailed and boring post of mine? If you made it through...a woot woot for you!
Ciao (goodbye),
Maddie
P.S. Still working on the picture problem
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Too Tired for Words...almost
Alright. I'm exhausted and everything is in Italian on my computer, but I am going to attempt to write you a short 'wrap up the end of the day' note before I get so wrapped up in tomorrow's day. By some sort of miracle we made it to Rome, but on the flight I got pretty dang sick. I'm talking cold, chills, puke-y, ect. Then when we got to Rome we found out that our luggage did not make it! Sad day, right? It should be here by tomorrow night though. GOOD THING I PACKED AN EXTRA OUTFIT IN MY CARRY-ON! Score two for girl scout Maddie.
So, we got here and had to mess with baggage stuff for a few hours before we finally met up with the group that flew in earlier this morning. We missed some cool fountains, but still got to see a lot of Rome. Let me tell you, it is gorgeous. Exactly like what they show in the movies. I still can't get my pictures to load, but you will be amazed!
With being sick and everything, I had to sit down to avoid throwing up. I did a ton of really interesting people watching though which was a blast. Finally by dinner, my medicine and the water kicked in and I started to feel a bit better. The dinner was provided as a part of the trip and it was about four delicious courses--the main one being pizza!
I'd love to tell you more, but I am so so so exhausted from this jet lag I can hardly think.
I love you,
Maddie Moo
So, we got here and had to mess with baggage stuff for a few hours before we finally met up with the group that flew in earlier this morning. We missed some cool fountains, but still got to see a lot of Rome. Let me tell you, it is gorgeous. Exactly like what they show in the movies. I still can't get my pictures to load, but you will be amazed!
With being sick and everything, I had to sit down to avoid throwing up. I did a ton of really interesting people watching though which was a blast. Finally by dinner, my medicine and the water kicked in and I started to feel a bit better. The dinner was provided as a part of the trip and it was about four delicious courses--the main one being pizza!
I'd love to tell you more, but I am so so so exhausted from this jet lag I can hardly think.
I love you,
Maddie Moo
Take Off
Hey bro!
I am currently in the middle of the
Atlantic Ocean!! After our flight was delayed 2 hours, we finally made it onto
the airplane. The delay meant that we made it to the New York airport in just
enough time to RUSH to the next flight. It was really funny because we asked
for directions to our gate (we were so confused), and this guy gave us the most
backwards-upside down directions you could possibly imagine. We had to walk
OUTSIDE the airport in the freezing rain around to another entrance. Turns out
there was an “airtrain” to take to avoid that. Then we had to go through
security again, and since we were late I was completely focused on just getting
through as fast as possible. I did, however, appreciate the fact that the
security guard thought I was Italian, so he spoke Italian to me! I had no idea
what he wanted me to do, but at least he noticed the last name!
So, here I am on the GINORMOUS
airplane 2377 miles from our destination. I have watched two movies on the
little televisions in the seat, and I am about to take a nap. I found some
medicine in the airport, so that is helping me feel better and feel sleepy! A
little bit ago they brought us dinner and I got the pasta—definitely hoping
that the pasta in actual Italy is a lot better!!! It was absolutely disgusting.
I ate like three quarters of a bag of goldfish crackers though, so I am doing
fine!
I am getting kind of sleepy, so the
nap I’m about to take will hopefully be good. We do have to go an entire day
once we get there though, to avoid jetlag! So, that will be tiring. I’m sure I
can do it though—Italy is going to be so awesome that it will be worth it. Once
we get there we go straight for a tour of the city and dinner. I probably won’t
get to load this post until after then. I have absolutely no idea what time it
is, or where we are. I think it is around 1 am?? Italy will be seven hours
ahead.
For some reason I can’t load my
pictures right now, but I will figure it out soon. And then I can show you the
boring flight photos!! These abroad blogs aren’t very interesting so far, but I
can’t wait to get there to have more things to say to you!!
It’s going to be a long day, and I am
SO ready for it.
Peace and blessings,
Maddie
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Over the Ocean and Through the Air to Europe's House I Go...
Hey Bro...Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you! I am hoping that you have noticed I'm not in the house by now. I am actually sitting at gate B2 of the Nashville Airport waiting for my flight to New York. No, I'm not going to New York. I am taking a plane from New York to Rome, Italy, and I am pretty much stunned by the awesomeness of it at the moment. (I am also fighting a cold, so apologies to those around me at the airport that can't see my stunned-ness through the sneeze dust around me)
You see, a couple of months ago I decided that this would be just a fantabulous, grand idea--study abroad in Italy and Greece for two weeks! And after turning in my application, receiving some scholarship money, and trying really hard to fit all of my crud into the one suitcase limit--I am finally sitting here about to head out! It hasn't really hit me yet, though. The sheer amazingness of the whole thing. In about a day, I will be walking around Italy like Alice in Wonderland. Amazed. Excited. In awe. This, my friend, is a real bucket-lister.
I am visiting both Italy and Greece over the two week period, but I am more excited about the Italy portion. I know Greece will be fun, as well, but I have always wanted to go to Italy. I can hardly wait to see Rome and Florence. I'm also headed to Athens and Delphi in Greece. The trip will be mostly visits to cool places, but I also get credit hours for school! I took an economics class for half of last semester, and that combined with the journal I turn in at the end of the trip will be graded for credit hours. How cool is that?
So far the most difficult part has been deciding what NOT to pack in my suitcase. If it were up to me, I would have just brought everything. Always prepared--I think that's the girl scouts code?? I'm not sure, I barely made it through the "daisy" stage. So, I finally narrowed it down to one giant suitcase, a backpack, and a sling/camera bag. I will be gone two weeks, so in my mind that's pretty impressive.
I've gotten a lot of helpful tips from friends and family about Italy, Greece, and traveling. I am so thankful for the support everyone has given me. One of the things friends said most often was that the pizza and gelato are so good that pizza here will never be the same again. I plan on eating enough to hold me over for a long, long time. I'll let you know how that goes :) I've also been practicing being safe--I'm thinking I'll make dog sounds at anyone who tries to steal from me because dog sounds from a human are just startling enough for me to run away!
It is snowing in various parts of the U.S. today, so I hope all of the flight stuff will be fine. It looks like it is going to be from 56-59 degrees where I'm going in Rome, so that won't be too bad cold-wise!
Some things I am going to work on for the trip: (1) Be flexible. I know it sounds cliche, but I am not that great at plans changing out of the blue. So, this will be a challenge to my good mood as I am trotting about the cobble streets of Europe. (2) Avoid being hangry at all costs. I have granola bars, fruit roll ups, peanut butter crackers, goldfish crackers, and brown cinnamon sugar poptarts. So, I should be okay!! (3) Don't be a cheapskate. I'm not really a fan of spending money--even if I have it. This is sometimes a good thing, but mom keeps reminding me that while I am abroad I want to experience the culture and the good food even if it costs a bit extra. I am going to be smart and not just blow all of my moolah, but I am not going to spend the trip worrying about it.
Anyway, I hope you study abroad some time in your college career. I don't know if it will be great yet, but if it is anywhere close to what I'm thinking it will be--you definitely want to do it. I'll let you know if it's worth it, and I will let you know how my goal achieving goes!
Lots of love,
Italy-Bound Maddie
You see, a couple of months ago I decided that this would be just a fantabulous, grand idea--study abroad in Italy and Greece for two weeks! And after turning in my application, receiving some scholarship money, and trying really hard to fit all of my crud into the one suitcase limit--I am finally sitting here about to head out! It hasn't really hit me yet, though. The sheer amazingness of the whole thing. In about a day, I will be walking around Italy like Alice in Wonderland. Amazed. Excited. In awe. This, my friend, is a real bucket-lister.
I am visiting both Italy and Greece over the two week period, but I am more excited about the Italy portion. I know Greece will be fun, as well, but I have always wanted to go to Italy. I can hardly wait to see Rome and Florence. I'm also headed to Athens and Delphi in Greece. The trip will be mostly visits to cool places, but I also get credit hours for school! I took an economics class for half of last semester, and that combined with the journal I turn in at the end of the trip will be graded for credit hours. How cool is that?
So far the most difficult part has been deciding what NOT to pack in my suitcase. If it were up to me, I would have just brought everything. Always prepared--I think that's the girl scouts code?? I'm not sure, I barely made it through the "daisy" stage. So, I finally narrowed it down to one giant suitcase, a backpack, and a sling/camera bag. I will be gone two weeks, so in my mind that's pretty impressive.
I've gotten a lot of helpful tips from friends and family about Italy, Greece, and traveling. I am so thankful for the support everyone has given me. One of the things friends said most often was that the pizza and gelato are so good that pizza here will never be the same again. I plan on eating enough to hold me over for a long, long time. I'll let you know how that goes :) I've also been practicing being safe--I'm thinking I'll make dog sounds at anyone who tries to steal from me because dog sounds from a human are just startling enough for me to run away!
It is snowing in various parts of the U.S. today, so I hope all of the flight stuff will be fine. It looks like it is going to be from 56-59 degrees where I'm going in Rome, so that won't be too bad cold-wise!
Some things I am going to work on for the trip: (1) Be flexible. I know it sounds cliche, but I am not that great at plans changing out of the blue. So, this will be a challenge to my good mood as I am trotting about the cobble streets of Europe. (2) Avoid being hangry at all costs. I have granola bars, fruit roll ups, peanut butter crackers, goldfish crackers, and brown cinnamon sugar poptarts. So, I should be okay!! (3) Don't be a cheapskate. I'm not really a fan of spending money--even if I have it. This is sometimes a good thing, but mom keeps reminding me that while I am abroad I want to experience the culture and the good food even if it costs a bit extra. I am going to be smart and not just blow all of my moolah, but I am not going to spend the trip worrying about it.
Anyway, I hope you study abroad some time in your college career. I don't know if it will be great yet, but if it is anywhere close to what I'm thinking it will be--you definitely want to do it. I'll let you know if it's worth it, and I will let you know how my goal achieving goes!
Lots of love,
Italy-Bound Maddie
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