La Ragazza Americana

New Post for New Times

2010-01-07T11:56:00.000-08:00

I know that I haven't written in FOREVER! Well not really but you get what I am saying. Last night I was watching Julie & Julia and I came to realize that I have neglected my blog so I am going to try and start it up again. How you ask? Well by posting my oh so fun college adventure. I would also like to post pictures that have taken or that I will take. I just got a camera so I really need to put that bad boy to work!

So to get to a different point. I am taking a class here at school called "Why do we fall in love?" So all I can say is I left that class and had a small panic attack. Why you ask. Well I feel in the terms of my life I haven't done anything truly extraordinary. And when I say that I mean with love, I've never been in love, and to me that is a disheartening fact. So my goal, personally because I don't believe in New Year's resolutions, is to try to change. Be the best me that I can be. You may be reading this and think that that is odd, but I am going to try. Be happy and healthy, and never let things pass me by. How does that sound?

And now for the sake of it I am going to leave some pictures that really touch me.

Snowday.

2009-10-28T11:45:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

I haven't written in a very long time, so I think that this is a good way to try and keep this blog going by saying! Wow SNOWDAY!!!!

My Calendar

2009-08-21T22:45:00.000-07:00

So I figured out that I am going to leave to go back to Denver on the 8th of September. Awesome! I can't wait to see my friends.

Also, I might be getting a new bike soon...very soon. Talk about awesome! No? You wanna see a picture, okay no problem.

AWESOME!!! If the picture is cut off just a little, click on it and it will bring you to a new page with the actual picture on it. Enjoy.

I had something else that I wanted to mention, no wait I remember! I wrote to the people at NOLS Alaska, telling them about getting a job at the branch, and I am going to get sent an application form. I know that you may think that that mean nothing really, but to me it mean mountains, fun and beauty. So bring it on application, I'll give you all I've got!

It's been fun! Night!

Nothin' Happenin'

2009-08-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

It just so happens that nothing is going on right now. I haven't really done much lately. I went kayaking the other day and that was fun. I raced my bike in the Chicago Crit race. Sadly I missed the start, but I still raced. Then I have just been hanging out. I made my friends cookies and sent them in the mail to them. They should all get the cookies today. Awesome. Well that is all for now, when I have more to update you all on, I will. Ciao.

Planning

2009-07-16T14:37:00.000-07:00

I am planning on getting a camera so I can do some picture taking. I know what type of camera I want, I googled it about everyday before I left for Italy, and now that I am back, I really really want it. It's called a Nikon Coolpix P90. So so so COOL!!!

WOW! I know, it looks super super cool.

Oh, on the other hand, I went into REI other day and had a great time just letting my heart sputter at the idea of being in the store. Really, I think that I enjoy being in that store way way way to much. Sadly, when I went to ask the cashier if there were any openings for jobs she said no. Man, heartbreak, really I don't know what it is about going into REI but I get a little high and I get all hyped up. Nice.

Update!

2009-07-10T09:01:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

I'm back home and it has been non stop. And I LOVE it! I went to the One Step At A Time camp for kids with cancer. My Mom, my dad and myself all went up to Lake Geneva to donate burgers and hot dogs to the camp. That was so much fun, as always. The kids at this camp are awesome! And not only that but everything is donated to the camp. It really is amazing. I just want to say thanks to all the people who help out and donate to the camp, it is so special. Plus I got the best T-shirt EVER! It says CANCER SUCKS! I love it. And yesterday, it was also non stop, so really the days just mesh together. I would love to say that everything out here is so green and beautiful. Man, it is so hard to not miss Chicago. Oh and I washed my amazing car, Duma, for three hours yesterday, and it is raining right now. Awesome! Well that is all for now, I hope everyone is doing well.

Peace and Love,
Gia

Back Home!

2009-07-07T08:10:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

I'm back in Chicago! Wooow! Yeah!

Happy Birthday Old Man!

2009-06-27T16:31:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, today is a very special day. Why you ask?!?! Well let me tell you. On June 28th 196* my Dad was born. And you now as why did I not give his age, well I don't know how men are about the whole age thing, but women are really big into the whole mystique of their age not being given away. So to honor my old man I am just going to say that he looks and acts like he is A LOT younger then his actual age. So, give it up to my old man because he is pretty cool, and today is his Birthday! Yay! Hey Dad see you tomorrow! Love ya! 'Night!

Update.

2009-06-26T12:53:00.000-07:00

Today I learned to make a new pasta sauce. You don't cook this pasta sauce, and that is what I like about it, it's just super super easy! After cooking I went and got some sun. Then I went to go to the bike store but sadly it was closed, instead I took a much needed sleep, seeing how I didn't really sleep last night. But while I slept let me say, I dreamt the whole time and I had one crazy dream. I woke up and took a nice shower, it felt very relaxing. When I take showers like that, I thank God for the ability to take a nice relaxing shower. Then I went and got some dinner. It was very very good. I had raw salmon with a little bit of olive oil and lemon on top, and then I had some spinach with a little bit of olive oil and lemon on top. Mmmm mmmm good. Well really that is all, wait wait wait, hold the phone, I forgot to say that it rained/thunder stormed today for about maybe 20 minutes. Well thats all, really this time. Have a nice day or night depending on where you are whilst reading this. Mahola.

Grandpa's 35th Birthday?!?!? Haha!

2009-06-23T02:02:00.000-07:00

Hey all, it's me Gia..again...as always! So I just wanted to say high to everyone and say, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDPA!!!!". Well, to be honest I don't really know how old my Grandpa is, I mean he has been telling me that he is 35 since I think I was 5, so it that is right he should be about "50" by now. Haha!

Happy Fathers Day!

2009-06-21T02:04:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone, mostly Dad's. I just wanna give a shout out to all the Dad's and say Happy Father's Day!!! To my personal Dad. Hey Old Man, yeah you! I love you, buddies 'til the end! I miss you and I can't wait to see you and then come home and spend the summer with you!!!! To Grandpa and Nonno, I love you both! Here's to many more happy and healthy years for every father! No matter where your Dad is give a shout out to them, because they love you just as much as you love them!

Happy Fathers Day,
Love,
Gia

I Bought A Plant.

2009-06-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

I know what your thinking, how could I buy a plant with only 2 more weeks left here in Italy. Wow, that is the first time that I have thought about that, I only have two more weeks in Italy...wow. Getting back, I bought a small little plant for 2.50 and I like it, and at the end of my stay here in Italy, I am going to give it to Grazia as a way to remember me. Here are some pics of my pretty little plant. And don't freak out, yes there are 4 photos but there is only one plant.

Secondly, I am COVERED in mosquito bites. COVERED. Neck, chest, stomach, legs and back, all over. How is that possible? Oh and tomorrow I learn to make tiramisu! Cool!

Night. Peace and Love, Gia

It's Hot In The Kitchen.

2009-06-20T03:04:00.000-07:00

Hey folks, just wanted to say hi. Hi. On the other hand, it was really hot today in the kitchen. 104 degrees to be exact...wow. I know. While you think it's hot where you are at, please take a moment and read the 1-0-4 again, embrace you weather. Now I am going to go sun tan, enjoy your day. -Gia

Updated Blog.

2009-06-19T14:03:00.000-07:00

So I just added some things to this blog and I would like to know what everyone thinks of it. And I know what you are asking yourselves, "Gia, you're coming home from study abroad on the 6th of July, aren't you going to stop writing in your blog?!?!?". And the answer to that my good friends is hopefully not. I enjoy doing this and I would really like to keep it going. I am going to have to find different material to write about, but hopefully writing my blog on something on there than just my study abroad experience with force to get a hobby. Maybe photography. STOP! Back to the point! What do you think of my blog, and my last post for that matter? Night, Gia.

Updates!!!

2009-06-19T13:28:00.000-07:00

Hello all, I am here to give an update, because sadly I have neglected you all. So sorry. Here is the update, I went to a bar-b-q last night. Let's just say it was not my favorite thing by a mile. Let's just say bar-b-qs in the US make it for me. Nothing like being with my girls or family up in Lake Geneva, or together anywhere, and just spending time together. Here are a few photos that are sticking out to me at the moment

But on the other hand, don't think that I haven't been working in the kitchen because I HAVE!!! Here are some photos of the pasta which I made ALL by MYSELF!!! And the Tart that I just put the toppings on, don't put me down just yet, I mean come on look how good that looks!!!! MMMM!!!

Bonjour!

2009-06-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

Hello all. It is me, Gia. Just wanted to give you all an update on what I have done and what I have made. Well firstly, I can't remember how many days back, but I made lasagne verde al forno, and for all the people who know me, well you know how happy I am, and I mean really really happy! Then I went to Provence, France for the weekend. It was simply amazing. If you have never been out of the country, go. If you have have never been to France, go. If you have never been to Provence, go. So, for the sake of saying it over again, it was really a lot of fun and you should go. I got some cool things in Provence. It was very hot in Provence, it was 100 degrees at 10AM, but we went to a cooler place, so no worries about heat stroke, even though I really thought that I was going to have one. Then today I made tortelloni with spinach and ricotta, let's just put it this way...heaven. Really. I know that this sounds weird, but when I learn to make something new and it tastes amazing, I always picture the same thing in my head: it's all of my family and friends at a table eating the meal and just truly enjoying the company that they are with. I have this picture in my head all the time, summer or winter, I just want all of my loved ones to come together and enjoy it. Just to be happy. Really is there any greater treasure on this planet? I didn't think so. Well here are some photos, I hope you enjoy them. Later!

Going Away.

2009-06-12T13:35:00.000-07:00

Hello all. Tomorrow I am going to Provence, France for the day, oddly I am not as excited as I thought I was going to be. I was supposed to make ravioli with cheese, but that is not happening. Oh well, still a pretty awesome weekend!!!

Photos!!!

2009-06-09T03:07:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone! First I just want to give everyone updates of me through pictures. I hope you like them!

Io Ho Fatto I Ravioli

2009-06-05T05:15:00.000-07:00

Oggi, io ho fatto i rovioli. Alle 9:30AM, io ho imparato cucinare i ravioli con zucchini e melanzane.

Today, I made ravioli. At 9:30AM, I learned to cook ravioli with zucchini and eggplants.

Oggi, io ho imparato cucinare!

2009-06-04T06:12:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, I have decided to change my blog around...just a little. I have decided that since I am in Ospedaletti I am going to write down what I eat everyday, so I can show you all how flipping amazing the food is out here that I have been eating. Okay!

Ciao tutti, io ho deciso per cambiare il mio blog, un poco. Io ho deciso, in questo momento, perché io sono in Ospedaletti, io dovrei scrivere quello mi mangiare ogni giorni, allora, io posso ricordare tutti che bello cibo, ho mangiato.

Oggi, ho fatto un lezioni di cucinare i ravioli con melanzane e zucchini. Io ho imparato cucinare i ravioli e io ho imparato fare la pasta per i ravioli.

Dopo, io ho mangiato gli spaghetti con frutta di mare! Era squisito!

Mmmm, a good day. I learned to make ravioli with zucchini and eggplant. Then I learned to make the pasta for the ravioli. I will finish making the actual pasta domani. After my lesson I had spaghetti with fish from the sea! It was delicious!

-Gia

Domani I cook!

2009-06-03T13:54:00.000-07:00

Domani, io imparero cucinare i ravioli con zicchini e melanzane, e dopo farei i compiti! Non mi piace fare i compiti ma è la vita. Anche, domani se io ha tempo, io prenderei il sole, magari! E, scusa, anch'io se ho tempo domani, vorrei leggere il libro si chiama "Twilight". Oh, dio mio io vorrei uno ragazzo uguale di Edward Cullin! Ma,ora, io non ho, che palle! Mi dispiace, io non sono buona!

Translation: Tomorrow I am going to learn to cook ravioli with zucchini and eggplant, after I have to do homework! It does not please me to do homework, but this is life. Also, tomorrow if I have time, I want to get some sun, maybe! And, excuse me, also if I have time tomorrow I would like to read my book called, "Twilight". Oh, my God, I would like a guy like Edward Culling. But, I don't have, what balls (sorry che palle really doesn't translate well). I'm sorry that wasn't nice!

Va bene! It goes well.

Buona Notte. Good night.

Go Crazy for Sambazon

2009-06-03T09:31:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys and Girls,

This is one of my favorite drinks around, and when I get back to the US I am going to go crazy for it. Matter of fact all of the people who are in the US right now should buy some of this amazing, oh so body friendly stuff. Sambazon has Acai in it, which if you haven't heard is like this AMAZING super food. Try it, just see how your life will change.

mmmm...so good...

I bet you wish you had some of that, just look at it, no just buy it!

Blah Day.

2009-06-02T14:43:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone. I'm sorry to say that I spent all day inside working on my paper for my business class, but I had a mental block all day. I tried to type it and nothing came to my mind. Sadly, the words that did hit my paper where a sheer disappointment. As they day went on I did sit out in the sun for an hour and read Twilight. Yes, I am reading it over again, I figure I have all this time to read it I might as well start the whole series over again. On the other hand, I had a blast at dinner. Grazia's cousin and her cousins boyfriend, Marco, ate dinner with us. They were so nice!!! I really wished that I remembered the girls name! But we had a really nice time, I figure that if people speak Italian slow enough I can understand almost everything they say, and they best part was that I did understand almost everything. We, meaning Grazia's cousin and Marco, talked the whole night about Marco wanting to visit the US, and work, and school and wine. And did I mention Alessandro and his friend had it out for everyone with the wine. Seriously! I mean I had one small glass of this amazing wine, which I never thought that I would like, but it is growing on me. But I finished my glass and they kept trying to re-fill my drink, really I had to keep on saying no! Only one glass!!! Jeez! And then Marco joked about how to Alessandro wine is a religion. Haha. Yep, so that was my day. Tomorrow I am planning on sitting on the roof all day and getting tan. I'm not going to the beach tomorrow because I promised Grazia I would eat lunch with her at 1PM. Well that is all, goodnight!

In Ospedaletti

2009-05-31T12:42:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. Today has been an eventful day. I left Bologna at around 8:45AM to be on a train from 9:24AM until 2:48PM. How do you like them apples?!?! But yeah got to the hotel and I haven't left since. I am not having the best day, not by a long shot, so I am just going to leave it at that.

But on the other hand tomorrow is going to be spent working on my paper, writing post cards and surviving life.

PS: Skyped with Mallory and Lauren today. It was amazing! One of my happiest moments!

That is all for not. Goodnight and good luck to all the people who have finals and who are graduating.

PS: Kristi happy birthday. And Luca good luck on the bike race!

Last Day in Bologna

2009-05-30T14:32:00.000-07:00

So, I was able to ask the residenza if I could stay one more day here in Bologna with Jillian, Mike and John. It was a go, so I spent one last day here. Basically Jillian and I spent the whole day hanging out and packing. After that, Jillian went downtown and Mike and I were going to meet up with her for dinner. So we all met up and went to get some pizza, it was amazing!!! Of course! Then we watched the Bolognese Olympics. They were very fun. Then we walked back to the dorms. I am so tired that I can barely stand up straight! So goodnight for now! I will email you once I get to San Remo.

This One Is For Cate Gagliardo.

2009-05-27T13:19:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone, I just wanna let you know that today this post is about the most important person/people in my life. First let my say Cate, Cater, Blue, etc. I love you! Always have and always will, so this post is a shout out to you! Hope you enjoy it.
So, Cate is my cousin. She stands at a graceful 5'3"-5'4", has long blonde locks of all different shades, she has eyes as blue and the ocean. And guys who read my post, I'm not sure if she likes long walks on the beach or candlelight dinners, but that doesn't matter because this fine lady is off the market, so sorry. Did I forget to mention that she is an accomplished horseback rider? I did didn't I, so sorry once again. Did I also mention that she can school you at school, oh yeah, not only is she one good catch, she is smarter then your family combined, no offense, it's just the truth. And don't let me forget fashion sense! She and her mom could run Vogue or Bazaar, if they wanted to, but when you have a life you live it. Did I mention that she is my best friend? No, I forgot, sorry...again. But it's true, I cannot help the fact this girl is just awesome! Thank the Lord I have her in my life.

Now for the other part, my family. This is just going to be picture of the people who mean the most to me. I don't have many pictures, but the ones that I do bring tears to my eyes, especially today.

Late Updates.

2009-05-26T22:55:00.000-07:00

Sorry you guys! I know that I haven't written in forever, which is funny because when I first started blogging I was really into it. Sadly I know that not many people read this, and I call home so often that it doesn't really matter. But here are some pics for all the guys out there. Let me tell you all first I went to Modena for a class trip and we went to the Ferrari factory, so I guess that you can say I took a lot of photos. There are only a few here, I am going to get my Flickr site set up and then you all can check it out. Also I have in there a picture of or group at a cheese factory.

Now here are some pics of Budapest. I wasn't a fan, as many of you already know. Yeah some of the pics are nice, I just wasn't "feeling" the city, end of story.

I'm going to Budapest...Today/Tomorrow.

2009-05-21T09:01:00.000-07:00

Had a nice day today. Went to Modena. I saw how cheese was made. Then I went to the Ferrari factory. Then I went to a balsamic vinaigrette factory. Pretty awesome day. As of right now though, I am going to pack my bags for Budapest. I'm not bringing much because, A.) Budapest is cheap, lets go shopping B.) It's going to be hot, I don't know why that matters C.) Really I just don't care and I just wanna go shopping for cheap, for the first time since I have been to Europe!

I will inform you all later and put up pics of this epic day...later.

Paris - The City of Lights

2009-05-18T23:12:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, I just got back from my epic trip to Paris yesterday. Let me tell you what we/I did:
Friday: We, meaning Yicete, Kristi, Sarah and I all walked to the Eiffel Tour. Then we all walked up to the second floor, and then we all took the elevator to the top floor, because you cannot walk the whole way. Then after the Eiffel Tour we walked to the Champs Elysees. Of course that was great, we saw the Arc de Triomphe, nice. Then we walked down the Champs Elysees planning on walking to the Louvre, instead we found an Andy Warhol exhibit at the National Gallery so we went and saw that. That was very very cool, not my favorite exhibit, but still good. And as some of us were waiting to leaving, I saw Grace Chensoff from high school walk out of the museum. Weird. Then we walked to the Louvre, but the Tuileries garden was closed for a demonstration/strike. So, we walked around to the garden and went to the Louvre, I still love that museum. I think it is one of my top 5 hands down, because other than that I can't say I have been to many exhibits. Then we walked passed the Notre Dame, it was closed, not a problem.
Satuday: We walked to go to the Luxembourg Garden and got breakfast on the way, amazing and simple of course. Then I got disconnected from the girls so I spent the rest of the day by myself. I walk out of the garden and went down this really awesome street called Rue du Seine, I highly rccommend going. Then I walked straight to the Notre Dame, and there was a festival of bread going on, so I got myself a little snack. Then I walked around some more. I walked to the Louvre, I didn't go in, but I walked around one of the sides with all of the hotels and shops. I walked around there for a while. Then I walked into the Tuileries garden and ate my little snack. Then I left the garden and went to the Musee d'Orsay. I LOVE it!!!! So amazing! They had a sculpture exhibit and it was amazing. Really, I love how sculptures really look alive. I love how with paintings you can paint in the texture but in sculptures you have to sculpt every curve and thus create the area of shadows that you want to be seen. Simply amazing. Then I was walking around, and got a hold of Kristi and found out the rest of the girls were going to the Notre Dame and I was on my way there oddly enough. So we met up, went inside, great! Then we walked back to the hostel and napped, then we went out to dinner. I have to say I had the most kick ass dinner, crispy roasted pork ribs with a honey glaze, try saying that ten times fast. Then we went back and went to bed.
Sunday: While the other girls went to the d'Orsay I went to see the Monet museum. I liked the water lilies they had a calming affect and were just very impressive. As for the rest of the museum, eh. And that is all I have to say. The girls were late on meeting up with my, but we walked the Tuileries garden, and then back to the Champs Elysees so Sarah could by a pair of shoes. We went into the Louis Vuitton store...wow. Then we did some other random stuff. But later that night we went and saw the Eiffel Tour light show, really really cool.
That's about it. I had a nice time. But now I am really excited for Budapest and that is because I found out that one of my really good friends from in high school, Kris McShea, will be in Budapest at the same time, so we are going to meet up! How fun is that!!!!

No Will to Write.

2009-05-13T14:15:00.000-07:00

Soooo sorry that I haven't posted anything in forever. First my group went to Naples and Capri and guess what? It was amazing. But I really don't have anything to say about it. On the other hand not much has gone on lately. Our class for tomorrow got canceled so that is awesome! Plus, I am going to Paris tomorrow. Nice! Well that is all. Later.

Too Tired to Write

2009-05-10T14:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry everyone, I am going to have to write tomorrow. I'm way to tired to go in depth about my travels to Naples.

Recap of Ireland.

2009-05-06T13:43:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Let me start out by saying that Ireland is the greatest. I don't think I can say all I want to say without being extremely repetitive, but amazing. The people in Ireland are so so so so soooooo NICE!!!! They are easily some of the most welcoming and open people I have ever come across in my 19 years of life. But let me get more into detail.
SUNDAY:
Kristi and I woke up very early in the morning to catch our Wild Wicklow Tour. This tour brought us all around the Wicklow area of Ireland. It showed us where parts of Braveheart and PS I Love You were filmed. Absolutely beautiful. Then we went to this valley with two lakes between it called "Glendalough" (trust me on this one don't try and read the name because the -lough part sounds like the work lock). But this place was amazing! And the best part was...NO RAIN!!!!!! Wow! Crazy, I know. Then when we got back we went to the Temple Bar area and met some cool Irish people and had a fun time. Then came back to the hostel, kind of later, and went to bed.
MONDAY:
Kristi and I went and saw St. Patrick's Cathedral. And can you guess what I am going to say next? Amazing, you're right! Then we went on a tour of the Guinness factory. That was okay, I would have liked it more if there was a tour guide who talked more about the history, but there wasn't. After the Guinness factory we walked to the Jameson factory and got a tour there. But we only went on the tour after we had fish and chips from the cafe. Let me say, amazing! Then we took the tour and it was guided and it was really really interesting and quite enjoyable. Then we walked back to the hostel, and by this point it was kind of later. Well we got back and I was just beat, I hadn't had enough sleep the whole trip, so I told Kristi to go out with our two other suite mates so I could go to bed. I fell asleep at 9:30PM and woke up at 9AM...wow!
TUESDAY:
Walked to the Bald Barista coffee house and it was really good. I got myself an Irish breakfast tea, I mean what kind of girl would I be going all the way to Ireland and not getting tea? Then we walked to the jail and that took ages. Then we finally got there and realized that we wouldn't be able to go on a tour because it was to late and we would miss our bus for our trip home. So, instead we walked around the museum at the jail, very intersting.
But here are some photos of the trip, I hope you enjoy:

Off to Dublin!

2009-05-02T03:54:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I'm off to Dublin! I will try and update my blog while I am there, but I really don't think that that will happen. Happy weekend then. Bye!

Lazy Friday.

2009-05-01T12:36:00.000-07:00

So, I woke up this morning with a lovely cold. My decision was to stay inside all day so I could recover before this weekend in Dublin. Well, I passed that challenge with flying colors. So that is really all I can say for today. I won't be writing until late Tuesday night because I will be in Ireland, but on the long shot that I happen to get to a computer I will really try and update it for everyone to read! 'Night.

So Stoked for Ireland!

2009-04-29T12:55:00.000-07:00

AAAHHH!!! Today was such and amazing day for me. Our class met up and went on a tour of the local bread and pasta factory here in Bologna. It was so cool. Then our class went to the original building of the University of Bologna, where they used to practice medicine on cadavers. Then we went into the St. Petronius church. It is huge. A little fact for all of you, did you know that St. Petronius was going to be the biggest church in Italy, but the Vatican wouldn't stand for another church being that large. So, instead the Vatican gave Bologna an ultimatum, they could keep building this church and then have it destroyed by the Vatican, or the Vatican would give Bologna money to create the University of Bologna. Which do you think they chose? Well if you don't know they took the offer and decided to create the school...which I am attending. Plus, when the Vatican wanted them to stop building St. Petronius church they wanted them to stop painting the inside as well, so basically St. Pertonius was going to be the biggest church in all the world, even dwarfing St. Peter's, and it would have had more paintings, and basically everything. Cool, right? Don't I know it! Then after venturing into St. Petronius church, which they don't allow any photos...at all, Kristi, Jillian, Lauren and I all walked back to the dorm. We stopped to do a little shopping and I got a shirt. Then when Jillian and I got back, we went for a run together that turned into a long walk, which was nice. I then did some laundry, which is still drying four hours after the fact. But on the other hand, Kristi and I are going on this awesome tour of Ireland, that brings you to the countryside where movies like Braveheart and P.S. I Love You where filmed. How cool! The name of this tour is called: Wild Wicklow Tours. Check it out! But other then that, that is about it for today. 'Night.

PS: some cool factoids. Did you know that tortellini with meat is a smaller size then tortellini with veggies because you aren't getting the same amount of protein with the veggies and cheese than you are with the meat. Cool. 'Night.

Oh and here are some pics!

Long Tuesday, Filled with Swine Flu Scare.

2009-04-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

Hello, good afternoon everyone. Not much going on today, went to my first class at 10AM and then after class in between our two hour break a group of us went to H&M. I wanted to get some clothes for going out, but I didn't get any party clothes, instead I got a sweatshirt because I wanted comfort clothes. Then we went back for our city and democracy class, which I must say is the worst class ever, really it has no point. Then after our pointless class Max, Lauren and I all went to our service project. For two and a half hours we worked on translating posters into English. Then when all came home to the dorm and now I am watching this. But for now I am just going to wait for my parents to try and skype me. So 'night for now.

Monday is Pace Day.

2009-04-27T13:58:00.000-07:00

So today was really nice. I got to sleep in until like 10AM. I don't know what it is here about Bologna, but I can sleep forever! FOREVER!!! Then I decided to watch some of Homeward Bound, you know the movie about the two dogs and one cat who get lost trying to return home. Names of dogs: Shadow, the golden retriever, and Chance, the mutt, the cat is names Sassy. So Basically I only made it through 20 minutes before I gave up because Shadow is the best, I mean what a character, a true golden retriever. Really, the only way you could understand why I am so in love with Shadow is because he reminds me of my dog, Lance, who sadly is no longer with us. But just what a great movie. So then I went to all of my classes today, which totaled in one. After our class, Lauren, Max and I all went to our service learning project for Pace (Peace). It was nice, we have to translate posters from Italian to English, nothing special. On the other hand, what is special is there fair trade food section in this building. The food section is really small, but so so cool. Then all of us left and Max and I headed to meet Jillian, Kristi, Saranella (name/spelling?) for aperitives at some restaurant. Then we all came back to the residenza. Now I am writing this. That is all for now, 'night.

PS: Now I am going to finish Homeward Bound.

Rainy Shady Sunday

2009-04-26T12:48:00.000-07:00

Today it rained. I slept great and woke up at around 10AM. I hung out in the room for a bit, and then Jillian and I went for a run. It was a nice run, it started to drizzle half way through the run, but that didn't bother me, it was just nice out. Jillian headed back after two laps at the park, but I felt like going for three, it really isn't that long of course, so it was nice. Then ran home when it really started to rain. Then just hung out for the rest of the day. Oh no wait, Jillian and I went to the Ipercoop and got some groceries. And that is about it for today. 'Night.

Woke Up Sick

2009-04-25T14:25:00.001-07:00

Today was not the best day for me. I woke up at 6:15 with Jillian because we were going to go to Rivena, instead my body was like, no Gia were going to sucker punch you will some sort of flu. So basically I have been consuming Tums like it is nobodies business. Oh well, what can ya do? So basically I sat in bed all day trying to feel better, and just when I thought that I felt better I was wrong. So now I am typing this, alone in my room because everyone went out. On the other hand staying in could be a good way for me to figure out some things to do when I am in Dublin. Well thats all for now. 'Night.

First Friday with Class

2009-04-24T12:17:00.000-07:00

Woke up kinda late today, which wasn't really a big deal. On the other hand, the whole class went to our city and democracy class from 2-4. Then Jillian, Lauren, Mike and I all walked around this other part of the city that we have never been to for about an hour. That was nice, we found a Patagonia out here, crazy! Then we came back to the dorm and Jillian and I went to the store. Let's just say never ever ever ever!!!!! go to the Ipercoop on a Friday at around 6:30PM it is HELL! Worse it is Pandora's box, it was the most insane grocery store I have ever been to in my life. If you think that your local Dominicks, Jewel, Safeway, etc. is anywhere near as bad as this, I can prove you wrong. Really quickly imagine going to the grocery store around Thanksgiving or Christmas and the grocery store is crowded but you can still move around. Well, I had a basket in my hand and I had to wait in line to walk through the fruit section! AAAHHH!!! INSANE!!! But Jillian and I both made it out okay. Then we came back and I made some dinner. Pasta with tomato sauce and ricotta cheese...soooooo so so so good! Here are some pic of the journey that we took and of the pasta. Adios for now.

In The Morning

2009-04-23T18:17:00.000-07:00

So, I do realize that I am writing this very early in the morning. I just got back from a discotheque, and it was cool, I do want to say that I did dance...a lot. But, to get to what I did today...I went to my CORE class and gave my presentation on what I am going to do for my final project. That was good, hopefully that idea works out well. Then I went to my last Italian class of the quarter! I have to say that that was the worst part of my day. I am going to miss my Italian class so much! All the great people in it: Hannes, Elena, Emilie, Julia, etc... Thank goodness I am going to Rivena with Jillian, Emilie and Julia, it is going to be so much fun! After class Max, Mike and I went to Eataly, and I bought some pasta and a pasta sauce. Mom, just a little FYI for you, this is where you, me and Valanna met Giorgio before we went and got coffee. Then Kristi and Yicete met up with us and we all took the bus back together. Jillian and I made dinner and watched a movie, then both of us got ready to go out, and then we did. That is all for now, adios!

Nice and Sunny.

2009-04-22T13:21:00.000-07:00

So, today I gave my project on Corporate Social Responsibility for my CORE. I think that it went well. Then went to my second to last Italian class. It really stinks that we are not going to have anymore Italian here. The kids in that class are just so awesome! After Italian class we all took the bus back to the dorm. Once we got back to the dorm I started to cook some veggies and finish others. Very good! On the other hand all the pesto is gone, it is now like I have a hole in my heart, bummer! Did all of my homework, writing this, and now I plan on watching a movie. Adios for now!

Oh the name of this passage is nice and sunny because it was nice and sunny today. I also think that high was 75 degrees! Sweet. 'Night.

4/21/09

2009-04-21T13:45:00.000-07:00

Morning for all you people in America. Not much going on here today, along with I can't really spend much time talking because I have to much homework. On the other hand, had classes today, got my service project for school. I am going to work at translating posters from Italian to English and vice versa. Cool. Had Italian that was nice. Got back to the dorm, went to the Ipercoop, made dinner, worked on a project and I am now writing this.

PS I am totally in love with beets. Always have and always will be, and the best thing about Italy is that they have them already packaged. Meaning boiled, all I had to do was take the skin off of them and then put them in a container. MMMM...good.

Well that is all for now, adios.

Monday, Monday, Monday!

2009-04-20T12:50:00.000-07:00

Once again, not much going on over here in Bologna. Woke up at 6:30 to see about going for a run with Jillian. Sadly, it had rained the whole night and the path we wanted to go running on is a dirt path, so we decided that that would not be the best of ideas. So instead Jillian and I walked to class today, that was nice, we walked past a smoothie place here in Bologna. Heaven on seven is what I was feeling when I saw that. It is a confirmed yes for visiting this place tomorrow for lunch before our Italian class. So, we went to our last Monday of Italian class, kinda sad. Today class just seemed to fly by, and then at break we found out that our later class was cancelled, YES! I mean, oh no...no, no, no...yesssss! Then Jillian and I walked to try and find Prof Conley. We went to the school and she wasn't there so we walked to her house, she was there. When we were talking to her we figured out that Jillian and I are not going to be partners but we are both going to do different project for our final project. That, I feel, is better for me because I have my whole project figured out in my head. Nice! But then we went out for this dinner thing that our Italian school had put together. It was really fun and nice. Then Jillian and I walked back to our dorm together and worked on homework. And that is about it for today, adios for now!

And I was running!

2009-04-19T09:51:00.000-07:00

Not much going on today. Worked on homework and projects the whole day. That's is about it. Jillian and I did get out for a run today. It was nice, it rained. Then we made dinner and worked on our projects some more, and now I am writing this. That is about it for now, adios.

Change is in the night air.

2009-04-18T12:43:00.000-07:00

I long have felt that while I have been on this trip, I feel like I am most willing to change the way things are at night. Don't get what I am talking about? Why change of course! I feel like I need to change somethings, let go of the old and embrace the new. I feel that something new is waiting for me, I just need to be willing to let it happen. I had the whole day to myself and I realized something, well I have known for a while but truly refuse to accept the fact, that I am a very guarded person, who is more unwilling to try things then I let on, I am very set in my ways, traditional in a sense, extrovert and an introvert. I have an amazing ability to be able to think myself out of doing something. I feel like I am not really a risk taker, it's kinda sad in a sense. I mean I have gone and done some really cool things, but it was in those moments that made them so cool, in day to day life I am nothing like the wild and untamed person that I know is inside me. Don't get me wrong, when I say wild and untamed I don't mean drink a ton and strip in a bar, I mean take risks, let my guard down, be a yes person, etc... Get what I am saying? I just wanna not care about the little things. I care way to much and I think that it is getting in my way of doing what I really need to.

As for getting back to the not so personal blog, today not much happened. Did some work, cleaned some clothes, took a shower, talked to the family, cleaned (of course!), updated my blog, facebook-ed, etc... But that is all I really want to talk about for now, but until later. Adios.

Photo-journal.

2009-04-17T09:45:00.001-07:00

So, just to get this blog started I want to let all of my readers know that at the bottom of my blog you will be able to find my updated photos from my time here in Bologna. Now much going on here today, just did some stuff around the room, went to the Iper, looked at things I could do to my blog, did some random stuff, called my Dad and here I am now. Ta-Dah! I watched some videos on sharks and whales today - so fun! Only someone like me could enjoy the thought of shark week! But I think that I am going to try and watch a movie, I really don't think that is going to happen because Jillian is going to be going to bed in a little bit because she needs to wake up at 4:45AM, so I guess that should mean that should get to bed to because I am the only person with an alarm clock and I am going to have to wake her up. So I guess that is all for now, adios until later.

PS: At this moment I would give anything just to have the willpower that I truly need. I don't know what has happened to me in the past weeks, months or years but I can't say what is on my mind anymore and that is killing me! FML!!! FML!!!!

Thursday is my lay day.

2009-04-16T12:45:00.001-07:00

Today I woke up at 7:10AM and took a shower. One of those nice showers, you know the one where you bought an exfoliating mitt just so you can...exfoliate. Well, I did and then I did some more. I took a nice long shower and exfoliated every single inch of my body, and it felt oh so good. Then I took my oh so squeaky clean body and lathered large amounts of soap into my oh so dehydrated skin, and that also felt quite cleansing. Now having every inch of my body exfoliated and quenched with lotion, I blew dry my hair and pulled myself together. Oddly enough, I realize now how in depth this blog has been since I started writing it so I am going to pull back just a little. Took the bus to our class today with Kristi, Jillian, Yicete and myself. Then after our first class we all meet up at our Italian class. Today I was just so tired that sadly I had to miss Italian. I know Mom and Dad that you don't pay for me to not go to class, but I was so tired that I could barely keep my eyes open in the class before that, so I felt that it wold be fair for the rest of the class to have to suffer because I couldn't stay awake. But I did attend my last class of the day, which I am not going to lie, I just don't care for. We watched two movies and the first one was fare but, on the other hand, the second one was terrible! When you think that documentaries cannot get any worse, there is always that one that just pops up outta nowhere. After class we all took the bus back and now I am here writing this, to of course all of my blog readers. That's all for now, adios.

I am a dreamer. Yes, a day dreamer.

2009-04-15T13:28:00.001-07:00

So not much going on today. We had class at Prof Conley's apartment and that was fun. I found out that my color personality is Blue, I'm sorry to say that I don't have the actual writing of what a blue personality is like but I will get it from the girl in our group and then I will post it. Then after our meeting at Prof Conley's house we had to go to Italian class. I love Italian, but I feel like every time I get into that class I feel like I am going to fall asleep, so then I drink a ton of coffee and feel the shakes for the rest of the day. I guess that it is safe to say that caffeine is not good for me. After Italian class Lauren and I hung out and got some drinks (cap. for her coke for me). It was really nice just being able to sit and talk and watch people, on the other hand there were pigeons flying every where and I do have to say that part was not fun at all! Then we went and walked to dinner at Trattoria Tony's because it is Bailey's birthday today. That was nice and fun and so so good. Then we all walked to Bombocrep. Tony was working tonight so I asked him how he was doing, and we talked about our Easters, nice. Then Zack, John, Mike, Sarah, Lauren and I all walked back to the dorm and now I am writing this.

I feel that before I leave all of you, I should explain my title to this blog. Okay, so I have been reading this blog/website for the past week or two now and I have fallen head over heels for it and that is really all I can think about. It is really just this woman's life at home on a ranch with her husband and 4 kids. I just love how she writes in her blog, it's like a story. So now I constantly dream about living on a dude ranch and just being. You know it would fit in with my type Blue personality. As for now, adios.

Mohala!

2009-04-14T11:42:00.000-07:00

Mohala everyone! Well, it was just another day in Bologna...well, not really. Over the weekend my teacher had an appendicitis and had to get her appendix out here in Italy. That can either stink to the high heavens or rock to the high heavens, well in terms of Italy's standards. Good thing here is that the University of Bologna has a huge pre-med teaching program, so this was a plus for Prof. Conley. On the other hand she did feel that her nurses and doctors were really pushy, but on the other hand she said that they all told her to not do anything for a week to just rest and take it easy. I completely agree, after surgery your immune system is shot trying to ward off infections to your incision, so relax and do just a little walking, you know around the house and stuff, but other then that, nothing. Sadly, being the hard headed and totally awesome teacher that Prof Con is, she is insisting on having class tomorrow, though it will be at her house. I still thoroughly disagree with this decision but I can't do anything about it. Then after visiting Prof Con at the hospital we all walked to our Italian class and to our surprise it was switched again to more people in our class. It is fun having more people in our class but I feel like I learn a lot less. Wow, totally need to mention this guy in our class names Hannes. Hannes is from I think the Netherlands, but dang that boy tall son!!! I am going to go with he's a good 6'6"-6'9", so basically a skyscraper compared to me. Well, then after class today Jillian, Kristi, and I all went to get some fresh fruit at the fruit stands. I got myself an eggplant, some kiwis, a lot of grapes, a good amount of blood oranges and a pouch of beets (oh yes I did say a pouch of beets). Then once we all got back to the dorm, Jillian and I decided to go to the Ipercoop to get some food for the week. So I got: a few pears, a couple handfuls of apples and a sack of lettuce. I was looking into getting a carton of eggs but sadly there were non there. But I got myself food for the rest of the week so I am set. Sadly though I had to say I'm no to going to the Cinque Terre this weekend. I have and will spend so much money on traveling to other places, that I need hold off just a little...so maybe I will take a 3 Euro train to Venice...PSYCH! But really I have no idea. On the other hand, mahola, and adios for now.

O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?

2009-04-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

Yes, I did go to Verona on Saturday. It was beautiful...Holy cow! Seriously that place is so different from Bologna. I think that I might like it that much more because when the young people walk around in their clothes they are dressed, in my opinion, more appropriately than in Bologna. All the people were dressed so nicely and it was so nice to be around people, who when I wear my best clothes they can still pull it off better then me. Does that make sense, can you understand what I am saying, I mean let me tell you I love dressing grunge just as much as the next person, but really? Come on! Put a little effort into your looks! Bologna needs a little help in that area, well mostly just a large amount of the young folk. But another thing that just throws me through a loop is when men nose piercing-s, especially older men. Gross, simply put, also rethink that look because it is aahhhhh!!!! So ugly!!! But on the other hand Verona did not have many grunge people so it was very appealing. Also, there were many very nice people in Verona, and the town was just very beautiful. All of the old architecture was so well kept.

Pretty! Right? I thought so too once I saw it. Plus it was just really fun hanging around the city. Like:

Okay, so the pics of my name being put on an apron, is really me getting an apron with my name on it. Surprise! Surprise! Gia got herself and apron with her name on it.
But then after going to Verona, I took the train to Milan to meet up with Marco and Michela for Easter. The train ride was fine, I had this very annoying little girl sitting next to me the whole time, but thankfully I slept through most of the trip. Then after the train ride I met up with the both of them and we all went to dinner and that was good.
Sadly writing posts after the fact is very less interesting, especially since I didn't keep a journal of the trip. But when I really start to travel I will write a journal and later put it in my blog, so none of you go without for too long.

But PS: Sorry if this blog sounds space-y, there was a lot going on in my room, like talking and trip planning. And I am also sorry if I left stuff out, after the fact just isn't as cool as in the moment. Plus, sorry I didn't write my blog for the last couple of days, I know how you all must be suffering. Also I am starting a photobucket thing and I will inform you all on it later. And then I will inform all of you on my future trips once I put them all in my calendar. As for now, adios!

Good Friday.

2009-04-10T12:17:00.000-07:00

So, didn't do much today. Just hung out. Did some much needed laundry of my pants and fleece jacket. We went to a discotheque last night, so sadly all of my clothes reeked to the high heavens of death. As for the discotheque, I am a techno freak! I love it, techno music that blasts so loud that you can feel it in your core, and then awesome strobe lights, so great! But I spent a good amount of time washing everything in my room, and let me tell you my blue jeans bled so much color it was amazing. I actually tried washing my jeans like my Mom did when she was in Rome for college, she used to fill the bath up with water and walk on them. So, for me I put them in a bucket with laundry soap and then let them sit, then threw them in the shower and just went at them like I was an Indian rock cleaner! Then I did the same to all the rest of my clothes. After cleaning the clothes I decided to clean the floors, and that was nice because our floors were dirty. Oh, I also talked to Marco and Michela and I am spending Easter with them at Michela's brother's house! Fun! And that is all for now, talk to you all later. Adios!!

Pasta con Pesto

2009-04-09T12:40:00.000-07:00

Yeah not much to say about today except for way to many classes. We had 9 hours of class today, personally I think that is crazy. But the up side of today was that Kristi, Jillian, Lauren and I all went and got gelato...again. This time I can't tell if it was better then last time or if this new gelatoria is blessed with an amazing gift. But the flavors that I got today was of course Alice, which is mascarpone with white chocolate and then chocolate sauce on the bottom of the cone. Then the second flavor was Cinatour ( I'm not 100% sure about this one so please don't quote me on this) but this type was AMAZING!!! Ricotta with lemon zest and some type of lemon-y crunchy cookie mmmmmmmm so so so so good. Let me tell you this is the life out here in Bologna! Thank you God for the Bolognese!!!! Also, I just wanna thank the world for making language school! I love my teachers! AH!!!! But on the other hand I talked to the family today. Loved it!!! Talked to my mom, and we went over banking stuff because I am going to be doing some impressive traveling soon. Then I talked to my Nonnie and she told me about this dream that she had with me in it, cool. Then I talked to my Dad, and that was awesome...as always! Then when I was making dinner of pasta with pesto, Cate called and we talked for a while. I think that everyones ears were burning because I keep on thinking of Easter and how I am not going to be with my family, but I will be with my friends...in Italy...walking around the porticos in Bologna, so really don't feel bad for me! But that is about it that happened for today, I think I am going to put on my pj's relax and watch a movie. So, adios for now.

PS: Sorry I didn't post anything last night, I was to tired and I was making traveling plans. But here are some pics for everyone. There is me and Giuseppe and then some randoms of Bologna and Bombocrep.

Alice is the Best Gelato Flavor!

2009-04-07T10:10:00.000-07:00

So, I really want to get to bed early tonight so I decided that I would go ahead and write my blog before I even thought about doing any homework. Today was a very nice day, if I may brad, which I am, the temp had a high of 75 degrees, awesome. So today Kristi, Jillian, Lauren and I all walked to class. We were late for the lecture that we were being given, but we were still the first of our whole group to get there on time. Then we had Italian class, I love my new Italian grammar teacher but I love my oral Italian class so much more because I love learning to be able to speak the language. Then after class we had to decide if we wanted gelato or crepes, the general consensus was for gelato, so we went to this really awesome gelateria, which sadly I can't recall the name at the moment, but I had the best gelato I have had since I got here. I got una cestina con due gusti con Alice e mi dispiace perche non lo so il secondo gusti. What I said was I got a small con with two flavors, Alice and I'm sorry but I don't know the second flavor that I got. But when I got the Alice they put straight chocolate into the bottom of the cone and then the ice cream, and then for the second flavor it was vanilla or something like that with brownie pieces in it. Orgasmic, we are talking huge party in my mouth. While were eating the gelato we were talking about sitting down, but non of us could movie our feet to sit down, we just stood there eating this gelato that was like heaven on 7, if you know what I mean, think of every Christmas and birthday put together, an explosion of extreme happiness filled us all!!! AAAHHHH!!!!! So good!!! All I can say is thank goodness more people don't know about Bologna because then it would be so sad, I love it here, I love how nobody speaks English, and when you hear someone who does speak English it's just odd! I love it. Basically today was a heavenly day. Ahhhh...Oh, and I don't want to forget to mention that we are starting a running club and I am going to be the yoga teacher for a couple of the girls in our group who want to do yoga.

Oh and I was a little bored so I wanted to see how many miles I walk a day to get to class and the back to the residenza and I found out that I walk at least 3.8 miles a day. That might seem like a lot to some people but it is so easy to walk around this city that everything like that is becoming second nature. But I think that is enough for today, hope you all enjoyed. Adios for now!

PS: I would really love to leave all of you with the picture of the Sorbetteria sign (a very famous gelateria) and my dinner for tonight, and yes I made it!

Good Monday

2009-04-06T14:51:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! It's me again, just writing to let you all know what is going, and that is not much. On the other hand it was really nice to start going to Italian class again, to actually get out of my class and do something. We had a new Italian class today, and it is just a bunch of girls, you know full of endorphins. Thats all about that. Then Jillian, Kristi, Lauren, Mike and I all went walking. Jillian and Mike wanted gelato so they got some, and then the rest of us decided to go and get crepes from Bombocrep of course!!! Giuseppe was there with some fresh Mascarpone and it was so flipping good!!!! AAAHHH so amazing!!! Mascarpone and fragole is the best crepe in the world, I feel that if every person in the world had a crepe with mascarpone and fragole they would know peace! But we all had a really fun talk with Giuseppe today, we actually have the same phone, but he made fun of me because I don't have as many programs as he does on my phone. Then we all walked back and then Jillian and I went to the stroe to get food for dinner. I made some brussel sprouts and they were amazing, and then we had breaded pork and then we had some risotto to go along with it. All of it was very good. I actually got some cereal at the Ipercoop and it all looks so good, ooooh so excited for cereal. But here are some pics of the dinner that we made, mmmmmmm, so good.

Palm Sunday

2009-04-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

I don't have much to talk about. Jillian and I did laundry together. Other than that nothing happened at all today, that was until I stumbled onto the best blog ever. Now, I am not going to give the name out and I have a reason behind it. It's a blog about baking, and I want this blog to be my sanctuary, so sadly no blog for you! Other than that I hope everyone had a nice Palm Sunday. And that all for today, adios for now!

PS: Sorry it's such a short post.

Saturday, April 4th.

2009-04-04T12:57:00.000-07:00

So not much to talk about, surprise surprise it rained...again. But the up side of the rain is that we went downtown and didn't lolly gag around. Jillian, Lauren and I went to the outside markets and got some fruit and veggies, all very good. Then we came back and Jillian and I went to the store and got some other food for our room. That was basically the whole day. Lauren and I watched some of WALL-E, it was cute. Then we watched the 2 episodes of Grey's Anatomy that I missed, the show is okay, it's getting to much in to the whole more drama than necessary and it is not that appealing anymore. But that is is. Adios for now.

It's Sunny in the City...Finally

2009-04-03T14:11:00.001-07:00

What what a sunny day in Bologna?!?! I'll take it! First sunny day in Bologna in about six days awesome! All of the ladies went for a walk down town and it was just so nice outside that we all walked to the city instead of taking the bus. We were having difficulty trying to decide if we should sit down and get coffee or if we should get gelato or maybe even a crepe. Well Lauren and I went to Sephora so I could get myself Daisy perfume by Marc Jacobs, and then we met up with the other girls in the little garden area. Well, that wasn't all we did, we did a lot of people watching and we no joke saw some young teenagers getting frisky in the park. Being the pervert that I am I had to catch some photos of it going down, or should I leave the rest up to your imagination.

Well, that is that! Then half of us ladies went and got crepes. I said hi to Giuseppe, the highlight of my day, may I say, what a funny guy! Then we went to the short films, and then we all went out to dinner together. Very good, very full and very fat. As for Jillian and I are going to watch a movie and digest our food. Adios for now.

Human Rights Film Festival Day 2

2009-04-02T14:16:00.000-07:00

Blah, blah blah...more rain! All of us slept in today, it was very very nice. Then Jillian, Kristi and I say an hours worth of short films. I am going to say that the short films were much better than the long ones, these were so much more dramatic, they also had great acting and they covered really depressing subjects. After the films we went to the Bombocrep, and today I finally asked the guy who makes our crepes, what his name is, it's Giuseppe. Such as nice guy, he always laughs when we come in to get our crepes because we go almost everyday!!!! Gotta stop! But they are so good!!! Then we went back to the movie theatre and watched the next round of films, they dubbed the movie in Italian and didn't have subtitles. Not really that good, but I am surprised at how much Italian I do know. Then all of our group walked back from the theatre together, and now I am writing this. Adios for now!

Human Rights Film Festival

2009-04-01T16:54:00.001-07:00

Okay, so today it rained...again! So, nothing really spectacular happened, at all, and I know that that sounds hard to believe because I am in Italy, but sadly when it rains it makes everything seem so unappealing. I really did want to travel today, but sadly though I had to go to the film festival, so hopefully Kristi and I will make it to Milano and Lake Como this weekend.

One the other hand, I went and saw two movies at the film festival, I was supposed to see three today, but I couldn't push myself to go. For school here we have to go see 12 hours of movies at the human rights film festival, and let me just say: A) this is no festival, they can barely fill up a whole theatre, B) show movies that are actually worth it, and C) don't make it so the films scream I was made with a budget of only $500. So, as you can probably tell I didn't like many of the films that I saw today, if you can even put it that way. The first movie that we went to, I fell asleep in, but don't make me seem like the bad guy, Kristi fell asleep to, it was a sad movie, but really I just couldn't stay awake for it. And the second movie that we watched was about the homeless people living in the desert of California. Basically a very weird film, made me more than thankful for the life that I have, but also made me realize that if you are homeless and you want to get out of your current situation, maybe and just maybe you should reconsider smoking like a chimney and drinking like a fish, because then you could save yourself a hell of a lot of money, and then could potentially by yourself at starter home, but that is only coming from a subjective point of view, I don't really want to get into this whole thing right now, but I hope you all get the gist of what I am trying to say.

Well, for now I hope everyone had a nice day. After the film festival a bunch of us walked back to the dorm and we then took the bus to go to this '80's party. We went to Bombocrep first, so don't you worry too much! But Lauren and I decided not to go to the '80's party, so we just hung out, and now I am typing this for you all. And if you are thinking to yourself, hey Gia I thought that you gave up crepes until the end of this week, well Jillian and I decided that we would give up anything with Nutella in it, so that is that. No more Nutella, because I am can't stand the idea anymore! Well 'night for not. Adios until later!

Overload!

2009-03-31T15:45:00.000-07:00

All I can say is today was a total overload of junk food. I don't want to tell everyone what I ate, just that I ate so much it is rediculous! But for the other part it just so happen to be raining...again. On the other hand the movie festival starts tomorrow so we have a ton of videos, 12 hours to be exact, that we have to watch, so I want to finish them all before this weekend so hopefully I can take a day trip to Milan or Florence, maybe even Modena. But getting back to the junk food overload, Jillian and I have both decided that we are not going to eat and more Bombocrep or gelato from the Sorbeteria for the rest of this week, we are also not going to eat out until this weekend unless we run out of food in our casa. Allora, Kristi and I are going to start doing yoga in the morning, nothing like a good stretch and then many miles of walking. Magari, if only, it won't be raining then I could go for a walk in one of the local gardens, but who knows. Until tomorrow, adios for now.

Permit to Stay

2009-03-30T13:07:00.000-07:00

So, today I woke up at the butt crack of dawn to go down into the city and meet Enrica to get my permission to stay for the nine months that I am in Italy. Jillian and Kristi also came with me, so that was nice. We went and had a huge lunch at Tamburini and I thought that it was ok, then Jillian wanted to get gellato at the Sorbeteria Castiglione, and then we walked all around Margherita park. It was beautiful. Then we walked up to the top of one of Castiglione, which goes out of the city up on to this nice hill, it was very pretty, we were able to see the whole city from the top. Then we walked back down and Kristi and I walked to Bobocrepe the best place to get a crepe in the whole city! mmmmm...good. Then Jillian and I met up again and took the bus back to the dorm, and then we went to the grocery store to get some things for the rest of the week, having decided that we are no longer going to waste money on going out all the time and eat nice salads and mangiamo tutti on la fruta! But that is all for now, a really happy and funny day. Adios for now.

PS talked to Nonnie and Nonno and Cate today, it was great!

Hey Hey Hey! I'm Fat Albert!

2009-03-29T13:16:00.000-07:00

So, pretty much a boring day. I know, how can this be?!?! Well, it rained all day and was crazy humid, so Jillian and I decided to do some much needed laundry. We both read in the mean time and it was great. At one point is was kinda scary because Jillian lost her room key. But we got one from the front desk and then Kristi came down with Jillian's key later, not knowing that she had it the whole time. I put up a clothes line for Jillian and I to dry our clothes, but that is going okay I guess, it's really humid so you can only guess how long it will take for everything to dry.

On the other hand, last night Kristi, Jillian, Max, Lauren and I all went out to dinner. We tried to make it to Tony's but sadly they couldn't sit us until 10:30 and it was 9PM when we got there. Bummer! I had the biggest craving for some mad good lasagna verde al forno. But instead we went to this other place and it was okay, I got a calzone, eh it was okay. Then we went on and got crepes and it was bomb diggity! Dinner lasted until maybe 11PM and all I can say is I love sitting down and talking after eating, you know, just enjoying the company of friends. Time flies and it is fun.

But for today I finished the Twilight Series ending it with Breaking Dawn. The book is what 754 pages and I finished it in I think maybe 4 days. Snap! Fabulous!!!! Oh, I also talked to my old man today, just want a give a shout out to you Dad, and say thanks for reading my blog!!! Buddies 'till the end!

Adios for now!

Rest Day

2009-03-27T11:52:00.000-07:00

So, not much to say about today. Jillian and I woke up at about 11:30am and read for the whole day. I know what you are probably thinking to yourself, how can we stay inside and read all day and when I am in Italy. Well, I am sick with a cold that leaves me feeling drugged up. And I also had some reading that I wanted to work on. I am now on the last book of the Twilight series, Breaking Dawn, I do have to say that this book is getting quite crazy, even for me, so I am really going to have to see how it goes. On the other hand, Some of us are planning on traveling tomorrow, I heard flights are cheap and other stuff like that. But when I have an idea of where we might be going, I will inform everyone! But for now I am going out to dinner at a pizza place. Nice! Adios!

Sick as a Dog

2009-03-26T00:59:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

I'm sorry for not writing for a couple of days. Just a yesterday I got sick, and now today I am in a huge fog from being so sick. I have a cold and crazy bad nasal congestion, but lets just say that there is nothing worse than not being able to hear what people say or not being able to respond because my voice is to horse.

On the other hand, I had a nice day yesterday. We started our CORE class and only had to go to half of Italian. So Max and I hung out and got "lost in the city" because all the other students had to go to some other place for permission to stay in Italy, I have to get mine later.

Made some headway on Eclipse, the third book from the Twilight series, very good. Sadly though, I couldn't really enjoy myself because the Italians who live next to us were blasting there music and talking insanely loud. But I popped in a NyQuil and went to bed, I was out once my head hit the pillow, I mean let me tell you! Whew! Best night of sleep I have gotten since I have been here!

But off to class today, I don't really know how I am going to survive. I feel like a drugged horse because I am so drowsy because I haven't gotten enough sleep this week. But, oh well. Until later, adios!

Oggi in Italy!

2009-03-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

Allora, today was a great day. The ladies meaning: Lauren, Kristi, Jillian, Sarah and me. We walked from our dorm to our classroom at Via Val D'Aposa. Very nice walk, it took about 30 minutes. Then we learned that for the human rights film festival that we have to attend 12 hours of videos, so the trip to Dublino (yes that is Italian) might be out of the question but we can always hope! Then we got some lunch at the place next door to our classroom and headed off to Italian. Then we had out average grammar for 2 hours and then our break. Kristi, Jillian and I all decided to go and get some coffee. I got a macchiato and it was very good, it's hard to believe that I started to drink coffee out here, but after having a semi large lunch, coffee is a must. Then we went to back to our Italian class for our 2 hour speaking section, and really there is nothing I enjoy more than that class. I feel that my Italian is getting much when I am in that class, plus it is just really nice being able to talk to our teacher and have her help correct us. I feel like I have learned so much in the past 2 days alone, it's great! Then we got out of class early again so Kristi, Jillian and I all walked to get some veggies and fruit. I went and got some 12-year-old aceto balsamico di regione Emilia-Romagna, if you don't know what that is no worries it is balsamic vinaigrette. Then I got some tomatoes and we all decided to walk to our little store on Via Ugo Bassi (a very busy street) and then I got two small balls of mozzarella to go with my tomatoes. Then Kristi, Jillian and I all started to walk back to our dorm, but we stopped for some gelato, it was very good, not the best, but good. Then Jillian and I went to the Ipercoop, the local grocery store, and got some groceries. Then we came back and ate dinner, know I am writing this and preparing to start my Italian homework and then read my book until I fall asleep.

Here is just a tidbit:

The reason I spend a lot of time with Jillian and Kristi is because they are both in my two Italian classes.
Then walking consumes a large part of my day because everything is so close together.
And we have one class with a good amount of Italian girls, they were actually very nice, and I think that it caught all of us off guard.
Also, I bought Twilight the movie today on my comp, and when someone is beginning to feel even a little bit of homesickness we are going to watch it together, so Jillian and I have planned homesick day maybe Thursday or Friday.

That is all I can think of know, I hope that everyone is doing well and enjoying the spring weather. And if anybody would like me to mention anything in my posts just let me know, plus is you have and comments or questions you can always leave me a little note. 'Night for now. Adios!

Don't Blame Me, Blame the Internet!

2009-03-23T12:20:00.000-07:00

So sorry everyone! I know that I promised all of you that I would write in my blog every day or every other day, but sadly my internet doesn't work in the residenza. But on the other hand we have walked around the city a tone and I feel that I am getting my bearings on everything, but I till have my moments. On the other had we had our first Italian class today, and it was awesome! We did grammar for 2 hours but it was mostly talking, and then Jillian and Kristi and I are all in the same oral Italian class that lasts for 2 hours as well. But over the weekend I finished the book New Moon, from the Twilight series...AMAING! Katina I should have listened to you when you told me that I should have brought it with me to Alaska, but I personally prefer it here because it brings back some of America to me, and it simply is one of the best books that I have read, and I can't seem to pull my eyes away from it. I do have to say that the book was much better then the movie. Allora, I bought Eclipse and Breaking Dawn today after Italian class, and I am going to start reading after I finish my dinner. So I gotta go, and eat and then live my life vicariously through a book. Adios for now!

Walking Around the City

2009-03-18T13:52:00.000-07:00

Today waking up was really hard, like waking up after having too much salt and you feel all groggy and puffy...not good. We went down for breakfast and had some toast with jam and some coffee, simple yet good. Then Mom and I decided that we would walk to school because Bologna is really quite small. So on we went, I really just wanted to get lost in the city, personally I didn't care where we went, I just wanted to search out all that Bologna had to offer. On the other hand, Mom was crazy interested in finding were we needed to go on the map. We clashed constantly in a good way. Sadly though, Mom I hate to break it to ya, not the best map reader, good thing I am majoring in it, I felt like I had a better grasp on the situation most of the time. Then we found the school, or a small part of it, and wont you know it there was some sort of political rally going on. It was really cool, I think that is something that I am really going to like about Bologna, just the overall involvement with it. Then on the other hand one thing I wont be able to grasp is how when it is in the mid to high 60's Italians are running around in winter jackets and some even in furs, I really didn't want to offend anyone by taking my jacket off and walking around in a t-shirt, so I kept my jacket on. So then, we walked to some museum...eh, okay...then we walked some more. Mom and I eventually walked to a store picked up some food, walked back to the hotel, ate and rested. During our break I read more of Twilight...okay favorite book, well in the tops at least. Well that is all for now. Adios.

PS: If any of you are asking why on earth do I say adios at the end of every post and not ciao, then I am just going to say that you don't know me well enough, or I just don't use it with you. So no offense to those who I don't use it with, but is just something I say!

The Departure and the Arrival

2009-03-17T12:13:00.000-07:00

Wow, so basically my day started on Monday, even though it is later in the evening on Tuesday. How you ask? Well, from the beauty of airplanes I made it to Italy in about 10 (gotta count lay overs). Let's just say that Lufthansa is one of the best airplanes I have ever flown on and that if you ever get the chance to fly from Munich to Italy on the Air Dolimiti take it. That was one of the most impressive flights I have ever been on. I could see all of the Dolimities and they were beautiful! So, then we got to Bologna, and this awesome cab driver took us to our awesome hotel. And then my mom and I went and got some gelato, I know I gave it up for lent! Then we walked around for about and hour and a half and now it is about 8:20PM and we have a dinner reservation for at 8:30PM so I gotta go. Adios!

PS: I started to read Twilight on the airplane...bad idea. I'm in love with it.

Let's Go Shopping

2009-03-15T17:42:00.000-07:00

So today was an epic day. We had a going away brunch for basically everyone in the family, me to Italy, Mike back to school, Dad to Florida, Mom to Italy with me, and much more. Then my mom and I went shopping. Meaning we went shopping for clothes for in Italy. That was really all that went on today. Bomb Diggity. And I was thinking I was going to be able to make it over to the cousin's house today one last time to say goodbye to some of my most favorite people in the world, sadly not possible. But at least I will see Maude-ey and Aunt Meg tomorrow before I leave. Cool, good, adios.

My First Post

2009-03-14T06:11:00.000-07:00

So as many of you all know I am studying abroad in Italy starting this coming Monday (3/16) for 9 months. I promised that I would make a blog to keep all of my friends updated. I said that I would like to do a weekly or bi-weekly kind of blog, I don't know. But if any of you would like to give me any recommendations on what you want me to talk about just let me know. As for now adios!