Monday night, students from the Business of Food class here put on a restaurant night. The place they were initially supposed to have it at cancelled last second, so they were forced to throw it together at Umbra. They did an amazing job. The dinner centered around a Mexican theme, and they served burritos, chips and salsa, and Mexican wedding cookies. It felt like a taste of home!
The night was particularly special because my Italian family joined us for the dinner! Ernesto, Clelia, and Francesca came to taste the ethnic menu (which they loved!) I loved the family atmosphere of the night. I have absolutely made my own kind of home here, and that's priceless.
I've been sampling a variety of gelato flavors lately. Chocolate, strawberry, hazelnut...you name it! There is a place literally a thirty second walk from school that has medium cups of gelato for two euro. So dangerous and convenient!
Off to Capri (an island off of Almalfi) this weekend! Stories to follow!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
"At Least We'll All Die Together..."
The above statement came up multiple times this weekend, but under relatively amusing circumstances (trust me). I had a class field trip to Pompeii and Naples with my Roman Civilization class. Needless to say, I don't think I stopped laughing.
Acutally, that's not true. I wasn't laughing when I had to be at the piazza at 6:30 on Friday morning (two of my roommates, who were also on the trip, weren't either). After a four hour ride, we arrived in Herculeum, one of the small towns destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in AD 79. It was almost eighty degrees, so we could eat outside and really enjoy the sunshine. We saw tons of cool lizards in the grass too!
That night, we had a wonderful dinner at a local restaurant. We were so pampered. The owner personally catered to us and was so gracious with the "no meat on Friday club" (woot Catholicism!) We had pasta with fresh vegetables from the region, eggplant parm, ministrone soup, and tiramisu for dessert. My favorite part of the dinner was bonding with my classmates. I had never really talked to several fellow students intensely, and I definitely formed some friendships throughout the weekend. Friendship is always built on shared experiences, and, if you're me, these shared experiences often revolve around me doing something dumb. Remember that game where you would tap on the bottom of a cup and then flip it over and clap and such? Well someone at the end of the table started doing it with a wine glass. I, of course, was extremely enthusiastic to relive this childhood game. A little too enthusiastic. I proceeded to forget that there was water in this glass, and flipped it over. Yup. Luckily, I'm a talented spiller and it didn't even get on me or anyone else. Just the tablecloth. Not bad. And then two other girls accidently did the same thing! Classic Maria.
We were up bright and early the next morning for Pompeii. This place was stunning. There is nothing quite like being amongst buildings that have withstood 2,000 years.
When we first arrived, we were greeted by the sweetest dogs in the world!
Pompeii had so many fascinating stories behind it. Being young adults, certain stories stuck more than others. For example, when people wanted their togas washed, they would bring them to the "laundromat" who would soak them in a combination mixture of urine (?!) and water. I guess it was because urine contains ammonia. Hmm.
Our professor, Gianpiero, is both intentionally and unintentionally hilarious. He took us to the brothels of Pompeii. Not sure I was ready for the detailed artwork on the walls (I'll leave the content of said artwork to your imagination...it was remarkably well preserved) but needless to say we laughed about it for the rest of the day.
On a more serious note, it was really sad to see the "plaster people." Bodies of some of the volcano's victims were on display, and you could actually see the anxiety and anguish in their faces.
Oh, and Vesuvius just casually started smoking when we were there. Volcanoes do that, but this lead to Gianpiero's discourse on how exactly the citizens of Pompeii died. Suffocation mainly. Some were knocked out by falling rocks. In Herculeum, their brains literally boiled. Comforting! Luckily, I'm still alive and kicking.
We spent that afternoon in Almalfi. Nausea-inducing roads aside, there were NO bad views here!
The best lemon sorbet ever! (Almalfi is known for lemons).
Sunday I had the best pizza ever in Naples! I shouldn't have been surprised. Naples is an whack in the senses. So many sights, sounds, and people are everywhere. Cars, vespas, motorcycles, and pedestrians share the narrow roads, which makes for some potential hazards. I even saw children riding motorcycles, three or four people piled behind the driver...again, road safety guys!
I have just about one month left here, and I'm not at all ready to leave. Unfortunately, I'm being bombarded with papers and assignments these last weeks. There are definitely some great trips in the meantime, but I know time will fly!
Acutally, that's not true. I wasn't laughing when I had to be at the piazza at 6:30 on Friday morning (two of my roommates, who were also on the trip, weren't either). After a four hour ride, we arrived in Herculeum, one of the small towns destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in AD 79. It was almost eighty degrees, so we could eat outside and really enjoy the sunshine. We saw tons of cool lizards in the grass too!
That night, we had a wonderful dinner at a local restaurant. We were so pampered. The owner personally catered to us and was so gracious with the "no meat on Friday club" (woot Catholicism!) We had pasta with fresh vegetables from the region, eggplant parm, ministrone soup, and tiramisu for dessert. My favorite part of the dinner was bonding with my classmates. I had never really talked to several fellow students intensely, and I definitely formed some friendships throughout the weekend. Friendship is always built on shared experiences, and, if you're me, these shared experiences often revolve around me doing something dumb. Remember that game where you would tap on the bottom of a cup and then flip it over and clap and such? Well someone at the end of the table started doing it with a wine glass. I, of course, was extremely enthusiastic to relive this childhood game. A little too enthusiastic. I proceeded to forget that there was water in this glass, and flipped it over. Yup. Luckily, I'm a talented spiller and it didn't even get on me or anyone else. Just the tablecloth. Not bad. And then two other girls accidently did the same thing! Classic Maria.
We were up bright and early the next morning for Pompeii. This place was stunning. There is nothing quite like being amongst buildings that have withstood 2,000 years.
 |
| Temple of Isis |
 |
| Gladiator.. |
When we first arrived, we were greeted by the sweetest dogs in the world!
Pompeii had so many fascinating stories behind it. Being young adults, certain stories stuck more than others. For example, when people wanted their togas washed, they would bring them to the "laundromat" who would soak them in a combination mixture of urine (?!) and water. I guess it was because urine contains ammonia. Hmm.
Our professor, Gianpiero, is both intentionally and unintentionally hilarious. He took us to the brothels of Pompeii. Not sure I was ready for the detailed artwork on the walls (I'll leave the content of said artwork to your imagination...it was remarkably well preserved) but needless to say we laughed about it for the rest of the day.
On a more serious note, it was really sad to see the "plaster people." Bodies of some of the volcano's victims were on display, and you could actually see the anxiety and anguish in their faces.
Oh, and Vesuvius just casually started smoking when we were there. Volcanoes do that, but this lead to Gianpiero's discourse on how exactly the citizens of Pompeii died. Suffocation mainly. Some were knocked out by falling rocks. In Herculeum, their brains literally boiled. Comforting! Luckily, I'm still alive and kicking.
 |
| It's gonna blow!! |
We spent that afternoon in Almalfi. Nausea-inducing roads aside, there were NO bad views here!
 |
| Roomies |
The best lemon sorbet ever! (Almalfi is known for lemons).
Sunday I had the best pizza ever in Naples! I shouldn't have been surprised. Naples is an whack in the senses. So many sights, sounds, and people are everywhere. Cars, vespas, motorcycles, and pedestrians share the narrow roads, which makes for some potential hazards. I even saw children riding motorcycles, three or four people piled behind the driver...again, road safety guys!
I have just about one month left here, and I'm not at all ready to leave. Unfortunately, I'm being bombarded with papers and assignments these last weeks. There are definitely some great trips in the meantime, but I know time will fly!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Day of Remembrance
Yesterday was a day of remembrance in Italy, during which the victims of Mafia crimes throughout the years are celebrated. I never really understood the Mafia's impact on Italian life. I think films like "The Godfather" (although amazing) paint a picture that doesn't exactly mirror reality.
In parts of Italy, the Mafia directly or indirectly controls up to ninety percent of the businesses in the towns. They are mainly concerned with money, and will do to almost anything to ensure that they can continue operating. In the early 1990s, several Italian magistrates and officials were brutally assassinated within months (a car bomb was involved in one case). Some of you may remember this if you were paying attention to the news at the time.
In class on Monday, we watched a devastating documentary about Mafia activities. People are shot in broad daylight, in front of children. My professor is so knowledgeable about everything Italy. She brought up an interesting point. We were wondering how the Mafia is able to continue operating on such a widespread scale. But why not? If you were an eyewitness to Mafia crimes, would you put the lives of your family members at risk to divulge information? Probably not. The Mafia is able to operate in secrecy.
We also learned about inspiring measures being taken to change mentalities and attitudes. Many assume that Mafia is a way of life. However, people like one priest from Sicily try to change that. This priest opened a soccer field at his church for young neighborhood children to use for games. But there was a catch. They had to follow certain rules while they were there, and be respectful. By giving children a place to gather where they can't be coaxed by bosses into criminal activity, the priest is changing their lives. This shows that individual people can change a society, and maybe the world. Step by step.
In parts of Italy, the Mafia directly or indirectly controls up to ninety percent of the businesses in the towns. They are mainly concerned with money, and will do to almost anything to ensure that they can continue operating. In the early 1990s, several Italian magistrates and officials were brutally assassinated within months (a car bomb was involved in one case). Some of you may remember this if you were paying attention to the news at the time.
In class on Monday, we watched a devastating documentary about Mafia activities. People are shot in broad daylight, in front of children. My professor is so knowledgeable about everything Italy. She brought up an interesting point. We were wondering how the Mafia is able to continue operating on such a widespread scale. But why not? If you were an eyewitness to Mafia crimes, would you put the lives of your family members at risk to divulge information? Probably not. The Mafia is able to operate in secrecy.
We also learned about inspiring measures being taken to change mentalities and attitudes. Many assume that Mafia is a way of life. However, people like one priest from Sicily try to change that. This priest opened a soccer field at his church for young neighborhood children to use for games. But there was a catch. They had to follow certain rules while they were there, and be respectful. By giving children a place to gather where they can't be coaxed by bosses into criminal activity, the priest is changing their lives. This shows that individual people can change a society, and maybe the world. Step by step.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Baby Turtles?
Happy spring! I am so glad that winter is behind us all. Fresh produce abounds in these parts at this time of year. I love eating my delicious oranges daily, as well as strawberries (although those are an expensive treat. Some things never change!)
This past Saturday, my roomies and I hit up the giant Saturday market at Perugia's stadium's parking lot. I have heard so much about this weekly event, but this is the first time I've been able to go due my my frequent traveling. To say it was a chaotic scene would be an understatement! People intensely bargaining for the best deals (not with their fists, although there was a close call...), vendors shouting out their prices, kids throwing discarded orange peels at each other. It was wonderful!
I am never really surprised by anything anymore. Therefore, I didn't really flinch when I saw a stand selling BABY TURTLES. Yes, turtles. Not sure how my summer job colleagues at Mass Audubon would feel about this (not sure where the turtles are coming from...) but they were too cute! But it didn't end at turtles! There were also rabbits (for 2 euro a "kilogram"...don't think they are being purchased to act as cute pets!) And baby chicks too!
Speaking of food, it is amazing how my eating habits have changed here. Mostly for the better. For example, I am now officially a breakfast eater. At UMass, I rarely consumed anything except water before 11am. Part of my lack of breakfast was mainly due to inconvenience (it would mean stopping at the dining hall, and I liked to sleep for as long as possible). Also, those dorm room mini fridges can only hold so much! In Italy, I have been buying yogurt, fruit, and cereal and eating something every morning. I feel great! My stomach seems to be able to handle morning food better here, and I think that since I am used to it now, I will be able to eat three healthy meals when I'm back in the States.
After my internship today, I helped Lucia grade the student compositions. She buys me a cappuchino every week after class (despite my protests). Too adorable. I really have a special bond with her; she is constantly involving me in every aspect of her class, and truly values my opinions. Supervisors of internships/other opportunities don't always take young students seriously, even if you show high initiative. Lucia is the complete opposite. She treats me as a friend and colleague, not someone who is "beneath" her. Since they are on vacation for two weeks at the beginning of April, my time with my high schoolers is starting to come to a close. Lucia did a notebook check last week, and showed me all of their notes from my lessons. One of the students who I am particularly fond of wrote "Lessons with Maria" at the top of his page. Too cute! It is so rewarding when they use my vocabulary in everyday conversations. I am so happy that I chose to apply for this opportunity. It has been one of my favorite parts of the semester so far.
This past Saturday, my roomies and I hit up the giant Saturday market at Perugia's stadium's parking lot. I have heard so much about this weekly event, but this is the first time I've been able to go due my my frequent traveling. To say it was a chaotic scene would be an understatement! People intensely bargaining for the best deals (not with their fists, although there was a close call...), vendors shouting out their prices, kids throwing discarded orange peels at each other. It was wonderful!
I am never really surprised by anything anymore. Therefore, I didn't really flinch when I saw a stand selling BABY TURTLES. Yes, turtles. Not sure how my summer job colleagues at Mass Audubon would feel about this (not sure where the turtles are coming from...) but they were too cute! But it didn't end at turtles! There were also rabbits (for 2 euro a "kilogram"...don't think they are being purchased to act as cute pets!) And baby chicks too!
Speaking of food, it is amazing how my eating habits have changed here. Mostly for the better. For example, I am now officially a breakfast eater. At UMass, I rarely consumed anything except water before 11am. Part of my lack of breakfast was mainly due to inconvenience (it would mean stopping at the dining hall, and I liked to sleep for as long as possible). Also, those dorm room mini fridges can only hold so much! In Italy, I have been buying yogurt, fruit, and cereal and eating something every morning. I feel great! My stomach seems to be able to handle morning food better here, and I think that since I am used to it now, I will be able to eat three healthy meals when I'm back in the States.
After my internship today, I helped Lucia grade the student compositions. She buys me a cappuchino every week after class (despite my protests). Too adorable. I really have a special bond with her; she is constantly involving me in every aspect of her class, and truly values my opinions. Supervisors of internships/other opportunities don't always take young students seriously, even if you show high initiative. Lucia is the complete opposite. She treats me as a friend and colleague, not someone who is "beneath" her. Since they are on vacation for two weeks at the beginning of April, my time with my high schoolers is starting to come to a close. Lucia did a notebook check last week, and showed me all of their notes from my lessons. One of the students who I am particularly fond of wrote "Lessons with Maria" at the top of his page. Too cute! It is so rewarding when they use my vocabulary in everyday conversations. I am so happy that I chose to apply for this opportunity. It has been one of my favorite parts of the semester so far.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Kiss Me, I'm (A Quarter) Irish
Ciao tutti! Spring has sprung in Perugia! We've had 70 degree weather for the last four days. With spring comes a change in activities here. For example, rather than get ahead on that paper, everyone lounges on the steps in front of the Duomo, gelato in hand. The steps are also the gathering place for nightlife.
Speaking of nightlife, Happy Saint Patrick's Day! Yes, Italy celebrates. Or rather, we all celebrate and the Italians are more than happy to join in. As my Italian friend Marta so wisely stated, "We celebrate EVERYTHING. The most important thing is to have a party!" Seems that this culture is down with flashy green sunglasses, shamrock hats, and rounds of "Olay, olay olay olay."
I wish I could convey the festive atmosphere of the piazza last night. There were seriously thousands of people out. It was just the best time. We have a favorite bar called Dempsey's. By bar, it's pretty much just a room with a bar, and everyone spills out into the streets. I'm not a huge fan of the sketchy house party scene, but things are so different here. Everyone just sits on the steps, chats, and makes friends. It's a blast!
My lovely roommate, Ashley, gave me a manicure with shamrocks. :)
With the warm weather also comes new excursions. Friday, I went with a few friends to a nearby lake. We picked the most beautiful day to go. Just look at this sunset. The beauty of nature never ceases to amaze me.
I am really loving the slow life. My roommates and I had a three hour dinner the other night. This is not unusual. We never run out of things to talk about. One of them said it well the other night. We all come from very different backgrounds, and, I can imagine, different social circles. However, we just "clicked." I feel like I've been lucky to meet the best people here. And now I'll have friends to visit all over the country. Such a wonderful feeling.
Speaking of nightlife, Happy Saint Patrick's Day! Yes, Italy celebrates. Or rather, we all celebrate and the Italians are more than happy to join in. As my Italian friend Marta so wisely stated, "We celebrate EVERYTHING. The most important thing is to have a party!" Seems that this culture is down with flashy green sunglasses, shamrock hats, and rounds of "Olay, olay olay olay."
I wish I could convey the festive atmosphere of the piazza last night. There were seriously thousands of people out. It was just the best time. We have a favorite bar called Dempsey's. By bar, it's pretty much just a room with a bar, and everyone spills out into the streets. I'm not a huge fan of the sketchy house party scene, but things are so different here. Everyone just sits on the steps, chats, and makes friends. It's a blast!
 |
| Look how far it stretches! |
My lovely roommate, Ashley, gave me a manicure with shamrocks. :)
With the warm weather also comes new excursions. Friday, I went with a few friends to a nearby lake. We picked the most beautiful day to go. Just look at this sunset. The beauty of nature never ceases to amaze me.
 |
| Someone caught a huge fish!! |
I am really loving the slow life. My roommates and I had a three hour dinner the other night. This is not unusual. We never run out of things to talk about. One of them said it well the other night. We all come from very different backgrounds, and, I can imagine, different social circles. However, we just "clicked." I feel like I've been lucky to meet the best people here. And now I'll have friends to visit all over the country. Such a wonderful feeling.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Toto, We're Not in Kansas Anymore!
Ciao! It is nice to be back in "real time." Although I loved writing about my spring break adventures, a lot has been going on here!
I've had a fair amount of work the last few weeks, but I am enjoying classes very much. My internship is still amazing. Lucia has me organizing weekly speaking activities for the kids. They don't get conversation practice very often, especially with a native English speaker. Last week, for example, I organized an activity in which the students had to pretend that they were at their high school reunion (they were learning phrases relating to "I used to...") and they would then fill in the blank. We had so much fun! I always feel so happy when I leave that school! I am hoping to bring my brother(s) to my internship while they are visiting so the kids can meet them. Not sure if it will work out, but we'll see.
This past weekend, I spent two days in Sicily with two friends. The above quote from the Wizard of Oz pretty much sums up the journey. Sicily might as well be a different planet! The trip definitely allowed me to put my new "go with the flow" mentality into practice. Sicily had hurricane type weather all weekend! Actually, I shouldn't say ALL weekend. Friday was drizzly, but still perfectly fine. Saturday, however, we faced periodic downpours and strong winds. While I was slightly disappointed with the weather, I tried to keep a positive attitude. Our predicament turned into a hilarious and wonderful day, so I can't complain!
Sicily has the craziest landscape ever. It's stunning. The only way I can really describe it is that it is a bizarre mix of Florida/Africa/a jungle/the occasional groves of orange and lemon trees. Oh, and then there's Mt. Etna, Europe's largest volcano, chilling in the background.
We explored this really cool old monestary...
On Saturday, we went to Syracuse, a city about an hour away from Catania (our base). The Greeks controlled Sicily for a long time, and evidence of their presence is everywhere. We headed to an archeological park with tons of Grecian ruins. Unfortunately, the park was closed due to the "severe atmospheric conditions." However, this didn't really matter, because you can still walk around the perimeter without actually entering the park and see almost everything! I wish these pics could convey the tremendous scale and beauty of the area.
Culturally, there are huge differences between this area and what I've experienced on mainland Italy so far. Sicily is grittier in a way. It is also very family-oriented. Some of my favorite moments from the weekend involve the people we met. Friday night, we went to get gelato (the best I've had so far, by the way). When the woman behind the counter found out we were American, she shrieked and called into the back room to her husband/brother/second cousin and they all came out and chatted with us! I felt so welcomed, and for a half hour, we were part of the family.
On Saturday night, we went to get pizza. Again, the running of a business is a family affair. Several generations were working in the store. I played peekaboo with the two-year-old granddaughter. She had never seen me in her life, and yet hung out with me for twenty minutes while we waited for our pizzas! I just love these moments small moments of joy. The semester has been full of them!
I've had a fair amount of work the last few weeks, but I am enjoying classes very much. My internship is still amazing. Lucia has me organizing weekly speaking activities for the kids. They don't get conversation practice very often, especially with a native English speaker. Last week, for example, I organized an activity in which the students had to pretend that they were at their high school reunion (they were learning phrases relating to "I used to...") and they would then fill in the blank. We had so much fun! I always feel so happy when I leave that school! I am hoping to bring my brother(s) to my internship while they are visiting so the kids can meet them. Not sure if it will work out, but we'll see.
This past weekend, I spent two days in Sicily with two friends. The above quote from the Wizard of Oz pretty much sums up the journey. Sicily might as well be a different planet! The trip definitely allowed me to put my new "go with the flow" mentality into practice. Sicily had hurricane type weather all weekend! Actually, I shouldn't say ALL weekend. Friday was drizzly, but still perfectly fine. Saturday, however, we faced periodic downpours and strong winds. While I was slightly disappointed with the weather, I tried to keep a positive attitude. Our predicament turned into a hilarious and wonderful day, so I can't complain!
Sicily has the craziest landscape ever. It's stunning. The only way I can really describe it is that it is a bizarre mix of Florida/Africa/a jungle/the occasional groves of orange and lemon trees. Oh, and then there's Mt. Etna, Europe's largest volcano, chilling in the background.
We explored this really cool old monestary...
On Saturday, we went to Syracuse, a city about an hour away from Catania (our base). The Greeks controlled Sicily for a long time, and evidence of their presence is everywhere. We headed to an archeological park with tons of Grecian ruins. Unfortunately, the park was closed due to the "severe atmospheric conditions." However, this didn't really matter, because you can still walk around the perimeter without actually entering the park and see almost everything! I wish these pics could convey the tremendous scale and beauty of the area.
 |
| Greek house |
 |
| Ancient furniture |
 |
| Check out this cool tree! |
 |
| Bird in flower form |
 |
| Creepy... |
 |
| Stunning |
Culturally, there are huge differences between this area and what I've experienced on mainland Italy so far. Sicily is grittier in a way. It is also very family-oriented. Some of my favorite moments from the weekend involve the people we met. Friday night, we went to get gelato (the best I've had so far, by the way). When the woman behind the counter found out we were American, she shrieked and called into the back room to her husband/brother/second cousin and they all came out and chatted with us! I felt so welcomed, and for a half hour, we were part of the family.
On Saturday night, we went to get pizza. Again, the running of a business is a family affair. Several generations were working in the store. I played peekaboo with the two-year-old granddaughter. She had never seen me in her life, and yet hung out with me for twenty minutes while we waited for our pizzas! I just love these moments small moments of joy. The semester has been full of them!
Monday, March 12, 2012
How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?
This is for all of the SOM fans out there!
We took a forty minute ride through the mountains featured in the opening scenes. Stunning scenery.
In the mountain village of Mondsee, we saw the church where the wedding scene was filmed.
Next stop: Mirabell Gardens! Do-Re-Mi!!
I ended spring break with a Saturday in Salzburg, Austria. The Sound of Music was filmed there in 1964, and the city is famous for the movie's sites (just FYI for those of you who, for whatever reason, aren't as obsessed with the movie as I am).
I should probably throw in here why the Sound of Music is so important to me. I grew up watching this movie. I'm even partially named after it. My mom saw the movie when she was five, and said that if she ever had a daughter, she would name her Maria. And she did! (Helps that she married my Italian father too).
Time to play a game. See if you can figure out where I am!
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| The back of the house...where Maria and children fell in the lake! |
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| I am sixteen going on seventeen... |
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| Von Trapp villa! You can even see the gate Julie Andrews pushed open |
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| The abbey |
In the mountain village of Mondsee, we saw the church where the wedding scene was filmed.
Next stop: Mirabell Gardens! Do-Re-Mi!!
 |
| Remember this? |
 |
| Dancing around the fountain! |
And a few more from Salzburg:
This day, for me, represented more than a tour. I always hoped as a child that I could be like Maria. Confident, optimistic, and trusting in God/life's plan for her. In a strange way, being in Salzburg reminded me of my drive to live out these traits. This is such an exciting time in my life. "I have confidence the world will all be mine!"
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