Some more Stories

Ok, so, a couple weeks ago there was a fair in my town. There they were selling lots of different things, like clothes, animals, food, everything! So we're walking along and pretty much everyone in town is there, so it was very crowded. The next thing I know Silvia and her friend are like Emily!! You want to ride a horse!!?? So I was like ehhh what the heck? So Im about to get on this horse and the guy in charge of it only speaks italian! So Im trying to clammer onto this horse as the guy shouts directions at me in italian and I had no idea what was going on! Finally Im on the horse, and the next thing I know not only am I on the horse, but this random little boy is too! It was quite a laugh, and also pretty embarassing seeing as a quarter of the town probably witnessed this. :P

At this point, I've adjusted to this different place pretty well, and usually I just follow the saying "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" and that seems to work pretty well.

I've also been trying dance and I'm absolutely terrible, but I find it pretty funny, so it's ok... plus that'll be my way of burning off all the pasta! :P

Speaking of food, I ate the strangest thing the other day (besides this all the food is delicious):

When it was placed in front of me I thought it was some chicken parm. However, when I cut into it it was really slimy and gooey. On the top of it was what seemed like wet bread crumbs and some cheese. Then, at the bottom, it seemed like there was this thick skin (like of squash or something of that sort) and it was dark and also moist and squishy. The taste was kind of like watered down chicken. I have no clue what I ate!! :O

Italy Stories

Hey Everyone, I just thought I'd share the highlights of being in Italy so far.

Well, this sunday I woke up and it was absolutely gorgeous outside. I then decided to take a walk around town to explore and take some pictures. As I was walking I heard the churchbells ringing for 11 o'clock... I followed the sounds up the street and arrived at the back of the church where I could hear the chior warming up. It was totally beautiful! I walked into the church and ended up staying for the whole mass. When the chior sang I was just completely awestruck. The church was also amazing, everywear there was beautiful artwork and statues. It was amazing! However, I couldn't understand much in church even though I'm catholic myself. I figured: oh! I got this, I know when to stand up, when to sit, when to kneel, and when to go up to the front to get communion. Man, I was wrong! Sometimes, some people would stand, others kneel, and others sit. I was so confused! Then, when it came time for communion I was waiting patiently for my row's turn to go up, except the people just went up whenever they pleased and some not at all. Finally, when I thought mass had ended they started saying this prayer which was extremely long and I had no clue what was going on. It was a bit of a confusing experience, but one I'll treasure none-the-less. :)

Italy Update!

Its now October and Ive been here for quite a while! Today it's raining a lot :(
However, generally the weather here is beautiful. I've noticed a consistent pattern of beautiful things in Italy: the food, the people, the buildings, the weather, how when the teacher is absent there's no substitute.... it's so great!
Things are very different here, but I'm enjoying myself. Here's some examples of the differences:
-In the morning, we have to take public transportation to get to school. Every day when the bus comes all the kids crowd around the door to the bus and you have to fight your way onto the bus and it's totally chaotic! One day, in the midst of this mosh pit my backpack got stuck between a group of people but I kept going... Then that caused the strap to burn my arm from all the pulling and rubbing! The bus is crazy and I was pretty overwhelmed at first, but since then I've gotten used to it and I may ever be getting stronger! :P
-There is smoking everywhere and I find it quite gross.
-They only use their doors when they are going to the bathroom or taking a shower. Meaning: sometimes if they want they change out in the open :O Everyone around me in the family seems cool with it so I just go along with it and try not to act like it shocks me.
-Bare feet is not accepted... I think they think its smelly and gross. The other day I was showing my sister pictures of my birthday party, she saw all the bare feet, and she said Che puzza! (which means something about smelling bad)
-At the movies you have to wait until the movie actually starts until you can go into the teatre, and once you are allowed to it's a bit similar to when the bus arrives in the morning. (instead of butter on popcorn, there is an option of chocolate!)
-They don't wear seatbelts in the backseat. It shocks me every time.
-They eat soooooooo much! I'm stuffed after every meal and I'm still asked once I'm finished if I want more. However, the food is great!
-Vending machines are loads cheaper. You can buy a water bottle for €0.30 (thats about $0.50) and in the states it's $1.25
-I have no clue whats going on with clothes. I not sure how to dress or what is good-looking enough to wear. If you go to school in your pajamas you will get shot