Just a plain good day.

So right now I'm feeling really cheerful. I had an average day- nothing too incredible.
Things I did today:
Went to school.
Finished reading Othello. Now, gotta start on Macbeth (I know this is for English class and all, but I think I'm going to just keep reading Shakespeare. You gotta admit, the guy has style. I love everything he writes.)
Had lunch with the exchange girls.
Raced to my Italian lesson (OK, I was like 10 minutes late- fine 15. But Suora Ada was nice about it)
Went home (surprising not exhausted near death- like usual after my Italian lesson)
Now I'm in my pjs and I've drank a nice cup of tea. Dinner soon.

I think I might just be adjusting alright.
Imagine that!

Ciao,
Grace

Varigotti

First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

Saturday night I got carsick. Bleh. Driving is different here. like fast- then slow and at the same time windy. My family felt so bad. They didn't understand "carsick".

But Sunday was one of the best days I've spent here. We took a 3 hour drive to Varigotti the small village on the coast pretty close to France. It was incredible. It really is just like the pictures you see in the Italy tourist books on the B&N sales rack. I stepped inside the fairy tale. There were houses in all shades of sunlight, and the breeze was warm on my face. We hiked up a little mountain trail and then later walked through the village and on the beach. Let me repeat: Incredible. I was a madwoman with my camera. It wasn't necessary to DO anything- just be there in the presence of it all. Like Marina says "Italy is a concentration of fine things" and it really is the truth. We had pesto of course, pesto is huge on the coast. Did I mention I've had pasta and pesto for the past three days and I still could eat more? We peeked inside little ancient churches and wandered around the fruit&veggie market. I can't wait, they say we will go to other villages around the coast, and maybe even in France.

I'm pretty happy. But when we got home it was late and I was exhausted today at school. I came home and just passed out for like 4 hours of DEEP sleep.

Tomorrow more Italian lessons. And Happy Birthday Jody! I hope you liked the chocolate cake that I had to go through so much foreigner-difficulty to acquire, haha.

Love to all,

Ciao!

Grace

p.s. Sure, I'll give some pics.

Exploration

Today was so much fun! Well, first I had to go to school. It starts to feel like a big inconvenience when you live in Italy and don't understand any classes anyway. But I know it is helping in a sneaky sly way. The cogs in my brain are alive, even if they work VERY SLOWLY. But after I had lunch with these super cute girls from my class, Vanessa + Elisa, along with Jody- an exchange friend (from Hawaii). It was a much better experience than being in a big group like I was earlier this week. I had at least one American, and we were able to converse quite easily with the girls. They are some of my favorites in my class. Although, I must admit we went to the wrong place- the food was horrible. Then we said ciao and Jody and I proceeded to have an immensely enjoyable afternoon.

First- Gelato! Second, we went back to my house and I am living up to my word and taking photos of everything. Then we wandered around my area of Milan. First we saw my church, Sant' Ambrosio. And after that we just took every road that looked the most interesting. It was fabulous! I got a lot of photos, and saw many beautiful areas quite near me. Unfortunately the evening had to come to an end- I definitely wasn't going to be late again. If you'd like to see my photos, I put them on Facebook. There are too many for this, but I'll give you a taste. Soon I'll put 'em on Flickr.

In a rather good mood,
Grace

First Reprimand

Uh Oh.

So I was supposed to be home at 6 today, but I got so caught up with my girls from Rotary the time flew. Before I knew it, it was 6 and I was far from home, still had to return to Jody's house for my things, and backtrack all the way home. It involved walking, trams, and the metro. I was an hour and a half late. Marina wasn't happy. Eek! I gotta get a watch one of the days.

I still had an amazing day. I'm working on taking more pictures! And videos! :)

much love,
ciao!
Grace

Just a few photos

These are from that rainy weekend in the mountains. I haven't had a lot of time to take photographs but don't worry- soon I'm setting aside time. I'm even going to pull out the manual soon ;) Oh and one is of the canal in the daytime

side note:

I have fallen in love- with the Fiat 500.

I'm booked.

Already free time in my week has vanished.

Today was actually a lot of fun. I started a little late this morning- but I tell you what, peaches and apples taste better on the run. School was ok, today is one of those days where I don't understand any classes (meaning I have no math, English, or religion). But during French I worked on my Italian homework from the tutoring center. During Philosophy I did Sudoku. During Physics I wrote a letter and did more Sudoku. And during German I copied the Physics notes and did yet more Sudoku. I'm getting pretty good at it by now. Then I met up with three other exchange girls for lunch and wandering around NOT finding a gelateria before our Italian tutoring (through Rotary- not the nun). A total of 8 students showed up for tutoring, so our whole meeting was really just planning on how we will be splitting up in the future and where we will go and meeting everyone. It was great, afterward we ALL went and found a gelateria and at the metro we parted ways. I came home, showered, studied some more Italian with the help of my host brother. Marina just walked in so dinner will be soon.

Plans for the week:
Today 2 different groups of girls asked me to lunch. One group tomorrow, on Wednesday- so I will just go straight to nun tutoring after. And another for Friday, I'll probably have tutoring that day too. As for Thursday, the first 3 exchange girls I met up with today and I want to go running together so after school we'll eat and change at Jody's. That should be fun too. I can't wait to sign up for yoga and volleyball so I can get some more physical activity. Let's face it, the walk to and from school is pretty long- but it really doesn't get my heart rate up or make me sweat. I need enough movement to shatter the stress :)

So, yep. That's my week. And this weekend I'm going to the seaside. I will have to make time to read Macbeth and Othello though (their summer reading), I have a test on Monday. I figure I should at least pass English.

Wish me luck!
Grace

Full Weekend + Monday

I don't have that much time so I'll try to sum it up quickly.

Saturday:
I WENT TO SCHOOL.
Then to dinner. I stunned some teenage boys with my poker/shuffling skills (I feel like napoleon dynamite here just so you know). Mouths dropped. Thank you brothers- for all those years of helping me to be a MASTA.
Saw the milano castle by night. Bellisimo!

Sunday:
Church- baptism. cute chubby baby. lots of italians.
Lunch with Marina's sister-in-law. Delicious. Her sister-in-law is a chef.
Went to an expo with the guys from Saturday night. That was a cultural experience- Comics.
Came home, watched Ocean's 12 in italian. ate dinner, showered, tried to read a bit, had my first video conference with my family (which made me all warm and fuzzy inside) and passed out.

Today:
School wasn't so bad. Had German class. It was German 3 but I think I'd like to switch to 1 and try it out. I don't really wanna learn French this year. German gives me more of a contrast for my brain. Saw the other Americans girls during break. Discussed Sweet Home Alabama with the girls who sit next to me and the difference between chapstick, lipstick, lipgloss, and lip balm. Came home, ate lunch, rested a bit, then at 4:00 I went to my first Italian tutoring lesson at PortoFranco where a very patient nun guided me through a lesson of prounciation. After a couple hours of this I got a little emotionally on edge at this point, but held it together. It is difficult to have teachers who don't understand English. Gotta work through the stress, which is why I walked home and got on facebook to send messages to my chums. And now I've finished a blog. Was a pretty good day- and tomorrow I have a Rotary lesson so I'm having lunch with a whole bnch of other exchange students b4. Should be fun!

Love to all!
Ciao.
Grace

School

So today was my third day of school, and I'll admit that it is already getting better. Math is a piece of cake. They are studying radicals. The teacher- who knows no English- started to once in a while look over at me and say "OK?" but after numerous nods I think she noticed that I finished all the problems in about two seconds. I wonder if I'll stay in that class all year. It's not like I need a math credit- but year long review? I guess we'll see. English is more of a history lesson for me- which is actually pretty interesting since we're learning about the history of Great Britian and not the U.S.A. Physics, I have no idea I can't keep up with the teacher talking. At this I think we are just talking about Einstein. Philosophy and History is taught by the same teacher, who I would love to understand since he seems to make everyone laugh while talking at a rapid speed and gesturing wildly, but alas comprehension is not my fate. Religion is fun! It's not required, you can either take it or go somewhere else to study- so it's not a very serious class. I just met the teacher today and the whole lesson proceeded in asking me questions, discussing the history of Methodism, and the teacher talking very slowly (he is truly a gift from God). Also during this class we all sit on our desks.

Also, life is life anywhere- and irritability is inevitable. Beware of Grace too early in the morning. She doesn't like to chat it up. Especially in Italian. haha.

Tonight we are all going to have dinner at the house of my potential third host family. I hope that I like them! The mother's name is also Marina. But before I will try to read an Italian children's book and perhaps take a nap.

I hear Maria Bambina- she just got here. I'm off to greet her.

Love from Grace

p.s.
I am a metro master!
And everyone loved my american chocolate chip cookies!
Also- I think I might be losing weight...how strange.

First Day of School

Before:

Of course I woke up way too early. I'm all ready to go and I still have a half hour to waste. I'm wearing some new clothes of course :) Although I am officially cutting myself off from shopping anymore for at least a month. Yes, everything I bought I'm sure I'll wear numerous times over and over. I bought very classic styles so I'll blend in better than my usual neon self. But on the other hand, euros are not dollars. They are mega dollars. So no more "wandering" around the Duomo area with female friends. It is just too dangerous. I shall now explore other areas- parks, for example, have very little risk.

I'll give all the details of school when I come back.

After:

They have a cross! In their classroom! On the wall!
Also, I was introduced all old school like you see in the movies- you know, interrupting class and everyone was all around me asking me questions. Everyone seems really nice and I can understand some of the girls when they talk to me, but as far as understanding the teacher- haha yeah riiiiight. It's kind of boring during those blocks when you can't understand the teacher because listening makes your head hurt and the only other thing to do is look out the window. But English looks fun and I'm sure PE will be alright. I haven't had Spanish yet. I'm not sure whether I'm supposed to be doing the homework because it's pretty impossible at this point. I wouldn't understand if the teacher gave it anyway. Also, in my class I make 21 people. There is only ONE boy. Wild, eh?
I'm a bit tired. Tonight I will try to relax and rest. I'm making chocolate chip cookies for my family, American style.

love,
me

Sneak Peek of School

This morning I went shopping with my neighbor. I can tell she is super nice and friendly- she reminds me of Mrs. Kinser for all you who know, but I cannot understand a single thing she says. A single thing! I spent a good portion of the day nodding my head and becoming increasingly exhausted with trying to decipher her Italian. AHHH. My head hurts.

is it possible?

I might just be chic, modern, and stylish by the end of this exchange.

Just a quick note.

So today should be a lot of fun. I'm meeting up with another exchange student in about an hour to explore the Duomo area- which really means poke my head into some of the most interesting shops in Milan. It'll be nice to not have an agenda or time limit. I really hope that the more I become familiar with the city, the more breathing room I'll be allowed. I'd also love to fine where they sell adapters and converters because going without my ipod/ihome and hair straightener is not my preferred situation. Oh how I fear a frizzy and music-less life.

Mama Mia!

Wow.
Get ready for a big one.

Important things to take note of right off:
I am quickly becoming hooked on espresso.
Don't get me started on pizza.
And I think I could happily spend the rest of my life walking around this city.
Exploring= My current and most stimulating hobby

Saturday

First I met up with all the Rotary people early in the morning. I saw some kids I had flown over with from Amsterdam, but there were many new faces. Most are Americans, I think there are two from Australia and one from Germany. I hadn't realized that not all of the kids lived in the city like me, but in areas around it like Bergamo and Lake Como. Misco (the Italian who seemed to be directing everything) started us off with introductions, rules, advice, and a general idea of all the trips we are going on together throughout this year. This was when we all got totally stoked- yes we shall indeed be going to Venice (for the Carnivale!) , Pisa, Florence, and Rome (for a full weekend!) as well as thoroughly touring our own region.

Today's event: Tour Milano
So all the exchange kids hopped on the metro and we headed down to the Duomo. We went in the Galleria, spun our heels on the bull of Torino for good luck- and waited for our tour guide. He arrived and for the next half hour or hour gave us quite the history lesson of Milan, while we took a good look at the Scala (the opera house) and the Galleria. Afterwards we went for (oh so amazing) pizza and gelato and we really go to know one another. And let me tell you, this is coffee ice cream like I have never had it before.

So then we returned to the Piazza and went completely around the Duomo and inside. Incredible. The weather wasn't that great- a little drizzly- so we didn't go on the roof but some others and I plan to go back together another time. Then we went to the Castle which is very close to the Duomo. Also going back to see the garden there, which the tour guide says is the biggest in the city. I need to see a bit more green, to be honest.

So after a very fun day with Rotary, Marco picked me up. After grocery shopping with Marina and Daniele, they dropped me off at Isa's house. I met her boyfriend, Fra and her dog Maggie. Her mother, who I had met before, made us a great dinner which we ate quickly. I accompanied them to the second canal in Milan, to meet some of their friends. So many people, especially youth, flock to the canals at night. I don't blame them, it's truly beautiful with all of the lights and small bars and cafés. I was introduced and of course all who knew English gave me their best effort, while I tried to make my tired brain follow their rapid Italian. It didn't work too well, but it was still nice to be once again immersed with Italians after my very English-speaking day. I returned home finally.

This morning we woke early to go to the moutains. Yes, my host family has a house in the Alps. Unfortunately the weather was pretty horrible, with rain and fog everywhere but I loved it nontheless. The fog resting around the mountain created a separated world in the small village. It seemed so far away from the big city, which I'm sure was the goal. We walked through the streets, umbrella in hand, stopping in at this shop or that shop with quick ciao's for people they knew. Did I mention Marina bought A LOT of cheese? Too soon we piled back in the car to go back down the winding roads, but we stopped at a small restaurant not far from the mountain where I had quite possibly the best hot chocolate in the world. You heard me. Funny how I always appreciate it more when my jeans are soggy and my toes beginning to numb. Fall is definitely here in Milan. When I arrived, all sun and already it's going grey.

After an hour to change and tidy up here at the house we went to church. It was my first time not only in an Italian church but any kind of Catholic church. Even though I understood little of the sermon I enjoyed the atmoshphere with the gorgeous ceilings and numerous hushed Italians. It is strange how the environment, a church like that, makes you feel as if you are the presence of something sacred with your first step in the door. Afterward, we picked up Marina Bambini from an aunt's house and took her home. I just finished dinner, cheese being the primary focus.

And yes, I realize that every food reference in this blog is sure to load me up with extra poundage. I was feeling so good before because I eat a lot more fruit and drink a lot more water here! But tomorrow I will look into the nearby parks and gyms because I'm going to need some very (VERY) regular exercise this year. Marina says that there is a gym nearby that is not as expensive as others. I also think school will help because my counselor says it isn't necessary for me to take latin or german, so she is going to take me out of some classes- I'm pretty sure I'll end up with two gym classes. She also mentioned African Dance after school? I really want to look into the after school stuff. And as far as libraries to do homework, Daniele says there is a huge one near the Duomo, which is perfect- being halfway between home and school.

I really want a routine! I want to check out the gym/ library situation so that when school starts I can begin it right away.


The amazing thing is I could still ramble away, but I must go to bed and this blog must end at some point. Mama Mia! (they actually say this here as an exclamation, not just in reference to a musical)

Buona Notte,
Grace

Downpour!

I'm sleepy and my feet hurt- but today has been a great day!

Well, first Marina and I got stuck in a huge thunderstorm that never seemed to let up. We were trying to get my permesso di sogiorno (I think that's right...) and we had to run around with this umbrella we bought at the metro station but finally we ducked in a small coffee shop. Marina looked at me and said "The umbrella is not sufficient" and the way she said it-with her hair soaking wet, oh so funny.

I also had lunch (spaghetti!) with my Rotary tutor. Giorgio is very nice and tries to speak English for me. He is not as bad as he says he is. His wife, Valeria is a bit better. After lunch we walked through a very pretty area of Milan, where you cannot drive your car and there are many little shops and cafés.

Then I met Maria Teresa and her friends to go see an art exhibition. This was when I got my real Italian lesson, because her friend doesn't speak much English, and I was happy to (oh so slowly) try out more Italian. I also understood the descriptions of the paintings very well. I think it makes a big difference when there is a visual aspect as well as audio.

I walked home from the metro without getting lost!

So now I will rest as we celebrate Santa Maria Day with Maria Bambina.

Tomorrow is the District Rotary meeting- should be fun!
Ciao!
Grace

Progress

So today I did a lot of things so far.

First, I met with my school counselor. She is an English teacher, thank heavens. It turns out I'll be starting school (along with the other 3 Americans at this particular high school) on the 18th, 3 days late. I'll be taking Linguisitics courses. She told me, and this is a direct quote, "for two months, you will not understand anything, in any class, at any time". So, I'm looking forward to it, naturally. Also I can do some extracurricular activities, but I will find out more about them when I begin school. There was another girl from the States there this morning, Kylee from Phoenix, Arizona.

Marco also showed me inside the Milan Train Station, which is pretty amazing although I think I was the only person gaping. It's undergoing a lot of construction and soon it will be much easier to go from metro to train and from train to metro.

Also today I went with Marina to a very popular tutoring center here in Milano, where many students go for extra help with their studies. They also have people to help foreigners learn Italian (that's me!). So I am now in their system and they are going to find the best tutors for me and we will set up appointments. I think that I will be able to go from school to PortoFranco (the name of the center) and then home, but we'll see.

And now I will finish with a list of things that are strange for me here in Italy.

1) There is a McDonalds quite near the house with GOLD lettering. No yellow or red anywhere.
2) Any American TV show. You think you are watching Will Smith, but then you realize he must have eaten an Italian because that is NOT his voice! (especially strange for the simpsons, or friends)
3) The grapes have seeds.
4) The church we will go to is called Sant Ambrosio, and Sant Ambrosio IS ON DISPLAY DOWSTAIRS. Skeletons don't look so bad dressed in gold and red velvet with candles around and a crown to boot!
5) Many people smoke cigarettes as they ride their bicycles...
6) Tiny tiny cars.
7) Gelato has oh so many flavors.
8) Water without ice?
9) Someone has made my bed three times! The cleaning phantom...
10) To flush, I hit something on the wall.
11) Also, there is not so much air conditioning in this country.

basta, ciao!

Grace

Senza Politi's

Today was the first time I went out in Milano without a Politi by my side to help me! True, I had a wonderful friend of Anna, Isa helping me instead- but it was also challenging because Isa speaks very little English and so for about two hours I only spoke Italian. I had a very good time, and I think in those two hours I felt more confident with the language. She introduced me to some friends of hers and when one complimented my Italian I remember thinking it was just about the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. We went along Via Torino which, Isa told me, is very famous for shopping- the kind of shopping with more realistic price tags (not exactly Gucci). I think that I will return there to go shopping, myself. I went into the closest thing they have to a Walmart- which is not very close. Not even close to a Food Lion, actually, but it has two floors so it's bigger (and cheaper) than anything else here. I bought conditioner, thank goodness. My host brother doesn't exactly have it laying around in the bathroom. Isa says that she will introduce me to other people, and that soon we should all go to the cinema together. She also knows some people who go to the same high school as me. Milan is crazy with it's schools! It has so many, and if you don't like the one you go to it is very easy to switch. There are many schools with different specialities- but I think mine is pretty straight forward. Tomorrow I will go to my school to meet my counselor. Wish me luck!

Ciao.
Grace

p.s. Today we also tried to buy a metro pass for me but we must get my citizen permit first. We will try tomorrow. The office was not open today.

Third Day

OK, So there is much to tell already and I will try to do my best.

Language:
My Italian is very basic and needs work but I am not worried because I feel it improving every day. It is easiest for me to read Italian, a bit harder to listen, and most difficult to speak. This is because I can recognize verbs and Italian words that are familiar to me or remind me of Spanish, but I have not memorized the conjugations of those words so it is harder for me to use them correctly when I speak. However, I use what I know and there have been no major problems yet. I am sure that when I begin school the true difficulty will begin!

Milano:
The weather is pretty much the same as in VA, maybe a bit cooler. It is very nice to walk in the city because there is a lot of sunshine (molto sole!) and also a breeze. I have used the metro and also the bus system. The Politi's tell me that soon they will buy me the transportation card so that I do not have buy individual tickets. In Milan there is a big focus on art. It is quite wonderful, there are many museums and always there are exhibitions. This September there is a concert everyday for International Music. This is only my third day and I have already seen modern music by an orchestra from London, and tonight I saw music from Pakistan and Afghanistan. I look forward to all of the interesting concerts and exhibitions to come!

Rotary:
Today I went to my first Rotary meeting. It was a catered lunch in a hotel. It was a bit different than the meetings at home, they are a bit more formal. So many people here speak English- it is helpful when I am totally lost, but I would prefer very slow Italian. But anyway, I was introduced to many fabulous people and everyone seemed to be inviting me somewhere. Then after the lunch I introduced myself to the club with a very very very short speech. (In English: Hello. My name is Grace Fetty. I am from VA in the United States. I am very happy to be here in Milan. Thankyou for the opportunity you have offered me.) I also gave the club a magazine of photos of VA, a map of VA, and a banner from the Mechanicsville Rotary. They were very pleased and I didn't even feel too horrible about my Italian.

Things to come:
On Thursday I meet with my counselor at my high school here in Milan. She is an English teacher and I think that I will be placed in Linguistics. Also, on Saturday there is a District Rotary meeting and the other exchange students and I will tour the city. I believe on Sunday we take a trip to the mountains. I am very excited!

Home Life:
I am beginning to feel more and more comfortable with my host family. Did I mention that I am now the tallest? Marco bounces when he laughs and is very helpful. Marina is always trying to improve her English with me and it is helpful to me because we end up repeating everything in the two languages so we both learn. Daniele is funny to me, I like to listen to his Italian because I can hear many common feelings (exasperation, embarrassment, indignation) of teenagers with their parents, even if I do not understand what he is saying- I understand how he says it. Also, there is the 80 year old grandmother. She does not live here but is here often. She is the only one who does not speak English and I already love her very much. The fact that she doesn't speak English does not stop her from talking to me constantly and she often touches and kisses me. Marina says that she goes dancing twice a week, talks to everyone, and easily gets lost in the city. It is dangerous, but she is often here on the couch doing needlepoint. The Politi's also have women who come to help clean and cook, especially on days when both Marina and Marco work. It is different for me, but they are all very nice it is like a bigger family.

OK enough, I have dinner!

Arrival

Yesterday my host family (Marco, Marina, and Daniele) picked me up from the airport. I was so excited to be here but at the same time completely exhausted! The family is incredibly nice. Their English is very good, but I hope that we only use it for beginning and emergency understanding. I hope that they will speak Italian even if it confuses me. I am much better at listening than speaking at this point. I can recognize words that sound similar to Spanish, etc, but I do not know many Italian verbs and conjugations so I end up nodding and smiling much more than talking. Last night we arrived at the house and they showed me my room. They have four levels (including the basement- where I am now). It is most similiar to what is most like a townhouse in America, I think. It is not very wide, but tall. The ceilings are very high, and they have beautiful windows and high doors everywhere. They have a very small backyard that I can look down on from my room on the second floor. Once they showed me around the house, I showered and we ate dinner. I met two of Anna's friends although I cannot remember their names right now. I was pretty much half-conscious during dinner. I slept like a baby and I feel much better today. I'm not sure whether jetlag will be a problem since I had not slept for such a long time before I arrived. This morning Marco took me to the bank and the post office. There are many banks. I exchanged my dollars for euros. I think I will have a lot of fun getting to know Milan.

Enough for now,
Grace

DEPARTURE

Hello All,

Right now I'm sitting in the lobby of a hotel 7 miles from the Dulles Airport. I'm shocked to be here. After waiting for this day for so long, it's almost bizarre to realize this is it! I'm leaving TODAY. The weather situation with all the tropical storms made us change plans a bit and drive up to D.C. yesterday, instead of getting stuck in the bad weather and traffic this morning. Although I didn't get to go to the first PH football game and see my friends one last time, I am glad that I have plenty of time to get ready this morning. As for getting to the airport, I will be as early as two early birds at an early bird concert. So to all my chums- I love you all to pieces, and I'm sorry but goodbyes are really quite overrated. They make me cry. Enough said. I am so excited and happy for these upcoming 10 months, but leaving is emotional. I'm drinking a lot of chamomile tea in hopes that my nerves calm. The butterflies in my stomach feel like they are gnawing. I am so happy, sad, and almost feverish at the same time. I find the most comfort in knowing that there are no more preparations, that my check list is done, and that all that is left is actually leaving. Not to mention the fact that I don't feel the least bit alone, with Rotary on both sides of the Atlantic. :) Wish me luck!

Love,
Grace

p.s. My flight is not delayed- at least not YET.