Sunday, June 14, 2009

Oh my goodness...

Time is flying. Ansi, it's like turbo-charged. These past couple weeks have just been a blur. Mom arrives in 6 days! Just a while ago it was 6 months.

I've been spending most of my time saying goodbye to everyone, because while I will still be in Italy for about 4 more weeks, the last couple weeks will be a pure chaos (even if it's a pleasant chaos!)

Today I went to my last Rotary meeting. I said goodbye to Murnik. All I could say was "grazie grazie grazie" through the tears, and just nod.

che emozione ragazzi!
Grace

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Roma

Dear Everyone,

It’s been ages, I know. Sorry! I just went off to Rome and didn’t mention it for weeks. The most important thing about Rome that you need to know is that YOU MUST GO. I was talking with my Dad and trying to describe it... Rome is Milan with her hair let down. It’s messy in ways that Milan would never dare to be. The main differences I saw between Florence and Rome, is that Florence was kind of chill and modest. Rome is not modest in any way. It knows its superior and it doesn’t care what you think. When we went May was just beginning- but the sun shone like it hadn’t shone my entire exchange, with any discomfort being swept away by the breeze. And the accent!!! How wonderfully bouncy!

While we were in Rome we saw tons of things in very little time.
I’ll try to make a list:
The Pantheon
The Spanish Steps
The Vatican City
(The Sistine Chapel, The rooms of Raffaelo, More modern art like Salvador Dali’)
The Colosseum
Saint Peter’s Basilica.
(La pieta’ and we went up to the cupola!)
A cool downtown zone (for the evening)
Another Michelango sculpture that I’ve forgotten the name of.
Roman ruins.
Double decker bus tour
The Trevi Fountain

I think that’s it…?
Keep in mind we did this all in two days (our arrival and departure days we did nothing)
I can only describe it as the most beautiful frenzy I’ve ever experienced. After exploring the city all day, we would all trek back out to our hotel in the outskirts and continue the festivities. The friendliness of the Romans was evident and I felt invigorated by the brightness of it all. Milan is glorious in its own way- but it’s just not bright. It’s gray.

We boarded the train months too soon.

Since then I’ve tried to knuckle down and do some school work, but it is increasingly more difficult as May breaks through even Milan’s cloud cover. All I want to do is be outside and roam around this city with the last bit of my time!! Jody got me a pedometer, and it just eggs me on. Today for instance, I walked 16.8 km. How many miles is that?

My happiness is overwhelming- and just to know that school will end in 3 weeks and a week later my mom will arrive- CHE MERAVIGLIA! J

Seeing you all so incredibly soon,
Grace

Monday, April 27, 2009

Update

OK,

So I do have some more Menaggio photos on the way, but they might take a while. And Cremona photos too! We all (Rotary kids) took a day trip to Cremona like a week or two ago. The Stradivarius comes from Cremona, and it's still a violin-making hot spot. We got to see a violin workshop and a violin- maker spoke to us about his job and answered our questions. Then we went to the museum where we saw some of the most ancient, beautiful, and valuable violins in the entire world. Really amazing. Then we tried to go up the tower (I'd already done it) but it was closing. Poor Murnik tried so hard, saying stuff like "Oh c'mon. They're young! They'll be up and down in a blink of an eye." But it didn't work. So we had a bit of free time and I went to check out this fabulous tea shop with Halcy and Danielle, while walking halfway across the city (this isn't saying much, really). We met back up with everyone and went to a local place for dinner. Yum yum.

Danielle spent the night at my place because her host family was out of town, so we got up early and made my host family pancakes. Not sure how much they liked them. The term "brunch" just didn't sit well with my host dad. He was all disoriented. Haha. Well, we tried. Danielle and I, at least, ate our banana pancakes with gusto. Actually now that I'm really thinking about it, banana pancakes are so UN-Italian that the confused look on Claudio's face is completely understandable. Besides, Italians aren't used to condensing two meals into one. Expanding two meals into three, MAYBE.

This past week in school I got an 8 in Philosophy! So that made me pretty happy. And an 8 in English, and I know I have a slightly gigantic advantage there, but she grades me hard people! Anyways, the grade really doesn't matter. The important part was how she went on about how proud she was that I have "really adapted to the European school system" and that I should take home the habit of "profound thinking" back to the states. What a cutie, eh? We were studying Shakespeare and I really can't help but get excited about that.

This past Saturday was a holiday here. It the celebration of the day that marked the beginning of the end of WWII. Guess what day that is? When the Americans arrived in Milan! I felt especially patriotic. But anyways, it pretty much meant that I was treated to an American weekend (No school on Saturday!). It was quite strange, I mus tell you, to be going out on Friday night. I had to rely on muscle memory, if you will. It was a lot of fun. I went out with Isa and my host brother and a whole bunch of their mutual friends to a kareoke bar (yes I did this) and then crashed at Isa's place real close by. We're talking about 12 people sleeping in one room. Gosh, it took me back to the days when my older brothers would have friends over and I'd tiptoe through the family room the next morning over endless teenage boys on the floor, sofa, armchair...good times. But anyways, I lucked out because I got to sleep on the bed with 3 other girls. The next day I went through the Duomo area and saw the end of some anti-fascism demonstration that was going on. Lots of dreds. I took a picture of people milling about after. Maybe I'll post it, just so you can see. I met up with a couple of exchangers and Italian host siblings for a quick aperativo near the Peace Arc. Sunday was rainy and I did very close to nothing all day.

I'm very excited for Rome, which I will leave for on Thursday!!!

Gosh, in general, I'm great! The weather, for the most part, has been beautiful which means I'm insanely chipper all the time. Nearly every time I come home I exclaim "Ma che bel tempo!!!" (What beautiful weather!).

Spring has arrived.
and Grace is diggin' it.

(Every time I used third person I think of the play Julius Caesar and how he always referred to himself in 3rd person, and then I always delete it. But this time, I'm staying strong. Yeah, I'm weird.)

Love to all,
Grace
xxoo

Friday, April 17, 2009

Part Three Menaggio





Part Two Menaggio





Part One Menaggio





more Venice (thanks Halcy)



Bergamo. Family Change. Easter.

HI Guys,

I’m in a really good mood, which is always a great time to write a blog, updating you all on what I’ve been up to.

Where did I leave off? I don’t think I told you about my day trip with Rotary to Bergamo. It’s a city not very far from Milan. The coolest thing about it is definitely it’s two different levels. See, the older and higher level of the city sits more up on the mountains, with a huge wall around the whole thing to keep the bad guys out (much like we’ve seen in places like Pisa, etc). It’s filled with tons of history and fun facts that I’ve mostly forgotten at this point but that I remember I really found interesting! Sorry! I do remember that they first had their baptistery in their church but deconstructed it piece by piece and put it together perfectly across from the church instead. The lower level of the city is a bit newer and reminds me kind of Milan. But also a bit like America. I think? I mean, it’s more American-like (AKA young) than most of the places here. I really loved walking along the path that follows the mural around the higher level. Beautiful vista!

I’ve changed host families and now live so close to my school it fills my heart with gladness. Gladness, guys. There is no other substitute word. It’s like 7 bus stops in the morning (about 15 minutes) and after school, if I’m not in a rush I can walk home adoring the amount of green I never imagined Milan containing. That’s what I did today and I gotta tell you- walking home in the sunshine is medicinal. It’s just good for your soul. Do you get how full my heart is of gladness about my proximity to my school? I’m really trying to drill it in here.

And my family is really sweet. There are four of them- Claudio, Marina, Giovanni (17), and Sylvia (13). I get along well with all of them. They asked me what I liked to eat and if they could get me things at the grocery store! I have my own room. When I go out with friends they are more than happy to come pick me up if it’s at a late hour. I’ve done a few things with Giovanni and his friends and they are super nice. Marina worries a bit too much about thing, and sometimes I just make her a cup a tea so she’ll chill out a little. Sweet a sugar, though. And Claudio is a cool dude, I can just tell. He does most of the cooking, actually. And he’s bearded! And Sylvia is a cutie pie. She’s already started drinking more tea and eating more fruit since I’ve come along!

Today was perfect. I came home and made myself a beautiful lunch (Sometimes I go to the Grandma’s, but she pretty much wants to force-feed me everything in her kitchen, so I don’t think I’ll be going there everyday). Then I went for a run, came home and bathed. I helped Sylvia with her English homework and we went for a long walk. It started to rain on our way home and we ended up running the last bit home (Marina called twice during that short span of time worried sick. God bless her.) Taking the elevator up, we were both out of breathe and the slightest bit wet- not to mention laughing our heads off. It started really pouring shortly after and the hail is still hitting the skyroof windows. The rumble of thunder- how beautiful!

And the icing on the cake- Asparagus for dinner tonight!!!

I also went to Menaggio with Giorgio’s family for Easter. I really enjoyed being around the tranquility of the lake, and just zoning out for a bit. Hiked a bit, took a boat and plane ride on the lake, took a lot of photos, read, listened to music, met relatives and friends, ate everything Valeria cooked (what a glorious cook!), and got to make some phone calls home. Didn’t open a school book all break.

Overall, I’m doing better than ever. Been going out more and more with friends and soaking up these last couple months. Becoming more active (with this weather, time spent inside is time wasted!) and buckling down just enough in school. ;) Spring fever hits everywhere, you know.

Tomorrow I’m going to Cremona for the day with Rotary and I’m going to get to see violins made!!!

Love to all,
Grace

Friday, April 3, 2009

Birthday + Life in General

So March 31 was my birthday! I have 17 years!

My Italian birthday completely surpassed all expectations. What expectations? I was just going to go for a picnic, really. You know, enjoy the weather (my absolute favortie pasttime)- but my class took it all out of my hands. On the Saturday night before my birthday (when I just thought I'd be going to a pizzeria with some friends) they threw me a surprise party! It was honestly one of the most touching moments of my life. I showed up at Bea's family's pizzeria and it was all dark and Bea was like "You're the first to arrive. The others are late." And me, being the oblivious person I am, had a little moment of sadness. I mean, I was late and the others still hadn't gotten there. I don't appreciate being ditched. But then Bea asked if I wanted to go in the side room to wait and as soon as I stepped in the lights turned on and my whole class jumped out at me admist tons of colored balloons and shouted "SORPRESA!!!". I was shocked to say the least. It was just so thoughtful! Here were these girls-that I had just met half a year ago, really began to communicate with a few months ago- throwing me a party for my birthday! And they all chipped in to get me a purse (there are a few girls in my class with this same brand of purse from paris or something and they got me one!) and afterwards we went out for a drink and took tons of photos. I went home and spent the night at my friend Kylee's. It was just so perfect, all of it. Then on the day of my birthday I went out for a picnic at Parco Sempione, which is the park next to the castle. That time I went with some different girls I knew from outside of my class, Giulia and Elisa. They're just adorable, and it was really relaxing. Then last night I went to the Politi's and had a birthday dinner with them along with Isa and Poalo and Halcy! It was delicious and a perfect ending to my birthday festivities. I think about this past week and I gotta tell ya- I have that fuzzy warm Hallmark feeling of being absolutely cared for.

Along with old relationships, I'm getting to know a lot of new people. I'm really excited for my last months! The weather is beautiful, I'm doing well in school, I'm going out with friends all of the time. And of course I can look forward to my mommy coming!

I'm spending Easter with Giorgio's family in Como!!
I change families tomorrow, wish me luck!

Happy Easter Everyone! Miss you tons.
Grace

Friday, March 27, 2009

Venice Photos
















Pisa and Florence

This past weekend I went with Rotary to see Pisa and Florence.

Saturday morning we loaded onto a bus (22 exchange students total) and headed towards Pisa. We passed through the greener Alps that continue down into the heart of Italy. We stopped at a park to eat our packed lunches. John, whose family visited recently, had a box of Chez Its (how do you spell that?) from America and it was pretty funny to see everyone go crazy over that. We got back on the bus and it wasn’t 10 minutes before someone shouted “I can see the tower!” We had arrived. Excitedly we all unloaded off the bus and walked together into the city. Following Murnik we were led right up to the tower, the Duomo, and the Baptistero (how do you spell that?). Well all began to take the very fun touristy photos posing with the tower in various positions. Some got more creative than others, haha. Murnik told us a lot of information, like how Pisa is closed off with a great wall around it because of pirates back in the day and how the leaning tower was built on earth that was too soft- because the ground here has a lot of water around it to begin with, being close to the sea and with rivers around.

Then we had about 45 minutes of free time before we all went up the tower together. I had very little cash to go shopping so I went off with Jody in search for a Bancomat. In the process I caught sight of men selling rides on these bicycle cart contraptions. You know, kind of like the ones you see families riding on at the VA Beach boardwalk? Well, I HAD to do that. I grabbed Jody’s arm and we inquired into the cost. 5 euro for 30 minutes. I was short 20 cents. Jody spotted me. Officially broke and very very excited we climbed into our new vehicle. Being the one at the steering wheel, I guided us through the streets of Pisa. If it was Milan, I would have died. Probably why they don’t sell these carts there. Fortunately Pisa is just a little place and nobody seems like they are in too big of a hurry. In half an hour we were able to see the majority of Pisa, laughing and singing “That’s Amore” the whole time. With about 5 or 10 minutes left we encountered another Italian family on their own bicycle cart. “Facciamo un gioco?!” they said. “Wanna play a game?!” Oh mama mia, soon we were racing! Laughing uncontrollably, I pedaled hard, glad that Jody was now driving. I’d swish my head around and see the other family gaining on us, great big Italian smiles on their faces! We both ended up laughing and a bit out of breath right where we had started. As we got off the bike and turned it back in our competitors continued on calling back “Abbiamo vinto!” “E vero!” I replied laughing,” Una bella vittoria!” ( “We won!” “Very true! A beautiful victory!”)

Going up the tower of Pisa was much like being in a funhouse. I used the walls for support and reassured myself that I was not falling- only leaning. There are a few different levels but the view from the very top was worth the climb. Talk about a Kodak moment. It did feel a bit bizarre though. There is kind of a fence screen thing that wraps around on all sides, naturally so you don’t fall off, which isn’t like easy to do. But one girl tripped and fell against it. That momentary fear flooded her face. I don’t even want to imagine.

Not too long after that, we were back on the bus on our way to Florence. We entered the city in the late evening. We arrived at our hotel and had an hour to situate ourselves before we went out for dinner. I shared a room with Halcy and we spent the time having a cup of tea and walking along the multiple floors. As we headed by foot (on foot or by foot?) to go have dinner I knew I was going to love this city. At night the river looked like shiny black ink and everything was lighted up just enough- nothing was flashy. The place where we went to eat was quite popular. We had a whole section of the place for us. I tried to stay there and away from the packed bar. We ended the meal with a delicious strawberry cheesecake and champagne in honor of Katharine’s 18 birthday the next day. We returned to the hotel and after a real hot powerful shower (kind of like those ones we had before we change the showerhead- remember those mom? I know it uses way too much water way too quickly- but it feels so gooooood J) I fell into bed.

The next day we had a brilliant tour guide accompany us for the whole morning. I liked hearing the Florentine accent! First we went to this spot where you can overlook all of Firenze. He pointed out the major landmarks like Ponte Vecchio and their amazing Duomo. He mentioned that most of the other bridges are German and gave us a “What canya do?” shrug. We also saw one of the copies of Michelangelo’s David there. He mentioned that proportionally David isn’t perfect. His head, his feet, and his hands are all enlarged to show his power (or something like that). (He also advised that if we want to see the real David to come in winter or else book it. But John said he came like a week before and they waited in line for half an hour and saw it. Hey, could be worse.) We walked in towards the Duomo which is seriously incredible. It’s the 4th biggest Duomo in the world. Lemme try to remember what he said; the first biggest is in the Vatican, the second and third are in London and Milan (can’t remember which is which), then there’s the one in Florence. The guide told us that they usually don’t point out that it’s the fourth biggest, they just say the biggest in their region and stick to that. Haha. In fact, another city was building a church at the same time Florence was constructing theirs. The Florentines actually diverted from their original plans when they realized that the other church was going to be bigger. Involved in a sort of church-building contest they expanded on what they had already built and won. It does result in an interesting view from one side, though. You can see the same sort of pattern for most of one side and then there is a change- the windows are different, etc. I find this pretty funny. It’s also made out of three different colors of marble- red, white, and green like their flag. They copied some sort of style off the French, didn’t catch what exactly. They also didn’t know how to construct the dome and couldn’t figure it out until Brunelleschi came along and shared a bit of his architectural genius. I studied Brunelleschi in art history class! We saw Dante’s church and the reconstruction of Dante’s house (which got blown up at some point). The tomb of Beatrice was in Dante’s church. He supposedly met Beatrice there. Dang man, after studying Dante and writing a big long paper on him (full of grammatical errors) it felt so crazy to be standing where he might had stood years ago, falling in love with his heroine. Mama mia. Then we continued on to the piazza next to the Uffizi art museum (which is probably the most amazing art museum in the world) and continued onto the Ponte Vecchio. Just so you know the lock thing that people in love do,{when they right their names on a lock and attach it to something like a gate, etc. next to a famous river, then throw the key into the river} don’t do this in Florence. Every couple weeks people come along with pliers and get them all off. This, according to our guide, is why there are so many divorces. Stick to Cremona.

After our lovely tour we went to a pizzeria where I had la pizza Fiorentina. I thought it was only fitting. Had capers for the first time. Ended it with a yummy Tiramisu (can you tell this was not a diet weekend?) and then we had about 2.5 hours of free time. It was a bit overwhelming for me to decide what to do. First I bought postcards, then I went inside the Duomo and lit a candle. After that all I really wanted to do was walk around. The Uffizi was SO tempting but I knew that if I went there it’d drive me crazy to be rushed. So instead I enjoyed the sunshine crossing a bridge there, taking a left there, a right there. I was accompanied by Henry and Clare and we had a great time just taking photos and going at a relaxed pace. I couldn’t have asked for more. I had officially fallen head over heels with Firenze and to explore it under a budding spring sun- oh how divine. I’m surprised I consented to get back on the bus and leave. Too soon I was back in Milan, but after this taste I’m more excited than ever to return to Florence with my mom!

I should probably mention that I was camera-less this entire trip. Through an un-interesting turn of events my camera was unavailable to me. So while I did photograph using other people’s cameras it’ll be a while until I can post photos. The good news is that I’m finally putting Venice photos up!

Enjoy.
Grace

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Italian Toddlers

are so cute I can't stand it. Mira and Maya are no exception. I do have a little story, though. They are always well-behaved. They miraculously don't fight over toys or scream and cry. They giggle to no end and play nicely. However yesterday was different. I have now learned that when Grandma comes (Nonna) Mira goes a little crazy. She started throwing her crayons and laughing and laughing. She threw her juice box. She stopped listening. She threw the glass jar of markers and thank goodness I caught it. I broke my English rule for a moment to explain to her in Italian that it was glass and it will break into pieces! She let up for a while, and I relaxed a bit. Then in 3 seconds the jar had broken all over the floor. I tried not to laugh at the surprise and fear on her face. She looked completely shocked, processing a completely new thing she had learned abut the world. Nonna reprimanded her as we cleaned it up. "This is what happens when you misbehave!" As the youngest child, I didn't really get to witness anyone else go through these first events. I like the change of view.

Tough Choices

Another exchanger went home on Sunday- the second one of all the exchangers I've met. It was a bit of a surprise for me. The first was one of the boys I had met in the Amsterdam airport and had flown over with, but he left within the first couple months. People go home for a variety of reasons, and while it's unfortunate, in my opinion it's still an invaluable learning experience. Everyone that I've met WANTED this experience. It wasn't a question of just wanting to waste a year by taking a ride on Rotary's generosity. I think all the interviews and the paperwork weeds that out. ;) All of us arrived trying to open our own minds to something very different, knowing that all of our expectations would be probably be wrong. I truly believe that each and every one of us have tried to adjust and adapt to the best of our ability. But whether one faces a loss of a family member back home, didn't get a country they chose, can't seem to get the language down, integrate, find a host family they become close to, conquer homesickness, or feel that they are truly taking advantage of this opportunity- sometimes there arises a combination of difficulties that force a student to make the tough choice and go home. I don't think either one of the students I know wasted a year. After all, this year isn't only about learning a new language and a new culture. Sometimes the biggest challenge is learning more about yourself. I'm going to miss Margot. She was one of my favorite people here- always smiling and laughing, great to joke around with, and I never once heard her complain. Having lived half a year in a foreign country is no small thing. And that brings up another surprising truth; You can be an absolutely fabtastic individual- but that doesn't necessarily mean that this is for you. And while you should certainly not rush this decision, and should consider it fully beforehand, sometimes the only way to know is to get over here and try it for yourself.

A dopo,
Grace

Venezia

Sometimes I find it hard to grasp the fact that Ashland, VA and Milan, Italy in fact share the same planet. There are moments when it feels like they should occupy two different worlds completely. When I remember that all it takes to get home is a plane ride I feel a bit surprised. It’s that close? However, there are those instants when both worlds intertwine- when I feel as connected to Virginia as I do to Italy. These moments are so strangely exhilarating.

I experienced one of these moments riding back in the bus from Carnevale in Venice this past Sunday. Being in Venice for Carnevale was monumental for me. Venice was the first aspect of Italy that really reeled me in and caught my attention. From there I discovered my own desire to see it all. We’re talking 3rd grade, people. So stepping off the train and walking out of the station to see canals and costumes galore was truly indescribable. I really do wonder if one could be happier. We took a boat to see a demonstration at the Venetian glass factory and had lunch sitting together along the canal. I went with Rotary and a few different districts of kids from places like Genova, Sardegna, and the Venezia region itself. We had a bit of free time to explore before we had to go home. I broke off with Katharine, and we walked around the city taking deserted back streets, looking at masks and taking photos. Way too soon we had to return to the group. Now believe it or not, this was my favorite part of the day. Katharine and I, being already late, had to make it to the other side of the city to Piazza San Marco through the most jam-packed streets in the city. Hand in hand and masked we forced our way over bridges, through crowds, laughing and running across piazzas as evening descended upon Venice. For Murnik’s sake, I feel a little guilty for being late. But not that guilty. After reuniting with the group, boarding a boat, then a train, we finally were back on our bus driving home to Milan. It was just a taste of Venice, really- but I have absolutely no complaints. I nestled into my window seat with my ipod, some people sleeping around me- tuning out the rest. I put on Shuffle and suddenly James Taylor filled my ears, singing Sweet Baby James. I thought my heart would burst. I was on a bus in Italy but I was also undoubtedly back home with my family in the same exact moment. Maybe it is that close.

Enjoy the photos. I'll post some soon.
Grace

Excuse me

for the delay. I did write blogs just haven't transferred them over yet. I'll do that now.

Friday, February 13, 2009

My English Professor

OK, so I don't know how I haven't mentioned this before but I absolutely love my English teacher. By now, I've learned a tad bit about mastering a language and all of the effort it requires. I get by, and it makes me feel rather like a genius. However, the level of my English teacher's fluency stuns me. She's perfect. Her accent. Her vast vocabulary (which is decidedly more English than American). Her JOKES! It's an incredible achievement, what she has done. I sit down in class and just prepare myself to be impressed. Can I please emphasize that NOT ALL TEACHERS ARE LIKE THIS. We study the history of Great Britian, elements of English literature, and the sorts of things that you don't normally get in an American classroom (which makes it quite interesting for me). So, all in all, my class is very fortunate.

But what I wanted to bring up was some funny stuff she said today, just for your enjoyment.
In the first half of class her sweater got caught on her jacket zipper or something so she paused in her lecture to unhook it and said to the class "I'm sorry but I was destroying my pullover and I preferred to devote it some attention". Doesn't that phrase just delight you? Also, she has a thing about Richard Gere. In fact, the first class she showed me her picture of him and said "This is my boyfriend." Today we were discussing the sonnet and how often the poet writes of unattainable love. She said the element of a paradox is often present, because while the poet longs for love he doesn't really ever want to get it. He just wants to wallow and be miserable and idealize the woman as being perfect. But if he actually got what he wanted, he'd realize it isn't as fantastic as he imagined. Then she asked the class "Have you noticed the effects of distance to the strength of love? Sometimes when you miss someone or are away from someone that your feelings toward them are fortified. You know, that's how it is with me and Richard. (*laughs all around*) Because you know, we don't see each other very often. Our visits are quite rare. So this feeling is like how he feels for me."

She's just too funny.

Gotta go!
Grace

Friday, January 30, 2009

The Milanese

have many things to be proud of. Milan is a city of elegant importance. It is has a key location near many other European countries. The Milan Duomo is one of the most captivatingly beautiful churches in the world. They have art, theatre, and nightlife. They have history and culture. There's the Castlello Sforzesco, the canals, the soccer teams, the amazing transportation, the fashion, the food, not to mention the best looking business men walking down their streets I fear I will ever see. But one thing you will probably never hear them boast about is the weather. It's a new experience for me. The rainy season took me completely off guard and I often came home squelching and soaked. Then followed weeks of clouds, more rain, snow, ice and persisting cold. When I mention it, in perhaps discussing the differences between my home state and Milan, the looks I recieve are apologetic. Do I just imagine the averted gazes and lowered voices when people tell me, "Go to Rome" or "Visit Sicily"? It's actually not THAT bad. I don't know what I expected- we are a stone's throw from the Alps themselves! The truth is I am a complete wimp and starting January I begin (literally and routinely) dreaming of the beach and summertime. But the Italians here need not be ashamed of perhaps one of the very few things they cannot boast about- today was an absolutely beautiful day. In fact this week this sun has made an appearance more than once, and the results for me are that around the time I exit school I get a nice sunlit walk in a bustling european city. It raises my spirits undoubtedly. It makes me wonder how I could ever NOT have high spirits. The sun comes out and says "Grace! Look Around! Your life is perfect!". I buy it every time. Why wouldn't I? It's really true!

Today "sono di buon umore", I'm in a good mood. I went to school and arrived on time (always a blessing). I had a couple hours of classes but also time to research and print off things to help me understand some of my current topics a bit better. After school (while walking in the sun) I made my way to Giorgio's house for lunch. I had been pretty worried about Giorgio. He had been sick for quite a few weeks and I hadn't seen him since Christmas Eve (and he had been sick BEFORE Christmas Eve too!). I was completely relieved to see him well again and to have lunch with him and his wife Valeria. Giorgio is always an amusing character and he never fails to disappoint me. He is so Italian! For instance, today I asked Giorgio how his kids were (all of them college age and beyond) and this is a little translation of his reply: "Oh, horrible! They have abbandoned me! I never see them! They are never around! I want my children in my house with me always but they tell me 'Oh Papa, we don't love you anymore!' " Giorgio has told me on more than one occasion that he doesn't want his children to ever leave him, and that in America people leave home too early. "Why wouldn't I want them to stay with me forever?" Pretty cute, eh? While at Giorgio's house I got to use his skype account to call America for free, and while it was too early in VA to call most people, I knew I could probably reach my dad. I had a 45 minute conversation with him! It was so great, and when I left Giorgio's the sun felt even warmer.

Enough for now,
Grace

oh p.s.
something I thought was funny the other day: we were sitting at the dinner table but Stefano kept running back and forth to watch his cartoons until Sergio finally said "Stefano! Come in here and sit down like all other christian people!"

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Guess What?

We have a new President!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:)
I can't tell you how awesome it was to see, not only Barack Obama become president, but to see it happen through the Italian perspective. They follow our politics more closely than many Americans, and their approval of this new presidency is evident. Almost all of my classmates and professors saw the inauguration. I came into my classroom beaming the next day. Verdiana came up to me and said "Ho pianto!" (I cried!) and I said "Anch'io!" (I did too!).

As for the everyday stuff, I think I'm slipping into a more routine schedule. Mondays I do something fun (I went to Lecco these past two Mondays! I have photos that will eventually get posted. Lost my cord...) since I have a a ridiculously little amount of school. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I run after school and speak English to cutie pie italian toddlers. Wednesday is a good day for lunch with friends or walking around, but like today- I'm just going to study. But then from Friday-Sunday apart from school, it's pretty much all up to me. That's another thing that is different about my host families. My first host family always had something for me to do, usually with their family or friends or their church. But now that I have more time I can call up friends from school to do something and get to know people better.

It's nearly February, which means we are coming up on my 5 month marker soon.
Crazy.

xxoo
Grace

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

NEW FAMILY

OK, Sorry if I kept you waiting (Mother) but it's been tricky getting to the computer. However, I'm here now and I'll give you a brief summary of my family/house/location change.

I now live with Sergio, Manuela, Elena (12 yrs.) , and Stefano (5 yrs.) in their condo in Poasco, which is actually outside of the city limits of Milan. I'm really happy about my switch for several reasons. First of all, it shall achieve the exact goal of Rotary and the point of changing families- which is to have a better idea of the average Italian family by living with different types of people. My new family, is different than my last and I'm excited to experience Italy through their style of doing things. Also, the house is kind of out in the booneys- at least for the Milanese, and while some exchangers, when I tell them where I live, get these looks that plainly say "Not Convenient!" for me, it is so worth the extra time and tricky transportation. There is space! There are trees! I can even run in this new little village of mine, because what is there we can't even call traffic. As for the house itself, it is obvious that a 5 year old lives there. It's doesn't have the elegance of my previous home- but I'm not afraid if I put something away in the wrong spot, or to disrupt the order. I felt immediately comfortable in their chaotic jumble- I even wash dishes again! I must emphasize, I am genuinely pleased about all of this. My family is helpful, but a little more hands-off. At this point I'm well adjusted and I don't need everyone to do everything for me or with me. I think my new family recognizes my ability to handle my own situation with maturity. Manuela is just the sweetest chatterbox you'll ever meet- which I think will help my Italian progress further since she is kind of hard to understand. Sergio feels like more like an American father, if only because he is big and tall. I think we're going to be tight, I helped him talk to his American cousin on Skype last night. It felt not only cool to be using my translating skills, but to be able to help the people who are so kind to me! Elena is a bit quiet, but I came home the other day and asked her if she wanted tea and a snack and once you sit her down with some passionfruit brewing she'll go on about her day. Stefano is going to be a heart-breaker. He greets me the same way every time I see him- he asks for kisses and says "sei bellisima!" (you are so beautiful!). This kid is 5. It's only just begun. Oh and they are all blonde, except Sergio, so I don't stick out like a sore thumb. I have begun to use the yellow metro line, which is the nicest, but used to be pretty useless for me. It is also easy to stop by and keep in touch with the Politi's. I have a feeling they will always be on the scene. So yeah, it's all good! And yesterday I got my first ever box from home!!! Mama Santa, I was so happy! Thank you everyone who contributed to it, it meant a lot.

xxoo,
Grace

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

All Good Things Must Come To An End.

I actually hate that saying. I also hate the phrase "too much fun". There are so many fun, amazing things that are possible to enjoy continually! Please don't rain on the fun-lover parade! Whoever invented this phrase probably also invented Mondays and the end of winter vacation.

It is indeed the last evening of vacation. To be honest, I don't feel THAT gloomy about it. As much as I would like it to just stretch on (about another 6 months would be nice) I'm just grateful that I got to do so many things in the past couple weeks. The last couple days I visited Padova, Udine, and Selvino. It was tough cramming it all in, but I think my whole host family is glad we did it. My favorite thing about Padova was the church that Giotto painted that I got to see. In Udine I got to meet a lot of relatives, and one of Marina's cousins helped me broaden my exclamation vocabulary considerably (Che Barba!). In Selvino (like Bardonecchia) THERE WAS SO MUCH SNOW. So now school begins again and in about 5 days I switch host families, and while I think I'm ready for a change- it's going to be sad leaving the Politi's who I've spent 4 months with (well, nearly- tomorrow is 4 months exactly).

This is a big mile marker for me. 4 months ago things were drastically different! I have a feeling from here on out time will go even faster and I'm going to make the absolute best of it. I have 6 months left here and whoever thinks that is plenty of time better think again! As much as I am looking forward to going home, back to Virginia in the heat of the summer- I'm just not ready yet.

Love,
Grace

Selvino





Udine






Padova





Friday, January 2, 2009