Its pouring rain outside. Its tempting to just lay in bed and watch movies, but we're all determined to leave the pensione anyway.
Im waiting for the other girls to be ready and we're off for a day of errands.
This week in Philosophy was pretty intense. We debated/discussed issues such as gay marriage, the military, suicide, courage, and cowardice. The discussions got a little heated to say the least. It was so interesting. When at LMU, I kind of know the dynamic of the kids, or know the kids well enough in my class to know what might come from their mouths. Here however, we dont really discuss these issues outside of class, and there was really no way to know what might come of this discussion. It continues to amaze me what some people will say to a room of strangers. And while sometimes during the week I might have gotten really worked up, looking back on it now, it was a great week of classes. At this age its interesting to talk about these sorts of topics because it really shows us how different people truly are. And while no friendships were ruined, I did have a talk with my friend Ralph after class one day and we both got to know each other better. We left the classroom pretty unhappy with one another, and its still funny how completely we disagree with what the other believes socially/politically, but thankfully were still getting along just fine but with a new knowledge of the other. (and knowing what subjects NOT to bring up over a cocktail :) )
We begain fresco painting in art. Last week, our teacher took us on a free tour to Santa Maria Novella and one of the Medici palaces. We got to see amazing frescos up close and personal, with a full and detailed description from our extremely educated teacher. The experience we had in the Medici palace was really special because we got to go at a time when it was closed to the public. We literally had the palace to ourselves, and in a room where people are usually only allowed 7 minutes, we spent thirty. So this week we took our plastered tiles and began painting. Still, I remain pretty good at mixing and shading colors, but not so good at my straight lines. She made me draw straight lines for 10 minutes until she realized that I shake a bit and let me stop. haha thankfully she got over it quickly and said it will just be something unique about mine :)
Italian continues to be bi-polar. Russo is still adorable and so extremely difficult to hate and/or be mad at. If she wasnt a tiny, 80 year old woman who laughed at her own jokes and loved me, we would have a lot of problems. We had another quiz today. Less painful than last time, but Im not about to get my hopes up. The two fluent spanish speakers even had a tough time, so thats never good news.
The meals this week were fantastic. Elizabeth (roomie) said on Wednesday that she is on the verge of being a vegetarian. Jennie (the other vegetarian) and I had these items with our meals this week: eggplant parmesean, lemmon and pepper white fish, artichoke heart calzones, and rice balls. It was a fantastic. Marinella was so so happy because we were so so happy. Lots of kisses and exclamations of love for food and one another. Soon Ill figure out how to put pictures on here so you can all see how easy it is to be in love with nonna.
Sean and I went to the uffizi this week to get our Uffizi passes...finally. Its a pass that lasts the whole semester. It costs 40 euro, but it gets students into over 15 museums, 15% off of symphony performances, unlimited amounts of visits to any of the museums, and the ability to skip all lines ;) Im so happy I finally have my pass now. Sunday when we get back from Carnivale I am hoping to go see David!!
Ari and I walked all the way to the dance studio last night just to be told that the teacher is sick and class would be cancelled. We were so bummed, but they told us if we came back tonight class would be free. We couldnt complain obviously, and since neither of us are leaving the country today, tonight works perfectly. Its a modern class. I really am excited for it because it has been so so long since I have gotten to dance.
Valentine grams were available all week to be purchased and sent to friends. Elizabeth (who I call 'Roomie' at all times) sent me one and I sent her one as well. We both signed the cards, "Love, Roomie." Now we have lots of puppy chow in the room...cant complain :)Im all alone in the room tonight because she left for Poland this morning.
Im leaving for Venice tomorrow morning. Im going with a pretty large group of people, about 25 of us I believe. Were getting on the 8 am train and will be in Venice by noon. We all bought masks, but due to the extreme cold, wont be wearing costumes. Ill probably be wearing five shirts, two pants, a few pairs of socks, and my biggest jacket...its supposed to snow :(
But we cant complain, its Carnivale!! Its one of the biggest festivals in Europe in the winter, and i get to be there.
So excited,
Ciao