Ferraris, Cycling and a Castle

This past week alot has happened. I had my first History of the Italian Mafia test. Yeah, you could say it was hard. Right before I took the test I found out last semester the average grade on the test was a 44%. Yes, so out of 100, not 50...I thought study abroad was suppose to be easy? We'll see how that one goes.

The beginning of this week was a struggle, not gonna lie. The long weekend travels to the Amalfi Coast and Croatia really caught up to me and I was in the middle of taking antibiotics because I have already gotten sick. Sounds about right for me with not alot of sleep, new environment and the stress from traveling at times. I can't complain though, I've taken amazing trips and would not do anything different. Next weekend I head to Venice, last week I booked Prague in November and the other night I booked Amsterdam for end of October. 

Tuesday for my photography class we walked around Florence and took pictures of all the cyclist competing here in Florence for the past week. When we were walking around we passed a store that was doing a charity event. They had a bike in the window with a screen behind it with graphics and they asked people on the streets to come in and bike on it for charity. I got to do it and it was an interesting experience  I felt on display for the entire city. Random people were walking by and taking pictures on me.

Team Espana

But other than classes it was a good week, Wednesday night all the girls went out to get mexican at this place called Salamanca, it's unreal and the sangria is bomb. The best part though was seeing Sammy and her coming out with us. Sammy is a high school friend of mine who is studying here in Florence as well. But till this point almost three weeks deep in Florence I hadn't ran into her or had the chance to meet up. Everyone loves seeing a familiar face across seas, whoever says they don't is lying. After dinner and some salsa dancing, sangria pitchers, margaritas and Salamancas we left and headed to a club. Coming home at 3, was a solid idea...

Thursday all the girls left for Oktoberfest and then there was one. There was nooo way I was staying at my apartment by myself, that is terrifying to think of, maybe I'm a little of a baby but not too badly. I've been staying with the guys that went last week and didn't go. Thursday night we went out and on Friday I had to be up early to head to Maranello to the Ferrari Museum. It was cool, I got to see the most expensive cars in the world along with all these cool other Ferraris. Friday night we went out again to the club and this morning we had to be at the train station once again at 8:45 to head to Castello del Trebbio. There we helped harvest grapes, took a tour of the castle which is the owners home, unreal to think that people live in castles made for Florences wealth centuries ago. After the tour we had a Tuscan style buffet with a wine tasting. Dad, you would love to know and now appreciate that I like red wine now and can't wait to split a bottle with you when I'm home. I can't wait to sleep in tomorrow morning and wake up, get my life together and go get some work on. But mainly for the whole sleeping in thing. 

Castello del Trebbio

The starting point of my favorite drink

Tuscan style brunch buffet

The wine that turned me into a red drinker

Dad, can we get some of these for the basement?

Ciao

A Solo Day in Croatia and then some...

Real life Game of Throne Mountains

The hub of Split

Right now I'm laying on a boat waiting to leave the island of Brac after a day of island hopping around Croatia. I left Thursday night at 9:45 for Split, Croatia. What was suppose to be a 12 hour drive, turned into a 14 hour nightmare. We we're suppose to leave at 9 pm and arrive at 9 am, however we got to Croatia at 12:30. Yup, miserable, but totally worth it.


During the day I wandered around Croatia for a bit by myself and then met some other people on this trip at a rocky beach which was beautiful. The water was cold but I still enjoyed it. Later on I went back to the hostel which is called Glosi and Bossy. It's a super chic hostel with Japanese style beds, which are beds inside the wall. Pretty cool. I got ready and went to dinner at this place called Fefi, it was good. I got a seafood risotto, filled with clams, squid, octopus, some type of fish. Mom and dad, you should be so proud of me for all the food I've been trying. But Croatia is known for their seafood, so there's no better place to eat it. I then went and shopped around Croatia and got some sick new sneakers for wicked cheap. Very European looking, but when in Europe.... That night we went on a pub crawl and started off at a club called Dance Emporium and then ended up a one near the middle of the strip we are on. It was a lot of fun. 

Roomies in Croatia, night II

Split from the harbor on the boat cruise

Saturday morning we woke up at 10:30 and then left for our boat cruise around 11:30ish. We stopped at the first island and then made our way to Brac. In Brac we went to the beach and then shopped a little because everything is so cheap here. We're heading back now to Split and I'm gonna shower and take a nap. Tonight we're going out to a late dinner since we aren't going out because we leave at 8 tomorrow for Krka National Park where we hike a little and go to some unreal waterfalls. For dinner we went to Velum, it was this cute restaurant on the port. It was so good, I split calamari with a few girls and it was unreal. It tasted so fresh, like it was just caught and cooked. For my main meal I got salmon, it was so good as well. It was a nice change from all the pasta, pizza and other Italian food I've been eating. It was crazy to see our bill which was 1530.00 kunas, which in reality is like $260. But that much for 12 girls isn't that bad considering we all got fish and steak and it was all soo good. You gotta love going to other countries where your currency is in favor. We didn't go out that night considering we had to wake up early this morning for a 8 am departure and 2 hour bus ride to the waterfall. Instead we got amazing crepes and went to bed early. Totally fine with me though 😊 

Salmon Steak anyone? 

The Krka national park was amazing, the waterfalls were beautiful. The water was so clear and cold but it was super refreshing. It was a short 25 minute if that walk to the waterfall along a boardwalk with some pretty spectacular views. I can't still wrap my head around all the sights I'm seeing and experiences I'm having. I'm so lucky that I can do this and add all the traveling to it. 

My life, my love, my adventure

Majestic Beauty

Right now I'm on the bus back to Italy and we just got back into Italy about 45 minutes ago. We aren't expected to get home till around 1 am and I have class at 9. The only bad thing about traveling. But all of the hassle is totally worth seeing Europe and countries I probably wouldn't see. Croatia will always have a place in my heart, especially for the day of adventuring around it by myself. Anyone who knows me knows that on most any given day at school, you can find me with my backpack and camera off to the tracks, field, nature trail, you name it to get some adventure time.

Well we got home at 1:45 am and I had class at 9 that morning. The bullets you take for such beauty...

Falling in love

It's been one whirlwind of a few days. Thursday night I left for the Amalfi Coast with 13 of my friends. We left Florence at 7:30 and arrived in Sorrento at 3:00 in the morning and had to be up at 7:30 to start my day for Capri. Capri was beautiful, honestly everything is here but it needs to be said. We took a ferry ride over to the island and then took a guided boat tour around the island. We were suppose to go into the Blue Grotto, but it was too rough and the little boats that take you into it wouldn't even make it in there. Not gonna lie, I was mad I wasn't able to go in, I wanted to see one of the Seven Wonders, but it was still beautiful. After our tour ended, we walked up to the center of town and had an amazing granita. It was lemon and fresh squeezed OJ with some vodka, unreal. From there we took buses up to Anacapri where we had lunch and walked around the town. There's a bunch of beautiful shops with hand made sandal, and limoncello/chocolate tasting. I was able to get a few gifts for some people and they're specific to that region. Then we took a chairlift up to the top of the island, we had a 360 view of our surroundings. It had breathtaking views. That night we went out to this restaurant and I had the most mouthwatering gnocchi that I have ever had. We then proceeded to go to the English beer garden which was a good time. 

CAPRI

Limone, OJ and vodka granita

The view from the chairlift going uppp

THIS IS CAPRI

On top of the world

Beautiful Positano

On Saturday we went to Positano for a beach day and some cliff jumping and cave swimming. It was once again gorgeous, the water is so clear and it feels like you should be able to touch the bottom but in reality it's deep but the water is just so clear. We went on the first cliff jumping and cave swimming tour and it was so much fun. I did the highest cliff possible to jump off at the location and it was a thriller. The worst part was just getting myself to jump but I don't regret it one bit. After we went and did some cave swimming which was also really cool. After we just hung out on the beach and took some naps. I was exhausted from traveling and not getting alot of sleep. That night we went to Seven hostel for dinner and drinks and then we ended up at the English beer garden again. On the way home we had amazing freshly cooked pizza, it was just what we needed.

Sunday we could sleep in, well if you say 9:30 is sleeping in. We headed to Pompei to see the ruins and have a short day because we had a 7 hour bus ride home. It was cool but at that point I just wanted to get back home to Florence. Isn't that weird to see? Head back home to Florence, Florence is my home now for the next 3 months and I could not be happier. We are lunch at Pompei pizza and it was so good, Italy is known for their pizza as well as pasta but being in Pompei and so close to Naples I swear the pizza is even better.

Next Thursday I head off to Croatia and I'm so excited, minus the 12 hour bus ride that lays ahead of me. But everyone I talk to say that Croatia is one of their favorite places to go.

So until next time, I hope that whoever is reading this is enjoying my updates and jealous of the life I'm living. I couldn't be happier and more thankful. So mom and dad, I love you more than words can explain, I am forever grateful for this leaning and lifetime experience. 

When in Florence

Well I've been in Florence since Saturday afternoon and when people told me Florence was beautiful I didn't exactly give them enough credit. The city has an old charm. I'm that girl that's walking around with her head in the air looking up, down and all around. I haven't even had a day yet to go out and venture around with my camera. :(

On Saturday we got to our apartment around 3:45. Polly and I were able to snag what we are calling the "penthouse" it's the top floor in our building and the biggest bedroom in the apartment. We live with 7 other girls, but we lucked out picking each other. My view overlooks all different types of buildings  although it's not on the water it still has an amazing view. Our school is legit a 1 minute walk, including all the stairs that we have to climb. Holy shit was bringing my luggage up hard. Later on Saturday the entire program went out for a welcome dinner at another amazing restaurant filled with the typical 20 something courses (okay maybe I'm exaggerating but it's still alot). Later that night we went out bar hopping for Quinlin's 20th birthday. We went to Red Garter for some karaoke and another random bar and ended up at this club called Twice. It was a good time.

Well this is my backyard...jealous? Probably

Penthouse livin

On Sunday, we had orientation from 10 to 1 and that was a struggle. It was just so long and all we wanted to do was sleep because of the traveling and night before. I did have an amazing panini which I plan on heading to later today for lunch before my photography class. Yes, I get to take a photography class in one of the art hubs of the world, I can't tell you how excited I am. 

Part II Sunday Dinner: Roast-beef with herb sauce

Monday was one longgg day, 4 classes with one break. I've never taken 5 classes before so it should be interesting  I'm taking Italian Fashion, History of Italian Mafia, Made in Italy, Basic Spoken Italian and Photography. I'm excited for this semester and all my classes. That night we went out for wings at Clubhouse and it wasn't anything like home. I don't think I could get wings again, plus they don't have ranch or blue cheese and that makes the wings. 

This morning I woke up at 10 and went for a run along the river and found a little under spot under a bridge to do some squats etc, super nice. I'm stoked to find a place that reminds me of my home tracks in Vermont. I need to do some shopping for food and school supplies. Notebooks are one of the hardest things to find here, no joke. It's kinda ridiculous. Later on tonight me and Gabby plan on going on a date to some restaurant some of the girls in my apartment went to the other night. Apparently it was great, but that seems to be a common theme for Firenze. 

Ciao for now.

Week One and then some

Well one week is down. I can't believe I've already spent one week in Italy. It's been a whirlwind week trying to get used to being in another country and speaking Italian, or I should say struggling to speak Italian. 9 to 1 Italian class Monday thru Friday isn't as bad as I thought it would be. Oh and I got a 90 on my first Italian quiz, never thought I would see that day.

This past week we went to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa and it was beautiful. We all had a good time posing with the tower doing the typical touristy things. 

On Saturday we went to Cinque Terre and left at 8 am. I know I keep saying everything is breath taking but holy shit, this place was amazing. I've never seen such clear water and amazing landscape. We were suppose to the hour and a half hike to one of the 5 towns but Dan, Tommy, Sports, Brett and I got a little lost and missed a turn and ended up on the street leading up to a town. Somehow we found a trail that lead to the actually trail thank god. We spent the rest of the day at the beach taking in the sun and scenery. 

That night was crazy, we all got ready and hung out on one of our balconies before trying to find a few of the clubs/bars we were told about, but we ended up at one called BamBu bar. It was a great time and I met an Italian named Alessandro, who's a lifeguard at our beach club. We danced the night away.


Sunday was a great day, Polly and I woke up at 12, grabbed Alyssa and Gabs and headed to the beach to meet up with everyone already there. Later on Gabby and I went on a long walk on the beach, so romantic I know. We headed back semi early to shower and do some work/editing pictures before dinner.

Today is going to be a laundry and short beach day mixed in with trying to upload more pictures. Along with a long run after dinner. And some studying for my second Italian quiz tomorrow which will be a struggle. 


Well I never got the chance to blog, and I wrote my last one in class on my phone so I I'll just add on.

Got an 85 on my second Italian quiz, I'll take it with no complaints. 

This past week has been alot of fun and I would totally be content with staying here the rest of my time, but I am excited for Florence. 

Yesterday I went to the beach alone and it was ideal. Just what I needed, I didn't really wanna go to Lucca so I ended up on the beach taking it in solo. 

Yesterday we went to the Alpuine Alps, it was sick. It was a bunch of caves and it took us about 2 hours to do the whole thing. I've never seen anything like this before. It was about 30 to 40 degrees in the caves, which was nice considering it's been super hot here. 

Part One of our goodbye dinner

Tonight is our last night to go out as we have our final on Saturday and we leave for Florence at 1 on Saturday. Going out with a bangggg..

Beginning of Marina di Pietrasanta

Well it’s the end of day two in this beautiful coastal town of Marina di Pietrasanta. It was a long day yesterday with the early flight and then over a five-hour bus ride, but we made it! And man was it worth it, it’s beautiful. We’re staying at Hotel Eden Park. There are mountains behind us and the sea in front of us. Most of us have balconies and that’s probably the best part of the rooms. They’re small and not too great but the location is totally worth it, and honestly I don’t think I’ll be spending much time in there anyways. I’m living with two girls that are going to be in my apartment in Florence (which has 9 girls…) but one of them I hit it off with and she’s cool. My other roomier is 29, so there’s quite the age barrier there and not much in common, but she’s nice.

This view and this roomie (excuse the squintyness of the eyes)

Yesterday when we arrived we hung out and walked a little but the only thing I had on my mind was a nap, I was exhausted. I unpacked a little and then took a nap. Then it was time for dinner and I was not prepared for it. The woman who cooks is the owner of the hotel and she personally does all the cooking with a little help. She wakes up and goes and picks the fruits, veggies and everything else that she should need. She’s amazing; I’ve never had food like this. Last night we had bread, pesto pasta, then some type of veggie dish, salad, followed by stuffed zucchini and pork wrapped in bacon…UNREAL All my friends and family who know me know I’m a picky eater, but I’m trying everything, and even liking it!! After we went out for some gelato near the pier as a huge group, we stuck out to say the least. Walking in such a big group causes so much attention on us. I had nutella gelato and bochi (not sure how to spell it), which was hazelnut and little bits. After that we came back to the hotel and got ready to go out. We had some white wine on the balcony a bunch of us girls. Wine is so cheap here and it’s not even “cheap wine”, it’s good wine but just cheap. It’s awesome. We then went out to the bar next to our hotel and it was so much fun. I went on a walk around the town with a friend in the rain… ;) That night we had a HUGE storm, I’m not sure if I’ve ever heard thunder as loud last night, it was CRAZY.

THIS

This morning we woke up and had orientation and for almost two hours, it was miserable and a lot of info at once. We then had a little time off before we went to the beach club on the water for lunch, which was soo good, and there were more courses. I don’t know if I’ll get used to it all, whom am I kidding, I love it! After that we went to the beach which was nice but it didn’t last too long because we had to register with the police. After that we had free time to do whatever, Gabby, Alyssa and me walked down to the pier and went out on it and watched some people surf. I guess since the sea is a sea and not an ocean there typically aren’t waves, but they were pretty big today and the red flags were up, meaning that you can’t swim. Then came dinner! Tonight we had gnocchi, pasta with a tomato sauce, then a dish I’m not sure what it was, but it was delicious, spinach, corn, and a salad, ALSO some type of meat, which was very thin, and the best pizza I’ve ever had. I can’t even begin to tell you all how hard it is not to stuff my face each course because there’s always more coming.

Just a lil taste of my life right now :)

We’re just hanging out for the rest of the night and I’m going to bed super early because we have our Italian class tomorrow from 9 to 1, I don’t think I can sit that long but I know we have a break or two. I can’t believe that summer is technically over because we start classes tomorrow but it’s exciting. I really only know how to say hello and thank you so it will be nice to finally learn some Italian.

You sound like you're from Londoooonn

     Well here I am in some of my last hours in London, I leave the hotel at 3:30 in the morning on Saturday. It's been a long few days, I can't even really begin to describe how happy I am that I am here and with the people I am with. I've already made some good friends and that will grow with time. The flight over wasn't too bad, and because we flew British Airways I was able to have my first "legal" drink on the way over, white one of course (that shouldn't surprise those who know me). When we arrived at Heathrow we were shuttled to the hotel on a coach bus and lucky us arrived in the morning in the thick of rush hour, YIPPEE, kidding. It took us over an hour to get to our hotel in one of the burbs in London, it was pretty miserable. 

     When we got to the hotel we were told check in wasn't till 4 and that we had the afternoon to do whatever. Of course all of us just wanted to shower and nap but we couldn't. We had 6 plus hours till check in so we ventured around the city. And when I mean city I mean massive city, I truly had no idea how big London really was. The girls from SMC hooked up with some from Quinnipac and we had a great time despite the rain. We attempted to go to the history museum but there was a huggggee line so we disregarded that idea and went to some random museum and I soon grew bored so me and another girl just walked up and down a few blocks around the area till the meeting time came. We took the tube back and forth around the city, and lets just say I am not a city girl at all. I'm lucky that some of the girls with me could figure it out, to me it's gibberish. My highlight of the day was seeing "platform 9 and three quarters" from HP. I really wanted to get my picture with it but the line was too long to wait so I had to deal with a random girl instead of me going to Hogwarts. :( 

Platform 9 and 3 Quarters !

     Later on in the night I met up with Mike for dinner and we went to a local pub. I was so happy to see my brother and especially in London! It was great to see him and hear about how training over in London is going, despite most of the time I have no idea what he is actually saying but I can catch on a little. That night a huge group of us went out for our first night out of many, we started off at a pub and ended up at a club, but since it was still "early" according to locals and a weeknight we ended up being some of the only people there. It was awesome though, we all had a great time dancing and laughing away. We called it a night around 2 maybe? I'm not sure because I haven't had my phone, not gonna lie. It's nice, I only get wifi when I'm at the hotel and then I use it to contact my parents and best friend and not much more. 

Brother and sister in London

     This morning we woke up early for breakfast which was your typical hotel breakfast, I had a croissant and some bomb jam. Then we went on a bus tour of London seeing all different sights like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, a bank which was Gringotts in Harry Potter and alot of other sights. I personally loved seeing all the different places where HP was filmed etc. It was a good tour but I wish that our double decker tour bus was an open top. I saw where the royal family has their money, they even have their own ATM in the palace so they don't have to use the one that others use and can access it whenever, casual.... Apparently Coutts is very selective and you need something like 100,000 or 100 millin pounds in cash on top of your savings on hand to open up an account, that's crazy! 

Coutts; The Royal Families Bank

SMC, QU and HPU do the Buckingham Palace aka my future home 

SMC and the Buckingham Palace

    I'm back at the hotel just hanging out going to take a nap soon and then meet up with a few girls later on to hang out and go out to dinner. I'm passing on going out tonight due to my recent lack of sleep. I think I went something like sleeping 9 hours if that in over 3 days due to time change and then just trying to get in alot in the little time I am here. I can't believe this time tomorrow I will be on the coast of Italy legit living the dream for two weeks!!!