The End

Well, I'm back home. My flight out of Florence was delayed, so I had to sprint my heart out across the airport to make my connecting flight in Paris. I made it..... but my luggage didn't. I'm supposed to be getting it by tomorrow (let's keep our fingers crossed).

Valentina asked us everyday, "What is the first thing you're going to do when you get home". Well, my first action was getting in the car at the airport and telling my mom to drive me to a fast-food restaurant! I needed some greasy, fried, processed food, and I needed it quick! Other than that, I've just been catching up on CNN and sleep.
I'm thoroughly enjoying the air conditioning, english television, cold milk, and needed laziness!! However, I would rather be in Italy. After showing my mom a couple pics and some video last night, I realized how much I miss all my friends from abroad and all of our adventures. It saddens me to know that I won't be able to catch a train this weekend and go someplace new. There is no doubt in my mind that I'll be visiting/living in Italy again sometime soon.

I read up some in my free time during the trip. I came across this quote that I felt was worthy of writing down:

"There is no concorde that flies us from immaturity to maturity in a few hours.
There is only a narrow, bumpy road where a few people walk together as they journey to God."

My first impression of this trip was that it would be the "concorde" that took me through the fast lane to maturity. Heck, if I could make it in Italy by myself, I could do anything. I think that I soon realized that "fending for yourself" is much different than maturity. Granted, I took a couple steps forward on the path during this month.....I no longer believe that there is a destination on this narrow bumpy road, but rather it's an ongoing journey.

I also realized that the people I least expected can teach me the most about who I am. I learned so much about my dependence on earthly things/people and how I make them my lesser idols.

Many people have asked whether or not I figured out the key questions to my life during this trip. One goal of mine was to step back from my daily routine to evaluate the big picture..... where am I supposed to go from here and how do I fit into God's plan? I'm still undecided on my life and my future, but I think that my experiences this summer have done alot for figuring out what I need to work on before I can make those decisions.

I made some amazing friendships this month, and I also received so much support from my friends/family at home. I want to thank you all for adventuring with me whether it be catching the trains or reading the stories. I love you all very much!

God Bless!

Venice Baby

This past weekend, Michelle, Valentina, Daniel, and I went to beautiful Venice. We thought we'd be smart this time and buy our train tickets once we got to the station so we wouldn't risk missing the train. After we bought the tickets, we realized that Valentina forgot her passport (and we all know from previous trips how important that is)!! Needless to say, we ended up sprinting to the train and hopping on just as it was leaving.

We had a 15 minute delay at one of our stops, so everyone else decided that they wanted to stretch their legs/get food/go to the bathroom. My comment was "I'm not getting off this train.... with all my luck, it'll leave without me". The other 3 laughed as they headed for the station and left me behind with all the luggage. 15 minutes later, the train started moving and I was the only one in our seats...... yep, they had to run down the train a second time!! however, they did make it safely and we headed on our way.

Kind of another funny story with the hotel. I booked this hotel because it said it was really close to the train station, and I didn't want to have to pay for another taxi. Come to find out, this train station wasn't on the Islands of Venice, but on the mainland, and "close to the train station" means a 20 minute walk with all of our stuff. The entire trek there, I got alot of sarcastic comments like, "I thought that there were gondolas in Venice..... where's the water?"

Just in case you were worried, our hotel lost the reservation for one of the rooms..... I didn't want to dissapoint you and let you think that a hotel in Italy actually functions properly. After some haggling with the secretary, everything turned out ok, and we didn't have to pay any extra.

We took a bus into the REAL Venice, and I was blown away. It was absolutely gorgeous. Every part of it looks just like the pictures. We just walked around for the first hour enjoying the views and getting lots of photos.

We went to the Piazza di San Marco.... the one with all the pigeons that is stereotypical Venice. Just thought I'd point out that the birds are really gross, and I'm terrified of them!! However, after watching Daniel and Valentina feed them, I thought "What the heck.... I'm never going to get this chance again"..... so I did it!!! It was super creepy and I screamed and squirmed for about 10 minutes after the picture was taken.


We then headed for a gondola ride. Michelle and I had bought gondola driver shirts, and we sported them for the ride. Our cute driver sang to us for a little bit, then took us through the little streets of the town.

When we got to a calm place and we were the only boat, he let me and Michelle drive!! It was the coolest thing ever! I drove a freaking gondola!!


We went back to the hotel afterwards, ate, and went to bed. The next morning I realized that I needed to get back to Florence early, because I'd been living there for a month and I hadn't seen the David yet!!! That's a mortal sin I think. We left in the early afternoon, wishing that we could stay for a week!

Venice is so beautiful and so amazing because there are no cars. Every street looks like it should be a post-card. I'm definitely going back someday!!

Arrivederci

Today was my last day of school (tear). i'll miss everyone here, and i better get to spending some time with them while i can. so i think i can best sum up my emotions with a little number from Michel Buble's "Home":

Another summer day

has come and gone away

In Paris and Rome

but I want to go home

Maybe surrounded by

A million people I

still feel all alone

Just want to go home

Oh, I miss you, you know

..................

Another aer-o-plane

Another sunny place

I'm lucky I know

But I want to go home

I'm just to far

From where you are

And I want to come home

...................

so maybe i'm not that homesick, but i thought it worked pretty well. today should be my last update until i get back into the states. i'll fill you in on my venice trip, on the sad good-byes, and on the adventure getting into O'hare (that should be the best i'm sure).

until then!

What I Learned In Italy

Michelle

-Pilgrims weren't involved with the 4th of July

-The plural of "Moose" isn't "Mooses" or "Meese"

-Leave your mark in Florence.... even if it means puking in front of the Duomo
-Foreign objects may be used for conception through the bellybutton (ex: Vino Liquor Fjord)
-Downy wrinkle release replaces doing laundry and bathing

-A cold glass of water is a cure-all

Val

-Gelato 3x a day is a balanced diet

-A lateral "S" counts as a handicap
-Purchasing clothes prevents one from having to do laundry
-"My thighs don't touch"
-The word "couch" and the name "Peggy" can be used for sexual metaphors
-I always lose at the "Never have I..." game
-If it smells like poop.... check under the bed

-If you don't pop your collar, you're poor

Bonnie

-Amsterdam is a city, not a country

-Everyone hates Americans
-Nova Bar...... enough said
-No one else calls them "air bubbles in your throat"
-It's OK to make-out with strangers as long as they buy you drinks first
-Fabrizio is the only real Italian in Florence, and real Italians don't drive cheap scooters

-If all else fails, www.AskJeanetteAtTheFrontDesk.com

La Mia Famiglia Italiana

From left to right:
Bonnie - from Georgia, USA; goes to school in Jacksonville Florida; dance major
Michelle - from Florida, USA; goes to school in Jacksonville Florida; photography major
Michel - from Mexico; goes to school in Florence Italy; architecture major
Peter - from Poland; goes to school somewhere in Poland
Me
Valentina - from Mexico; still in High School in Mexico
Manuel - from Spain; goes to school somewhere in Spain
Lee - from Ohio, USA; goes to school in Jacksonville Florida; Economics and Aviation management major

(Not pictured, Linda from Canada; Ria from Japan; and the host family members)

thats right folks...... we all live in the flat together!!!

We're not in Kansas anymore

As I mentioned earlier, I delayed the trip to Venice this weekend, but I was up for traveling by Saturday. Michelle, Bonnie, and I all voyaged to the beautiful Lake Como...... and do we have the stories to go along with it!!

2 minutes before we left the flat, Michelle reminded us that we needed our passports for the hotel room. I soon realized that I could no longer find my passport..... I must have misplaced it. After 10 minutes of cursing under my breath, I gave up on looking for it, and grabbed my copy, because the copy will work for hotel rooms.

We got on our train just before it headed out, and traveled to Milan, where we had to change trains. We quickly ran to the next train and reminded ourselves that the stop for Como was supposed to be at 12:15.

At 11:45, our train rolls into a stop that simply says "Como". There are multiple train stations in Como, and since we were early, we assumed that it wasn't our stop. After the train started rolling again, we realized it WAS our stop. we panicked...... and just decided to get off at the next one.

The train stopped about 10 minutes later, and we grab our stuff and jump off the train. Before we know it, we're the only ones getting off the train, and some guy is chasing us down...... apparently this wasn't a stop, it was just a crew change. We're all laughing like crazy by now, and the conductor guy was really nice and just told us to follow the crew and they would take us to the station. We did as we were told, and found a train going back to Como.

As we were about to get on the train, we noticed that the guards were wearing different uniforms than we were used to seeing....... then, they asked to see our documents..... we soon realized that we accidentally crossed the border into Switzerland!!!! And guess who didn't have her passport! Luckily, we were just three confused american girls who just wanted to go to the lake, so they let us back on the train!

After all that commotion, we got to Como, and waited in line for a taxi. Casually, I asked Michelle about the hotel she booked for us. I soon gathered from her response that she didn't write down the address of our hotel. Hmmmmm.......!! After a long taxi ride, many questions, and ample frustration, we ended up calling her dad at 4am his time to get the address!

Once we got to the hotel, we were talking with the guy at the front desk, and we find out that he didn't get our online reservations. Of course he didn't..... that would make things too easy!! He fit us into 2 different rooms, that were pretty darn sketchy if I might add.

Eventually, we did make it to the lake, and it was gorgeous! It was the "lake version" of Capri. Bonnie and I hiked up this mountain in the Alps to a lighthouse, and then we went to the top of the lighthouse to get an amazing view (Michelle didn't make it). The hike was the most intense exercise I've had in a long time, and my butt is definitely feeling it today!! For those former Mt.Carmel track stars...... imagine an hour of "hill-sprint style" hiking - not one area of flat
trail my friends!!

Lake Como was beautiful, but it was definitely not the relaxing vacation that I expected. I'm getting kind of worn out lately because Bonnie and Michelle don't speak any Italian, and I have to do alot of the "not fun" part of the trip. I'm always the one to ask for directions, to ask about the train, and to tell them to stop being so American! :) (just kidding girls). Seriously though, if we get lost or we aren't prepared, I feel like it's all on me..... like I'm responsible for everyone. I know that this isn't true, but it stresses me out (naturally, for those who know me best).

I'm looking forward to my trip to Venice next weekend, but I'm also getting kind of sad about having to leave. This is my last week of school and my last week of Florence. Hopefully I can make the most of it!

Until next time!

It's all about me

hello again from italy!! i know you're all probably wondering why i'm writing so soon again, but i just thought i'd update you on some stuff that's going on outside of traveling.

my schooling is going well. my photography teacher really likes my pictures, which is a good thing :)........ i'm hoping to be able to take some more classes when i get back to champaign.... it really interests me. our second project was to shoot people, but have them portraying everyday life. at first, i just attempted to shoot people without them knowing it. this was kind of difficult because everyone would dodge out of the way so that i could get the monument behind them that i pretended i was shooting. as nice as it was..... it kinda ruined my plan. i ended up asking a couple people if they could just stand where they were so that i could get them in the shot. it was especially important to ask parents of children, so that i wasn't so "stalkerish". here are some of my photos:

although the project was difficult, it really made me get out of my comfort zone. not only did i have to ask random people for their picture, but i had to ask it in a different language! that is one thing that i have definitely gotten out of my trip here: being more open..... both socially and mentally. i have been tested many times to stand up for my beliefs..... something that i didn't really plan on running in to. it was really nice to hear what one of my roommates had to say the other day. after a long conversation on my faith, manuel (a guy student from spain that lives with us) said,

"valerie...... i like the way you talk. bonnie is funny, michelle is interesting, but you are so fun to talk to. you have these beliefs that are very traditional, and not what everyone else believes, but you are very firm in them. our conversations are very good"

granted his english isn't the best...... it really meant alot. we've gotten into political and spiritual discussions in which my knowledge on my beliefs has been tested beyond what it normally is. i was amazed to learn that our 17 year old girl roommate from mexico, valentina, lives by herself with her 15 year old brother. apparently, her parents have been divorced for the majority of her life, and she never sees her father....... then, about 3 years ago, her mother died. so she was stuck raising her 13 year old brother when she was only 15!! it has really made me re-evaluate how tough some people have it, and how spoiled i actually am. on the other extreme, i have friends here who have never done their own laundry, so it challenges me to realize that i can have an impact on those even more sheltered than myself.

i'm still really enjoying florence. bonnie and i had tickets to go to venice this morning, but i went to the train station and cancelled them because i just wanted a day to enjoy the city without any plans (don't worry, i'm going to venice next weekend). so today i wandered the streets for hours just stopping in little local shops. i'm really going to miss the "non-walmart" way of life here. i enjoy going and buying my fresh fruit in the morning, and a slice of pizza or panini at the cafe around the corner of my school. i may even miss the slow-paced and ineffecient system of inconvenient internet, expensive water, crazy work hours, and long dinners. i think the culture shock has really started to wear away lately....... just in time to go home!

good-bye for now.... and i'll update again next week.

Island in the Sun

this past weekend i went to capri. it is a small island on the western coast of italy just off of naples.

me and bonnie headed out, but since michelle didn't want to go, we took our new friend daniel (from hawaii) with us. it was absolutely amazing. i swear it is the most beautiful place that i have ever seen. it is truely heaven.

we got to naples on saturday afternoon after a 4.5 hour train ride from florence. regardless of what anyone tells you..... naples sucks!! it's dirty, ugly, and poor, and the people are so rude. i'll never go back. the only somewhat nice thing about it is the view of mt.vesuvius. maybe i'll visit the pompeii ruins sometime. after we got lost (which seems to be a trend of mine), we got a tram to the dock, and headed off for the island. 1.5 hours later, we arrived in heaven.

capri is a rocky island, so there aren't any sandy beaches, but the water is so blue, it looks fake. we had to take a lift up to the top of the island because it is so steep. gorgeous..... absolutely gorgeous. come to find out, our hotel was out in the middle of no where, so we had a fun time hiking to try to find it. we were never actually "lost", just a little confused! :)

our hotel ended up screwing us over (since we're american students), and there was nothing we could do about it, so we just paid the extra 70 euros, and got our rooms. we hung out by the pool, and then went into town for the most amazing meal i've had yet. 2 bottles of wine later, we headed back to our rooms and crashed.

sunday morning we woke up somewhat early and took a boat ride around the island. it was a great way to get a tan and see the sights. we didn't want it to end. unfortunately, our train left from naples at 5, so we had to catch an early ferry back. even though it was a short trip, and we didn't really get to do a whole lot, we had a great time. bonnie and daniel are hilarious, and we keep each other laughing all the time. my friends here are so much fun...... and i've got hours of it on video for those who wish to see it later! :)

i'm back at school now, tired and very bronze. i decided that i'm going to marry a rich italian man and live happily ever after on capri!!

until the next voyage!!
-val

....a three hour tour....

yesterday was a fun trip to rome!! me, michelle, and bonnie took off for the train station at 6am and ended up in the beautiful city by 8:30. after getting ripped off by a cab driver, we explored vatican city for a while.

luckily, michelle's dad has major connections, and we were able to take advantage of them. we got in touch with one of their drivers from the hilton, and we got a professional tour. after watching the pope for a little bit, we saw all of rome in 3 HOURS!! we just piled in the benz and he drove us around town, let us take photos as we wanted, explained all the ruins, and got us into the colloseum through the "back door". within 3 hours we saw was most people see in a week. pretty sweet!!

after getting lost in the subway system of rome........ we laughed our way to the train station, and arrived safely at home last night.

overall, rome was a good experience, but i'm still quite fond of florence. it felt nice to get back last night and think "we're home". rome is much larger, but it's crazy because we just walk around the city and all of the sudden it's like "wow, there's an ancient ruin next to that store". it was a nice day trip to say the least.

oh yeah, and did i mention that we got picked up by these 2 really hot guards at the vatican?

the dynamics of our household have changed some. we now have a guy from spain, a guy from france, and a guy from poland who took the place of the 5 mexicans. they enjoy discussing politics at the dinner table, and usually just complain about bush and how they could run our country so much better. trust me, many debates have come out of these "conversations". our U.N. count has risen to 8 countries..... not including the 2 additional countries that are living with our host family's daughters.

oh, and just for clarification..... my host mom's name is pronounced tee-tee. :)

i love you all, and keep the emails coming....... i love hearing about home!