Florence in the Wintertime

It’s most definitely my favorite time of year, and Florence doesn’t disappoint in giving the perfect atmosphere of Christmas. The weather has gotten significantly colder, which means boots, scarves and coats! There is nothing better than getting all bundled up and going out for a hot chocolate on a cold winter day. They have put out lights on all the big streets in the city, each on having it’s own set of characteristics. Different colors, different designs, even hanging lanterns made from Christmas tree branches…it’s definitely a treat to walk around and take it all in. They put up a giant tree in front of the Duomo, with the ornaments of course being the symbol of Florence, or the “fleur di lis.” They have had a giant Christmas market in the big piazza near my apartment, where sellers from all over Europe come and open up stands with homemade gifts for all occasions, as well as food, sweets, and drinks from the different countries. I’ve passed through there numerous times just for the atmosphere; it truly never gets old. Although I’m leaving to California tomorrow to spend Christmas at home, I’ve sincerely enjoyed what Florence has given me to soak in my favorite time of the year. I hope when I return in just about two weeks that the lights will still be up and there will still be ice skating so that I can continue to enjoy this beautiful European winter!

Thoughts on being an American student at an Italian University

Got my student card and am officially a student at 

L'Università Degli Studi di Firenze!

As many of you know, before coming to Italy I had planned on enrolling in the University of Florence second semester, after I settled in and felt comfortable with the culture and my efficiency in the language. Well, as time went on at our Californian school, I realized that I wasn’t getting everything that I wanted out of the experience and decided to go ahead and try to enroll at the Italian University for the second part of the first semester. After going through paperwork and an oral exam, I finally got registered as a student and enrolled in an Italian Literature class. I started going in November, with no previous knowledge that it was only a five week course. By now, the lessons have finished, however I don’t have my actual exam until the end of January. The course was on all the works of the famous Italian poet Giacomo Leopardi. Let’s just say, this was most certainly one of the most intimidating experiences of my life! 

The first days of class were horrific…it’s like you walk in the middle of a foreign film and you are stuck in the middle of something really important, but you can’t just quite grasp what the heck is going on. I learned very quickly that there is a huge difference between being fluent to the point of being comfortable speaking with the locals and being fluent to the point of being comfortable in an academic environment. Naturally, the professors use much larger and more sophisticated words in order to build a well-educated environment. They also don’t really cater to your foreign vulnerability in a classroom setting and speak just as normally and rapidly as they would to any other native speaker. Needless to say, the first few days were a nightmare. I had so many doubts and whether I would be capable of succeeding with a good grade in the course, but I just knew that I had to stick with it. After those first days, I found myself beginning to follow the professor better; who knows if it was due to the fact that I started drinking coffee, or if I was just improving…J My professor from the California University had told me that it would take a week or two, but eventually I would get used to their tone of voice and their manner of speaking. And she was most certainly right! By the end of class, it was much easier to follow her lectures and feel like I grasped the general idea of the analyses that we were discussing in class. The hardest thing to do for me was taking notes. When I would begin to write a sentence down, I would be concentrating on every word to make sure it would make sense…but then in the middle of it, I would be concentrating so much that I would forget the rest of the sentence! For that reason, there are definitely a lot of “dot dot dots” and question marks throughout my note book. After she saw that we were getting a little more comfortable in class, she began to turn the attention on us and call for us to read, always addressing us as their “American friends.” After seeing that reading the old Italian poetry was difficult for even the natives, it was most certainly a nerve wrecking experience! 

Thankfully, we made a friend in the class who is extremely kind and who always helps us with understanding any confusion that we have when it comes to the readings and the exams. If it wasn’t for her, everything would be that much more difficult, so I’m definitely grateful J I have enjoyed reading and analyzing the poetry, however. Despite the fact that he’s a very depressing writer, it’s so interesting to see the ideas and the history of another culture in such a work of art. My issue now is just trying to figure out a way to study it….trying to understand everything about the language itself is hard enough, let alone having to analyze the meaning behind such deep poetry after seeing that the Italian students themselves are having difficulties understanding it as well! I know it just means I have to push myself that much harder once the exam nears. It’s going to be my very first oral exam, more importantly my very first exam given to me by an Italian University in a completely different language. I’m hoping that it will all go well, because next semester I plan on taking most of my classes at the University of Florence…so we shall see. This will definitely be such an adventure, but I know in the end it will be all worth it! My Italian has been thanking me for it lately, and I’m hoping to see a great change and improvement by the end of the year. After all, nothing great in life comes without great challenges. 

Sangria in Spain

Over Thanksgiving Break, Jessica and I took a trip to Barcelona, Spain. We were lucky enough to get to stay with her old friend, who was very hospitable and gave us a lot of information on how to see as much of the city as possible in just three days. Barcelona was most certainly beautiful, but far from what I had expected. First of all, it’s a lot bigger than I thought! The locals there claim that it’s a small city, but coming from a true small town, having multiple different subways to get from place to place doesn’t really classify as a “small” place in the least bit. I was mostly surprised at how modern it was; in a lot of the areas of the city, I felt like I could have been in any other city in America. The port reminded me very much of San Diego, and the beaches that they had were accompanied by giant modern architecture buildings that were lined up the whole coast. My favorite part of the trip was going to Park Guell, which was up on top of a hill where you could overlook the entire city. The path through the park was pleasant, for it had exotic plants and cactuses, as well as architecture that looked like it was naturally formed and not man-made. We climbed to the top of a rock monument and overlooked all of Barcelona, which was absolutely breath taking! You could see everything from downtown to the coastline to the rolling hills behind it all. To accompany the view, there were live performers that were playing music to set a mood which could take you off into your own world. I particularly enjoyed all the architecture made of the rocks in the park, and the mosaic buildings that I saw in pictures before actually going to Barcelona. Downtown, there were many really unique and beautiful buildings that were placed in the middle of all the modern ones which gave the city more character. 

 I was able to meet up with an old foreign exchange student friend of mine from high school...it's so awesome to be able to cross paths once again with friends from around the world :)

I also had Sangria for my first time, since I was saving it for Spain- it was definitely worth it! It was so fruity and delightful, although they would always look at us weird when we ate the fruit after we finished it…guess that’s really not a social convention there. We could care less, call us tourists…the Sangria coated lemons and oranges were like eating a fortune cookie at the end of eating a Chinese meal- you just can’t go without it. 

The other popular Spanish foods that we were addicted to while there were Patatas Bravas and Tortillas. Patatas Bravas were pretty much just fried potatoes with ketchup and mayonnaise on them, so maybe it just reminded us of home….either way they were really fucking good. The Spanish tortillas are like an omelet, just egg with vegetables in it usually served in slices and eaten more commonly at dinner. I firmly believe that in order to truly experience a place, you have to experience the food as well. J The only other touristy thing we really did was go to see the famous Sagrada Familia, probably one of the most unique cathedrals in the world. We didn’t go inside because it cost too much, however from the outside I feel like a got a pretty good perspective of its peculiarity. There’s no distinct pattern to this building; it honestly looks like a giant sandcastle with numerous different designs and patterns all over it. They are in the process of renovating it, so parts of it were newer than others. What I found interesting was that they had topped parts of the columns with different sculptures of fruits. I really have to do more research on the building because I really just couldn’t make sense of it! Every building is a piece of art in their own special way, so I definitely was able to appreciate it for that. And now, I can say that I have seen it J

Going to Barcelona, I knew that it was a part of the region of Catalonia and that they speak their own dialect there, but I literally had no clue at how intense the separation from Spain really was! I found that the locals in Barcelona mostly only speak Catalan...but it’s not only that. The signs inside of restaurants, stores, and on the street, the tv channels, and news stations were mostly in Catalan. Immediately I saw a distinct separation, so I began to ask our host questions about why it was so drastic. Well it turns out that during the time that we were there, they were having elections within Catalonia to determine whether it would become separate from Spain. We got to hear two different sides of the story, especially the side against it since we have three Spanish roommates from another region. We learned that Catalonia had been separate from Spain years and years ago, and the people that lived there continued to carry on their Catalan traditions even after it became a part of Spain. Many locals that live there don’t even consider themselves Spanish, and are looking to have their own independence so that they can categorize themselves as “Catalan” once again. The ones that are against it are so enraged that these people want to be separate from the rest of the country, because they want to keep their unity as Spain and many can’t stand the people who consider themselves to be part of another country. This is the idea that I got from talking with a few different people, and hearing what they had to say. Basically, I could tell that there is a lot of hostility that I didn’t even know existed!

Barcelona and Catalan pride!

Overall, we had a great trip to Spain. Next time I go, I would definitely like to visit Madrid and Granada, since I hear that they are absolutely beautiful as well. Nos vemos pronto España!

I AMsterdam: A Love Story

Over Halloween, we took a lovely trip to Amsterdam. What can I say? I fell absolutely in love with the place. Normally when people think Amsterdam, they imagine weed, sex, drugs, prostitutes, and more weed. I'm here to tell you that this city has far more beautiful attributes to it that make it an extremely special place! I honestly didn't expect it to be so incredibly beautiful. I instantly fell in love with the canals and the architecture that gave the town such a pleasant and unique feeling. The language is absolutely insane...literally like nothing I'd ever heard before! When you hear it, it's like they are just making a bunch of noises. However when I would read it, some of it resembles English in many ways. Many say that it's like a mixture of German and English...which just makes it that much more complicated. Everybody there speaks English as well though, since their TV is all in English with Dutch subtitles, so they are forced to learn it. It's quite the advantage for us tourists! Getting lost in this city was too much fun; we just kept finding new parts to it that were equally or more beautiful than the part before. Through visiting two Art Museums, the Heineken Factory, the I Amsterdam sign, authentic Dutch restaurants, going on the Canal Cruise, and just walking through all the different parts of the city, I felt like we got a really great feeling of the city and all its charming qualities. The entire time, I was just so happy and in awe of everything that I was seeing. 

Now, if you are curious about all that other stuff that Amsterdam is known for...it was definitely an experience! For those who go looking to smoke, all you have to do is find a "Coffee Shop." This definitely isn't hard at all, because in the main district as well as throughout the entire city, there are numerous ones on every block. You go inside, and quickly discover it's not your usual coffee shop. Everybody is sitting around and smoking, talking, drinking..etc. You go to the back, order whatever type you would like, get it by the gram or by the joint, with our without tobacco...the options are endless. Then, it's as simple as sitting down and lighting up. Also, if you don't want to stay inside you can go outside and smoke on the street, walking around, wherever...yes that's right, it's legal as well. Apparently you can walk up to a cop and blow it in his face for the fun of it, and he can't do anything about it. Freaking crazy, right?! For those who are out there looking for prostitutes, or solely something to look at...there is the Red Light District. This is literally numerous streets with windows that are traced with red lights. Think of it as window shopping for clothes, but replace the clothes with women. Inside, there are women that are barley dressed, who have a bedroom behind them, and they and standing there selling themselves, calling to you, doing whatever they can to lure you in. Once they get a customer, they close the red curtains. It's pretty awkward at first walking up the streets, looking at live manikins...something that you've literally never seen before. These aspects definitely will give you some degree of culture shock, because it really is so surreal...especially how normal it is over there, and just not really a big deal at all. An experience, to say the least! 

Massi and I were lucky to have found a Dutch host through Couch Surfing that let us stay at his apartment for three nights. He was extremely hospitable and told us exactly what we needed to know about the city to get the most out of the three days, and he also gave us discounts since he worked for a tourist company. Thanks to him, we got to taste authentic Dutch food (which is incredibly simple but amazing) and also got to see the city through the eyes of a local, and hear the history that you wouldn't typically hear through any regular tour guide. We really were so lucky and definitely had the time of our lives. I really can't wait to go back!

Cheapest airline ever...as long as you follow all their little secretive fine print.

Bus ride from Eindhoven to Amsterdam!

Our first night in the city. I'm not going to hide any aspect of the trip, because I'm not ashamed whatsoever ...we wanted to be a part of the Dutch culture, and we most definitely were! Here is us with our first legal joint. Emphasis on the word LEGAL. 

Let's just say, that first night was definitely one of the craziest and funniest nights of our lives. 

Always laughing with my best friend :)

Our first day there! Touring the city and sight seeing :)

Dam Square, one of the most famous and largest in the city.

An old church turned into an Andy Warhol museum..contained some of his work as well as a movie on his life...interesting to say the least!

We have no idea why, but despite the fact that it was 0 to negative degrees celsius, throughout the entire trip all we craved was a McDonald's Milkshake. We got three, and froze our butts off...but were damn satisfied to say the least :)

I saw a picture very similar to this on Google and swore that I would go here during my year abroad...I finally got to take my own picture of the very same buildings :)

Authentic Holland Shoes! Although they seemed rather uncomfortable to me...haha

One of the beautiful canals

Waiting for the night bus to take us home...freezing our asses off was an understatement.

Authentic Absinthe! They pour in the shot, then light sugar on fire in a spoon, and once it's melted they pour it in and mix it up so the Absinthe taste is mellowed down a bit. Black Liquorice flavor, just in case you were wondering!

Our second day, which we started off with a Canal Cruise :) As you'll see below, I just love the Dutch architecture.

Anne Frank's house! Didn't get to go inside, but at least I caught a glimpse :)

An authentic Dutch Croquette roll! It was basically like a mozzarella stick, but instead of the cheese it was meat and gravy...that's the best way that I can explain it. Needless to say it was bomb!

Massi enjoyed it a little too much ;)

This is how we knew we were in a local spot- everybody in there was only speaking Dutch, and the menu didn't have a pinch of English on it!

Tromping through the city :)

One of my favorite parts of town...all we had to do was get lost and we found the best parts :)

On our way to the Heineken Experience!

Heineken's Factory...we did the whole tour and saw everything from the history, to their accomplishments, their progression, to the way to beer was made, and finally got to experience what it was like to "be the beer." That was basically a 4D virtual experience on what it was like to get brewed...twas interesting!

True Dutch people :)

The four main ingredients

Where it gets mixed altogether and brewed!

The base of beer...water and barley, heated and filtered. Tried it, and decided that the end result is MUCH better. Haha

Massi helping the brewers by grinding the seeds!

The best part...our free beers :)

My boy is hard. freaking. core.

And last...the bottle filling!

Such a beautiful part of the city!

The famous sign of Amsterdam! We didn't expect it to be so crowded...so there are many photo bombs. Oh well, you get the idea.

Our attempt to get us both in it....

M for Massi, M for the love of my life :)

All I have to say is...love was in the air :)

The bridges over the canals were my favorite.

The classy side to Amsterdam.

Our last night in the city, when our Dutch host Robin took us around the city and showed it to us through his eyes. It definitely was a night to remember! 

All of us together :)

Our typical Dutch meal...literally just mashed potatoes, kale, gravy, and sausage. But it was sooo tasty.

The crooked houses are to the right :)

Had to have my touristy moment :)

Last but not least, I took this picture for one of the biggest loves of my life. My cat, Smokey. This Coffee Shop is dedicated to you my furry best friend :)

Well, there is our wonderful trip summed up. Amsterdam will be a place that I will always remember, and a place that I will always want to return to. Although there are parts of it that are like nothing you have ever seen or experienced before, it's very easily one of the most beautiful and unique places that I have ever visited..and will forever have a part of my heart :)

                              Tot ziens, Amsterdam!