June 1, 2011 "I'm more interested in what I discover than what I invent." - Paul Simon

So last night I finished my journal as the night was winding down. I went to get my clothes off the line in the bathroom. I am in there for a good 10 minutes and then something catches my eye under the sink. I couldn’t tell what it was until I moved a step closer to see that it was a pigeon….in our apartment. Confused, I stood there for a second then walked up into the bedroom and said to Jill and Ashley, “Ummm guys….there’s a pigeon in our bathroom.” We all walked down to the bathroom and just stared at it wondering how it had gotten through the bars of the window. The poor thing was terrified, not moving and pressed against the wall. We knew it wasn’t getting out on its own so we decided that we would herd it to the window and hope it would fly out. Jill closed the door and stood in the hall while Ashley and I tried to move it with towel. It flew right at us and we both screamed….and then started laughing hysterically because we felt silly for getting scared of a bird. After about 15 minutes of chasing the bird around and feeling bad about its sad bird sounds I was able to smooth down its feathers and pick it up. I placed it on the bars of the window and closed the window behind it. What a turn of events for the night.
Now for my day.
I got to the school around 9. I watched the movie for my presentation, wrote up my paper and hung out until class at 11:15. My partner was there so we were able to do our presentation for the movie “Two Women” and it went well. Our class then walked to the Etruscin (Sp?) Well nearby that is more then 3,00 years old. It was so cool. Only 7 of us could go at a time. I was in the first group. We walked down the damp, dark, small stone staircase and took a right into the well. A bridge is suspended through the well high above the water. I have a slight fear of heights so my body tensed and shook at the same time but I walked out to the middle so everyone could get on the bridge. Of course I through a coin in and made a wish. 2 wished in 2 fountains…..let’s see how it goes.
We then went to see one of Raffales frescos that he did in Perugia. He was working on this one wen he was called to the Vatican. It was a fresco around the statue of the Madonna and Child which is an interesting combination of styles. After the rest of class finished their presentations I headed back to the room to work. Ashley was napping so I decided to nap too.
We woke up around 5 and I headed to the school to check the internet. My roommates had class so I did homework, made dinner, did the dishes and took a shower. They brought cheese back from their class (they are taking a food class) so I had wine and cheese before bed.
Tomorrow I plan on going to Piazza Italia to sketch. Someone complimented my fountain sketch today :)

Hello from Sarah's MOM!

Sarah sent a message and asked if I could let you all know that she is having internet problems and as soon as they are fixed she will upload her journal entries. She has them all written in her journal and transcribed to her computer she just can;t get them uploaded. It is also midterm testing already so she will have less 'free' computer time. She will post as soon as possible. Keep an eye out for photos soon to come as well!
thank you all for following Sarah's journey!

May 31, 2011 lalalalala Homework

We got up at 7:30 today and I had a yogurt for breakfast before heading to the library. On the way in CiaoCiao, very excitedly, greeted me with, “Bongerno, Ciao Ciao!” Haha he makes my day.
It takes a long time to type up blogs. While I was working I got a cappuccino….I have lost track of how many I get in one day. I worked until I met with my partner at 11:30. We worked on our presentation for a while. She didn’t feel well so I hope she will be in class tomorrow so I don’t present alone.
When Jill and Ashley went on lunch break from their class, I went with them. They got CiaoCiao’s and I got a kebob from across the street. I then tried calling my mom. She has surgery today and I wanted to talk to her. Unfortunately, we were disconnected after only a few minutes.
Since I had an hour to kill before class, I decided to sketch. I chose to sketch the main fountain in town. By the end it looked pretty good.
Class was from 3:00-6:45 and it was rough. The material is interesting but we had the lights off and the windows shut. My professor also has a relaxing voice which, today, made me sleepy. Halfway though we opened the windows and walked around a bit. After class, the girls and I went shopping and stocked up on food. No cute guys or old ladies though.
The plan for tonight is dinner and homework. I am very tired and will probably crash early. The Italian way of life is exhausting. Ciao.

May 30, 2011- "I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday." ~Author Unknown

Today was about as plain as you can get in Italy. I had a lot of homework so I got up at 7:30, long before my roommates. I crept around and got ready. I arrived at the school at 8 but didn’t realize that they dont open until 9. So I sat outside the door working until they opened.
From 9-11:15 I did research on Marinetti, futurism and fascism in the library. Class went from 11:15 to 2:45 with a half hour break. It was fun. I am really enjoying this class and am learning a lot about the things that we glossed over in previous classes. We watched the end of the Mussolini movie and moved into Neo-realism. This is the type of movie , literature and art that occurred after WWII. Instead of having big stars playing well-off middle class people, normal people played in movies that portrayed the reality of poverty and hardship. For Wednesday, I have to get in a group and make up a presentation.
After class I came back to the room to do laundry and homework. Ashley’s allergies are bothering her so she was sleeping. I had leftover salad while writing my Renaissance Art paper.
Later when Jill got home, the three of us made pasta with tomato sauce and ricotta for dinner. This will be our meals for the next week. The two of them went to class. I was restless so I cleaned the apartment, did another load of laundry, made my bed and did some homework.
I also did some sketching which I have gotten into again after years of leaving it behind. In Rome I sketched 2 windows that I thought looked interesting and today I sketched 2 mugs and a tea pot. When I have time, I hope to sit outside and do some fountains and buildings.
I just showered and plan on typing up my journals for my blog and heading to bed. Long day of presentation planning and class tomorrow.
Loving life.

May 29, 2011- Rome- "I would never want to miss this, cause in my heart I know what this is....this is what dreams are made of." - Hilary Duff - Lizzie McGuire Movie

Oh you know, I only went to Rome today. No big deal.

It was SO AMAZING. It was a whole day of “pinch-me-I’m-dreaming” moments. After getting up at 4:45 am and arriving in Rome at 9 we went to the coliseum first.

Yup, it didn’t feel like real life. I never thought I would actually see it in person….I still don’t think it has sunk in. It was so beautiful and even more impressive in person. The time and effort it took to create something so large without machines or electricity is inconceivable. The Romans did everything there from gladiators to filling it with water and staging navel battles. We wanted to get out picture taken with one of the many gladiators walking around but they are known to scam you for money.
Outside the coliseum is the arch of Constantine.

Arches were made for important people in Rome. Later we saw the arch of Titus. After meeting up we walked the path the soldiers took when coming back from war making our way into the Palentine.

We saw the area that had the statues of the 7 virgins of Rome. The women were in charge of keeping the fire of Rome lit. They had to vow to remain virgins and in return they were treated like royalty. However, if they broke their vow, they were chained up for life and given only bread and water.

We then went to see the staircase Michelangelo built, along with the beautiful buildings around it. Two giant figures stood on with side of the fountain in the center of the building. Statues lined the roofs of the surrounding buildings. One of the girls in our group tried to climb onto the statue to get a picture. The second she attempted it, a whistle blew from a police officer nearby. They see everything.
Walking down the staircase was a disaster waiting to happen. It wasn’t really a stair case but it wasn’t really a ramp either. They were like slanted steps. We crossed a lot of crazy Italian traffic. Drivers here are much crazier then back home but they are also more patient. There is rarely a honking of a horn or shouting from the window. They just patiently wait for things to clear or move. After getting across all the traffic I turned around.
There stood the largest and most beautiful building I have ever seen. Up on a small grassy incline stood the capital building, practically glowing white in the hot Italian sun. Long and tall with pillars and statues surrounding it, my jaw literally dropped and a hushed “oh wow,” escaped my lips. I can’t even describe how awe struck I was.
From there we continued down the hectic and confusing streets making our way to the Trevi Fountain.

This is what I have been waiting for. The figures in the fountain stood tall and strong; men built for battle and horses burst from the base of the fountain while lady figures stood up the sides watching. I am very into wishing and this is the place to so it. If you have ever seen The Lizzie McGuire Movie (I grew up with this show and Hilary Duff) she goes to Rome and makes a wish in the Trevi Fountain. From there she meets a pop icon and becomes famous. So all day I was singing “What dreams are made of” from that movie and saying I would meet a pop star and live happily ever after. Jill and Ashley rolled their eyes every time. Ashley and Jill wished first then it was my turn. Just as I was thinking about my wish (I take wishes very seriously), Ashley yells, “It’s 11:11!!!” That’s right ladies and gentlemen; I made a wish at the Trevi Fountain at 11:11….now THAT is the ultimate wish. One coin means you will return to Rome, two means you will find true love and three means you will marry your true love. I will leave you in suspense for how many I threw.
We then had free time for lunch. We got pizza and sat on the step and watched the fountain as we ate. We walked around the shops and I bought a post card and keychain to remember Rome by.
Next we went to a nearby Piazza that was very popular. It had three large fountains, painters and street performers. One of the street performers was painted like a statue and only moved to freak people out. We were told to use the restrooms before we left because it would be a long time before we would be able to do it again. The problem was there aren’t any public restrooms and you cant use a café restroom unless you are buying something. But our professor insisted that we go. So we casually strolled into a business until we realized it was just a weird wine bar thing with no bathroom….everyone just stared at us. We tried a different one and saw a sign for bathrooms upstairs. We ran up, used the men and women’s room to save time and ran out while avoiding eye contact.
By this point in the day, we were so thirsty. Luckily, the water in fountain in Italy is good to drink. So Ashley and I filled up in one of the big fountains. It tasted so cold and good.
We then made the long and hot trek to the Vatican and Sistine chapel. Unfortunately, the chapel was closed because it was Sunday (as are most things on Sunday in Italy) so we got into line for the Vatican.

I have never seen a line so long out in the hot sun before. The line was for security to get in. Once inside, all my awe-struck moments of the day were blown away.

Statues bigger than houses covered the walls, famous painting were scattered and everything was marble. Michelangelo’s last piece of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus after his death was there.

And I saw it. Wow. The amount of marble and gold in the place was incredible.
After killing two hours shopping around Rome (I got more presents for my family) we got on the bus and made the 2.5 hours journey home.
My feet were torn apart, sore and dirty from the longest and hottest day of walking I had ever had. We had leftover salad for dinner but added a mix of beans for protein. I took a hot shower to sooth my muscles and feet. I happily got into bed and now I am going to get some sleep.
This can’t be real life.

May 27, 2011- Assisi- "While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart." - Saint Francis

We got up at 7 and showered and got ready for Assisi. The ride took about 45 minutes because of bus stops. Our first stop was the Basilica of Saint Maria degli Angeli. This Basilica is literally built around the tiny church-the Porziunede- looks like a doll house placed in the middle of the Basilica. Also within this church is the rose garden that Saint Francis through himself in to be forgiven for his sins. Legend has it that since that moment thorns no longer grow on the roses. This church is also where Francis died. The spot in which he died is gated off and an alter is built there. The coolest part of this church is a statue of Saint Francis holding a basket at the exit. Ever since it was built there has always been doves in the basket. Sure enough, when we passed by one dove was nested in the basket while the other one swooped down onto Francis’ shoulder.
Very hectically we caught the bus to upper Assisi. When we arrived, we went to the Basilica of Saint Francis that I went to with my class on Thursday. It was still fun and we went to places I didn’t go to the first time. We found the relic room in the basement of all Francis’ old clothing and items. We also stopped at the gift shop and got some charms. I want to get a silver charm bracelet for my trip to Italy.
By this time everyone is starving so they tell us we are going to lunch. What they didn’t tell us is that the restaurant is up 7 mountains. By the time we reached the restaurant everyone was hot, tired and hungry. I ordered lasagna because I wanted to try it the Italian way. As with all my food in Italy, it was very good. The mozerella was the best part. Ashley got a pasta dish with ham, asparagus and chees. The strange thing was, they had very small portions and for a group of people that had been traveling all day and were going to continue to travel, we were all still starving.
After lunch we visited where Saint Francis’ family lived when he was a boy and where he lived as an adult. We also saw his dad’s merchant shop in the main square in town. After that we visited one more church. The church of Saint Clare. This one was different compared to the others we saw. There weren’t any frescos, it was smaller and much more bare. But here the cross of San Domino is held. This is the cross that spoke to Francis and Jesus told him to “rebuild my church.”

We were given free reign of Assisi for an hour and a half. We could climb the mountain to see a castle, shop or relax. We decided to shop. The streets of Assisi are lined with souvenir shops. I got my brothers, my Granny and my Papa presents here. While I was in the one shop purchasing my grandfathers present, the little Italian lady started saying something to me in Italian and put a bracelet on my wrist. Jill, who speaks Spanish, said that the lady said something about a gift. I smiled, a little confused but happy and said “Gratzay, Ciao!”
On the way back to the school everyone got bus sick. Between the twisty roads, lack of food, hot sun and exhaustion, it was bad. Ashley, Jill and I decided to go get real food instead of our leftovers. We went out for kebobs…they were really good. I don’t know what kind of meat it was but I am not going to question it.
Exhausted we headed to bed. We are getting up at 5 tomorrow to head to Rome.

May 27, 2011- "Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” - Andre Gide

Sorry about the delay....there were internet problems but they are fixed now.
This morning we all got up at 8 so we could get to the grocery store when it opened at 9. Apparently that is what every little old Italian lady did as well. We thought we would be the first ones there but were very wrong. We picked up eggs, milk, juice, tomatoes, mozzarella, spinach, bananas, sauce and sponges. To save space and time, I went next door to the bakery while they were checking out. After looking for a bread that I could pronounce, I asked the young (and handsome) man for a loaf. He picked it up and asked me something in Italian. I felt my face go blank as I tried to figure out what he said. He smiles, said it again and made a cutting motion with his hand. “Oh! No, the whole thing please,” I said. He chuckled at my American stupidity and rang me up.
We headed back to the apartment and I had fresh bread and milk for breakfast. The bread- way better than America. The milk- not so much. But I don’t know what kind I got because I cant read the label…I then packed my bag and went out into my beautiful street to head to school. First, I updated my blog and did some homework. Class went from 11:15 to 2:45. We talked about Mussolini and fascism. We broke off into groups and had to write a small speech as if we were Mussolini and had his beliefs and then present them to the class. We watched an Italian movie with subtitles about Mussalini and his mistress. Let’s just say….it isn’t for children.
After class I met Ashley outside for lunch. We went to the place right next to the school. Everyone at the school loves it so we went to see what all the fuss was about. It is a little market like place with lots of fresh food. We decided to order chicken on Panini bread. And then we found the reason for everyone’s love of the place…the man working there. He was a little Italian man probably in his 70’s with a very kind and happy face (he kind of reminded me of Robin Williams). It is apparent that he was attractive in his youth. He didn’t know English but that didn’t stop his excitement as he ran around preparing our sandwiches and speaking to us in Italian. We also found out how the store got the nickname “caiociaos.” Every time someone leaves the store he smiles and very enthusiastically says “Ciao! Ciao!” Ashley and I ate outside and when we were done we decided to go shopping.
We went and looked in all the stores we have been passing for a week. Walking down the street we happened upon a music festival of local student musicians. The jazz group that was playing was very good.
I am in love with Italian style. It is so beautiful yet so simple. They are able to dress up a tee-shirt and shorts with chunky jewelry, a scarf and high heels. They look like they could walk down the runway. Italians are also fearless when it comes to style. Anything goes. And I love that.
I have noticed that I am influenced by Italian style anf have been for a while. So naturally, I wanted to buy everything in sight. We went through many clothing, jewelry, shoe and trinket shops. We came across a shop called “Bubble” which Ashley and I fell in love with. The place is painted bright pink and has very vintage to modern clothing. I want to buy the entirestore. Best part? Everything is reasonably priced. Scarves are 5 euro and earrings are 3. There it was….a dress

that I loved…last one….in my size…..for 8 euro. After leaving the store and coming back again, I ended up buying it and plan on wearing it wine tasting.
We walked around some more and found a shop with nice clothing in the windows, but when we walked in we knew we were in over our heads. You know that feeling when you know you are underdressed and unwanted? Yeah….we took 5 steps in and all the tall gorgeous Italian models looked at us. Ashley turned to me and in a hushed tone says, “It’s too nice, run away.”
When Jill got home that night we made spinach salad with fresh tomato and mozerella with bread on the side. No food was thrown on the floor while making this meal. After dinner we went out for gelato (again). Came back, cleaned, did laundry, ran out to get wine because we were craving it and wrote in our journals. What a great and busy day. Ciao! Ciao!