Sorry its been so long since anything was written in here, we definitely got tired of doing it and especially when the internet place near our house closed for almost a month, it was a real pain to do internet cheaply and easily. So now the program is over and I'm traveling with Luke in Eastern Europe. The program was sweet, and I saw a lot of really cool things, which I would like to write down but I'll be home soon enough to explain it all in person.
So now I'm with Luke and we've spent two days in Budapest, which was sweet. We saw a bunch, payed with their silly fake money, took a Turkish bath, it was a good time. Yesterday we got to Vienna, which managed to make me gasp with all the amazing buildings and art, more than anywhere else I've been this summer. We got to see the whole city at night, which we both agreed was for the best, because the whole town lights up and looks amazing. At around 1:30 we'll be heading for Prague and stay there for a few days and then head back to Roma for another two, and then its back home on the 10th.
So yeah, all's well, we haven't been robbed and nobody has tried to knife our guts so things seem to be working out great.
I might be able to do another post sometime in Italy again, but if not I'll see everyone soon.
Jordan
5.9.07
5.8.07
Florence etc.
So on Saturday we decided to go to Florence to see the sights and art and everything. However, we were really smart and also decided to stay out all night and get only about an hour of sleep prior to waking up at 5 in the morning. To say the least, we were incredibly tired. What was really funny though, is that a friend that was going with us, was so tired that he didn't make it on the train in time because he missed the bus stop for the train station, so we didn't end up seeing him until about 11:30, only 2 hours after we'd already been there. We also barely made it on the train as well, because most of the group forgot to validate their ticket, and Winter got on and the doors closed, which gave us all a heart attack, but he pried them open and we got on right as the train took off. The train ride was really nice, we had a compartment to ourselves, although we did have to pay an extra 7 euro each, considering it was an intercity train, which means its faster. We all slept a lot and woke up in Florence ready to go.
The first thing we did once we got there, other than eating an American breakfast at McDonald's, was find the Galleria dell'Academia, which houses an amazing amount of frescoes, sculptures, musical instruments from the Royal Florentine family, and also that David statue, but who really cares about that, right? Yeah, it was the real deal, and pretty incredible. All of the art was amazing and because we got there so early, we barely had to wait in line to get in. Next up we went down to the Duomo, which has the largest dome of its time, also the largest dome to ever be built without scaffolding, needless to say it was pretty impressive. We then met up with Tony, finally, and then head around town, seeing incredible artwork and sculpture everywhere. I'm a little disappointed we never went into the Ufizzi, which is Italy's most renowned art museum, but oh well, I'm pretty positive I'll be heading back before I come home.
We ended up staying in Florence for a good eight hours, although there was definitely more to see. Also, we took some amazing pictures from the weekend, which should be up shortly. After our trip back, we were all exhausted, but managed to meet up again for dinner later on that night, as well as turn in homework to our professor at around 10. After two really long days though, it was no surprise for me to wake up at 2:30 this afternoon
So, everything here is going relatively easy. Our professor from UO for July took off at the end of the month and we had a new one come in at the start of August. I moved up a level, but don't really like it, so I'll be heading back down tomorrow. A lot of stores are starting to close for the holidays, including the internet place right by our house, which I just bout 20 hours with, and won't open again until the 30th, which really sucks. I think we might start planning a trip to Greece some time soon, and maybe to another Italian turisty town, as well as start making plans for what to do after school is over. I'd like to head north or east, but also want to go to England, so we'll see what's easy.
That's about all so far, check in again for more excitement, as well as pictures to come from this weekend and more.
Jordan
The first thing we did once we got there, other than eating an American breakfast at McDonald's, was find the Galleria dell'Academia, which houses an amazing amount of frescoes, sculptures, musical instruments from the Royal Florentine family, and also that David statue, but who really cares about that, right? Yeah, it was the real deal, and pretty incredible. All of the art was amazing and because we got there so early, we barely had to wait in line to get in. Next up we went down to the Duomo, which has the largest dome of its time, also the largest dome to ever be built without scaffolding, needless to say it was pretty impressive. We then met up with Tony, finally, and then head around town, seeing incredible artwork and sculpture everywhere. I'm a little disappointed we never went into the Ufizzi, which is Italy's most renowned art museum, but oh well, I'm pretty positive I'll be heading back before I come home.
We ended up staying in Florence for a good eight hours, although there was definitely more to see. Also, we took some amazing pictures from the weekend, which should be up shortly. After our trip back, we were all exhausted, but managed to meet up again for dinner later on that night, as well as turn in homework to our professor at around 10. After two really long days though, it was no surprise for me to wake up at 2:30 this afternoon
So, everything here is going relatively easy. Our professor from UO for July took off at the end of the month and we had a new one come in at the start of August. I moved up a level, but don't really like it, so I'll be heading back down tomorrow. A lot of stores are starting to close for the holidays, including the internet place right by our house, which I just bout 20 hours with, and won't open again until the 30th, which really sucks. I think we might start planning a trip to Greece some time soon, and maybe to another Italian turisty town, as well as start making plans for what to do after school is over. I'd like to head north or east, but also want to go to England, so we'll see what's easy.
That's about all so far, check in again for more excitement, as well as pictures to come from this weekend and more.
Jordan
31.7.07
25.7.07
This is for Logan
You wanted mutants so here they are!
and the last one is a tricky one. may take a few seconds for you to get it but the joke is there.
and the last one is a tricky one. may take a few seconds for you to get it but the joke is there.
24.7.07
Check it out!
check out our load of new pics on our flickr site! Our trip to Capri was pretty awesome. We took a tour around the island on a boat and stopped at a small cave that we had to go into with little three man boats. There are a couple of pics from that in the Flickr.
20.7.07
Umbria Jazz and the Third Week
Its been a little while since I've written something so this might be a little long.
So Umbria Jazz is now over and its really sad. This whole week has definitely been a lot quieter and easier to get through the streets, but its a sad reminder of how much fun the jazz festival was.
Oh well! we just ended the third week of class and its going pretty well. The mornings are still way too early and a little boring, but the afternoon classes make up for it. We didn't have class today, which was very nice, although it does mean we'll have to make up the hours. Bleh! Also, next week we have midterm written and oral exams as well as a term project all due within two or three days. It might be a little difficult but hey, it'll also be the easiest 12 language credits ever.
Winter, our friends Katrina and Phil, and I took a trip for class last weekend that was going to be to this little town that was hosting a huge festival, but the trains weren't running when we wanted to go so we ended up going to this other town close to the lake. It was a total disaster though because no one was there and the lake was definitely not in walking distance, so it just ended up being a nice, hot hike around a city with no one around. But we did eat McDonalds!!! What a real Italian cultural experience that was.
Good news though! We're going on vacation!!!! Napoli, Pompei, and Capri this weekend. Apparently Napoli has had a long garbage strike for the last month or even more, so that oughta be exciting. Capri and Pompei are going to be incredible though, I'm pretty excited. The one bummer about the trip is that we have to wake up and get to the University at 6 AM. But, there's a nice five hour bus ride to get to Napoli, and I think I know how to sleep on a bus.
I'm kind of astounded at how much better Italian is going and how much I'm actually able to comprehend and speak, with practically no hesitation. Its pretty amazing how in almost a month I can speak to new people and carry on a real conversation rather than just "My name is..." "I'm from..." "I like...". Also, one of the coolest things about learning Italian so far was when we signed up for our trip this weekend, the travel agent spoke entirely in Italian and all three of us left the office saying, "Was it me or did you understand every word that guy said?"
Alright, now that that dissertation is over, I'm gonna go make some brunch. Pictures and video will be up soon from Umbria Jazz as well as Magione and our trip this weekend.
Jordan
So Umbria Jazz is now over and its really sad. This whole week has definitely been a lot quieter and easier to get through the streets, but its a sad reminder of how much fun the jazz festival was.
Oh well! we just ended the third week of class and its going pretty well. The mornings are still way too early and a little boring, but the afternoon classes make up for it. We didn't have class today, which was very nice, although it does mean we'll have to make up the hours. Bleh! Also, next week we have midterm written and oral exams as well as a term project all due within two or three days. It might be a little difficult but hey, it'll also be the easiest 12 language credits ever.
Winter, our friends Katrina and Phil, and I took a trip for class last weekend that was going to be to this little town that was hosting a huge festival, but the trains weren't running when we wanted to go so we ended up going to this other town close to the lake. It was a total disaster though because no one was there and the lake was definitely not in walking distance, so it just ended up being a nice, hot hike around a city with no one around. But we did eat McDonalds!!! What a real Italian cultural experience that was.
Good news though! We're going on vacation!!!! Napoli, Pompei, and Capri this weekend. Apparently Napoli has had a long garbage strike for the last month or even more, so that oughta be exciting. Capri and Pompei are going to be incredible though, I'm pretty excited. The one bummer about the trip is that we have to wake up and get to the University at 6 AM. But, there's a nice five hour bus ride to get to Napoli, and I think I know how to sleep on a bus.
I'm kind of astounded at how much better Italian is going and how much I'm actually able to comprehend and speak, with practically no hesitation. Its pretty amazing how in almost a month I can speak to new people and carry on a real conversation rather than just "My name is..." "I'm from..." "I like...". Also, one of the coolest things about learning Italian so far was when we signed up for our trip this weekend, the travel agent spoke entirely in Italian and all three of us left the office saying, "Was it me or did you understand every word that guy said?"
Alright, now that that dissertation is over, I'm gonna go make some brunch. Pictures and video will be up soon from Umbria Jazz as well as Magione and our trip this weekend.
Jordan
11.7.07
Phone update
I'm really sorry, all this phone confusion has been my doing.
Our number is (328)577-9656 however I'm unsure whether the country code for Italy is 039 or just 39. I do know Perugia is 075. Later tonight Winter or I will try to talk to people on Skype and then test the numbers and then we can finally get all of this sorted out.
Sorry gang, hang in there!
Our number is (328)577-9656 however I'm unsure whether the country code for Italy is 039 or just 39. I do know Perugia is 075. Later tonight Winter or I will try to talk to people on Skype and then test the numbers and then we can finally get all of this sorted out.
Sorry gang, hang in there!
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