I'm Alive!

Hello all.

I realize that it has been quite a few days since last you heard of the adventures of Laci. But, what can I say, I have been busy! Last weekend, I was in Stia. This quaint little town is located in the region of Casentino; which is still Tuscany. It was a Post-Bac trip (coordinated by our teacher) and we stayed in a former monastery. Very cold walls and floors, but tons of character that can't be neglected. There were papers, in the house, dating back to the 1800s and vinyl albums (Yes, we played them and Stevie and Pink Floyd never sounded better.)! As a part of the trip we also went to St Francis' monastery (left), the location where he received the Stigmata. Can I just say, that it was absolutely beautiful. I was at the top of the pilgrimage, sitting on the edge of the monastery walls, literally viewing the town below, writing in my journal, while The Katinas' I'm Alive resonated over me! I could feel God's presence and was thankful for the moment. I was also thankful to Kathie for the CD! Please, click the link; powerful stuff.

This week I started something called Language Tandem. It is basically an exchange with people who want to learn English with those who want to learn Italian. This has been interesting to say the least! Everyone is so patient as the words literally commit suicide on my lips as they exit my mouth. I become so timid (yes, I can be timid, no laughing!). My comprehension continues to increase, but the responses, well... I'll keep you posted.

Friday and Saturday I had a babysitting job for a 10 year old from Canada! She was such a sweetie. I got a chance to take her to several tourist spots across Florence, including the top of the Duomo and the secret passages of Palazzo Vecchico; thanks to my friend Stefano. Here they are as he leads her in experiments about perspective.

Today, I spent time in the country with Danielle, Riccardo, and Giovanni. I met Riccardo and Giovanni at a couch surfing party. Giovanni invited us to his family's farm for lunch. It definitely made me homesick to spend time with his family. His mother spoiled us and his father teased us, all in Italian mind you. After we finished lunch, Giovanni took us to my first Rugby game! Can I just say this sport is a little scary to watch!! I kept thinking to myself, football players are wimps compared to these guys. One player's head was literally split and he was carried off the field for stitches! Giovanni use to play for Firenze, so after we got to hang with the team as they ate sandwiches, pasta, beer and some smoked their cigarettes; only in Italy. Here are the Marzetti twins (HUGE!) from the team, both injured right now; I am sure that doesn't surprise you!

So Now What...

1. This week I have midterms. Dreading the one in Italian, but excited about the one in photography.

2. I leave for fall break on Friday. I am going on a 10 day cruise with two other Post-Bacs (Jen and Katie). We leave/return from Rome, visit 4 cities in Greece, Ephesus, Turkey, and Naples. YES! I plan to have the pizza in Naples. After all, I don't want to disappoint Elizabeth Gilbert.

3. I am shooting pictures and conferencing with Jacopo weekly. He continues to be a great inspiration.

4. I have started looking for an apartment. I will be living with Italians come Decemeber, just not sure which ones.

5. No assignments for the paper "write now," but I am always looking for the next story.

FAQ I

Well, it is official, I have now been in Firenze (Florence) for one month and am living La Dolce Vita (the Sweet Life)! Along this one month journey have come a few questions that seem to repeat themselves among my family and friends, so I thought I would share the responses, as I continue to find a pattern of me repeating myself, while I encourage individuals to read my blog.

What is the television like, do they have the same programs as us? I don't watch a lot of TV, one because I do not have time and two, because sometimes it is hard to follow. My housemate Jen, watches a lot of MTV, since it is in English with Italian subtitles. Of what I have seen, they have several shows from the 70s and 80s, like Heart to Heart and Charlies Angels, but they also have current shows like Friends, Grey's Anatomy and even Ugly Betty! All with voice over mind you...

Do they use sign language? and if so, can you understand them? Here is the funny thing, I hadn't seen ANY deaf people until my dad asked me this question. Now I seem to be running into them in various parts of the city. On this particular day, I was a bit nosey and observed the conversation, but I have to admit, I couldn't understand!! In fact, in the US most signs are regional, so I could communicate with someone from Texas, but just like Italy, parts would be lost in translation.

Tell me about the wine? The quick and the short, it is STRONG! I am typically a two glass kind of girl, but here, at about 1/2 a glass, I am starting to "feel it!" So you have to be careful. I am still sticking closely to Vino Bianco (White Wine), it is my favorite!

Along with this I am frequently asked, How is the food? These people obviously have NOT read my blog! Before I arrived, I made a commitment to try everything at least once. So far I love the food, although a person can only eat so much prosciutto caldo (cooked ham) and the first time I tried to eat Spaghetti Bolognese (Spaghetti with meat sauce) I 'bout lost it. I also find myself continuing in my vegetarian lifestyle, especially when I eat at home. When shopping in the Mercato Centrale (Central Market), they have a desire to show the freshness of their products. This is done by leaving the heads on or worse, placing the heads next to the carcass of the animal. *insert green face here.* So I am sure you can see why I am sticking to the vegetarian piece and the gelato (ice cream) diet. My cousin Ashely and friend Stephanie both made comments about my physique from recent pictures. It is true, I have LOST weight since I have been here. Which is crazy, since I eat gelato or some form of dolci (sweet/dessert) every night and sometimes several times a day. I know it is all of the walking around town that I do. Which is a good thing, since the wine is so strong!

When you get a chance, be sure and check out my latest article with The Florentine. I am off to go and start washing film from my visit to the Boboli Gardens.