Maybe I could write about a woman who goes to Italy to learn Italian ...

I'll call it, "Carbohydrates and Conjugations"! - "Eat, Pray, Love"

Haha...perhaps I should have named my blog "Carbohydrates and Conjugations". Nah, my title was perfect, because this is MY life and was MY life in Italy! What a beautiful life it is and was. I've been back for a few days now and it was good to come home.

I started making a list of final thoughts and impressions on my last day of art history...yes to the bitter end I needed something to distract me/fill my time in that class. So, here are some of my final thoughts/feelings/impressions about Italy!

School Experience:
- Would have been better off in Rebecca's class (first level)
-Cristiana (private lesson teacher) was my FAVORITE and Marco was the funniest. Maria could play a witch and her teaching style doesn't fit my learning style. The other Maria loves art and bores me...but I guess it isn't her fault!
-All "Marias" are NOT created equally
-Me and teachers that are harsh do not mesh, and I have a hard time learning from them
-Learning Italian IN Italian is difficult; much more difficult than learning it in English
-When I left, my brain was thinking in about 1/4 Italian and 3/4 English, making all of my thoughts in two broken languages...
-It was difficult for me, and I had times of wanting to give up, but I didn't; therefore, I did not fail at it!

The Family/Italian people:
-They eat a lot; the women eat a lot, but the men eat more! They also expect others to eat a lot!
-The family dynamics are different! I learned this in NYC, but this was different still. The "children" have a hard time finding jobs (it's a countrywide issue) and therefore they live at home longer. THis creates different dynamics between parent and child. Also, it is part of the Italian culture to keep your children close to you (and therefore less independent than American children) and this too creates different dynamics between parent/child adn then grandparent/child/grandchild
-The family did not seem to understand shyness
-The older men really do make comments to women...I experienced it many times, but they did not actually touch or make me fear them for any reason
-The beggar women are MUCH more comfortable walking up to you than I would like. Many times they would get RIGHT in my face!
-They really do appreciate you trying to speak their language
-WIth the family, it was easier for me to speak Italian to Signora Gabriella because she couldn't correct me.; this speaks to my need for perfection/fear of failure
-Italian dress funny! :) Some of it I LOVE and want to replicate...but sometimes it's just funny
-THEY SMOKE WAAAAYYY TOOOOOO MUCH...I'm surprised they dont all have lung/breathing/heart issues
-Italians understand the pedestrians right away
-They eat very fast...I'm surprised they dont have a consistent stomach ache
-They do not mind wearing the same outfit every day of the week! Some of them wore the EXACT outfit everyday, others wore pieces of their outfits every day.

Italia:
-A lot of Italy revolves around art and those who know and appreciate art history
-It is important to know some Italian
-The streets are HARD to navigate, but most have something interesting on them (though not at all like NYC); it's sometimes hard to figure out which street you are on because the names are on the corners of the buildings and not always on every corner... difficult
-The maps are hard to navigate as well...they dont make the situation of the crazy streets any easier
-They LOVE their sweets and "coffee"; first, they often end lunch and dinner with "un caffe"...which is like starbucks on crack...if you can imagine that! I felt like every other store or shop was a "bar" or pastecceria (bakery) where you could get coffees and sweets. Also, a "bar" to them is just a place to get coffee, pastries, sandwiches, snacks, etc.
-Pasta is NOT a meal; Pasta is a first course
-They have NEVER seen anything like my knee things (I know this from their staring and Cristiana told me she'd never seen anything). You think i get weird looks here in America??; they are NOTHING compared to the looks I got in Italy! THey were often very harsh and rude.
-Italy is NOT like the movies, but it is still amazingly beautiful! I suppose Italy could be like the movies...
-Italy is still not truly unified...they show loyalty to their cities and regions first...but it's only natural I suppose!
-They dont have central heating...and radiators do not always do it!
-I didn't run into too much of the superstitions that I know exist in the Italian culture
-Traveling within Italy is much simpler than America!
-They dont like toilet seats...yuck...

Gracie's list of questions/others questions answered:
1. Favorite thing(s) about Italy:
-Riding the bike around the wall of Lucca
-Seeing many things that I had been reading about and looking at for years
-My favorite food was the pasta that I had in Sienna and the Tiramisu at that same restaurant
2. Thing I missed the most about home:
- Hugs/familiar faces
-Oatmeal for breakfast
3. Thing I now miss most about Italy:
-Walking
-Being able to eat some chocolate and gelato without guilt because I'd be walking
4. 3 things I learned about the Italian culture:
-They truly enjoy eating
-The family dynamics are much different
-Life is just much different in general! The food, the dynamics, the day to day living, the heating systems, etc. etc.
5. 4 things I learned about life:
-Eating healthy foods (veggies/fruits) TRULY is the most important
-Letting go of everything that is familiar and comfortable will push you to the edge of your comfort zone, but that is good! Everyone should try it
-Life can be fun/adventurous/exciting even without someone by your side
-God provides a peace that surpasses all understanding (already knew/experienced this before). When I was flying to Italy and I was so terrified of being terrified...I had been praying for days...and when I took off on that plane, I knew that so many people were praying for me! God provided me with such a sense of peace, that I did not have ANY anxiety! He is good, He is SO good in so many ways!
6. 4 things I learned about myself:
-I can be alone...truly alone, and still have a good time and still experience all that an experience has to offer
-There is something therapeutic about traveling...for me at least
-People that made you who you are are invaluable...and while it's okay to be alone, we do need those people in our life...in some way (whether through phone, skype, email, facebook, etc.). Life is more fun with these people by your side.
-I can fly over the ocean...without ANY anxiety!!
7. Did I learn more of the language:
-Yes and No. However, I still left with a love for the language. I just need to learn it in a different environment.
8. Favorite foods:
-Signora Gabriella's Ribollita and Spezzatino
-La Taverna Guiseppe's pasta and tiramisu (Siena)
-The bread at the restaurant in Lucca
-The pesto that Signora Gabriella used on her pasta

After I got home, I watched "Eat, Pray, Love" again...these are some thoughts that stand out! I'm sure that I will continue to learn from my trip to Italy! It was amazing! I am so grateful to those who supported me and helped me get there. It was life changing and such a dream come true!

"You have to learn to select your thoughts the same way you select your clothes every day. Now that 's a power you can cultivate." - Richard; "Eat, Pray, Love"

"I know you feel awful, but you're life's changing; That's not a bad thing and you're in a perfect place for it, surrounded by grace."-Richard
"I thought I was over him, but...I love him." -Liz
"Big deal, so you fell in love with someone!"-Richard
"I really miss him." -Liz
"So miss him; send him some light and love every time you think of him, then drop it! You know if you could clear out all that space in your mind that you are using to obsess over this guy and your failed marriage, you'd have a vacuum, with a door way. You know what the universe would do with that door way? Rush in, God would rush in; fill you with more love than you ever dreamed of!" - Richard
"Eat, Pray, Love"

"Waiting for him to forgive you is a waste of time. Forgive yourself." -Richard; "Eat, Pray, Love"

"It's okay, to have broken heart means you have tried for something." -Ketut; "Eat, Pray, Love"

-I'll add to this blog as I discover things I've learned or thoughts I have about the trip!

Coming Home

The day started off...well, not so good, but maybe something out of a really bad movie! I got up at some point to go to the bathroom, but I laid back down thinking that it could not be time for me to get up. I fell back asleep; well, sort of. What felt like a very short time after that, I heard a knock on my bedroom door. I thought this was strange and I waited a second to get up, but I got up and opened the door. Guenda was standing there and that's when I realized that it must be time for me to go! My brain immediately started freaking out! I told them that my alarm had not gone off and I needed to get dressed. So, they left me to get dressed. I threw on my clothes and threw my pajamas in my suitcase and began to get the last few things that were laying out where they belonged. I double and triple checked the room for my things. I was so glad that I had done 97% of my packing in the days before! I brushed my teeth and gathered the last of my bathroom things. Then, I grabbed my breakfast I bought the night before (which I was SO grateful for at this point). Guenda and Lorenzo had already taken my suitcase down after they called the cab and told them that I would need 10 minutes. So, I checked the room again and it appeared that I had EVERYTHING! While they were gone I took one last picture and when they came back up I was ready to go! I hated that my morning started out this way! I hadn't been able to check emails/facebook, take my time or anything. However, perhaps it kept me from being sadder...I didn't have time to be sad because the cab was waiting. So, they walked me to the door and Guenda said goodbye! We did the traditional hug and kisses on each cheek and I said goodbye to Lorenzo and I was off! The cab was downstairs and they had already loaded my suitcase in the cab.

The cab ride was a bit scary! He was FLYING through the streets! I was a bit scared...he was taking turns like a nascar driver! However, he dropped me off right where I had taken a cab from the airport. I took a picture of the sign that said "Aeroporto Firenze" and then I went inside. It is such a tiny airport! I asked the guy where to check in for my flight and he sent me upstairs. I had to take a scary elevator to the second floor because there were too many stairs for me and my 50 lb suitcase, plus two very heavy carry-on bags! Ughh that elevator was the worst I've ridden in a long time, but I made it safely to the next floor. Here I saw the "AllItalia" airline check-in line with a sign that said, "Amsterdam". I went and got in line. The lady asked me for my name and stuff to get my boarding passes printed. Then, she saw that I had two carry-ons and told me that I could not have 2. I immediately began freaking out. She said that it would be 80 euros to check the second one. I was slightly having a heart attack. SO, she said she would weigh them and see if they were under the carry-on weight. OF COURSE they weren't! The point of having two (and that Delta allows two) is that my suitcase wont be as heavy! So she proceeds to tell me that I have to check one of them and she can only put an approval tag on one. I tell her that my backpack is my priority, but that I cannot pay that because I am ultimately flying Delta and I booked my flight through Delta and they allow two carry-on bags! She said that I could try to get them through security and if they were fine with it, then so was she. So then she weighed my big red suitcase. Lorenzo told me last night that it could only be 22 kilograms (I think that's the right measurement). When I put it on the scale it was 23...I was afraid that she would try to make my life more difficult at this point. However, I think she was feeling sorry for me and she let it go without a heavy tag/fee. So, she said one more thing about the bags and I reiterated that I was not going to pay for this and she let me go with the understanding that if security wasn't okay that I could just come back and check the bag. My thought was, "security does NOT care which bags are mine and which ones belong to someone else!" So, she told me that security was not open yet, it opened at 5. I went and sat down just outside of security with some other people and ate my breakfast. When security opened, I went through with everyone else and OF COURSE no one knew or cared which bags were mine. I proceeded to the gate, which was downstairs with a whole lot of gates in one place (you took buses to your plane). I had a looooong time to wait, but there were others around (including some young American college girls) and some couples from Texas and California.

So I sat there and tried to pass the time by watching the people. Then these two American girls sat down next to me. They were clearly not girls I would be good friends with, but their conversation was semi-entertaining. Then, they were sweet enough to watch my bags while I went to the bathroom. They asked me where I went to school and one of them had a friend or someone that goes to Alabama; however, when I told her I was finishing my master's she said, "oh, then you probably wouldn't know her!" We talked for a few minutes about Italy and stuff. Then, it was almost time to board. They finally called us and we had to get our ticket scanned and get on the bus. OMG it was SO cold and still dark outside! The bus was soo cold and crowded. They told us that if we had certain rows that we were to board from the back of the plane. It was a cold wait on the steps to get on the plane.

The plane was a 3 and 3; when I checked in they asked me what seat I preferred. I OF COURSE said that I wanted an aisle seat and luckily I got it! As I was sitting down the lady and girl next to me were being a little strange...as in they must have been mother and daughter and were just goofing off. The "mom" said, "oooh she's so lucky to be sitting next to us!" However, they were nice and even at one point the lady was kind enough to take a picture of the beautiful sun and mountains for me. I slept a little bit on the plane, which was nice because I was so tired that my eyes and head were hurting...heck, at this point my body was hurting! Towards the end of the flight I heard them talking about their boarding time, so I looked at my boarding pass. As we were landing the pilot announced that the current time was 9:05; my boarding pass said that my plane to Atlanta started boarding at 9:10. I was having a slight panic attack. The lady and girl next to me had a similar issue and said that planes are usually held in Amsterdam for this reason and that the airport was large. We drove past both of our gates, so I knew I would have to walk a long way!

When I got off the plane I started booking it immediately. THe departures board was COMPLICATED because it did not have the cities in alphabetical order and I never found Atlanta, so I had no idea what the status of my flight was! However, I did take the time to take a few pictures and to buy some post cards. The Amsterdam airport was everything that Maria, Rebecca, Fiona, and Nathalie had promised. It was truly like a mall and it was decorated for Christmas, which made me happy! I also saw my first Starbucks in a month...which is weird, but Italians do not NEED Starbucks. They had a spa and other fancy pants things in their airport such as a meditation centre. At the passport place they STILL did not stamp my passport (despite the girl on the plane showing me where they stamped hers on her way to Italy through Amsterdam)! I was SUPER disappointed about this! They were randomly stamping people's, but NOT mine!! Anyway, so then I stopped to buy some post cards; not knowing how much time I had I just made quick decisions and only bought two (one that said Amsterdam and one that said HOlland). The weird thing was that they scanned your boarding pass before you could buy anything and then the receipt had my flight information on it...STRANGE!! I also saw A LOT of tulip stuff in the airport...seeds, pictures, tulips on EVERYTHING...and those wooden shoe things (in all materials and things...houseshoes, etc.).

I started making my way through the airport and I was so thankful for the moving sidewalk thingys. I made my way to my gate, which took FOREVER, only to get there and see that they had changed the gate. I had PASSED my new gate, by quite a bit. However, when I did get to my gate, I was pleased to see a short line. I was also happy because I had to go to the bathroom at this point, but got in line anyway (and was pleasantly surprised to find a bathroom immediately after the security checkpoint). You had to go through security again, but first this man came and asked me if I was traveling alone. I said yes and he asked for my passport and told me to go to one of the podiums. I did and he lagged behind with my passport. When he met me at the podium he asked me if I had packed my own suitcase; had anyone given me anything to bring back to the U.S.; was I carrying any electronics used by someone else in the past few days; and asked me what I had been doing abroad. I explained that I had been in Italy studying the language and he said, "well, that must have been fun and exciting!" I agreed and he told me to have a safe flight. Then, I joined the line to go through the security machine. I had to take my laptop out, take off my layers, and my shoes and put it all through the x-ray machine again. I also had to go through one of those machines where I put my arms up and it scans my body! This actually made me feel MUCH better about this flight. I felt much safer knowing that everyone had to go through security again! Then we waited in a looong semi-slow line on the jetway to get on the plane. This time I was really far in the back of the plane, but it was the price I paid to get the last aisle seat a few weeks ago when I saw that they had rearranged all of the seats.

When I sat down, the guy next to me was complaining about not having the seat he booked. I did feel sorry for him because he was a really tall guy and stuck in between two people, though he had requested a window seat, so other than having something to lean against, this wasn't much different. I was pretty excited to pick up the in-flight magazine and see that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II was going to be a movie option on the flight!! OH MY GOSH...this was PERFECT!!! I knew that it would pass at least 2 1/2 hours in a quick and happy way! While we were waiting to move and then take off, they came over and told us that the flight was 9 hours and 40 minutes...and thanks to the screens I saw that this was going to put me in Atlanta about 20-25 minutes AFTER I was anticipating (only a problem because it was one of THE MOST important days in college football...THE IRON BOWL!!!). So then they explained that after about 30-45 minutes in the air that they would serve drinks and then a meal (perfect timing because it would be right at lunch time) and then they would serve drinks throughout and then another meal and some ice cream about an hour and a half before the flight landed. I was already starving because I had anticipated buying a small snack in the airport, but didn't know if I had time.

After a few minutes, we took off. I was surprisingly calm about this long flight; God gave me the peace I had been praying for and that I knew others had been praying for as well. I was actually excited to get the journey started. I was SO hungry though that as soon as we could stand up I got a chocolate out of my bag...it wasn't much, but I knew it would hold me over until we got some pretzels or something! I was also anxiously awaiting the moment when they turned the screens on for the movies...HARRY POTTER!! Do not judge...I love Harry Potter! :)

So even though I was exhausted, I decided to watch Harry Potter and wait for lunch. I knew that it would come during the movie and that would give me time to eat and watch the movie and THEN I could sleep! I really enjoyed being able to watch a movie that would keep me entertained and distracted (though I really didn't need distracting in the end). A little while later, lunch came. THey had already served all of the vegetarian meals (a guy across the aisle from me received an "Asian vegetarian" meal that smelled REALLY good)! We had a choice between chicken or pasta again, and given that I'm not sure about airplane chicken, i chose the pasta. The meals are so cute...it was pasta, a little salad (much better this time), some crackers with a cheese block, and some little cookies. I also chose cran-apple juice to go with it! The pasta had this weird spicy stuff on it, but it was good...it wasn't Signora Gabriella's pasta, but it was good! I ate most of the pasta, my roll, a few bites of salad, and then the cookies! :) It was a good lunch and I had been so hungry!

I REALLY enjoyed watching Harry Potter again, but after it was over, I got comfortable and went to sleep for a little while. After I woke up I had some water they were offering and then decided to watch the movie "Larry Crowne" with Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks. It was SUPER cute and I really enjoyed it!! I love BOTH of them and so it couldn't have been too bad! :) The time on the plane really seemed to be passing quickly. However, I decided to sleep a little more. We had about 4 hours left at this point. I had written some of my Thanksgiving blog while I watched "Larry Crowne" and after I woke up I kept writing. I was determined to finish that blog on the plane! A little while later I decided to watch "Jumping the Broom"; I had watched this with Erin in Tuscaloosa and enjoyed it. During this movie they brought our dinner (by this time it was dinner time in Italy!). The food was a pizza (which was REALLY good) and an ice cream cup, which felt really good to my throat.

During the flight I had definitely gotten up quite a few times to go to the bathroom and to stretch my legs...which was nice! :) It was also nice that they fed us on Italy schedule because I was definitely hungry! However, when we got this meal, I knew it was getting close to time to land. I was getting really excited! They had given us a customs form at the beginning of the flight. I started filling it out then, but I finished it after I ate...I asked the nice flight attendant a question about it and then finished it (this guy was so sweet and had been speaking Italian during the flight to another flight attendant...I was impressed with how many languages these flight attendants knew). A man across the aisle was so kind to let me take a picture out of the window...which i always love to have from the plane!

When we had about 30 minutes left they told us to stay in our seats (normal). I was SO SO SO EXCITED...however, the length of the flight and everything had not bothered me at all! :) This is a HUGE thing for me because I had always been SO terrified of flying over the ocean and of being on a plane for long periods of time!! I also took this time to put my sim card back in my phone. And look how many miles we traveled....I've covered a lot of ground on this trip!!! :)

AS SOON AS THE WHEELS HIT THE GROUND...I called my momma and told her that we had landed! We were both excited!!! :) Then I called my daddy! :) Then while we were taxiing to the gate I called Erin! I was so excited to be making regular phone calls...and on my smart phone!!! :) WHen we got off the plane we went strait to passport control. I only had to wait behind one person because my flight was the only one there. The guy was sweet and asked me if I was traveling alone, and had I been studying. I told him yes and he said that it must have been exciting an an amazing experience. I agreed with him and then he asked if I had anything to claim. I told him that I had the jar of jam and the bottle of wine, but that was it. I told him that they were both in my checked luggage and he said, "perfect"! Right after this, we went and picked up our luggage. I had gotten a cart because everything was so heavy. Mine was one of the first ones to come out and then I headed to the next check point. There was a lady scanning our luggage and told us to put it on conveyer belt #1. So I did and then I headed to the next point. OOh and they had put a "heavy" tag on my suitcase...well, at least I didn't have to pay for it! My next stop was security again...computer out...shoes off...layers off...the whole shebang. After this though, I got on the tram and was on my way to the real baggage claim! When i got on the BIG escalator that I knew took you to where people pick you up, I could not stop smiling! I was SO excited!!! I was so excited and people would NOT get out of my way!! However, I got to her and we hugged and headed to the luggage belt. At this point we had already kicked off the ball...HOWEVER, I was happy that customs had NOT taken more than 20 minutes!!!

After I grabbed my bag off the conveyer belt I decided just to stop later to go to the bathroom and brush my teeth. We practically ran to the car and I loaded my stuff while my momma paid for parking. THen we were off...we were very impatient getting out...but we needed to get going so we could start searching for the game on the radio! I waited a while to stop for the bathroom, but we did eventually stop at a McDonald's and got a happy meal that we split and I had been craving diet coke (this was an experience though...I'm so thankful to live in a bigger city in the south...that's all I'll say...). At some point I randomly hit button on my radio station and it happened to be ESPN and they were giving score updates! THEN...we picked up Eli Gold!! We weren't even in Alabama yet, and we found Eli Gold!!! WE WERE SO EXCITED...however we heard Auburn had scored! BOOO!!! Then we just kept listening and hurrying. I waved to Erin's momma and daddy for her ;) and then we decided that as we got closer and the game was not nearly over, that we would go to Frances' to watch the end of the game! As we got to I-459 the 4th quarter had just started.

So we parked and ran in the house...SURPRISE!!! We ran downstairs and watched the rest of the game...there were Auburn fans there (boo...but they were nice)! There were some good tailgating foods (my body was so wacked out on food times, but the food was good!!). It was fun to watch the win with them! WE WON!!! It was awesome!! We kicked some butt and Rammer Jammer was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!! We stayed a little longer and man was Brad's couch comfy...but then we left.

We came home and I showed my momma and daddy some pictures and the things I had bought in Italy! I eventually went to bed, hoping that my body would sleep on Alabama schedule!!!

I WAS HOME FROM ITALY!!!!!!!!!!!

A hug, a kiss, and a.......proposal?!?!?!?

Today was my last day in Italy! I had very mixed feelings this morning; I was excited to be going home, but I was trying to hold on to every minute of my Italian life!

The morning started out like any other in Italy! I got up and got dressed; I had saved my favorite outfit for today...my polka dot dress with purple tights. Around 8 (later than usual) I went to the kitchen to eat breakfast. I had planned to only eat a small breakfast because I wanted to try something at the coffe/bakery shop across the street from the school later. So, the graham cracker things were not out, so I had two small toast thingys with the jam. As I was finishing, Signora Gabriella came in and offered me tea. I decided that it didn't really matter if I was a few minutes late to school because Maria would not start class until 15 after. So, she made tea and we had green tea together while she ate toast thingys dipped in her tea! I've only ever had hot green tea once before and did not like it; however, this tea was really good! After my tea, I did hurry to get my things together and teeth brushed.

On my way out of the building I took a few pictures I hadn't thought of: the entry way, etc. Then, I started walking to school and I took some pictures on my walk to school so that I would have some of the random things I saw every day on my walk! It seems stupid, but these things are important to me! It was a beautiful morning. The weather was not too cold and the sun was shining!! When I got close to the school and was taking a picture of the "bar" where Fiona and I went most days, the guy making the coffee saw me taking a picture and wanted to smile and pose for me! I thought it was cute! Also, after I took the picture I realized he reminded me of someone I knew...Frances, do you agree???

The first part of class was not too bad. Maria told us that she had to leave at 10:30 so that we would be going to Rebecca's class (the 1st level) for the 2nd half of class. We did grammar, more pronouns of course. I did okay with them; she was utterly shocked that I hadn't made any mistakes on my homework. I was a little hurt at her shock, but I had done my homework with Cristina and I truly hadn't made but like 1 or 2 mistakes with her and of course we corrected them and talked about them. Thus, when we went over it in class I didnt have any mistakes...again though, a little hurt by her shocked face! So, we just spent our time doing this and had a little conversation. Elmo came late and that was really all that happened. I did have trouble with watching the clock wanting this part of class to be OVER WITH!! So, when it was over with, I took a picture with Maria and unfortunately she is not really smiling, but please tell me you agree that she could play a Disney Fairy Tale witch in a movie or on Broadway. She was sweet and gave me a hug before she left. However, I was happy to be finished with this part of school; I hate feeling that way, but I just did not feel comfortable with her teaching methods and attitude toward me. Oh well, that happens sometimes I suppose.

The break was nice. Fiona and I went down stairs and she stopped to smoke while I went in the "cafe" to pick out my sweet. I couldn't decide and walked back out to wait on Fiona. While I was doing this, Tamsin came out of the school and then Nathalie (who had said she didn't want to come down there originally) came out. So the four of us headed inside. They helped me decide to get a fruit tart. So you have to pay for everything first and get a receipt before you get your food or coffee. So I got in line with Tamsin. They all got coffee and I ordered a sweet for 2 euros (you also dont have to tell them what you want, just how much it cost). I chose the fruit tart with kiwi, mandarin orange, strawberry, and a piece of pineapple on it. It was a small, but sweet and perfect little treat for my last day of class. Tamsin was also sweet and bought me a little chocolate. So, we stood at the counter and I ate my tart and they drank their coffee. It was a nice break; I enjoyed spending my last break with all three of them. On our way back upstairs, Elmo was leaving and he was so sweet and told FIona and I goodbye. He hugged and did the traditional "kisses" on each cheek. When we got back upstairs we all sat down at the computers to kill some more time. I also got a picture with Marco during this time before he left (Marco taught the "Oggi in Italia" class).

Then we had to get our 2nd half of class out of the way. We only had conversation. Rebecca was super sweet and spoke slowly to everyone (though not in a demeaning way). Fiona, Rebecca, and Nathalie had a conversation about hunting and foxes and stuff that I did not follow. They were talking about this because Fiona was going hunting with a friend of her dad's this weekend. It is some Italian aristocrat and Fiona was going with them to the country to some castle this weekend to go hunting. Now, I wouldn't want to hunt either, but it sounded like a really awesome one in a lifetime (or in her case, maybe more than once) experience. Then Rebecca turned her attention to me. I was nervous at first, but I was ABLE TO SPEAK!!! I think it was because she was clearly patient and gave me time to think and form my words/thoughts. However, because I didn't feel so pressured, the words seemed to come to me. She was asking me what I was doing after I returned home. Then she asked me if I knew Gabriella (teacher from UA). I said yes, that Gabriella had been my first Italian teacher. She was so excited that I knew Gabriella, though she did not know Maurizio and Barbara. She started telling me how much she love Gabriella and did I know her son Matteo, etc. I do not know him, but she started telling us how he came to the school with Gabriella some years ago and she made him come to class. Apparently he is fluent in Italian but has never studied the grammar of the language. She said that he was miserable being there and so she would let him "skip out" to go get a magazine and just read during class, or leave to go to the bathroom for 10 or 15 minutes at a time. SHe said he usually just sat in class and read sports magazines. THis was actually a rather entertaining story because Rebecca is so animated and funny! Marco came in class at some point and was saying something to Rebecca about the December term (which goes Mon-Sat because it ends on the 16th). Marco is also extremely animated and funny...at some point he wrapped his leg around the door (not really sure why) but it was hilarious!! Wednesday he asked us if we thought he looked like a stereotypical Italian...I didn't know what I thought, but what I DO know about Marco is that he is hilarious!!!The rest of the class was good! I was slowly realizing that I may have been better off in that class...while a lot of it would have been "simple" and definitely a review for me (as 98% of the grammar in level 2 was a review), but I think i would have made much greater strides in vocabulary and conversation in Rebecca's class). However, I still had a great experience and learned a lot...mostly about myself, but still a lot. We also talked about learning languages...apparently one of them had seen some research about learning languages and read that when a person is learning a third language (as one of the students in there was...well, actually so was Nathalie who is dutch, but speaks English as well) they often think in their 2nd language instead of their first. I thought this was strange and very interesting. I need to look this up because I find this VERY interesting. I mean, you would think that they would think in their mother language first in ALL situations, but apparently not. So, if I learn a third language, I'll think in Italian...hmm perhaps I should start learning a third language so that I'll think fluently in Italian! THink it works that way?!?! Hmm...me neither...UNFORTUNATELY!!!!! Class was good and it flew by; that's how it should be!!

After class and before the worst class EVER, I took a picture with Nathalie. We decided that I would find Fiona on facebook and then her because we didn't have time to find each other in that moment! Nathalie was very sweet and I liked her.

Art history was as painful as ever! I just started making a list of my final impressions of Italy. I tried to find ANYTHING to hold my attention because the class definitely does not. I was actually so desperate that I got up to go to the bathroom (Fiona had already done this, and the teachers do not seem to mind) and I wrote an email to my momma as well. Literally, when I tell you that I canot stand this class, I mean it!!! I was so anxious for this class to BE OVER WITH!! I was feeling like I was wasting my time in Italy...a horrible feeling to have.

After class we went out into the big room area with the computers. I MADE Fiona take a picture with me (first picture) and I also took one with Tamsin (2nd picture). We decided that we were going to eat at the place where Tamsin gets the wraps. Before we left though, I found both of them on facebook and requested them! Then we were on our way to lunch. Fiona didn't have too much time because she had to be at class at 2:30. We walked to the place and they had a funny conversation about the word "pants". Apparently in the U.K. they call underwear pants and so she said that when they hear others call pants, pants...she always thinks that they are talking about underwear. I thought this was SO strange, but funny! Anyway, so we made it to the place, which I didn't find the other day because I was on the wrong street! :(

Lunch: So we went in and asked Tamsin what she usually orders. She said that she ordered a wrap (but the bread is a little thicker) with prosciutto, mozzarella, and this lettuce stuff that has a peppery taste to it. So, we told her just to order us the same thing, but he forgot our cheese! :( So we sat at the little bar and I got a water to go with my lunch. You could also get this cute little bottle of wine; I find it so strange that wine is so readily available all of the time in Italy! When we got our food, it was SOOO good! Fiona had to eat 1/2 and hurry to pay and run to class! I gave her last hugs and she was off. After Fiona left Tamsin and I just sat and enjoyed our food and talked. As she was asking me what the rings on my right hand were for, the sandwich guy started talking to us (well, I use "us" loosely because he kept addressing me). He was telling us something about a girlfriend in Rome, and having a really bad motorcycle wreck, something about being a policeman in Rome and loosing his job and I didn't follow it because his English was bad. It was kind of annoying because every time I went to say something to Tamsin, he would interrupt our conversation. However, in the end, he was sweet. He asked me if I knew the song "Sweet Home Alabama" and said that he knew it from "Forest Gump"; haha that made me laugh! So, I explained that I had bought one of my rings for myself and then I explained the "I Love You" ring. She thought it was really sweet, but was shocked at some of the Mike stuff (not an uncommon reactions). So when we finished we left. Tamsin was in a bit of a hurry because her train to Venice left in 2 hours. She was headed to get some money from the bank, grab her stuff, and go to the train station. She said she was going to Venice alone because she didn't mind and that sometimes traveling alone was nice because you could do WHATEVER you wanted and not have to worry about someone else and their agenda!! WHAT??? THIS IS ME!!! I TOTALLY AGREE!!! I told her so and she said we were kindred spirits! I was happy to hear that I was not the only one who felt this way (Natalie also went to Siena alone the other day...happy to know I'm not alone in this). So, Tamsin and I hugged and went our separate ways!

We parted ways right near the Baptistry, so I went in so that I could mark it off of my afternoon's to-do list. The inside was beautiful! A lot of beautiful art, just as with all of the others. Again, Ill just let the pictures speak for me!

As I walked out, I decided that the guy from the sandwich place would be perfect for something a lady my momma works with wanted me to do. She wanted me to get a picture of a "cute" guy in Italy wearing the "Roll Tide" beads. I went back to the sandwich place and asked him if he would let me take his picture wearing the beads. He was VERY confused, but agreed to do it. At the last second though he said that he would only do it if I was in the picture with him. Earlier, when we were eating, he asked me if I knew the song "Sweet Home Alabama" and I said yes and that at our football games we added, "Roll Tide Roll"; so I tried to help him understand that this was related to that. He finally just smiled and said, "okay!" He asked this couple sitting there to take our picture and they did. It was funny and silly, but totally worth it. Then he hugged me and kissed me on both cheeks and said ciao bella! It was sweet!

After this, I realized that I hadn't left my "evaluation" at the school. So, in order to accomplish a few things on my list, I went back to the school. I dropped the evaluation at the front desk, went around and took some pictures inside the school and then sat down to email my momma and organize everything in my purse.

The next thing on my list was going to the restaurant to get a picture with my regular waiter. When i walked through the door, the rude girl said, "no, we are closed." I tried to explain that I was just there to see my waiter, when he suddenly appeared. He smiled and I just said that I wanted to take a picture with him because it was my last day. He was "sad" and said that I had to come back, but when I did, I had to eat EVERYTHING!! Haha...hasn't he learned yet? It took us a minute to decide inside or outside, but then we just decided to stay inside and the girl took our picture! He was so sweet and wished me well and said that I better come back and when I do I have to come see him and I have to eat everything. He then gave me a hug and kissed me on both cheeks! A lot of kisses today!

After the restaurant I headed to the Duomo to climb the Cuopolla. I had to find the entrance, but when I did, I paid my money, got my ticket and began the climb of over 400 stairs...again! Everyone had been saying that this was a very claustrophobic climb, but it was not nearly as bad as some of the other climbs. Once you got to a certain point, you walked out onto this like balcony thing that went around the inside of the dome. There was a couple behind me (from Louisiana) and the lady freaked out at this point adn went back down. She said she was afraid of heights. The man continued on behind me, though eventually had to stop and rest before continuing. I enjoyed this part because you were so close to the painting of the dome. It was beautiful! It was a bit sickening when you looked down, but a great view of the inside of the cathedral. So then we had to climb more steps. THey were getting steeper, but I never felt claustrophobic. The last long set of stairs were curved...they were steep, but it was totally worth it once you climbed those last few steps!!! I stayed up there for a while. It was that perfect time of day when the sun was golden on everything and Florence just looked radiant. I also wanted to stay up there for a while and just take it all in. I took a lot of pictures and sat down a few times just to look at everything. I tried to find where I had been living, I enjoyed the pictures of the shadow of the dome on the city, and seeing the Piazza della Repubblica from up here. On the way up I had told the Louisiana man that I never liked elevators, but Italy made me feel like saying, "God bless elevators"! I believe this...because Italy seems to have none. I understand why they do not, but man it's a lot of steps!!! However, the views have been consistently worth it!!! There were quite a few people up there, but I heard a girl say that it was NOTHING compared to St. Peter's in Rome. So after a little while I decided to go back down and finish my to-do list. On the way down there were SO many people coming up the dome. That was the only time it was claustrophobic because it was like a never-ending line of people. However, I survived and it wasn't thaaaaat bad I guess.

When I came out of the church I decided just to walk around a little bit before I went to the street market and then home to learn to cook. So, I was in search of some silver jewelry for my momma and then just to look around. I was also still looking for boots, but never saw any. I did find my perfect Christmas decoration that said "Buon Natale" which I had also been looking for over the weeks. I didn't find any jewelry OR boots though. I did come across a "department store" and went in. I was hoping to find some shoes, but didn't. I did try on a few dresses and then I found this cute little lace jacket thingy (describing it doesn't do it justice and I dont have a picture. I didn't think I could buy the jacket thingy because it was kind of expensive, but then I decided that I would regret not buying it. So, I bought it! I was really excited about it because it is different for me, but really cute!! As I left here a man standing in a restaurant (worked there) asked me, "American?" I said yes and he asked me where I was from and I told him Alabama. He asked me what I was doing in Florence and I told him I had been studying Itailan for a month but that I was leaving the next morning. He invited me in for drinks, but I told him I had to go. I was excited to see though that they had FINALLY turned on some of the Christmas lights around the center.

I started making my way towards the market and I was also in search of my last gelato. I took a few pictures on my way including this picture of one of the tiny buses they have in Florence (they have a variety of sizes). I also took a picture of some cute Christmas chocolates in a bakery window. Florence is beautiful at night with all of the lights and people out. I finally stopped and got gelato in a place in Piazza del Duomo which I tried to avoid because it was so touristy, but at this point it was getting late and if I was going to have it I needed to get it then and have time for it to settle. I got chocolate mint (my favorite) and tried the melon, which was REALLY good!!!

So, the next part of the day will explain the blog title. I had made my way to the market, finally. I was in search of jewelry for my momma and possibly one of the leather keychains for myself. I stopped at a few booths, but walked further to check out prices and variety of items. As I was walking past this one booth this guy was selling leather jackets and he was INSISTENT that I try this jacket on. I kept saying no and that I didn't need a jacket. He came up and put it over my shoulders and the whole time I was saying that unless the jacket was free I didn't want it nor did I need it. He kept saying that it would look SO good on me. I was getting a little annoyed but then he just kept going. He started telling me how beautiful I would look in it and how beautiful I was. He told me to walk closer to the booth and I did, but he was just talking and talking and talking. THen he said, "see that heart around your neck? That is my heart...you have stolen my heart!" All i could do was laugh; really dude!?!? Really!?!? Then he starts telling me I cannot leave Florence tomorrow because he wants to marry me. He pulled my left hand out and said, "see no ring, so you are free to marry me!" He said that we could get married in the Duomo and he would get me a ring from the Ponte Vecchio (really really expensive jewelry stores...but they're no Tiffany, which is MY FAVORITE!!!). He kept saying that we would be married and so in love. Then, he proceeded to get down on one knee and propose...but he didnt have a Tiffany ring. He got up and hugged me. As he was about to let go he said, "I am going to kiss you when I let go." I didn't think he was serious, but OH MY GOSH he was. He definitely kissed me...on the mouth (WEIRD AND IN MY BUBBLE!!!). However, all i could do was laugh. He said to come to the store because he wanted to write down my name. I reluctantly followed, but there were other tourists in the store (the market booths are set up in the streets and the stores are right behind them). So, I wrote down my name and he wrote down his. He said he would find me on facebook. I offered to find him, but he said, "Noo...this is Italy and I am the man. I will find you!!!" I just laughed and said okay! He wrote his name down and signed it, "Good boy". Then he asked me how old I was, I told him and asked him. He said he was 25 and I told him that I didn't believe him. He made me tell him how old I thought he was. I told him I wanted a picture with him and I'd put it on facebook so he'd know it was me. Haha, I really just wanted a picture because I didn't think anyone would believe me! Overall, it was funny! So then we walked back out towards the booths. He said he wanted to hug me so I did and when he let go he definitely kissed me again! WEIRD...I do not like the whole stranger kissing me thing! It's weird...but whatever...it made for a funny story/memory and now I have an Italian fiance! ;)

So I kept walking and I found two keychains and some murano glass earrings for my momma. As I was walking back past him, he yelled out, "oooh my amore!" I laughed and kept walking.

I was anxious to get to the apartment because I was excited about cooking. The walk back was nice. When I got back to the apartment, they were all in the kitchen (Signora Gabriella, Guenda, Lorenzo, and Matilde). They offered me some peanut mixed stuff, but I was still full from the gelato. So Signora Gabriella gave me my cards back and told me to write down the recipes as we went! I was disappointed a bit because I wanted HER to write them down! So I also took some pictures as we went because things like black cauliflower are things I've never seen at home. However, I enjoyed it. Lorenzo had to interpret some things. It was weird to see all of the meat they buy...it definitely didn't look like it came from Publix so i was glad I didn't see it until the last night. I played with Matilde a bit too! :) When her dad came to get her though she was crying and I didn't really get to tell her goodbye!

The cooking was good though. The spezzatino would not really be ready for us to eat that night, but the ribollita would! :) I was excited about this. After we put all of the stuff in the pots I went to pack and stuff because it had to cook for a few hours. I had Lorenzo help me weigh my suitcase and I still had about 6 pounds to go! yay!!! After a few hours of packing (and having to get them to find one of my shirts that Signora Gabriella had washed) it was time to eat! I had asked Signora gabriella to write the recipes in Italian for me as well and thank goodness she had Guenda write them down later (though I was still a bit disappointed because I wanted them in her handwriting).

Dinner was good though. We started with our Ribollita and the Chianti wine I bought them! It was really good, but filling. I did eat some meat though and then a mandarino. Overall, it was a GREAT last Italian dinner. I was STUFFED but it was good! Signora Gabriella let Lorenzo have a small slice of apple pie (which by the way over half of what was left had been eaten that day while I was gone! I didn't care, but MAN can they eat some food...some sweets to be exact! Then we took some pictures! I dont really care for them though because I look HUGE and I actually lost weight in Italy (well, it looks like it...feels like it). However the worst is the one Lorenzo took of me adn Guenda. He knelt down and took it from below...how does ANYONE thing this is a flattering angle. It made for a horrible picture. However, I do at least have pictures of them!!

After dinner I talked to Gracie for two hours on skype and she and Kelly kept me updated on the LSU/Arkansas game! I enjoyed talkign to them! I was staying up late so I'd be tired and sleep on the plane. Then I took a shower and talked to my momma. I sat my alarm and went to sleep! Guenda and Lorenzo said they would get up and see me off. When I went to sleep I was EXHAUSTED!! It had been a great last day in Italy!!!