It's Time For The Ruby Slippers

We have reached it. The day before. Less than 24 hours until I'm back home. (Not exactly actually, I am spending one night in New York because I couldn't get a flight back to California until the following day but still)

As I look back on my 4 and 1/2 month adventure through Italy, several things stand out. As it would be insane to right all of them down, I shall just choose a few and give a brief summary.

THE SOUTH

My trip started in the South of Italy in a town called Lecce. It was around 100 degrees almost every day and I took one grammar course. The rest of the time was spent at beaches, eating gellato, sweating profusely, and recounting the past 6 years of my life with the people I just met. The two major restaurants I went to served, in total, over 15 courses which left me 1)gasping for air and 2) thinking everything else back in the States was uncivilized. The three weeks went by crazy fast and right after I took a trip with a friend to some Italian cities.

CENTRAL

The trip began in the city of Rome. Between seeing most of the historical sites (there is always something you missed), going to a soccer game in an 80,000 capacity stadium built for the Olymics, and just realizing I was in Rome, it was great. However, the heat was unbearable, and my hostel was worse than the trash can Oscar the Grouch lives in. After getting sick from the 3 Irish people and swimming laps in own sweat while I slept on the floor (yeah, it was that bad), I was ready to move on. Next was Siena. A small town in Tuscany with a lot less tourists than Rome. No place better to be when wanting to relax and take some deep breaths. After that was Pisa. The Leaning Tower is everything it is advertised to be. The longer you stare at it the more you think it is going to fall. You throw the fact that I slept in two train stations throughout these 4 days and all in all, it was a success.

Bologna

Housing

Now I'm where I'm supposed to be. Where I will be studying. Living. And finding my pizza spot and preferred grocery store. Although my original housing assignment started off super-duper wack, I was placed in an apartment style dorm where I should have been all along. Two of the original four guys have since moved out (bureaucratic reasons) but it's still cool. We have had numerous dinner parties. I have played one on one soccer in the hallway for an hour (I won in penalty kicks). We have had actually parties. Watched soccer games on TV accompanied by constant screaming and two of the guy's moms have came and cooked home made meals. The list is endless.

Food

Before I set foot in the country, I knew the food was going to be great. But, I didn't know that I would have all these meat and cheese options. The pizza was a sure thing and the pasta was, too. But I never really thought that the M&C could be that different. Boy Howdy. Having the cooking class was probably the best thing out here as the teacher really knows what she is doing and she hooks me up. As far as pizza, me and my girl Robin go to this one place AT LEAST once a week. They give slices that are better suited for Paul Bunyan at a crazy price. Yesterday was her last time there (she isn't coming back second semester) and mine till February. We were treated to lots of first. The workers, usually grumpy and scowling, let me come around the barrier and take pictures. Then, another guy gave the first 'buongiorno' which was a total shock. (for the record, he couldn't have looked more pissed when he said it but he still gets credit) Then to top it all off, the guy who was literally making the pizza had part of his crack showing. Gotta love it. There is of course great restaurants but I won't even lie: I have not been as adventurous as I should be. Next semester I hope to hit up more spots. I just find my comfort zone and stick to it. What can I say?

The Other Cities

The two weeks traveling was truly great. To go to these amazing cities that I had always heard of but never imagined going to, was special. Florence, with the beautiful art and delicious food. Michaelangelo's David is more impressive than anything I've ever seen. Venice with its architectural set up and overall uniqueness. And Lake Como as just the most relaxing and beautiful place you'll ever see. (The food in Venice was mediocre at best in contrast to Lake Como where I had the best meal of entire life)


As I could go on and on, I will stop here. Before I finish packing, there are 15 observations that Mr. Spectacular would like to make before he boards the plane:

-The South of Italy is very different than the North of Italy
-Gellato lives up to the hype
-Folks are crazier for soccer than I initially thought
-Clothes, especially shoes, are unbelievable
-Words such as "I'm not trippn" and "You feel me?" or "Ya digg?" don't translate well
-It is not looked down upon for guys to use a hairdryer
-Or spend more time in the bathroom than girls for that matter
-Pasta is more common than breathing
-Hospitality is more wide spread here than in the South of America
-Sweatpants don't exist
-Tabasco sauce is not popular
-Ralph Nader is popular (Just kidding)
-Everyone wants to go to New York
-The words 'flamboyant' and 'gaudy' mean nothing
-People are really, really good looking. Really

Well folks, that'll do it. It is my job to make a reservation at this pizzeria tonight for THIRTEEN people. Truth be told, I only wanted about 7 or 8 people there so we'll see how it plays out. It's going to feel good to be back home. Burgers with BBQ sauce, Tropicana orange juice, bacon, carnitas...

Mom, let's stock up that fridge. Your boy is coming home!