More stairs. Not.
Today we got to sleep in and it was a wonderful treat. We took our time getting ready, enjoyed a croissant And cappuccino and made our way to piazza vecchio. We each presented a piece in the uffizi museum. I presented Titians Venus. The last of my Venus themed presentations. There were three fun facts for the crowd to enjoy today! Exciting stuff.
We then had a break in the afternoon where I took the opportunity to do my laundry and clean my space. Luke a sigh of relief. After an amazing home cooked meal by stephanie we were off to see the famous statue of David.
It was better than I ever thought. There is NO picture that could do it justice. It's incredible. So big too- just mind blowing. We all prepared a minute speech about one aspect of it and tied it together to form one big presentation. I went last with my fun facts. Doug seems to really enjoy these. Makes it worth it.
On our way to the David actually we had to pass by the work of the jersey shore crew and was once again offered a flyer and was told to come get pizza by Ronnie and Vinny. We gracefully declined. (we actually ate there earlier in the day).
We are all home now as we have an early call tomorrow morning for our trip to Assisi. I get to role play along with Daniel as saints. Should be interesting and knowing us... Hilarious.
Time to do my homework for st.chiara...
Love & a crush on the statue of David ,
V.
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
Monday, 30 May 2011
Not ready for kids...
Uh oh, I missed another day's blog. Not good e-world, not good.
The girls and I just got in from another day of shopping. Because it is our day off, our original intention was to get pedicures but we couldn't find the place. So instead we decided to go to this makeup store and buy the stuff to do it ourselves. We each grabbed a pizza and some beer and made our way back to our apartment. It's been a nice day bonding with the girls-so happy with the friends I've made along the way.
It's day 3 of my cold and it hasn't started to get better yet. I've been taking Buckley's everynight so I can feel rested when I have to wake up at 6am but I'm still finding it hard to push through the day. The exciting things were doing DOES help however.
Which is a great segway into what we did yesterday. We took a day trip to Lucca and walked around the cute (and a little Tim Burton-esk) town. We then rented bicycles and rode around the city. It was a blast! One of my favourite things we had done all trip. It was an amazing day, feeling the warm breeze as I rode. It was relaxing and beautiful. Everyone enjoyed it. Our butts are sore today however as the seats weren't very padded. We enjoyed lunch in a park and made our way back to the train station.
The train ride home was not as enjoyable however. It was hot and everytime we would go through a tunnel all the windows would shut because of the pressure. Then it got worse. As we were all enjoying our late afternoon nap, a screaming baby and even more obnoxious girl with their parents arrived on our train. The irritation with the screaming baby is obvious, the girl on the other hand...
She began by walking the length of the seats..back and forth...back and forth. Stopping at who ever was awake. Not talking. Just stopping and staring. Like she forgot how to f*cking blink. But can we say something?! NooooOOOOooooo, kids are so innocent and cute...
So we all make eye contact with each other, agreeing this child needs to get clotheslined and continuing to do our best to ignore the spawn of satan. Apparently she felt she was god damn annoying enough because she started laughing and running back and fourth past our seats. Don't kids nap anymore?!
The little turd would run by your seat, most likely bump parts of you- which was true in my case - and run back. All the while laughing her little shitty diaper off. Where were the parents you may ask yourself, which is what we thought. Well Mom was trying(I think) to calm the baby who sounded VERY similar to the home economics baby that was set to "crack baby" my friend was given in grade 11. The father was at one end of the little monster running the aisle. Yah, that's right, buddy was ENCOURAGING the behaviour. The seemingly common census was that we all wanted to take the kid and punt her at her father. Bad week to leave my horse tranquilizers at home.
Anyhoo, we ended up going to a gay bar last night . We arrived and the sign for the bar read "Yag Bar". Hilarious. (read yag backwards)
It was actually an intense situation because to get into the bar, you had to enter through one pair of automatic doors but couldn't enter through the next until the automatic doors were closed, all the while another gent acted as a sheep herder with us. It was a fun place to see but we didn't stay long. We left and started to explore the city until we decided we were going to get another bottle of wine and play cards all together. It was hilairous playing cards but eventually the boys went home and the girls went to bed.
Tommorrow I get to present about the Venus of Urbino - the last of the Venus' I got to talk about. I actually enjoyed having a bit of a theme. Today I'm going to rest up and go back to having some girl time.
Shine bright...
Love & Kleenex,
V.
Post Script:
We have found (thanks to Laura and Daniel) the BEST gelato we've had. Today I had banana and watermelon and even just thinking about that watermelon gelato makes me want a tub of it. Yummmm.
The girls and I just got in from another day of shopping. Because it is our day off, our original intention was to get pedicures but we couldn't find the place. So instead we decided to go to this makeup store and buy the stuff to do it ourselves. We each grabbed a pizza and some beer and made our way back to our apartment. It's been a nice day bonding with the girls-so happy with the friends I've made along the way.
It's day 3 of my cold and it hasn't started to get better yet. I've been taking Buckley's everynight so I can feel rested when I have to wake up at 6am but I'm still finding it hard to push through the day. The exciting things were doing DOES help however.
Which is a great segway into what we did yesterday. We took a day trip to Lucca and walked around the cute (and a little Tim Burton-esk) town. We then rented bicycles and rode around the city. It was a blast! One of my favourite things we had done all trip. It was an amazing day, feeling the warm breeze as I rode. It was relaxing and beautiful. Everyone enjoyed it. Our butts are sore today however as the seats weren't very padded. We enjoyed lunch in a park and made our way back to the train station.
The train ride home was not as enjoyable however. It was hot and everytime we would go through a tunnel all the windows would shut because of the pressure. Then it got worse. As we were all enjoying our late afternoon nap, a screaming baby and even more obnoxious girl with their parents arrived on our train. The irritation with the screaming baby is obvious, the girl on the other hand...
She began by walking the length of the seats..back and forth...back and forth. Stopping at who ever was awake. Not talking. Just stopping and staring. Like she forgot how to f*cking blink. But can we say something?! NooooOOOOooooo, kids are so innocent and cute...
So we all make eye contact with each other, agreeing this child needs to get clotheslined and continuing to do our best to ignore the spawn of satan. Apparently she felt she was god damn annoying enough because she started laughing and running back and fourth past our seats. Don't kids nap anymore?!
The little turd would run by your seat, most likely bump parts of you- which was true in my case - and run back. All the while laughing her little shitty diaper off. Where were the parents you may ask yourself, which is what we thought. Well Mom was trying(I think) to calm the baby who sounded VERY similar to the home economics baby that was set to "crack baby" my friend was given in grade 11. The father was at one end of the little monster running the aisle. Yah, that's right, buddy was ENCOURAGING the behaviour. The seemingly common census was that we all wanted to take the kid and punt her at her father. Bad week to leave my horse tranquilizers at home.
Anyhoo, we ended up going to a gay bar last night . We arrived and the sign for the bar read "Yag Bar". Hilarious. (read yag backwards)
It was actually an intense situation because to get into the bar, you had to enter through one pair of automatic doors but couldn't enter through the next until the automatic doors were closed, all the while another gent acted as a sheep herder with us. It was a fun place to see but we didn't stay long. We left and started to explore the city until we decided we were going to get another bottle of wine and play cards all together. It was hilairous playing cards but eventually the boys went home and the girls went to bed.
Tommorrow I get to present about the Venus of Urbino - the last of the Venus' I got to talk about. I actually enjoyed having a bit of a theme. Today I'm going to rest up and go back to having some girl time.
Shine bright...
Love & Kleenex,
V.
Post Script:
We have found (thanks to Laura and Daniel) the BEST gelato we've had. Today I had banana and watermelon and even just thinking about that watermelon gelato makes me want a tub of it. Yummmm.
Saturday, 28 May 2011
Victoria gets sick in Florence...
And no, this has nothing to do with alcohol.
I came down with a bloody cold yesterday-which hit me like a wall last night. I had a sore throat, but now I feel pretty similar to what poop must feel like. But I scraped myself out of my bed, put my face on, did my hair, put on my new dress and got on the bus to go for our wine tasting evening. I was really excited for this opportunity so a stupid cold wasn't about to stop me.
We arrived at Castello Del Trebbio, a beautiful castle in the countryside. It was built by the Pazzi family (Pazzi translates to "crazies") in 1184 and is famous for the "Pazzi Conspiracy- a plot organized by the Pazzi family in 1478 in order to kill their old enimies Giuliano and Lorenzo de' Medici. Even the Pope was involved. A very cool read.
We got a tour of the castle, winery and learned about their olive oil. Learned about wine tasting and how to identify good Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Really neat.
Our dinner wasn't bad but there is a reason they are known for their wine and olive oil and not their dinners. I also didn't have much of an appetite because of being sick and kept conscious by Buckleys.
I forgot to mention my first cooking class. Friday we went to Travoli kitchens and learned how to make fresh pasta. We made ravioli with ricotta, eggplant and parmesian. An amazing ragu or meat sauce and pana cotta. It was amazing. Our instructor was one crazy chef. We all simultaneously nicknamed him Chef Ramsay-THAT intense. But fun. I recieved a copy of the recipies and can't wait to make it for you all.
Tommorrow is an early call as we are taking a day trip to Lucca for walking tours and bike riding tours. I'm expecting to have really nice photos from this experience. I think it's very cool that we get to have a bike riding tour.
We seem to be taking a bit of a break from TGD's (tour guide of the day) projects. Which has been nice to have our nights to ourselves to explore the city. It is a beautiful city and I wouldn't mind living here one day. Florence seems to be a younger town and there is always something going on. It's a lot of fun. My kindof city.
I think I'm going to go grab some gelato for my throat before bed, then take Buckley's Night time medicine and get a good nights sleep. Me responsible? Who knew.
Until tomorrow...
Love & Gelato,
V.
I came down with a bloody cold yesterday-which hit me like a wall last night. I had a sore throat, but now I feel pretty similar to what poop must feel like. But I scraped myself out of my bed, put my face on, did my hair, put on my new dress and got on the bus to go for our wine tasting evening. I was really excited for this opportunity so a stupid cold wasn't about to stop me.
We arrived at Castello Del Trebbio, a beautiful castle in the countryside. It was built by the Pazzi family (Pazzi translates to "crazies") in 1184 and is famous for the "Pazzi Conspiracy- a plot organized by the Pazzi family in 1478 in order to kill their old enimies Giuliano and Lorenzo de' Medici. Even the Pope was involved. A very cool read.
We got a tour of the castle, winery and learned about their olive oil. Learned about wine tasting and how to identify good Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Really neat.
Our dinner wasn't bad but there is a reason they are known for their wine and olive oil and not their dinners. I also didn't have much of an appetite because of being sick and kept conscious by Buckleys.
I forgot to mention my first cooking class. Friday we went to Travoli kitchens and learned how to make fresh pasta. We made ravioli with ricotta, eggplant and parmesian. An amazing ragu or meat sauce and pana cotta. It was amazing. Our instructor was one crazy chef. We all simultaneously nicknamed him Chef Ramsay-THAT intense. But fun. I recieved a copy of the recipies and can't wait to make it for you all.
Tommorrow is an early call as we are taking a day trip to Lucca for walking tours and bike riding tours. I'm expecting to have really nice photos from this experience. I think it's very cool that we get to have a bike riding tour.
We seem to be taking a bit of a break from TGD's (tour guide of the day) projects. Which has been nice to have our nights to ourselves to explore the city. It is a beautiful city and I wouldn't mind living here one day. Florence seems to be a younger town and there is always something going on. It's a lot of fun. My kindof city.
I think I'm going to go grab some gelato for my throat before bed, then take Buckley's Night time medicine and get a good nights sleep. Me responsible? Who knew.
Until tomorrow...
Love & Gelato,
V.
Friday, 27 May 2011
What happened?!
I missed a day? Yikes. Sorry about that.
The story.
A group of us decided to go out Wednesday night because, well, no good reason but there are many reasons NOT to do something. Plus we didn't have to be in class untill 10 am. We were also handed a flyer that said 5 shots for 5 euros. Whynot!
We made our way to The Fishbowl pub (silly name) and immediately started ordering shots. There was an absurd amount being delievered to our table. I, myself, bought 10 Euros worth (10 shots) and then was continued to be given some of other peoples. I'm a tank so although I felt it-I survived this part of the night.
We met these two guys from Italy that work at the LCBO every now and then in Canada (oddly enough). Kayla and I were trying to figure out why one of them appeared so attractive to us. Then it hit me.. HE HAD DISNEY PRINCE HAIR! No wonder, brainwashing by Disney was the reason for this! Fair enough.
I thought you had to be firm with the "gentlemen" in Toronto hitting on you...until I came to Italy. DOWN BOY is the technique that seems to work the best.
After speaking to the bartender, he informed us where Jersey Shore was partying that night. Central-one of the best clubs in the world apparently. So off we went. we walked to the train station to get a taxi or two. On our way some found themselves too tired- as it was 2am-so they parted their ways. The guys of the group were hesitant to let the three remaining girls go but we convinced them that we would be okay. We arrived at the club and were greeted and immediately walked in and hooked up with drink tickets. On our way in we must have just missed the cast-it was 2:30am after all. So we drank our free drinks and mingled a bit.
At one point a very aggressive guy started moving in on Kayla and she needed help fast! She attempted to get Natasha's attention but the strobes threw a lot of things off. So she tried me. Unfortunately he was started to squirm his way in between us so I couldn't just pull her my way.
Time to think on my feet...
So I did the first thing that I could come up with. I body checked Kayla into Natasha breaking her out of his grip. At first she didn't know WHAT what going on until she read my lips saying " I'm sorry! It's all I could think of". We laughed and broke free.
At 3:40 we called it a night and exited the club. On our way out these guys started talking to me (by scaring me) but they spoke nothing but Italian. GOOD NEWS FOLKS.. apparently.. when I'm drunk I can speak Italian. I communicated to these guys that they needed to help us call a cab. Score-success!
The cab dropped us off on the other side of town (thanks you weenie) so three drunk girls had to cross Florence at 4:30. We eventually tumbled in at 5:30am and put ourselves to bed. It was a good night.
Tonight is a trip-mates 19th birthday. So we threw her a surprise birthday and now we are pre-drinking and getting ready to go back to the Fishbowl Pub (still a silly name) and then off to the club.
It will be another great night with what I'm sure to be more stories.
Stay tuned followers...
Love & Masquerade masks,
V.
Post Script:
Climbing up and down Florence put me out of the game for a moment. The amount of pain I felt in my knee was excrutiating. I could compare it to the same amount of pain I feel just getting out of surgery. But this time-no morphine. Yikes. Miss you all!
The story.
A group of us decided to go out Wednesday night because, well, no good reason but there are many reasons NOT to do something. Plus we didn't have to be in class untill 10 am. We were also handed a flyer that said 5 shots for 5 euros. Whynot!
We made our way to The Fishbowl pub (silly name) and immediately started ordering shots. There was an absurd amount being delievered to our table. I, myself, bought 10 Euros worth (10 shots) and then was continued to be given some of other peoples. I'm a tank so although I felt it-I survived this part of the night.
We met these two guys from Italy that work at the LCBO every now and then in Canada (oddly enough). Kayla and I were trying to figure out why one of them appeared so attractive to us. Then it hit me.. HE HAD DISNEY PRINCE HAIR! No wonder, brainwashing by Disney was the reason for this! Fair enough.
I thought you had to be firm with the "gentlemen" in Toronto hitting on you...until I came to Italy. DOWN BOY is the technique that seems to work the best.
After speaking to the bartender, he informed us where Jersey Shore was partying that night. Central-one of the best clubs in the world apparently. So off we went. we walked to the train station to get a taxi or two. On our way some found themselves too tired- as it was 2am-so they parted their ways. The guys of the group were hesitant to let the three remaining girls go but we convinced them that we would be okay. We arrived at the club and were greeted and immediately walked in and hooked up with drink tickets. On our way in we must have just missed the cast-it was 2:30am after all. So we drank our free drinks and mingled a bit.
At one point a very aggressive guy started moving in on Kayla and she needed help fast! She attempted to get Natasha's attention but the strobes threw a lot of things off. So she tried me. Unfortunately he was started to squirm his way in between us so I couldn't just pull her my way.
Time to think on my feet...
So I did the first thing that I could come up with. I body checked Kayla into Natasha breaking her out of his grip. At first she didn't know WHAT what going on until she read my lips saying " I'm sorry! It's all I could think of". We laughed and broke free.
At 3:40 we called it a night and exited the club. On our way out these guys started talking to me (by scaring me) but they spoke nothing but Italian. GOOD NEWS FOLKS.. apparently.. when I'm drunk I can speak Italian. I communicated to these guys that they needed to help us call a cab. Score-success!
The cab dropped us off on the other side of town (thanks you weenie) so three drunk girls had to cross Florence at 4:30. We eventually tumbled in at 5:30am and put ourselves to bed. It was a good night.
Tonight is a trip-mates 19th birthday. So we threw her a surprise birthday and now we are pre-drinking and getting ready to go back to the Fishbowl Pub (still a silly name) and then off to the club.
It will be another great night with what I'm sure to be more stories.
Stay tuned followers...
Love & Masquerade masks,
V.
Post Script:
Climbing up and down Florence put me out of the game for a moment. The amount of pain I felt in my knee was excrutiating. I could compare it to the same amount of pain I feel just getting out of surgery. But this time-no morphine. Yikes. Miss you all!
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
I'm sorry I'm climbing what now?...
Ah gOod morning readers. I'm writing this post at 5:30am here in Florence. I just for in from a club that the cast of jersey shore we at. We got in without a line. And made friends with one of the bouncers and were immediately taken to the VIP section.
But before I get ahead of myself I have to tell you how I climbed up ( and Down) Florence to find this perch over looking the city. It took all the strength in me to complete and I told people I didn't want their sympathy. I wanted their respect. And I got
It.
After hours of icing we went back our to drink. It has been a messy night. 5 shots for €5 is dangerous thus the blogging at 5 am.
I will explain more
Tommorrow...
Love & drunk texts,
V.
But before I get ahead of myself I have to tell you how I climbed up ( and Down) Florence to find this perch over looking the city. It took all the strength in me to complete and I told people I didn't want their sympathy. I wanted their respect. And I got
It.
After hours of icing we went back our to drink. It has been a messy night. 5 shots for €5 is dangerous thus the blogging at 5 am.
I will explain more
Tommorrow...
Love & drunk texts,
V.
Tuesday, 24 May 2011
Wine, wine and more wine...
I don't know the temperatures are like back home but here they are gorgeous. Well, for the most part. Currently in our apartment it's quite muggy but the homeowners have lefts 5 standup fans in cupboards for our use. Sweet.
Today was an awesome time. It was bus tour day. Less walking? DEAL!
We joined Sheridan's students who were on an Italy trip for two weeks (more of a vacation for them). They didn't seem very friendly and one crazy cat girl wasn't a fan of my sarcasm. The conversation went as follows;
Matt Townsen-Think that was good watch this *walks up closer to the cat that was laying on the ground to take a picture*
Me- You're SO going to get your face scratched! *sarcastically*
Artsy girl who's artsy hat was obviously on too tight- Oh, I don't think she looks mean. *she says while killing my soul with her eyes*
Me- Yah....I don't think so. *continues to crap a brick*
We took a trip to Tuscany which was beautiful. The rolling hills and lush greenery are killer! We went to stores that had vineyards nearby and picked up amazing wine that isn't available in stores, maybe in some restaurants.
We drove to another location and had a picnic in a meadow where I attempted to absorb more colour from the Tuscan sun. On a related observation; I understand Bacon a little more now.
It was a nice relaxing time before getting back on the bus to visit yet another small town atop a Tuscan hill. The views these places have are indescribable. But I suggest you do yourself a favour and see them! Pictures will never do justice.
After a short 40 minutes we made our way to a farm where we were served a three course meal that contained nothing that wasn't produced on the farm. The smoked meats, the fresh ricotta, quiche, loafs of grain bread, pasta and even wine were all made on this farm. It sat on yet another hill and looked out for miles. We sat at a long table under lattuce weaved with fig vines. The sun was setting and we could hear the goats and donkeys down below. The farm has three very friend cats and one AMAZING dog. A three and a half foot while dog who was wise in years but still rolled around like a puppy. It was picture perfect. Everything we ate tasted amazing and I will never forget the experience.
A two hour bus trip took us back to our place in Florence. I just finished my homework and will be getting ready for bed very shortly. May not have been as active of a day but I am still pooped none the less.
Presenting Botticelli's Birth of Venus which I am pumped for. TWO fun facts tomorrow. What a treat!
Love & Grapevines,
V.
Post Script:
Walking home from the bus station we found Vinny and Pauly D from Jersey Shore being drawn in a piazza. Stood and watched (stared) for a few minutes...captured the moment for proof and made our way home. Seeing them 3 times in 3 days?! Have a feeling it won't end anytime soon. Mark my words...
Monday, 23 May 2011
My feet are blacker than the Flintstones'
All of our feet look like we ran barefoot across the dessert.
Last night the group of us drank more than planned and the day off today couldn't have come at a better time. We all enjoyed our sleep in and the some of us who needed advil took the suitable dosage before venturing out this afternoon.
Because of our late start it was time for us to grab some food. Yesterday while grabbing a few things from our close grocery market I noticed a restorante beside that had an extensive menu and good prices. I suggested it and we were all glad I did.
Whilst eating we received a phone call informing us that we had found the location where the cast of Jersey Shore would be working this summer. we paid our bill and continued on our trek.
We walked a little further and hit a better grocery store, grabbed what we needed and made our way back to our place which by no means was close now.
After 15 mins of the five of us walking Kayla and I spotted a gut wearing a 'shore store' shirt, then noticed he had an ear piece. We exclaimed to the rest of the group " they are near!"
We turned down the street the guy did and sure enough there was Deena and Snooki sitting outside their pizzeria on the curb. Yahtzee!
we stayed an watched for a bit but the heavy bags were taking their told on our arms.
We came home and felt like a million dollars. Which considering I dont know if I should have admitted that.
But i felt accomplished and step two has been completed.
It's only a matter of time before I get to be jersey shore famous!
Tomorrow we have a bus tour of Tuscany which I'm looking forward to. The only challenge is vehicles put me to sleep. Bring on the cappuccinos!
More
Pictures coming soon!
Love & ice packs,
V.
Last night the group of us drank more than planned and the day off today couldn't have come at a better time. We all enjoyed our sleep in and the some of us who needed advil took the suitable dosage before venturing out this afternoon.
Because of our late start it was time for us to grab some food. Yesterday while grabbing a few things from our close grocery market I noticed a restorante beside that had an extensive menu and good prices. I suggested it and we were all glad I did.
Whilst eating we received a phone call informing us that we had found the location where the cast of Jersey Shore would be working this summer. we paid our bill and continued on our trek.
We walked a little further and hit a better grocery store, grabbed what we needed and made our way back to our place which by no means was close now.
After 15 mins of the five of us walking Kayla and I spotted a gut wearing a 'shore store' shirt, then noticed he had an ear piece. We exclaimed to the rest of the group " they are near!"
We turned down the street the guy did and sure enough there was Deena and Snooki sitting outside their pizzeria on the curb. Yahtzee!
we stayed an watched for a bit but the heavy bags were taking their told on our arms.
We came home and felt like a million dollars. Which considering I dont know if I should have admitted that.
But i felt accomplished and step two has been completed.
It's only a matter of time before I get to be jersey shore famous!
Tomorrow we have a bus tour of Tuscany which I'm looking forward to. The only challenge is vehicles put me to sleep. Bring on the cappuccinos!
More
Pictures coming soon!
Love & ice packs,
V.
Sunday, 22 May 2011
YAHTZEE!
We had a short day today and I'm so happy about that. I presented Giotto's Campinile and then we climbed the 450+ stairs to the top... well, I didn't. I would have paralyzed myself for a week if I attempted it. It wasn't actually me who decided it wasn't the best idea for me, and if you know me that wouldn't be a shock. I think I'm invinsible! It was actually my travel family (became a family <3). And boy were they right.
We ended our day in Florence's leather market which was perfect so I could start my shopping!Made some visits in makeup stores out here and bought some makeup from Italia. It's amazing and I can't wait to use it! I'm sure the girls are excited too. I am actually starting a makeup sign-up sheet on my door. haha. That way if someone wants help doing makeup I can still be on time.
We eventually ended up on Florence's H&M. The prices are serisouly lower than Canada's and the selection they have is mind-blowing. I found a nice dress and was confirmed it was a good fit by a girl names Rose from Toronto who once worked on Bay St. but one day got up and moved to Florence. She is now doing her masters in Fashion here. She told me what to wear with it to dress it up and down and I would never argue with her. She is perfect. I found many great things-it was a four-level H&M. They even had onesies! (No, I didn't get another-didn't have my size). A friend travelling with me, Daniel, works at H&M in Canada and has a discount card. So we wil be going back to get more at even better prices. Yahtzee!
One our way back was when the boys from Jersey Shore were seen. It just keeps getting better. And speaking of which that is a fantastic segway into they fact that tommorrow we have a day off. There are many talks of a beach which would be nice. I was out in the 30 degree weather today and didn't tan...or burn. Still white. So maybe the beach will help me look alive. What ever we do I'm sure it will be fun!
Each night there are performers everywhere around us, so tonight Kayla and I have decided to get 'jazzed' up and go for a walk to enjoy the nightlife here. Can't wait to show you all pictures of this beautiful city.
You stay classy Canada...
Love & European designers,
V.
Post Script:
Every presentation I do I have at least one "Fun Fact" for the group. It's going over well and they are starting to depend/look forward to the Fun Fact of the day. I also let one of my fellow travellers pick the number I used. For example, Giotto's Campinile Fun Fact #67; The top three levels of the tower were built so that each level is bigger in height than the lower one. Thus revoking the effect on perspective. When you look up the tower the top three layers look exactly the same size. NEAT!
Post Post Script:
The pictures are of our kitchen and living/dining room. It's cute.
Saturday, 21 May 2011
Jersey Shore vs Lakeshore
Readers!
I love hearing all the comments from you reading my blog! Means I'm not just talking to myself. And makes me feel happy :)
It's the end of day 8 and I am now settled in Florence. All the girls are sharing one apartment. There are 4 rooms of two and a single room. Kayla and I have a fireplace in ours, the family who owns this 4 bedroom, two bath place left us a welcome note and wrote "Welcome Home Girls" on the chalkboard in the kitchen. We have a dining room and living room, full large kitchen, laundry room with irons, hair dryers, straighteners and everything else. one bathroom has a large tub with a removable shower head. It sits at eye view with a window (there are shutters) and the bathroom is large. The bathroom beside it also has a shower and is more like a powder room. We were all left bags of clean towels that actually seemingly partner with the respectful rooms colour palette. every room has a wall cabinet with tonnes of hangers and drawers, every one has their own desk and bulletin board. and everyone's rooms have many many books on Italy and the culture. Wait 'till you see pictures.
We took a walk around town tonight to become familliar with our surroung areas. ( Haven't found the cast of Jersey Shore yet, I'll follow the greasy orange trails) This town is amazing. I don't ever want to leave. I would love to live here for a while-two weeks won't be nearly enough. It is a seemingly young person town and the shopping is to die for! After having dinner with the group we all walked to get the best gelato in town and it surpassed my expectations. Melon gelato? Deal.
Tomorrow I am presenting Giotto's Capanile ( if I can ever finish my work-too distracted by Florence ,amazing buskers all the time and the beautiful people). We finish at 12:30 after our lunch at Piazza Santa Croce ( Santa's home in the off season I believe). Then we will hit the streets and shop... hard. The leather here is beautiful and cheap and there are designer stores on every corner.
Tuesday we have a day to ourselves and we are planning on traveling an hour and a half to an amazing beach. Speaking of which I have had the fact that my skin is turning olive commented on more than once. It makes me smile every time. Looking alive is a feat for my pale skin. I'm like a chameleon! The water here is so soft my hair loves it. And I don't know what it is about the sun but it's a better sun. I have no wit left for a sun analogy.
I used a bag of peas and ham (Italians for you) as an ice pack for my knees but a very nice fellow roomate of mine upgraded me to a hot/cold compress. It waits in the freezer for me. Now we use the (mushy) peas in the bag to squish. I may have started this mushing trend, but it's fun to pop the peas!... don't judge me...
There is also a running prank that we hide the squishy peas in eachothers things to find.
I'm exhausted from lugging our luggage (light bulb just went of regarding the relation of "lugging" and "luggage") up 4 flights of stairs.
Until next time friends...
Love & Fist pumps,
V.
I love hearing all the comments from you reading my blog! Means I'm not just talking to myself. And makes me feel happy :)
It's the end of day 8 and I am now settled in Florence. All the girls are sharing one apartment. There are 4 rooms of two and a single room. Kayla and I have a fireplace in ours, the family who owns this 4 bedroom, two bath place left us a welcome note and wrote "Welcome Home Girls" on the chalkboard in the kitchen. We have a dining room and living room, full large kitchen, laundry room with irons, hair dryers, straighteners and everything else. one bathroom has a large tub with a removable shower head. It sits at eye view with a window (there are shutters) and the bathroom is large. The bathroom beside it also has a shower and is more like a powder room. We were all left bags of clean towels that actually seemingly partner with the respectful rooms colour palette. every room has a wall cabinet with tonnes of hangers and drawers, every one has their own desk and bulletin board. and everyone's rooms have many many books on Italy and the culture. Wait 'till you see pictures.
We took a walk around town tonight to become familliar with our surroung areas. ( Haven't found the cast of Jersey Shore yet, I'll follow the greasy orange trails) This town is amazing. I don't ever want to leave. I would love to live here for a while-two weeks won't be nearly enough. It is a seemingly young person town and the shopping is to die for! After having dinner with the group we all walked to get the best gelato in town and it surpassed my expectations. Melon gelato? Deal.
Tomorrow I am presenting Giotto's Capanile ( if I can ever finish my work-too distracted by Florence ,amazing buskers all the time and the beautiful people). We finish at 12:30 after our lunch at Piazza Santa Croce ( Santa's home in the off season I believe). Then we will hit the streets and shop... hard. The leather here is beautiful and cheap and there are designer stores on every corner.
Tuesday we have a day to ourselves and we are planning on traveling an hour and a half to an amazing beach. Speaking of which I have had the fact that my skin is turning olive commented on more than once. It makes me smile every time. Looking alive is a feat for my pale skin. I'm like a chameleon! The water here is so soft my hair loves it. And I don't know what it is about the sun but it's a better sun. I have no wit left for a sun analogy.
I used a bag of peas and ham (Italians for you) as an ice pack for my knees but a very nice fellow roomate of mine upgraded me to a hot/cold compress. It waits in the freezer for me. Now we use the (mushy) peas in the bag to squish. I may have started this mushing trend, but it's fun to pop the peas!... don't judge me...
There is also a running prank that we hide the squishy peas in eachothers things to find.
I'm exhausted from lugging our luggage (light bulb just went of regarding the relation of "lugging" and "luggage") up 4 flights of stairs.
Until next time friends...
Love & Fist pumps,
V.
Friday, 20 May 2011
Itsa Me, the Pope!
Helllooooo Canada,
Today was our last day in Rome. We made our way to the Vatican, Basillica, and St.Peter's Square. I was SO close to the pope. Casa di Pope-a is breathtaking. And for all the times I've seen it in Hollywood it was surreal to actually be there. Lots of people and not enough air-conditioning in the Vatican. I'm gettting some sun (I actually look alive now) and today for the first time in my life I was told I have an olive complextion. I grinned from tiny ear to tiny ear.
Today my roomates and I slept in so late that we had 10 minutes to get downstairs. After quickly getting dressed up in nice dresses we made it downstairs. THEN we were told no exposed knees (the Pope HATES knees). So up we went again to change. For most of us the soltuion was to throw on jeans under our dresses, some had more trouble solving the issue.
Tonight we are all going out and exploring the nightlife. We all picked up our wine and some are having naps to gain energy they will need for tonight. My roomate Kayla and I went the "let's just drink more Cappuccinos" route. I am sitting on the communal computer with a bag of peas taped to my knee using a tensor bandage. Me being responsible.
I'm very excited for Florence tomorrow and am looking forward to shopping there. Kayla and I's third roomate is currently sleeping and could get up anytime, in which then she will realize she cannot get out because we locked the door behind us and she will need the key to unlock it. So perhaps I should go make sure she hasn't scaled out the window.
Until I find internet in Florence...
Love and Pope hats,
V.
Today was our last day in Rome. We made our way to the Vatican, Basillica, and St.Peter's Square. I was SO close to the pope. Casa di Pope-a is breathtaking. And for all the times I've seen it in Hollywood it was surreal to actually be there. Lots of people and not enough air-conditioning in the Vatican. I'm gettting some sun (I actually look alive now) and today for the first time in my life I was told I have an olive complextion. I grinned from tiny ear to tiny ear.
Today my roomates and I slept in so late that we had 10 minutes to get downstairs. After quickly getting dressed up in nice dresses we made it downstairs. THEN we were told no exposed knees (the Pope HATES knees). So up we went again to change. For most of us the soltuion was to throw on jeans under our dresses, some had more trouble solving the issue.
Tonight we are all going out and exploring the nightlife. We all picked up our wine and some are having naps to gain energy they will need for tonight. My roomate Kayla and I went the "let's just drink more Cappuccinos" route. I am sitting on the communal computer with a bag of peas taped to my knee using a tensor bandage. Me being responsible.
I'm very excited for Florence tomorrow and am looking forward to shopping there. Kayla and I's third roomate is currently sleeping and could get up anytime, in which then she will realize she cannot get out because we locked the door behind us and she will need the key to unlock it. So perhaps I should go make sure she hasn't scaled out the window.
Until I find internet in Florence...
Love and Pope hats,
V.
Thursday, 19 May 2011
Last two days in Rome...
Ciao!
I didn't plan on blogging today but I found the computer free so thought I might as well.
We're down to our last two days in Roma before making our way to Florence which I am super excited about.
Today was amazing, good sleep last night, easy day today. Went to the Borgiese Museum and fell in love with some of Bernini's work. We had lunch in Rome's second largest park in the sunny warm weather. We were all in heaven and essentially had to be dragged away from it.
Tomorrow we go to Vatican City where I get to talk about St. Peter's Square and by some of the information I've been reading and studying I am getting really excited to talk about it.
I finally uploaded some of the pictures, a very small amount from all the pictures. But you get the idea.
It's early to bed for me tonight 'cause tommorrow is a 6 am wakeup. yuck.
I'll say Hi to the pope for you!
Love and the Pope's hat...
V.
Post Script:
Always think of this funny Family Guy clip
http://phunymovies.com/video/Embarrass
I didn't plan on blogging today but I found the computer free so thought I might as well.
We're down to our last two days in Roma before making our way to Florence which I am super excited about.
Today was amazing, good sleep last night, easy day today. Went to the Borgiese Museum and fell in love with some of Bernini's work. We had lunch in Rome's second largest park in the sunny warm weather. We were all in heaven and essentially had to be dragged away from it.
Tomorrow we go to Vatican City where I get to talk about St. Peter's Square and by some of the information I've been reading and studying I am getting really excited to talk about it.
I finally uploaded some of the pictures, a very small amount from all the pictures. But you get the idea.
It's early to bed for me tonight 'cause tommorrow is a 6 am wakeup. yuck.
I'll say Hi to the pope for you!
Love and the Pope's hat...
V.
Post Script:
Always think of this funny Family Guy clip
http://phunymovies.com/video/Embarrass
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
Whore house...
Helloooooo Canada!
Today was our day trip to Pompeii. But before I start please note that for the most part I'm typing on an iPhone and auto correct is the devil.
So we made our way to the train station and successfully managed to board the right train. To be honest with you I was expecting the train to look like the one in Euro trip minus the "mi scuzi" guy. I was wrong but they are nicer than our local GO train.
After a train and something that I compare to a subway plus the 5 hours it took to get there we finally reached the base of Pompeii .
High five on the choice of shoes today because did I ever need a good pair. We hiked up and down and back and forth that city for 5 hours. I'm sitting on my little orphan Annie bed with ice packs on my knees. They were sore from yesterday this morning so today nearly pushed me to tears but never will they stop me!
I talked about the Stabian baths, the most famous old bath house. We also heard about Pompeii's brothel. all very interesting stuff.
There were stray dogs everywhere!!! I was tempted to keep one as my Pompeii souvenir. ( don't worry mom I didn't end up doing it-they were very happy where they were)
After an exhausting day we made the trip back to Rome and enjoyed a fantastic dinner as a group. I chose risotto and didn't regret it for a second.
We got back to the hostel around eleven and we are all excited for our sleep in tomorrow of 9 am as opposed to our normal 7am. I have taken some pretty kickass photos that I can't wait to share with you all.
Until next time scallywags,
V.
Post script; the first couple times I was called Bella I felt warm and fuzzy inside. Now I feel like they just want me to buy their gelato and knock-off purses.
Post post script; had a lighting fast romance today with the guy who made me my cappuccino. I was the only one he gave a spoon to. Just saying. I think he may be the one. I miss him and his cappuccino skills. He also told his co worker to make mine double time. Which is just awesome.
Today was our day trip to Pompeii. But before I start please note that for the most part I'm typing on an iPhone and auto correct is the devil.
So we made our way to the train station and successfully managed to board the right train. To be honest with you I was expecting the train to look like the one in Euro trip minus the "mi scuzi" guy. I was wrong but they are nicer than our local GO train.
After a train and something that I compare to a subway plus the 5 hours it took to get there we finally reached the base of Pompeii .
High five on the choice of shoes today because did I ever need a good pair. We hiked up and down and back and forth that city for 5 hours. I'm sitting on my little orphan Annie bed with ice packs on my knees. They were sore from yesterday this morning so today nearly pushed me to tears but never will they stop me!
I talked about the Stabian baths, the most famous old bath house. We also heard about Pompeii's brothel. all very interesting stuff.
There were stray dogs everywhere!!! I was tempted to keep one as my Pompeii souvenir. ( don't worry mom I didn't end up doing it-they were very happy where they were)
After an exhausting day we made the trip back to Rome and enjoyed a fantastic dinner as a group. I chose risotto and didn't regret it for a second.
We got back to the hostel around eleven and we are all excited for our sleep in tomorrow of 9 am as opposed to our normal 7am. I have taken some pretty kickass photos that I can't wait to share with you all.
Until next time scallywags,
V.
Post script; the first couple times I was called Bella I felt warm and fuzzy inside. Now I feel like they just want me to buy their gelato and knock-off purses.
Post post script; had a lighting fast romance today with the guy who made me my cappuccino. I was the only one he gave a spoon to. Just saying. I think he may be the one. I miss him and his cappuccino skills. He also told his co worker to make mine double time. Which is just awesome.
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Half now half later...
Ciao!
It's been barely three days and already we are all so comfortable here. People are so friendly and most speak enough English to meet my ability to speak Italian half way. In the morning everyday I have a cappuccino and a pizza- which would be a sandwich to us in north America . Prosciutto and fresh mozzarella in the freshest bread I've ever tasted. Breakfast in Rome is my favorite meal hands down.
Today was a very long day it's just passed 5 pm now and we are all exhausted. 7am wakeups and treks that last till 4pm. We started at a church or chiesta in which we had to walk up and down many hills ( we kept making wrong turns) and kept passing this one VERY intimidating set or stairs. I think all of us knew in the back of our minds it was inevidable that we would have to walk up those. Sure enough they needed to be climbed to reach the church. We made the stair climb that made the CN tower stair climb look fun and continued to enter the church that housed michelangelo's statue of Moses. Seeing the marble statues in person is so surreal especially after seeing them in books all through school. It seems like in my mind I think of the statues as pictures and not as a tangible piece. Probably makes it hit harder when I see these incredible pieces 2 feet away from me.
One of the most awesome things that is seen most place is the worm done on the ceilings. The paintings and carvings it just blows your mind to think someone did these by hand. Things I can't even fathom. We moved onto the Capitine museum to look at more statues.
Fun fact # 87: the statues and busts of saints and people of importance were done by pouring wax over their heads to created a mild and then bronze was poured into it. This was done after they were deseased and their eye sockets were filled with molded substance( totally don't remember this part) but this is so the bronze caster would be able to manipulate their expressions- with dead people vein expressionless and all.
I spoke about The Dying Gaul and the importance in history the dipiction of emotion had. Soon after it was lunchtime and then on to the Pantheon. More impressive than you could ever imagine.
Right outside the Pantheon was a gelato bar a fellow Canadian directed us too. BEST cappuccino I've had thus far!!!!!
I chose the black cherry gelato which tasted even better than the black cherry ice-cream I used to ask my parents to go to Swiss Chalet for. Trust me, a HUGE feat and I never thought I would see the day.
I made a wish in the Trevi fountain an we were off to our last chiesta of the day. By this time my camera had died and I will have to rely on my fellow travellers for pictures.
We made the 30 minute walk back and stopped to buy lunch stuff for our trip to pompeii tommorrow. This was the first time I mustered up the confidence to speak in Italian to the grocery store employees. I ordered about 600 grams of prosciutto and enough mozzarella for 8 ( Otto) sandwiches. All for about $10 Canadian. We stopped at a bakery for our bread and 6 very large bottles of water which continues to be needed.
By the way I feel right now and felt this morning tonight is an early to bed kind of night. Not before making 8 sandwiches , showering and homework.
Until I get my hands on Daniels phone again Buenaventura sera.
Love and €13.40 Jose Cuervo,
V.
It's been barely three days and already we are all so comfortable here. People are so friendly and most speak enough English to meet my ability to speak Italian half way. In the morning everyday I have a cappuccino and a pizza- which would be a sandwich to us in north America . Prosciutto and fresh mozzarella in the freshest bread I've ever tasted. Breakfast in Rome is my favorite meal hands down.
Today was a very long day it's just passed 5 pm now and we are all exhausted. 7am wakeups and treks that last till 4pm. We started at a church or chiesta in which we had to walk up and down many hills ( we kept making wrong turns) and kept passing this one VERY intimidating set or stairs. I think all of us knew in the back of our minds it was inevidable that we would have to walk up those. Sure enough they needed to be climbed to reach the church. We made the stair climb that made the CN tower stair climb look fun and continued to enter the church that housed michelangelo's statue of Moses. Seeing the marble statues in person is so surreal especially after seeing them in books all through school. It seems like in my mind I think of the statues as pictures and not as a tangible piece. Probably makes it hit harder when I see these incredible pieces 2 feet away from me.
One of the most awesome things that is seen most place is the worm done on the ceilings. The paintings and carvings it just blows your mind to think someone did these by hand. Things I can't even fathom. We moved onto the Capitine museum to look at more statues.
Fun fact # 87: the statues and busts of saints and people of importance were done by pouring wax over their heads to created a mild and then bronze was poured into it. This was done after they were deseased and their eye sockets were filled with molded substance( totally don't remember this part) but this is so the bronze caster would be able to manipulate their expressions- with dead people vein expressionless and all.
I spoke about The Dying Gaul and the importance in history the dipiction of emotion had. Soon after it was lunchtime and then on to the Pantheon. More impressive than you could ever imagine.
Right outside the Pantheon was a gelato bar a fellow Canadian directed us too. BEST cappuccino I've had thus far!!!!!
I chose the black cherry gelato which tasted even better than the black cherry ice-cream I used to ask my parents to go to Swiss Chalet for. Trust me, a HUGE feat and I never thought I would see the day.
I made a wish in the Trevi fountain an we were off to our last chiesta of the day. By this time my camera had died and I will have to rely on my fellow travellers for pictures.
We made the 30 minute walk back and stopped to buy lunch stuff for our trip to pompeii tommorrow. This was the first time I mustered up the confidence to speak in Italian to the grocery store employees. I ordered about 600 grams of prosciutto and enough mozzarella for 8 ( Otto) sandwiches. All for about $10 Canadian. We stopped at a bakery for our bread and 6 very large bottles of water which continues to be needed.
By the way I feel right now and felt this morning tonight is an early to bed kind of night. Not before making 8 sandwiches , showering and homework.
Until I get my hands on Daniels phone again Buenaventura sera.
Love and €13.40 Jose Cuervo,
V.
Monday, 16 May 2011
Via Urbano
It's almost 11:30 and I'm feeling the amount of activity we did today. Walking non stop for 7 hours is a great way to burn off the calorie intake of the amazing food but it does take a toll on your body. The wine is a decent medication for that and with a 6 pack of Corona and Leffe being €1.90, very easy to come by. I'm sitting in the hostel/nunary in our kitchen at a table while some of my peers prepare their presentations for tomorrow. I finished most of mine on our plane ride due to not being able to sleep. So no homework for this kid. I realized I told you guys I would upload a photo to see but nuns aren't very technically inclined. Soon I promise. But for now it is bedtime , I have another big day of exploring this mind blowing city.
Goodnight friends.
V.
Goodnight friends.
V.
Its Day Two!
Hello Sportsfans!
It is now day two of this adventure and Im already in love. But im getting ahead of myself. ALSO this keyboard is Italian and I cant figure it out so i appologize-o for the no punctuation...o. So it took us about 14 hours to arrive at our hostel (run by nuns) And with the help of my friend Kayla punctuation is back in the game! (sortof).
Anyways we have now settled in our mustard coloured rooms complete with pictures of the Virgin Mary on the walls as well as jesus chillin' on his cross above our heads. One thing I'm getting used to is the 3 floor hike we do to get in and out. After the long trek to get to our current location the exhaustiong made it a little difficult to take in all of my surroundings. After a decent sleep last night on what felt like one of the beds from the musical Annie, I was able to start embracing this experience. Today I presented the Colosseum and we saw Palentine Hill. Both much more amazing in person than any book or picture could illustrate. I just got back from our journey and thought I should let you all know I'm still alive. On our way back from Palentine Hill we stopped off at a grocery store for food and drinks. Instead we each walked out with a bottle of wine. When in Rome....
Needless to say the espressos (?) espressoes(?) espressi (?) are incredible, the mozzarella is like nothing I've ever had before and the meat would turn any vegan. (Exaggeration but I'm a story-topper) Roma is a little expensive so there won't be many souvineers from here. Between 7 of us our lunch was 92 euros. I mean it tasted fantastic but it isn't something we can do each day.
My 20 minutes on the nuns' computer is almost up (she has to check her facebook) so I must conclude my first post. Tomorrow we are going to Capetiline Hill and Museum where I will be presenting about The Dying Gaul. (naked dude statue)
I have to go upstair (4 flights now) to get my camera cord to upload some pictures for you all to see. Thus I will do it later because when I go up...I don't come down unless something really important happens. So untill my next post followers,
Ciao, Buena sera,
V.
Daily Fun fact:
Gents who serenade you with their guitars and voices comparible to angels won't for free. Even if they surprise you by coming out of the bushes. Startling.
It is now day two of this adventure and Im already in love. But im getting ahead of myself. ALSO this keyboard is Italian and I cant figure it out so i appologize-o for the no punctuation...o. So it took us about 14 hours to arrive at our hostel (run by nuns) And with the help of my friend Kayla punctuation is back in the game! (sortof).
Anyways we have now settled in our mustard coloured rooms complete with pictures of the Virgin Mary on the walls as well as jesus chillin' on his cross above our heads. One thing I'm getting used to is the 3 floor hike we do to get in and out. After the long trek to get to our current location the exhaustiong made it a little difficult to take in all of my surroundings. After a decent sleep last night on what felt like one of the beds from the musical Annie, I was able to start embracing this experience. Today I presented the Colosseum and we saw Palentine Hill. Both much more amazing in person than any book or picture could illustrate. I just got back from our journey and thought I should let you all know I'm still alive. On our way back from Palentine Hill we stopped off at a grocery store for food and drinks. Instead we each walked out with a bottle of wine. When in Rome....
Needless to say the espressos (?) espressoes(?) espressi (?) are incredible, the mozzarella is like nothing I've ever had before and the meat would turn any vegan. (Exaggeration but I'm a story-topper) Roma is a little expensive so there won't be many souvineers from here. Between 7 of us our lunch was 92 euros. I mean it tasted fantastic but it isn't something we can do each day.
My 20 minutes on the nuns' computer is almost up (she has to check her facebook) so I must conclude my first post. Tomorrow we are going to Capetiline Hill and Museum where I will be presenting about The Dying Gaul. (naked dude statue)
I have to go upstair (4 flights now) to get my camera cord to upload some pictures for you all to see. Thus I will do it later because when I go up...I don't come down unless something really important happens. So untill my next post followers,
Ciao, Buena sera,
V.
Daily Fun fact:
Gents who serenade you with their guitars and voices comparible to angels won't for free. Even if they surprise you by coming out of the bushes. Startling.
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
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