I realized that I have not sat down and typed out a very lengthy post about what I am actually up to so here is the last two weeks in summary...
Italians
We have definitely experienced the results of many Italians believing a unflattering American stereotype. Junior high students have mocked us, people on the street have yelled "Bush" at us and men have harassed my friends and I for blocks. However, many of the Italians I see and interact with everyday have been incredibly kind and patient with the language barrier that most SACI students experience here (we are not required to take Italian and most students do not know it). There is an incredibly kind man who works at the snack bar across the street from my house and my goal is to be able to hold a basic conversation with him by the end of the semester. What is lovely to see is that most SACI students, myself included, are a bit more motivated now to learn Italian.
School
Classes have been great so far. I have gone to at least one session of all of my courses except for museology, which I have tonight. My photo professor is amazing and I have learned so much already from him. I think my photo especially will gain a huge improvement from the time at this school. Silk screening is exciting and I am hoping to continue it with an independent study once I get back. Contemporary art history seems interesting and graphic design will provide decent practice with the programs if nothing else.
Roomates
My housemates/roomate are all sweet girls. We seem to get along well and have similar living styles which makes having so many communal spaces easier.
American style bars
Are in odd abundance here, probably because of the amount of American students and tourists. We go there when we miss home or want a beer. Italians don't really drink beer at a bar all that often.
The Duomo
Has quickly become a major landmark for getting myself un-lost and is almost becoming a piece of everyday life, which is a bit odd. It is like seeing store 24 on the corner and knowing I am close to Clark campus. "Oh look! The largest cathedral in Florence, I am almost back"
Free field trips
Oh you read correctly, all of the SACI class field trips are free and you can tag along if there is room. So I am hoping to take advantage of this and get to see a lot of Italy.
Well that is most of what I can think of off the top of my head. More updates to come later.
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5 comments:
ooo Heather, I love your breakdown of life so far - and the fact that your door knobs are eye level. I'll keep checking in... have fun!
I'm glad that everything is going well so far. And it is good to hear that the classes are totally worth it, since that basically more than justifies the entire trip from an academic standpoint! So hooray for that.
Also I am very jealous of the free field trips.
So slacker that I am, I did not get your gift to you before you left. Luckily, it is very small and light. I can mail it to you over there, but I need an address. So email/facebook me an address! :)
Heather,
Didn't I tell you not to be harassed to tell them "Lasciateci stare maiali(pigs)" you can omit the pigs if you wish but it might come handy at some point. Also my cousin would be happy to show you around if you wish. Let me know and I can send you her cell number via e-mail.
Your dad mentioned that you might have forgotten my parents number and address so again let me know and I will send those via e-mail as well.
Ciao
Chiara
Thanks for resending the information Chiara, I had recently realized I miss placed it in my travels. I would love to get in touch with your cousin and your parents at some point, so if you get the chance contact information would be great. Thanks again for putting me in touch with your family. My dad has my email (I don't want to post it publically) or he can also forward information to me easily.
Thanks again!
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