Monday, July 6, 2009

Italy......

I am sorry I may not be able to post as often as I was before, but I have been extra busy with everything. Other than that I have been well.  I had midterms I think I did well, hopefully I did. 

On june 30th I got terribly sick, it was the worst. I could hardly breath, my throat basically closed up and nose running and was very weak.  This was crazy being that the next day we were getting off to Italy.   

On July 1st Nexus, Grace and I went off to Rome, the train station was beyond crowded.   I literally slept the whole entire way as I sat on the train floor because it was packed to the tee.   When we arrived we headed directly for the coliseum and that was more than beautiful, I wish I had understood a little more about roman times, because if so I think I would of really appreciated it a lot more.  We saw plenty of ruins, had our first taste of Italian pizza, which I felt was good but could have been better.  Then afterwards we met up with Tia an all of us along with Dustin went and looked for a hotel.  The hotel was called Hotel Michigan, we had a room and it was very weird, one queen size bed, or shall I say box spring and blanket, then two twin beds. There was a big open window with no curtain or screen but it closed like it was a door.  The door had no lock from the inside.  The bathroom was very weird as well.  They was a butt cleaner (I forgot the correct name), sink, toilet and shower all in one room with no separator.  Even though it was very confusing it was still very enjoyable. After we were settled and felt clean enough to go out, Tia, Nexus, Grace and I went to this cute little restaurant where I got my gnocchi and they all got past and I found a great new wine.  I thought Justin had put me on before but now this one was better it is called Frangolino.

The 2nd Tia and I went to see the Pantheon, and walked around Rome, finished buying our souvenirs’ and doing the “touristy” things.  We took the train back to the port and I do not like how neither of the two times did anyone check our tickets.  I feel as if it was a waste of time buying them but just to be safe we did anyways.   Tia and I decided to walk around and see what we could find just by exploring the city, and we came upon a stage play in its dress rehearsal.  They were doing select scenes from the hit musical CATS and they had other little things as well. They danced to Nelly, Akon and even Beyonce. It was just strictly amazing      When we got back we basically just chilled walked along the shore looked at the stars and I got the best gelato I have ever had ARMERTTO, everyone knows how much in love with armertto sour I am and this just made me fall in love even more.  It was about a group of 12 of us and we got stares like crazy.  I finally saw another African decent person and she was eager to smile, so I am assuming that not too many African Americans or straight white people are seen in this area.

On the third it was a good day, I I went to the market saw all of the fresh foods, meats and fish being chopped and taken apart these people do not waste a single thing from these animals.  I purchased a lot of different gifts and items for different people. It feels good to buy things for other people.  Then a group of us were going to go see Pisa but it was 22 each way, so we decided to let that go.  We eventually just walked around and we enjoyed the city.  I am really happy we stayed we talked to locals and just learned the meaning of bring an Italian. They are sooo chill here, not in a rush like Americans.  They even have siesta here where everything is closed from 2 untll 4pm, where they can rest and eat with their family.  America needs to adopt this! J Other that that my days are beyond great. 

July 4th!

I woke up in ITALY! How many Americans can say that. Naples is a quite interesting city.  I expected  our voyage further in to be what I saw in Naples.  When we stepped off the boat it had a slight order but nothing out of the ordinary being that we are directly on water.  When Tia and i got to the end of the gate two fellow SAS’ers were kind of shook up and told us firmly stay on the boat or go on SAS trips because it was not safe and they were only out if the boat for 30minutes.  Now I am not from the worse neighborhood but I think I know how to handle myself in a city, so i was not scared. The moment we stepped away from the boat area we learned that there were no crosswalks so everyone is literally own their own with crossing the streets.  Tia and I were stared down by literally everyman we passed by.  It seems acceptable here for men to talk to the women as they please.  We found a little hole in the wall type place and had real Italian pasta.  I am sad to say to, that the places I have been to NY have better tasting pasta, maybe it is the spices but I was not thoroughly impressed.  I later on went out with Jordan Geon and Merritt and I bought these MEAN  Italian leather shoes, it was a splurge but it was worth it 100%!  That night we attempted to go out but the traffic is way too crazy to just walk around and everything happens so quickly as well. 

July 5th

Capri and Anacapri is BEAUTIFUL! I had an SAS trip today and it was to these islands.  The ferry was an hour long and besides a guided tour we got to have some free time.  I even bought and tasted lemonchello.  It is a drink specifically made in Italy.  These islands are known as where the rich and famous come for retreat in Italy. We saw pictures of Mariah Carey, Neyo, Diddy, Jay Z and even Beyonce.  Of course they had the common LV, Gucci, Prada stores available but also plenty more boutiques to choose from.  I took a single person chair lift up to the top of the mountain and this maybe the prettiest thing I have ever seen, we were so high up we were among the clouds and pictures cannot do justice it was just something you had to experience.  We went to the beach as well, I did not get into the water but it was a rock beach, this is the first time I have ever been to one. At first I felt annoyed because it was hard to lay on the rock but then I thought its better than having sand all through your stuff.  And the water was CLEAR you can see straight to the rocks without a problem……

When we got back to the boat they had a “Fourth of July” party.  The food was great, hot dogs, burgers, ribs, corn on the cob, baked beans, macaroni and potato salad and more! A big cake too.  The decorations were really nice too, I kind of felt like I was back home celebrating with friends.  Otherwise it was nice.  Tomorrow we are back on the boat for a day and then off to Croatia, not much planned there but we will figure it out…  

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