Bologna- or lack there of.

This past Saturday my friends Amanda Kayla and I decided to make a little day trip to a neighboring town Bologna (pronounced bo-loan-yuh).  And what an adventure we had!

We of course started out our day with breakfast at News Cafe! Much to my surprise, the guy working there knew what I wanted! I am now officially a News Cafe Regular.  In case that isn't very significant to you- you can just think of it as Ellen making Italian friends!

After we finished our cappuccinos we made our way over to the train station and bought round trip tickets to Bologna without a single hitch.  Only to find that the tickets we bought were not for the train we thought! So we ended up waiting in line for about twenty minutes, only to find out that the next train we could take with the tickets we had purchased wasn't taking off for about another hour and a half!  We decided to use our time wisely, and went shopping!!! Which really wasn't that great, except I did pick up a much needed wool sweater.  Once we had stopped into enough stores, it was time to get on the train.  Which you might be surprised to hear- we did successfully! We got on the right train, but we missed our stop!

Stuck in Pistoia.  Whaat?

Hahah it was so funny, so we got off at the next stop, then got on another train (which we didn't have a ticket for) and rode back to the staion we were suposed to get off at!  THEN we were finally on the right train and only an hour and ten minutes to Bologna!

A building in Bologna? 

We finally arrived in Bologna 10 minutes to 3! And by this time we were starving. So our first mission was, to eat lunch/dinner.  Mission accomplished.  Unfortunately we didn't have a map, and as strange as this may sound we couldn't find one anywhere! Fearing we wouldn't be able to find the train station again, and worn out and flustered form our earlier train experience.  We decided it would be best if we avoided wandering to much.  After an hour or so of walking around we were basically worn out.  It was sooo busy there and the weather wasn't the best.  So we decided to head back to the train station.

Kayla and Amanda in front of....(clueless without a map)

  Much to our delight the next train to Florence was leaving in merely 9 minutes.  We stamped our tickets and waited on the train to arrive.  Only to discover we were on the wrong platform, we found the right one and ran there.  Luckily the train was still there, but yet again it was the wrong platfrom! The station had 3 platfroms, East Central and West.  We were at the East Platfrom when we found out we needed to be at the West platfrom! Thinking we might be able to make it on time we started running the opposite direction.  Even though it sounds miserable, it was actually a lot of fun!  But we missed the train!

Not a big deal, the next one was leaving in 30 minutes.  We sat on the platform and waited, got on succesfully and made it home around 9:15.  

The Bologna Train Station! Something I DO know. 

Which basically means that we spent around 6 hours in transit, and 3 hours at the actually destination. Overall it was fun a fun day, and we really did learn a lot.  Would I do it again? Yes definitely. 

eye candy

I don't have time to do a full post today (class in an hour).  But I thought I would share some pretty pictures with you.  Allison- these are for you :)

A few bikes locked up- literally a block away from me.

I'm not sure what they call these but they are all over the city.  If I am correct you are supposed to add a
lock with the person you love and it it supposed to "lock your love in"

Open air market in Ravenna

A green gate in Ravenna

Bikes.  I loved the red/white polka-dots they have on their bell and light. 

Art History!

So like I said in my previous post, we have already been on three field trips! And that is what this post is dedicated to!  First we went to the Duomo Baptistery! Wow! That was the first baptistrey I have ever been into (as far as I can remember)! It was absolutely stunning, I was honestly in shock!

Amanda and I waiting in the rain outside of the Duomo before going into the Baptistrey.

Inside of the Baptistery.  Gold. Everywhere. 

Then we walked up to San Miniato- which has the most beautiful view of the city. Get ready to climb some stairs Dad! 

Inside, yet another gorgeous church. 

This time Amanda and I are outside of San Miniato!
 You can get an idea of how pretty it was up there from
the background, but I don't to spoil it for you Dad! 

Then of course Ravenna! I have soo many pictures from this trip, so I tried to pick out a few favorites! 

Inside of one of the 10 cathedrals we went into.  I especially liked this one
 for the pastel colors and beautiful gold adornments.  Of course the
 walls (not shown) were covered in gold mosaics- what else do
you expect from an Early Christian church? 

This is basically a bathtub that a man named Theodoric was buried in.  But unfortunately only for 14 years before
he was broken out. (Look mom and dad, Im learning something!)

Recovered mosaics from the walls of this church- now on display gallery style.  I would easily go bak here just to
 stare at them.  I loved the childlike way they portrayed everything.  I could definitely do a whole post on just these. 

That's it for now! I hope things are swell back in the States! Let me know! Missing everyone. 

Ellen

P.S. Thanks for the sweet emails Paige and Anna! I am missing you guys like crazy! Do you want to come sleep under my bed Anna? And Paige, we have a big pantry, plenty of room for you! Lot's of love. 

yikes!

It's been a whole week since I have blogged! 

My goodness! All is well here in Florence, I am in my second week of classes! We are finally getting started on projects, and I have already been on 3 filed trips for art history! 

We went to Ravenna on Saturday, where we saw probably 10 Early Christian churches.  They were all so gorgeous.  Whenever we got to the last church of the day (the same one my professor had been raving about all day) my memory card stopped working! It said I had to reformat it...nothing I tried worked.  So after that I couldn't take anymore pictures and I couldn't get the 300 pictures I already had on there.  I was pretty bummed but after I left my camera alone for a few days and now it's back to normal!

So instead of trying to tell you everything thats happened over the last week I decided to show you with pictures! 

A street in Florence

Me in front of the Duomo! 

Some central market purchases!
Two nectarines, a free apple! ricotta and spinach stuffed pasta, bread and fresh salami (or something)

Some type of race going on on the Arno! Right behind my apartment! 

A (somewhat random) building (what looked like a vacated school) we happened upon in a garden across the river. 

Thats all for now! Off to check things off my to do list! 

One being make a sketchbook! Yay! 

Have a great day!

Ellen

  

Wednesday.

Wednesday. 

Wednesday morning I had class till noon. 

Wednesday I went to an Italian bakery for lunch. 

Wednesday afternoon I went shopping for class supplies. 

Late Wednesday afternoon I found an upscale grocery. 

On the way home on Wednesday I saw some pretty flowers. 

Wednesday evening I had this for dinner. 

Wednesday night I went out for gelato with some friends. 

I like Wednesday. 

modern day firenze

This is (in my opinion) the perfect picture of Florence. 

In the background you can see the excavation of a building.  With the Medici family monument in the front.  And let's not forget the tourists, then there are the guys on the left selling the paintings.  Over in the middle right there is the vendor cart selling drinks and snacks.  And although you can't really tell, the thing all the way on the right side of the photograph is the leather market! I die! 

Welcome to Florence! Ciao!

daily portrait

A sweet meringue one of my roommates surprised me with. 

today- which was really yesterday

Today was a good day, to put it in plain words.

It was my first day of class in Florence!  What an adventure! It was fun, and really got me excited about classes (as if I weren’t already wetting my pants over it).  After class Amanda and I walked around a little, then went to the market to pick up a few things.  Then I came home relaxed, read a little, and made dinner.  Which was sautéed chicken onions garlic and tomato, I think it turned out pretty good.  Now I am hanging out with some friends while we plan a trip to Switzerland before our Italian class tonight!

View from where I am sitting right now (in my apartment)

All of this actually happened yesterday- then it started to rain and the internet couldn't handle all of the extra moisture, so that is why I am posting it today. 

Oh and our Italian teacher never showed up.  So we ended up just leaving.  When we proceeded to get lost for 30 minutes.  But then rewarded ourselves with gelato for getting on the right path again. 

Gotta love Florence. 

Ellen

Welcome to Italy!

I have just hit the ground running since leaving the United States.  After a safe arrival in Florence I definitely got a European slap in the face.  First off in the water closet, which literally is a closet.  In Rome I had to change planes and used the restroom, my first Italian experience.  Only to be followed by an excessive amount of staring and weird looks given by the Italian women when I brushed my teeth in the airport bathroom.  What fun.  As soon as I arrived in Florence- SACI staff was there to meet us with Orientation Packets and apartment keys!

Boston on the right and Rome on the left

I love my apartment!

So not to be snobby or anything but I honestly (honestly) think that I live in the best apartment.  We have 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an outdoor terrace, a kitchen (with a dishwasher!), two sitting rooms- among 4 girls!  Just to give you a comparable, the girls next door have 5 girls and 1 bathroom.   Yikes!  Oh and another bonus was the hangers, blow-dryer, straightener, ironing board and iron already here!

View of the Arno River from my terrace

Soon after I arrived we (my roommates and I) went to our school for the first time.  What should have taken 10-15 minutes took us about an hour and a half!!! We probably saw every Piazza and walked in at least 7 circles, it was a grand time.  Somewhere in all of this- I had my (get ready) first cappuccino.  It was less than disappointing.  Not only was it lukewarm- but they gave it to me in a styrofoam cup!

So instead of showing you that mess, here is my second cappuccino.  It was pretty good.  

What do you think dad?

Although I was really rushed drinking it, I don’t know why but I feel like everyone (as in SACI students) are always in such a rush!  I don’t get it.  But that’s okay. 

Friday morning we started orientation- which is basically 6 different walking tours of the city.  Which I don’t hate because I am already getting to know my way around!

I opted for the fancy water and still saved 12 Euros. 

Friday was also the day I decided to carry around 6L water in my arms as well as groceries, my camera and other belongings on my back.  I was sweating once I got back to my apartment.

 I have also been taking full of the gelato that is basically 5 meters. 

Gelato eaten by the Duomo- but not purchased there. 

All of this to say I am having a great time! We had our first family dinner tonight, and are about to go out for some gelato with a few other girls! (More to come soon!)

Have a great day in America! 

Ellen

plane talk

Plane Essentials: gum, chocolate, ipod full of pleasing tunes, books, magazines, ibuprofen for travel headaches, eye mask and plenty of snacks.  I'm set!  Leaving for the airport before the sun rises! Goodbye Texas, HELLO ITALY! 

wrapping up

Things are wrapping up here in Texas.  

I have somehow seemed to manage everything I'll need for the next four months in TWO BAGS! 

Miracles do happen.  (Well technically three if you count my carry-on)

Luggage

I am also loaded up on the travel guides.

Travel Guides

As well as miniature sized everything.  Which I secretly love.

Bond no. 9 perfume - this will change your life. 

I am already noticing how much I am going to miss a few things in this beloved country.  

One being- Horizon Organic Chocolate Milk.  I know this sounds silly-  but really.  This is the best chocolate milk I have ever had.  It's not just chocolate milk.  I don't know what makes it so good, but lately I haven't been able to get enough of it.

And of course, my family.

Summer 2009

And just to state the obvious, I am going to miss Tommy too.  BUT he is coming to Italy on Thanksgiving!  I am so excited, I don't think it has actually  hit me yet!

Spring 2010

I am leaving Wednesday morning and plan to spend the rest of my time until then relaxing with the family, and making sure I have everything I need!

Have a great day! Oh and follow me on twitter if you want to keep up with me minute to minute!
Ellen

Amen

Hello! I am leaving for Italy in less than a week and couldn't be more excited! I have (almost) everything I need, and I am just finishing up the packing! It is quite an exciting time!

SACI- The school I am attending this fall.

Kristyn and I- Summer 2010

I am trying to make the most of my time in the States before I leave.  A few things on my to-do list are, make a trip out to San Marcos to see my roommate from college and one of my closest friends from high school. 

Allison- my roommate/soulmate

Tommy and I in Denton- Summer 2010

Overall I had a great summer in Texas.  I was in 12 ( I think) different states this summer and got to see so many old friends.  I also had the amazing opportunity to work at Grace FUMC this summer, and met so many awesome people! (Shout out to C-Mart!)  With the church we went on two mission trips, changed my life.  I went to a few Astros games, swam as often as possible,  drank San Pelligrino with my dad, walked the bayou countless times, went to the beach!  Had a "Starving Artist Sale" in which I sold jewelry and hair accessories to raise money for Italy.  Probably had way to much passion tea from Starbucks (thanks Tommy!)  Read a few good books, tried new things.  I give this summer five stars :)