Every Day's A Field Trip- Part I



No wonder I was directionally challenged  in Venice



                                             

Trust me, most of my USAC friends know how lucky we are.  Exciting opportunities, exhilerating experiences and seeing amazing destinations are what we all hope to learn and gain from our study abroad adventure. But to experience how modern European societies accept, appreciate and honor their past (history) is truly a memorable experience. To touch 1000 year-old monuments and tread centuries old cobblestone streets gives life to those history lessons we all have learned and probably forgotten.  It also gives perspective to being part of an appreciative global community.

Of course, every field trip has its challenges.  And I am totally learning that every day does not have to consist of jaw-dropping, fantastic experiences to be a great lesson in the field trip of life.  If we all slow down and listen, we can all enjoy some serendipity moments.  My special list for my field trip learning curve includes:

  *getting 3 meals a day,
  *a great shower you can actually turn around in,
  *bus drivers that speak no English, but get off the bus with you and
    walk 20 ft to point you in the right direction,
   *learning to give up control and start practicing "No worries,"
   *green grass
   *ice cold water
   *organ music being played in an ancient cathedral,
   *running late and missing a train conection, only to find the train is
     late, so you are really on time!
   *when your plan goes awry and you realize it's not about me anyways...     
    there always is a bigger picture than your inwardly focused one,
   *afternoon lattes in an outdoor cafe with a friend,
   *4 hour dinners,

   *trusting that I will always be safe,
   *"right behind the church" really means, around the corner, take a left,
      follow a path...and you always get where you're going,
    *toilet paper,
    *a 16 year-old young man that takes the time to walk most of the way 
      to a train station with you because you're lost,
    *food tastes better when you carry it home from the market,
    *conquoring fears,
    *enjoying spontaneity,
    *learning the instant gratification thing isn't so great after all,
    *being grateful for grandmothers who love to help translate even when  
      they speak little or no English,
     *And realizing every time you have a delay waiting for a bus, tram or
       train is when you meet the most interesting people! 



No worries





security line in Venice airport



free upgraded room!  Bella!



woman who had restored
church frescoes

               

making new friends on the train



1400 years old - Ravenna, Italy

MK and Carmen with amazing drinks!



Playing like a kid again! (Sardinia)



The Rush of Immersion

It has been 10 days since I arrived in Viterbo, Italy, and I am quickly discovering how studying abroad is way cool and totally about “getting out of your comfort zone.”  I have always loved adventures and exploring, but the total immersion you experience as a non-tourist is immediate:  it’s scary, overwhelming, exciting and exhilarating all at the same time! No stores open on Sundays, limited weekend transportation, no tv, radio, dishwashers, clothes dryers and the streamlined efficiency of everything! I have been so impressed with the USAC (University Study Abroad Consortium) and the way they have transitioned all 50 students from the U.S.. They have given us a lot of independence to get acclimated and yet, are there to answer all our questions and concerns.  I think everyone is very pleased with the housing, we have picked up alot of Italian, and I think everyone is trying to get a handle on the serious “travellust” we are experiencing. 

Very few Italians speak English.  Nor should they.  Which means we are pretty much on our own at the market, in the train station, the bus station etc.  You learn pretty quickly which essential Italian words are necessary for communicating.  We have all made lots of mistakes.  But the Italians seem to like it better if we at least try.  This is a university town inside medieval walls and with historic buildings that date from the 12^th century.  And a smile and a “grazie” goes a long way.  And in Europe, we are on European time.  I have hardly looked at my watch except to be sure I am getting to class on time.  In 6 weeks, I have already gone from thinking about what new car I might buy next summer after I give my 2005 Toyota SUV to my son…to thinking about moving to Clifton or downtown, so I can live in Cincinnati without a car.  Go figure!

Our first week of classes was a good introduction to our semester.  We have all jumped right into our language classes:  our Italian professors are great.  It is harder to get into school mode than I thought and my blog is taking up alot of time.  The other students are really helpful  in giving me pointers and video recommendations, so hopefully, I will not disappoint!  It's important to me because it is part of my Gilman scholarship and Taft Endowment scholarship requirements! So, video blogging yet to come! I am taking a heavier load than most students, but I should be ok (va bene).





outing to Lake Bracciano



semi common vehicle and plenty of nice cars too!




Stefano during orientation







MK at one of Viterbo wall entrances







potluck dinner at friends




St Rosa Festival -all weekend party!





100 ft statue carried through Viterbo




Viterbo Duomo - 12th century




french fry pizza




MK's temporary apt till october



 

 


 

St Rosa parade



cars and pedestrians happily together!



nights of dancing and music shows





shu cafe






breakout group 2nd day



I cannot tell you what a rush it is to get on a regional train or bus, knowing only the basics of the schedule, crossing your fingers about station changes and that you're on the correct one,  remembering to validate your ticket, realizing if you get lost, the worst that can happen is you will spend the night in a station, having very few directions or information, spending an exciting day in a whole different region or town and arriving back safely to your new town…Every day is a journey and you go to bed at night with a “Wow, thanks God... I am one of the luckiest and blessed people on the planet and what an awesome, wild ride!”