Hey everyone!
After a cozy WHITE Christmas here in Tennessee I'm beginning to prepare myself for second semester. One of the funniest things I keep hearing lately when I tell people I go to school in Vermont is "oh you know it's cold up in Vermont?" Yes, indeed it's chilly, but the funny thing is it's not just my neighbours from Tennessee saying this, but friends and family up and down the east coast. You say Vermont and people immediately go oh wow it's cold their.
I want to be straight with you and tell you yes Vermont can be cold, but without it's weather you wouldn't be able to have some of the best winters ever! The snow in Vermont this year started at the end of October I want to say or early November. So if you are a skier or a snow lover then it can be a nice treat before Christmas. In the winter there are so many Mountains to explore and fresh powder to shred (even on the bunny hill). I'm going to let ya'll in on the fact that I have now only down hill skied for 2 years! I learned freshmen year and fell in love, but before my love for shooting down the mountain occurred I loved winters in Vermont because of sledding on campus, going to down town Burlington (especially to see the lights lining Church street or part of the lake frozen), and I love curling up for long movie marathons with my friends. So, even if your not a cold weather lover or skier Vermont is still such a cool place to be during the winter months. Hey, at least the people know how to drive in the snow and they clear the roads off !
My snow down here in Tennessee may have melted, but I'm gearing up and getting ready for an awesome winter up at school. Just take a look at this video I found of SMC and it's winter wonderland!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Helpful things I learned travelling
Greetings and Buon Natale (or Merry Christmas)!! I finally made it home in time for the holidays. During some of my long layovers and delays I thought of some useful things I've learned while being abroad and travelling. So whether your going abroad in a few weeks, travelling to relatives, or snowed in these little things really can make a difference.
1. Pack lightly because you never know if your going to have to lug around all your bags or if you will have to carry a majority of them. Channel minimalist ideals.
2. Bring a watch! I have never been a big fan of wearing a watch, but once I arrived in Italy I found myself not always knowing the time and having to constantly keep my phone on me for that sole reason. I personally like the little kid inspired watches!
3. Bring comfortable shoes! They may not be as cute or seem like a pain to pack them but after a long day on your feet you'll be glad you did!
4. Pack a water bottle or Nalgene. All too often rest stops and convenient stores over charge for bottled water. So before you go pack one for when you get thirsty. If your flying pack it in your carry-on (empty of course) and fill up once through security!
5. Don't forget your phone charger. You never know how much you may use your phone and need it down the road.
6. Keep your camera handy! You never know when a great photo might present itself to you. And later down the road you will be glad you documented it!
7. If your going abroad buy International phone calling cards before you go. Even if you have a international phone you never know when your phone might not work or need to call home easily. (Before you go make sure to get any country access codes).
8. Try and get to know some locals. If your spending some time in an area try and get to know the place from a local and veer off the touristy path. It's fun meeting new people in cities and learning about the cool places in a new city.
9. Plan ahead! Whether you bring maps of the area your going to, check out what to see in the city, or research the public transportation. You'll be glad you did so.
10. Have a back-up plan. Even if your back-up plan isn't much of a plan have an idea of what to do if your plans don't go accordingly.
11. Patience. Travelling can be very stressful and draining just try to have patience and go with the flow. If things don't go according to your plans or if problems arise remain calm because everything happens for a reason.
1. Pack lightly because you never know if your going to have to lug around all your bags or if you will have to carry a majority of them. Channel minimalist ideals.
2. Bring a watch! I have never been a big fan of wearing a watch, but once I arrived in Italy I found myself not always knowing the time and having to constantly keep my phone on me for that sole reason. I personally like the little kid inspired watches!
4. Pack a water bottle or Nalgene. All too often rest stops and convenient stores over charge for bottled water. So before you go pack one for when you get thirsty. If your flying pack it in your carry-on (empty of course) and fill up once through security!
5. Don't forget your phone charger. You never know how much you may use your phone and need it down the road.
6. Keep your camera handy! You never know when a great photo might present itself to you. And later down the road you will be glad you documented it!
8. Try and get to know some locals. If your spending some time in an area try and get to know the place from a local and veer off the touristy path. It's fun meeting new people in cities and learning about the cool places in a new city.
9. Plan ahead! Whether you bring maps of the area your going to, check out what to see in the city, or research the public transportation. You'll be glad you did so.
10. Have a back-up plan. Even if your back-up plan isn't much of a plan have an idea of what to do if your plans don't go accordingly.
11. Patience. Travelling can be very stressful and draining just try to have patience and go with the flow. If things don't go according to your plans or if problems arise remain calm because everything happens for a reason.
Monday, December 13, 2010
How much planning did you have to do in order to study abroad?
In order to study abroad there is a little bit of planning that is involved but your advisor and Peggy in the study abroad office can help you. Generally it's making sure you can complete all your LSR's and fulfill your major in time to graduate. They'll give you a packet with steps of what you need to do and when it's all due. There is even a checklist which was helpful. It may look intimidating at first, but it wasn't that bad and Peggy and your advisor are their to help! If you have no idea where you want to study no worries just make an appointment with Peggy and by the end of your meeting you'll know or have an idea. The school just makes sure you have a plan to complete everything by the end of your four years. I highly recommend studying abroad because it has been the best 4 months and I would have never gotten to have this experience if I hadn't gone. I hope I answered your question, but if your still uncertain keep asking me questions!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
The heart beat of the city
I'm in shock about how fast this semester has flown by. Living in another country for four months definitely makes school and your weekends fly by. I keep glancing back at pictures and remembering when I could trot around the city all day in shorts and a tank top and now I'm all bundled up watching the city prepare for Christmas. I have seen the Duomo and the main piazza transform so much this fall with festivals, marathons, celebrities, putting up a Christmas tree, and when people come in the summer. Cities are very lively things that once you've lived their long enough you get to know it's beat or the rhythm of life in it. It may sound crazy to say but I love this cities noises. I love hearing the beeping noise of a bus coming up behind me and knowing it's time to jump back up on the side walk. Or how the ambulance siren echoes and seems to be slightly different in every city I've visited, but I know Florence's. The street music playing in front of restaurants trying to serenade the diners. Lastly the Central market and the comments I can hear in ten minutes by just walking through. I can't help myself from laughing a lot of the time. When else am I going to hear "Che Bella!" "Ciao Bella" "I like your look" "I have the perfect purse that matches your eyes!" or my favorite "I give it to you for FREE!" (never happens).
Every city has personality and flare you just have to stay long enough to discover it. And I finally know Florence's and I know my way around or where some of the secret places are hidden. It still doesn't feel like December yet and I'm going to be a total wimp with Vermont weather this January since I've been experiencing a lot warmer fall/ start of winter here. One thing is for sure is that this semester I fell in love with a country and their culture and it was, Italy.
Every city has personality and flare you just have to stay long enough to discover it. And I finally know Florence's and I know my way around or where some of the secret places are hidden. It still doesn't feel like December yet and I'm going to be a total wimp with Vermont weather this January since I've been experiencing a lot warmer fall/ start of winter here. One thing is for sure is that this semester I fell in love with a country and their culture and it was, Italy.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
When in Rome
Two weekends ago my program (API) took us on a three day long weekend adventure to the city of ruins, Rome! Arriving in Rome we were greeted by the rain that stopped abruptly while we were on our tour in front of the Spanish Steps. Blue sky and sunlight broke through just before we made our way towards the Trevi fountain. In every city I have been to during this trip I always fall in love with one thing; the pizza I ate in Pisa, Stone Henge in England, and in Rome it was the Trevi Fountain. I have watched so many movies where the main character journeys to Rome that I was excited to finally star in my own adventure to Rome. Seeing the Trevi Fountain in all these movies intrigued me so when I finally saw it I was amazed. During this trip I kept remembering all the movies and scenes that took place around the city. I felt mostly like Audrey Hepburn in the film, Roman Holiday. ( I even considered getting a haircut).
Throughout the weekend I also made a lot of "When in Rome do as the Romans" jokes! When else does this saying really apply....imagine how bad my jokes would be if I was in Rome for the whole semester! We were in Rome for 3 days and I was satisfied with seeing all we did. My favorite part was seeing the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps at night when they were all lit up! Rome is completely different from Florence and felt like it's own country. Despite some rain and thunderstorms the sun always returned allowing me to capture some great photos! Take a Look.
Pantheon
Throughout the weekend I also made a lot of "When in Rome do as the Romans" jokes! When else does this saying really apply....imagine how bad my jokes would be if I was in Rome for the whole semester! We were in Rome for 3 days and I was satisfied with seeing all we did. My favorite part was seeing the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps at night when they were all lit up! Rome is completely different from Florence and felt like it's own country. Despite some rain and thunderstorms the sun always returned allowing me to capture some great photos! Take a Look.
St. Peters Church/Vatican
Sistine Chapel
St.Peter's
Bridge of Angels
Trevi Fountain at night
Spanish Steps at night
Pantheon
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Oh the Places You'll Go
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go..."
— Dr. Seuss (Oh, the Places You'll Go!)
I am in the home stretch of being here in Florence and it makes me think a lot! "How am I going to make the most of my time left here? What do I still want to see? What has been my favorite parts? When will I come back? Should I buy those leather boots?".
All these questions jump in and out of my head on a daily basis. One of the great things about studying abroad is I have raised a lot of good questions towards myself and have learned who I am more. Yes, thinking especially very loosely like this can be dangerous, but I have come to a few realizations or conclusions. The top one on my list is how it's more about experiences then things. Those leather boots in the window that I pass on my way to school might be calling my name, but then I go hey, I could spend that money and go to Ireland or somewhere for the weekend. Thus, why I keep walking away from them. So, when I think back to my favorite parts of my time here in Florence I'm remembering the experiences I have had more so then the things I have bought. Life shouldn't be all about the things I have; instead it should be about the little moments and the funny memories and experiences that shape us. Watching the sunset over the city from my rooftop terrace or getting lost in London and having my sister help us from Vermont; this is what I will always remember.
I have discovered things will break and disappoint you, but memories are forever. So, now when I go to a new city or country I try and focus on absorbing the culture and everything around me while I'm their and only picking up some postcards before I leave along with some local cuisine! This lesson has to be practised and broken sometimes, but overall experiences have made my time in Florence what it is and I wouldn't change it.
I think Dr. Seuss puts it best and explains in his story Oh, the Places You'll Go , the up's and downs in life, travelling, or with anything.
Here are some more Dr.Seuss Quotes that inspired me!
"Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple."
— Dr. Seuss
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."
— Dr. Seuss (I Can Read with My Eyes Shut)
"Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope."
— Dr. Seuss
"If you never did you should. These things are fun and fun is good."
— Dr. Seuss
"So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life's A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed) Kid, you'll move mountains."
— Dr. Seuss (Oh, the Places You'll Go!)
— Dr. Seuss (Oh, the Places You'll Go!)
I am in the home stretch of being here in Florence and it makes me think a lot! "How am I going to make the most of my time left here? What do I still want to see? What has been my favorite parts? When will I come back? Should I buy those leather boots?".
All these questions jump in and out of my head on a daily basis. One of the great things about studying abroad is I have raised a lot of good questions towards myself and have learned who I am more. Yes, thinking especially very loosely like this can be dangerous, but I have come to a few realizations or conclusions. The top one on my list is how it's more about experiences then things. Those leather boots in the window that I pass on my way to school might be calling my name, but then I go hey, I could spend that money and go to Ireland or somewhere for the weekend. Thus, why I keep walking away from them. So, when I think back to my favorite parts of my time here in Florence I'm remembering the experiences I have had more so then the things I have bought. Life shouldn't be all about the things I have; instead it should be about the little moments and the funny memories and experiences that shape us. Watching the sunset over the city from my rooftop terrace or getting lost in London and having my sister help us from Vermont; this is what I will always remember.
I have discovered things will break and disappoint you, but memories are forever. So, now when I go to a new city or country I try and focus on absorbing the culture and everything around me while I'm their and only picking up some postcards before I leave along with some local cuisine! This lesson has to be practised and broken sometimes, but overall experiences have made my time in Florence what it is and I wouldn't change it.
I think Dr. Seuss puts it best and explains in his story Oh, the Places You'll Go , the up's and downs in life, travelling, or with anything.
Here are some more Dr.Seuss Quotes that inspired me!
"Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple."
— Dr. Seuss
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."
— Dr. Seuss (I Can Read with My Eyes Shut)
"Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope."
— Dr. Seuss
"If you never did you should. These things are fun and fun is good."
— Dr. Seuss
"So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life's A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed) Kid, you'll move mountains."
— Dr. Seuss (Oh, the Places You'll Go!)
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
What is something you like to do in your free time/ what is something you like to do to procrastinate homework?
Oh wow that's a tough one. Recently, I got into listening to podcasts and have been downloading them like crazy. If my roommates aren't home I usually listen to one or two while cooking and eating dinner! My favorites are: This American Life, The Moth, and Freakonomics!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Pictures from a Festival in the City
Also, check out my video of the festival under my video tab above!!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
London calling and some Espana!
Greetings everyone. Sorry for the extremely long delay. My blog has gone a little funky and I can't get my gadgets to be on the side and not the bottom ...so bear with me as we figure it out! This past week after finishing my finals my friends and I boarded a lovely RyanAir plane to embark on our fall break.
Our trip began at 12 am in London airport convincing customs that yes we would leave for Spain in 4 days and yes we would go back to Italy. We had a little adventure getting to my friends Erica's flat, but we did it getting in at about 3 am ! The next day after realizing I could get coffee to go again we fuelled up and jumped on the tube! Now, I loved the tube for some reason and really got a chance to master it and figure out how to get from different places. Instead of telling you about all the famous and cool things I saw in London let me show you!
Jumped off the tube in Hyde park and walked towards Buckingham Palace
Alyssa and me in front of the palace
The London Eye!
Cottage in this park that I would love to live in!
Erica and me!
Westminster Abbey
Loved these phone booths!
Big Ben and the London Eye
Can you tell I really like the London Eye
Abbey Road
The Beatles Store
Rosetta Stone
Hampton Court
I felt like Jane Austin walking around these gardens
I think I could live here
Stonehenge
Oxford
The hospital building they use in Harry Potter!!
A street in Oxford ! SMC love
I loved my time in London and it ended up being my favorite part of vacation! From mastering the tube to feeling like Elizabeth Bennet I loved the city and the feel of it.Getting to see Erica and her new city was especially nice. (In three weeks she comes to Florence!) Next we left for Madrid!
Madrid is such a beautiful city and I loved the feel of it. The food was delicious and I loved our hostels 3 hour tour they gave! We had beautiful warm weather which made it perfect for exploring. In Madrid, we were able to see a flamenco show, went to a museum, ate lots of papaya, and tapas. Here are a few pictures to better illustrate my trip.
After three nights in Madrid we headed towards Barcelona on an eight hour bus! Barcelona was even more beautiful. Barcelona brought bright sunny weather and the beach. On our first day of exploring we walked down to the waterfront and enjoyed the warm sunny weather gazing out at the docks. We were able to browse some markets stands selling local hand made items. After working up an appetite we ate at this great place that had chips and guacamole that were delicious. Here we sat outside overlooking a piazza eating and enjoying the city. The next day we adventured to two parks. One that had a beautiful fountain and pond and the second was designed by the artist Guadi. This museum/ park had mosaic designs and tiles and a beautiful view of the city with a view of the ocean too.
The Harbor
Barcelona at sunset from the Guadi museum !
Overall, we had a crazy 10 days of travelling seeing some beautiful places in Europe and getting to learn a lot. I met so many amazing people at my hostels and in the cities we visited. I learned a lot about myself while travelling and could see how much I have grown while studying abroad. Arriving in a new city not knowing your way around or the language is great challenge and a good way to put yourself outside your comfort zone. My trip can be summed up with this favorite quote of mine, "Do one thing everyday that scares you" Eleanor Roosevelt.
Our trip began at 12 am in London airport convincing customs that yes we would leave for Spain in 4 days and yes we would go back to Italy. We had a little adventure getting to my friends Erica's flat, but we did it getting in at about 3 am ! The next day after realizing I could get coffee to go again we fuelled up and jumped on the tube! Now, I loved the tube for some reason and really got a chance to master it and figure out how to get from different places. Instead of telling you about all the famous and cool things I saw in London let me show you!
I loved my time in London and it ended up being my favorite part of vacation! From mastering the tube to feeling like Elizabeth Bennet I loved the city and the feel of it.Getting to see Erica and her new city was especially nice. (In three weeks she comes to Florence!) Next we left for Madrid!
Madrid is such a beautiful city and I loved the feel of it. The food was delicious and I loved our hostels 3 hour tour they gave! We had beautiful warm weather which made it perfect for exploring. In Madrid, we were able to see a flamenco show, went to a museum, ate lots of papaya, and tapas. Here are a few pictures to better illustrate my trip.
After three nights in Madrid we headed towards Barcelona on an eight hour bus! Barcelona was even more beautiful. Barcelona brought bright sunny weather and the beach. On our first day of exploring we walked down to the waterfront and enjoyed the warm sunny weather gazing out at the docks. We were able to browse some markets stands selling local hand made items. After working up an appetite we ate at this great place that had chips and guacamole that were delicious. Here we sat outside overlooking a piazza eating and enjoying the city. The next day we adventured to two parks. One that had a beautiful fountain and pond and the second was designed by the artist Guadi. This museum/ park had mosaic designs and tiles and a beautiful view of the city with a view of the ocean too.
Overall, we had a crazy 10 days of travelling seeing some beautiful places in Europe and getting to learn a lot. I met so many amazing people at my hostels and in the cities we visited. I learned a lot about myself while travelling and could see how much I have grown while studying abroad. Arriving in a new city not knowing your way around or the language is great challenge and a good way to put yourself outside your comfort zone. My trip can be summed up with this favorite quote of mine, "Do one thing everyday that scares you" Eleanor Roosevelt.
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