Jeanette's Blog

So I have some advice for the following bloggers… BRING YOUR LAPTOP!!
This wonderful program only supplies two computers and after spring break, when finals are prowling in front of you, everyone needs the computer to write papers, make study sheets, research, etc.. and you’ll never have time to blog. It’s a fact, be prepared.

Allora, The end has arrived very quickly. It seems like yesterday I was just meeting this strange group of 21 people and getting acquainted with an Italian family that now I am dreading to be separated from. It’s ironic that I’ve become closer with these people that I’ve spent a short 3 and a half months with than I am with some that I grew up with and spent years seeing on a daily basis. We’ve made incredible, unforgettable, irreplaceable memories together in a magical, mystical, medieval city. We’ve trampled all over Italy throwing this new Italian language around hoping that we make sense to the well versed natives. There’s nothing bashful about the Spring 2007 SUNY Siena group, I can tell you that!
As much as all of us have been counting the days remaining, I don’t think any of us ever thought it would come. My experience here has been surreal. : Fun, Harmony, Laughter, Learning, Friendship, Companionship, Compassion…
Good Food ALWAYS, good conversation, always someone who is interested to get to know you better, people that love you for who you are, they embrace your every move, are always ready to support you, always want to hang out with you, BECAUSE… life is short and we only had three and a half months together. We knew that, but it felt like it would and should last forever. Sounds amazing, doesn’t it? It was.
Our last minute trips included a weekend in Naples, which we also visited Pompeii and Sorrento, Florence, and Follonica, the beach. Barbara changed my whole point of view on Naples. My first visit was during Spring Break and it was aweful. It felt dirty and dangerous and it smelled really bad and the people were not very nice at all. Once tourist season started it got better, I suppose, or Barbara simply knew the best places to take us, which is more likely. haha We conquered Florence in one long, exhausting day, and we have spent the last two weeks studying, taking exams and packing.
Just a little info about spring break: I had an absolutely exhuberent time. I decided to stay in Italy and use the Italian I had learned. Most of the others decided to travel to other countries and they had a wonderful time as well. I chose a couple places in Italy and now I can confidently say that I have eliminated one country from my to do list. I’ll be back, though. : ) The best advice I can give, however, is to chose 1, 2, or at the most 3 places to see and really enjoy them. Don’t spend half the break in some form of transportation.
Anyway, it’s been very enjoyable writing to all of you about my travels and has really halped me keep up my English. haha Encourage every youngster you know to travel abroad, it will be the best thing they could do for their own personal growth and experience!
Think of my group tonight…we’re all sleeping in the Rome airport!! HAHA one last night to end the trip…

PACE, AMORE, ARRIVADERCI

- Jeanette

Posted by Jeanette at 02:06 PM |