After countless hours in airports, airplanes, trains, buses, and cobblestone streets, I have officially arrived in Paderno del Grappa, Italia! Needless to say, my feet and arms are very grateful that we have finally arrived. When they tell you to pack lightly, they are NOT kidding. Unfortunately, I had to learn my lesson the very hard way. Luckily, I wasn't the only American idiot rolling past all the snickering Italians.
One thing that I have really appreciated since I left the United States is other countries consideration for different languages. Since the moment I arrived in Rome, everything is either spoken or written in English after the Italian announcements, directions, signs, etc. It is so unbelievably helpful and courteous. Not only that, most Italian airports and airplanes show over ten languages on bulletins, announcements, TV monitors, anything you can imagine. I was so impressed and relieved that a country can be so accommodating and considerate. If there is one thing I could bring back with me to the USA, it would definitely be a little bit of this. Although I have only been traveling for a few days, the fact that other people are trained to know my language (along with many others) has saved me from being lost in a country that it is extremely easy to do so in. I applaud you, Italia. So far, so good.
Sunday afternoon, I was able to visit one of the most romantic cities in the entire world - Venice. Before I embarked on my journey to Italia, the best advice I was given was to get lost on the island of Venice. Boy, did I ever. Venice is a city with no street signs, no roads, no sense of direction. All you have to rely on is faith that you have some ounce of good direction. Venice is cobblestone sidewalks all intermingled and intertwined with random bridges and waterways cutting in and out. Luckily, I was able to find my way to San Marco, Pier Rialto, and St. Mark's Square -- some of the most famous spots in all of Venice. The architecture alone was the most amazing sight. I wish I would have been able to see more of the island, but the cloudiness and fog took away any other opportunity for that. Perhaps this just means I must make another stop in Venice before my departure back to the USA! Until then, take a look at some pictures!
My dorm room should more accurately be described as a fancy hotel room. I have more space than I ever imagined (especially in Europe) and a bathroom I could play baseball in. I have my own wardrobe chest, nightstand, bed, and desk. I cannot even begin to explain how comfortable it all is! Once my roommate, Jessi, has all of her stuff moved in, and we add a little pizazz to our rather white walls, I will post some pictures for everyone to see. It definitely surpassed any expectation I had, and I'm sure it will for you, too! Oh! And not to mention - I have the view of a lifetime. Talk about a postcard...
Tomorrow is another day full of orientation, but it will hopefully give me a chance to meet some new people and experience a bit of diversity. There are so many people from different universities, countries, and nationalities here. That really excites me for this program! My classes officially begin on Wednesday, along with the start of many activities and trips that I will surely be posting pictures from and documenting for you all to share.
Until next time --- Ciao!
