I (Emily) realize it has been three weeks to the day since our last post, so buckle in as I list the revelations of the past 21 days.
1. We live with the coolest people. Let me profile them briefly so you know who is whom.
- Valerie: a 22 yr year old architecture studies major, she is by far the coolest one of all. The definition of classy, Valerie keeps us oh-so-euro and makes sure pride and dignity are maintained at all times.
- Shaina:(Pronounced Shy-you-naaa by all the locals) Oh my, Shaina is the mother of the crew. She makes sure that we always know where the nearest gelatteria is located, makes sure we will always make the tram (we are never allowed to stay out past 12 or we will miss it,) asks for directions, gets everyone out of the house so we make it to school on timeish, and makes sure the food is edible. P.S. she is one of the funnier humans to ever grace this earth
- Katie: The funny one who meets everyone, Katie makes sure that we have made friends with every breathing human within a fifteen foot radius. This is including but not limited to bartenders, hobos, gipsies, etc. But please dont let that fool you she will "chop-gulp" any creepy man hitting on one of her friends, she is the muscle of the crew.
- Emily: the one who has zero street smarts. At any given moment, one of the above people will be attempting to locate Emily, who is probably just bopping around in her red superman boots. She is as Shaina would say "stuck up in a good way," but we take it as a positive thing because she is really good at making fun of things.
- the tram: smells odd, and according to a man we were talking to is only for the poor. His exact words were "ummm, we have SCOOTERS." Did we offend him by asking him about the tram stop? Perhaps, but us poor students love the monochramatic, urine-scented tram. Sometimes, you will witness the tangible embodiment of poetry while riding the tram. A man gets on with an old violin that is beat up around the edges (like a piece of worn furniture that is chipped around the feet), and will play with a slight smile on his face. It is magical.
- cabs: Only to be taken if and when the tram has stopped operating, cab drivers are the scum of the earth. You may think this is harsh, but they will drive you in circles to rack up your fare. Dirtbags, we know your game. (By we, I mean Valerie, who will always speak up.)
- walking: it is awesome, and poetic things can always be found. (A Fortunado Depero mural on the way to class, a Bernini sculpture, or maybe you could stumble upon the Vatacan, it happens.)
- It is delish, but beware of meats saturated in salt and cut paper thin. When in doubt, order a bacon dish: it is thick and delighful
- We found a pizza place on the way to school called Roscoli. It is not technically a pizza place, but a huge bread shop where you buy pizza that is priced by the weight, and we have yet to see another American in there. Lunch for under five euro, yes please.
- Never eat near tourist attractions. Mistake made, note taken: thank you for the reheated food here is my life savings.
- Drinking in public is accepted. Peroni is the new sonic. Hard day looking at monuments and bopping around europe? Grab a peroni to drink on your way home.
- The grocery store is scary, they know we never have exact change and hate us for it. (We try, but how are you supposed to always have the proper amount of change? We are still baffled by this and really are trying to find the solution.)
- Teachers are amazing. Davide- director, always wears black, very architectish. Emilio- Emily is in love. Always red jacket, orange pants, red shoes, and a bucket hat. The art history teacher, Emilio may or not be the quirckiest human ever to roam this earth. Francesco- aka "the dad" everything he does is so dad-like it is comical. (He winked at Emily, she burst into laughter. He is just a precious father.)
- School= learning awesome things, going to museums, following architects around, researching Michelangelo, and taking creeper photos of the teachers. Yes please
- School is held in a 500 year old apt building that is in the heart of town. We could walk to the wedding cake or the colossum, capitol hill, the pantheon, or (insert other cool sight here.)
- here is where it gets tricky. The men are not very manly, and will do anything to get with American girls, or any girls, or anything. They stare without shame, will lie about their age (all say they are 29, but I am sorry, where is your hair? Why is that small child calling your grandpa? is that a wedding band? I think I misunderstood you, did you just admit to living with your mom?)
- We live in a neighborhood with all old people. You should be jealous, because they are just as one would imagine: weathered, wise, well-dressed, helpful, and I just want to sit and listen to one tell me all the stories that they have aquired from years of living.
- There are tons of American students here, it is annoying. They are boisterous, disrespectful, and idiots.
- When you tell someone that you are American, they will jabber on for ten or so min about how much they hate America. You have to tune them out for a while, and whenever they pause say "yep, our healthcare is backwards," or "I am sorry you don't agree with social security," or "I know, Americans are so dumb. I hate them all." And when they are done with their rant, they will say something along the lines of "You are so nice, and not smashed dancing on the table, I like Arkansas Americans," and then you will be friends.
- We are extremely blessed. This is the coolest opportunity, and we are loving every second of it
- They play Beyonce and techno, so you (our friends) should keep us informed about the music. HOWEVER, we are going to go see loyd? does that make us somewhat cool? probably not....p.s. word reached this side of the pond that Ben Rector sold out House of Blues, congrats. If you dont listen to ben, you should.
- no driers over here. It is romantic that we hang our clothes out to dry, but now they are crunchy and too big
- wine is good and strong, so beware
- we miss you all very much
- we will update more, promise
