Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Torino, Italy



Well, I have officially been on my European adventure for just about a week now... The flight over was actually not too bad, I had an exit row seat and sat next to one of my fellow travelers from school. Note, exit rows are awesome - but super cold! I was having a hard time sleeping because that window seat next to the door is very chilly. Anyhow, we arrived at Schipol airport and mad our way to Utrecht. Utrecht is a midevil city that is quite beautiful with canals, old architecture and and tons of bicycles... I mean thousands of bicycles! There are special lanes for them, and everyone rides them. Very cool!

We arrived in Turin on Tuesday morning, and have been walking all over the city. My poor little feet are so sore and swollen, but seriously not complaining - I'm in Italy for goodness sake! Turin looks like an Italian city (probably because it is) and there are many good looking and stylish people all around. My professor has a colleague from when they were doing their Phd who has been showing us all around. He is this big bearded, long haired Italian guy who smokes like a chimney and is awesome! He is very smart, funny and has a great Italian accent.


Last night, our whole group splurged on a local restaurant recommended to us by our guide that was supposed to be really great local cusine. It was fabulous. Just the table alone was covered with breads, cheese, wine, and it looked straight out of a movie. It was a four course meal that consisted of bread and procuitto, raw veal in 3 forms (I tried not to think about the poor little baby cow who was sacrificed for my indulgence), this amazing ravioli with bacon and butter (holy cow, it was the best ravioli ever!), and then veal stomach with potatos and carrots. I hardly made a dent in the last portion, and the raw meat was quite an experience... but it was really delicious! Our bill was 450 euro, but was well worth the ambiance and experience.




Ciao!

Friday, June 25, 2010

European Itinerary

As many of you know, I am setting off for a month long adventure to study abroad through my Urban Studies Program at UWT. There are 12 of us going, along with two professors who I really admire. I am beyond thrilled to have this opportunity, and am set off to leave today.

Greg has been my number one support throughout this whole school experience, and I just have to say how lucky I feel to have a partner who is so encouraging for me to fulfill these life experiences to the fullest! Thank you Greg for all the support and love that you give me. I will miss you so much.

My parents have also been my biggest fans, and I know that they are so proud and happy for me to be pursuing my dreams and without their love, support and endless advice - I would not be the person that I am now. I love you Mom and Dad, thank you for being the best parents in the world!

Okay, so my itinerary:

June 26: arrive in Amsterdam
June 26-28: Utrecht
June 29: fly to Milan to Turin
June 29- July 3 Turin
July 3-16 Utrecht University
July 16-20 Paris

I'll keep y'all posted on the upcoming adventures, misadventures, and all those ups and downs that come with traveling!

xoxo