the final post.

i'm back. in auburn, that is. 
saying goodbye to my home in Italy was bittersweet. it was difficult ending another chapter in my life especially one that took place in one of the most beautiful places god could have created. my time spent away from my normal routine has changed my life for the better. if i could afford to send all my classmates who don't or can't have the opportunity to participate in the joseph s. bruno auburn abroad program i would. you come back to the states a completely changed person from the inside out. 
i plan to take everything i've experienced and learned from my time over there and apply it to every day i live over here. my eyes have been opened to new things that i never thought i'd have the opportunity to see. 
as i end this journey and blog i plan to start a new one. i have three more semesters of interior design studios and a summer internship before i begin a professional life out of college. within that time i feel like a lot is going to happen and i'd love to continue to share my experiences, thoughts, and opportunities with the world. within the next few weeks i will hopefully have a design blog up and running to share with the world or those few who would like to know where my creative thoughts are going. i'll be sure to post the new blog on this site as well as my facebook page. 
thank you loyal followers for reading my blog every week and clicking through the hundreds of pictures i've posted on my shutterfly site. 
thank you to all my italian faculty and staff who made the last three months of my life amazing and blog worthy. 
thank you to my mom and dad for funding the experience of a lifetime. i appreciate everything the both of you did for me, are doing for me, and continue to do for me. i love y'all.
thank you to all the wonderful girls who put up with me while we lived together in the palace. i love you all and miss you every day that i don't get to see you. 
thank you to my boyfriend for understanding that this program was something i had to do not just for an international minor but for me. that i wasn't leaving you because i wanted to but because i had to. it made our relationship stronger and everlasting. i love you. 
thank you to everyone else who made this trip possible, for all the hard work you may have put into planning it.
lastly, thank you to my italian 'dad' tommy. i appreciate everything you did for the 20 of us while we were over there and i love that you enjoyed reading this every time i posted. 
ciao y'all. 

not a tourist anymore

I had my final trip to Rome with the girls on Tuesday. It was different this time than the first few times we ventured into the city. When we started the program 3 months ago, we were new-bee's, tourists, strangers if you will. But this time it felt different. We went to Rome not to see the sites or take pictures, we were there to run errands, get things done, and pick some stuff up. I needed brownie mix...4euro brownie mix x 3boxes=16 boxes in America. If I knew I was going to be incharge of dessert for our Southern Meal I would have stuffed a few Walmart brownie mixes in my suitcase and called it a day! I was also on a mission to find a spring green Longchamp bag. Suze was determined to find her mom silver crosses at the Vatican, take a picture for a family friend, gifts for her boyfriend, dad, and grandfather, and Laura and the other girls were along for the ride. Within the first half hour of being there we got everything done and were able to enjoy the rest of the day...well sort of. 
I think it's safe to say we're not tourists anymore. Sunday just happens to be the biggest day for the Vatican...Easter. And one of the busiest times for tourism in Rome. The streets, sidewalks, and souvenir shoppes were packed full of tourist groups and for once I felt like a local. It's nice knowing that although I might not be Italian, definitely can't speak the language, and look straight-up from Northern Europe if anywhere over here, I felt like I was from there. I'm confident in saying I could probably tell someone how to get to the main attractions in Rome without looking at a map...for the most part. I felt even more at home when we ran into Roberta, one of our staff, on the way to dinner. All the hot spots, the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and St. Peter's Square weren't the easiest to navigate through with the hundreds of people surrounding them. 
It's going to be sad leaving here in less than 36 hours. I've gotten accustom to Rome, European travel, and not having a plan. It won't ever be like this in Auburn, but all good things eventually come to an end. And overstaying your welcome isn't a good thing. It's time, but I have plans to return to Italy in the future. 
Tomorrow is our last day! Our schedule consists of packing, cleaning, and packing some more. Saying our last goodbyes, and enjoying a group dinner together one last time in Italy. 

capstone

i thought i'd include in my blog the capstone paper we had to write to wrap up our time here. it's pretty long but split up into specific questions and sections:

1. Introduction

Ecstatic, thankful, fortunate, optimistic, curious, intrigued, anxious, nervous, terrified, and sad. These were my feelings before I began this new chapter in my book of life. I told myself for the longest time, “when I’m older I’m going to travel all over Europe, see the things I’ve only studied about in textbooks and have seen on television, the things I could only dream of seeing in real life.” It finally happened! Grazie, Mom and Dad, without the both of you this wouldn’t have ever happened.

When I began the College of Human Sciences’ Interior Design program at Auburn and read about the Joseph S. Bruno in Italy Abroad Program, I immediately signed my name and sent the deposit. An experience of a lifetime is what both my parents and I thought. I wanted to come home with stories and experiences to tell my family and friends, hundreds of pictures to document where I have been, and a group of girls I could call my best friends. I think John Hope Franklin said it best with his words, “We must go beyond textbooks, go out into the bypaths and untrodden depths of the wilderness and travel and explore and tell the world the glories of our journey” (thinkexist.com). I closed the books in February, took a mental note of the places I would set my heart on seeing, packed my bags, and flew 4787 miles, with 19 other girls I barely knew, to a destination foreign to me.

Ariccia, Italy, small town located less than 20 miles from Rome, situated among the Castelli Romani hillside, was where I called home for the past three months. Living inside the Chigi Palace I discovered a lot about myself. I stepped out of my comfort zone, cleared my mind of worries and stress and told myself I was going to take in everything around me and enjoy my time in Italy to the fullest. Fitzhugh Milan said, “Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and celebrates the journey” (thinkexist.com). I believe in this quote to the fullest. Before I came to Italy I was constantly worrying about the ‘what ifs’, ‘should haves’, and ‘could haves’ in my life instead of living more in the moment, taking in what was around me, and finding good and happiness in whatever life threw at me. Let’s face it, even if someone lives in the most gorgeous place in the world, not everything will be perfect.

During this trip many of the girls, myself included, have been thrown into difficult situations both from home and from here. Our GTA broke her foot, I got four stitches in my chin, many of us lost loved ones and pets, but for some reason everything turned out to be okay. Instead of letting something get in the way we have all helped each other find the good in our unfortunate situations and events. It makes me wonder if these same things happened back in the States if any of us would have such a positive outlook on any of the situations.

Daranna Gidel hit the nail on the head when she said, “You lose sight of things, and when you travel, everything balances out” (thinkexist.com). When I was living my normal, everyday life in Auburn I took a lot for granted. I didn’t stop what I was doing to fully understand how fortunate I was and how beautiful my surroundings were. I was so used to the convenience of America that I expected everything to be in one place, done quickly, and have of what I needed to be handed to me. In Italy, people take their time.

I frequently let interior design consume me and forgot to enjoy life. I ate dinner on the go instead of sitting down and enjoying not just the food I was blessed to have in-front of me, but also the precious time I was spending with loved ones while we enjoyed a meal together. Italy has allowed me to find a balance in life and that is one of the most important things a person can have. Balance allows us to find a happy medium between work and play. If we let one out weigh the other our lives can become overwhelmed.

In class a few weeks ago Tommy Smith’s two friends, Scott and Cheryl Edwards from Seattle Washington, gave a lecture to us on the ‘Cone Free Zone.’ I had no idea what this meant before going into the classroom, but when they were finished speaking I didn’t want them to stop. They explained to us that many times we have a cone on our heads (like a dog gets when it can’t touch it’s face).  This cone restricts us. We often block out other people’s opinions, ideas, outlooks, etc. because we feel that our way is the only right way. In reality, this isn’t true. To fully take in a new culture, to experience all that a new place has to offer, we have to take this cone off and allow new ideas in (Edwards, 2011).

James Michener once said, “If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion, and avoid the people, you might better stay at home” (thinkexist.com). I came to Italy not knowing what to expect. I did know the food was great, but I didn’t know how different Italian customs and people were from the American way of doing things. Instead of keeping myself locked up, I opened my mind to the Italian way. I tried everything I could possibly try when it came to Italian cooking; I even took a cooking class with real Italian chefs who didn’t speak one bit of English. I embraced the long meals, cappuccinos instead of coffees, kissing both cheeks when you greet someone, saying, “cin, cin” before having dinner with wine, and learning enough Italian to communicate to the locals. The religion, being Catholic myself, was something I didn’t have to get used to because I was raised in Catholicism, but the majority of the girls weren’t. On this trip we went into numerous churches and cathedrals and learned a lot about different saints, popes, and apostles. This, in itself, was all a foreign language to most of the girls. However, each girl had an open mind and was willing to learn about an important part of the Italian and Catholic life.

Living in the small town of Ariccia has made our interactions with the Italian locals more intimate and personal. We’ve had an insight to Italy that most tourists will never see. Instead of ignoring those who were different than us, we got to personally know and build relationships with many locals including our professors, store clerks, and peers our age. Some girls have even found love that may one day bring them back to Italy.

This experience as a whole has expanded my mind to a different way of living, to a new culture, and to a new way of thinking. As an interior design major I could have never asked for a better experience to make the creative gears in my mind spin at a mile a minute. Inspiration overload is the phrase I’m looking for. Not only have I gained knowledge and inspiration from my fellow Human Science majors to help further my career, but I have also grown on a personal level by fully immersing myself in a completely different way of life.

            2. How did your study abroad experience expand your knowledge in your major field of study?

Moving to Italy for three months was one of the best professional and educational decisions I have ever made. It has expanded not only my knowledge in the field of interior design, but has also given me inspiration that I could not have gained elsewhere.  I think it’s appropriate to begin with the architecture and history of Rome. Although I’m specifically studying interior design, endless research and different areas of design contribute to the final outcome of a project. We often begin with the roots of a culture and expand our ideas off a piece of architecture or historical finding.

Roman architecture has been a part of the foundation of design for ages. The use of columns, marble, and classical design is still practiced today. Seeing Romanesque, Baroque, and Gothic styles on a first hand basis will never compare to what I have learned from a textbook in my Auburn University classrooms. Having that first hand experience of being at an actual sight, with a professor who is explaining every little detail about the history and construction of a cathedral or Roman ruin grabs your attention and allows your mind to absorb the information in a lasting way.

During my stay in Italy I’ve had the opportunity to travel to different countries and have opened my eyes to other styles of architecture not just ancient Roman and Etruscan ruins and monuments. Paris, Prague, Frankfurt, Barcelona, and Geneva have also expanded my knowledge of design and architecture. Each place is unique in itself and has famous structures worth seeing. Having intensely studied the works of Gaudi, Barcelona was breathtaking to me. I finally had the opportunity to see and touch some of his greatest works and see for myself his use of natural lines and free form shapes.

Although I expanded my knowledge of architecture and famous structures dating back to B.C., my passion for art and design intrigues me more than anything. Art and style is one of the key elements to interior design. One town that I enjoyed the most was Deruta, Italy. Detail, originality, customization, and craftsmanship are emphasized constantly in my major. While in Deruta we visited one of the oldest pottery factories of the area. Deruta is known for its Maiolica pottery, usually made with bright colors on a white background depicting historical scenes. I’ve had an interest in pottery and its’ creation since high school. Maiolica pottery is constructed into the desired shape, fired, glazed, painted, and fired again. Each piece is hand painted in a various style. Three styles found in Deruta include: Deruta Raffaellesco (usually has borders depicting mythical animals), Ricco Deruta (bloomed scrolls and the blue arabesque), and Deruta Arabesco (derived from the patterns on ware imported from the east in the 15th century). After visiting the pottery factory it expanded my knowledge not only of pottery, but also of designs I could use in the future and an authentic Italian product I could recommend to clients.

Castiglion del Bosco began our tour of Tuscany. The winery and estate really began to get my interior design wheels turning. This summer I have to take my non-residential studio where we design a bank in a location of our choice. The second I walked into the reception area of the resort I decided on Napa Valley, California. I would be able to stay with the Tuscan theme while incorporating it in a non-residential space. I took numerous pictures to capture inspiration for my space. Everything from furniture to colors, drapes to lettering was documented through photos. Having the opportunity to visit a place of inspiration for a project expands my resources, knowledge, and insight to perfect my overall design.

I also found inspiration in one of my favorite Italian cities, Florence. Florence is home to the Riccardo Barthel Interiors and Yachting showroom and design studio. We were given the opportunity to visit and tour the showroom. Riccardo’s vision was to revive the finest tradition of Florentine and European craftsmanship. He transformed objects found in Italy to household items such as lamps, furniture, and hardware. Each room was filled with things I could only dream of designing with, every one more creative than the next. His studio is exactly what I aspire to have when I gain recognition in the design world. It was so intriguing to see old roman columns made into floor lamps or rowboats made into shelves.

Milan: design capital of the world. Enough said? Our last overnight field trip of the program was to Italy’s Big Apple. Modern style meets old city architecture; fashion design meets interior design; classic art meets contemporary art. The city was a designer’s playground and when I got there I was ready to explore. The program is fortunate to have interior designer/professor, Massimo Martignoni who made us aware about the history of Milan design and gave us a history on the architect, Piero Portalippi and what is now the Portalippi Foundation. My favorite aspect of the Milan trip was the La Triennale di Milano Design Museum, a modern museum dedicated to architects, designers, modern furniture and lighting. I discovered designs and designers I have never heard of or seen before. It was a modern design knowledge overload. The museum walls were covered in design quotes, definitions, and thoughts from random unknown people. I could have spent hours reading the walls alone. As an interior design student I found a strong connection with many of the pieces on display and took away from the experience products and architects to add to my personal resource library.

The program as a whole has expanded my knowledge in more ways than one. It has inspired me in all categories of design, whether it be residential, commercial, hospitality, or healthcare. I have more knowledge in my area of study and the other human science majors than I did before I traveled to Italy. If I could have I would have traveled to Milan for Design Week and expanded my knowledge even more, however time ran out. If I return to Italy in the future I know I will continue to be inspired with every turn of my head and gain even a greater understanding of design, especially design found throughout Italy.

3. How did your study abroad experience help you to reach outside the boundaries of your major to understand how other fields of study can make you more expert in your major (e.g., What have you learned about families that would help you be a better interior designer? Hospitality manager? What have you learned about interiors or the hospitality industry that applies to families?).

                        Health, safety, and welfare are the three focal points every interior designer focuses on when approaching a potential project. Research is a large part of the design process and understanding what your client’s needs and wants are is key to a successful project. Being exposed to a different culture and way of life has made me understand that every family is different in their own way. It’s important to get to know who you’re designing for and incorporate their lifestyle into the basic design of a space. Italian’s love large home cooked family dinners that last for hours. In a design for an Italian family, I would create a large kitchen with enough room to socialize. It would open up to a grand table with comfortable seating and enough space to relax and let the hours fade into the night. In America, our family lifestyle is usually quite different. Quick meals without the whole family present, more than likely take out depending on schedule conflict. A design that fits this family would incorporate a kitchen with bar/island seating and an informal dinning or breakfast room.

            I’ve also reached outside the boundaries of my major to gain an understanding of how hotel and restaurant management operates. Hospitality is an area of design that I would like to have a future in. Being able to learn more about the major has given me more knowledge to further my career goals. Similar to any other business, the Hospitality Industry is centered around the customer, which in this case is the guest. A good design in any public space especially hospitality has to be visually pleasing and functional as well. Careful consideration must go into planning the overall area as well as the smaller spaces with in it. Having the opportunity to visit various hospitality spaces during my experience has broaden my understanding of this concept and expanded my knowledge to various designs.

            Communications and Public Relations is also an important aspect to any major because it all comes down to selling yourself to a potential employer or client. Maurizio, one of our Italian faculty members, gave us a lecture on branding. He said one of the most important things anyone can do is to have a successful visual brand and way of getting your name out there. We ourselves are products that we are selling to each person we meet everyday. Our image and presentation have to constantly be impeccable because you never know whom you may run into. Maurizio also told us to get out in the world and meet as many people as we can. You never know who they are or what connections you can make through someone. A resumé packed with education, extra- curriculars, and experience may get you a job, but connections often get you farther.

            To become an expert within your major definitely involves having an open mind to all majors of study. Having lived for three months with girls in different areas of study, yet all playing off each other has been the perfect scenario for expanding my professional knowledge. I’ve always asked myself why interior design is part of the College of Human Sciences and not Architecture, now I understand why. If I was constantly surrounded with people in the same field I wouldn’t be the designer I am today. By understanding the correlation between all the fields of study in the Human Sciences program it has allowed me to become more concerned with the function of space and ultimately customer navigation throughout each unique space I have designed.

4. How did your study abroad experience help you to become a better Human Scientist (that is, how have you become aware of quality of life issues worldwide? How have you become aware of the influences that historical and cultural differences have on your own worldview?)

            Throughout my experience abroad it has become evident how much my awareness of different qualities of life has developed. One important aspect of the Joseph S. Bruno Auburn Abroad in Italy program has been our involvement with the World Food Program. After participating in their War on Hunger Initiative through the online Free Rice activity and visiting their headquarters in Rome, I have gained a better understanding and greater knowledge of the on-going issues threatening lives across the world. There are millions of people in third world countries suffering from starvation, disease, and poverty. The quality of life they’re living compared to my life is on the extreme end of terrible. Small donations each month to the WFP and other disaster relief organizations can have a significant and lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities’ well-being around the world.

            Another issue that falls under my new knowledge of worldwide quality of life issues is human trafficking. In the United States this is almost non-existent, but in Europe and other parts of the world this is becoming a greater issue. There are more and more organizations being created around the world that combat against this terrible market. NightLight is an example of one organization that rescues women in the trade and puts them back into their community.

            Upon leaving the States three months ago I had never been fully immersed in a foreign culture. My view of the world was wrapped up in the American way. As I let myself step outside my comfort zone, I realized how much historical and cultural differences have made me see the world with a new set of eyes.

            I became aware of a new way of living. In Italy, appreciating the world’s beauty, taking in a slower way of life, and being exposed to a new language has given me a better understanding and patience with those who are different than me. Instead of thinking the American way is the right and only way, now I see that each country and culture views and does things differently. There isn’t a right or wrong way, just different ways. Every place and those who live in it are unique in their own way. My worldview has completely changed since I’ve spent the past twelve weeks away from my normal life. Now I know first-hand that everywhere has its’ positives and negatives, unique to each individual. I believe everyone needs to leave their comfort zone and allow themselves to explore the world and obtain a new world view through travel and experience. 

5. How was your study abroad experience like the Grand Tour? Address the following questions: What is The Grand Tour? Why are Ariccia and the surrounding region important in the history of The Grand Tour? How did your experiences in Italy parallel The Grand Tour?

Starting around the 16^th century it became popular for young men and women to embark on a tour of Europe as a culmination of their educational experience. What is known as the Grand Tour lasted anywhere from a few months to several years. Italy became one of the prominent destinations for the young travelers because of its ancient history and picturesque landscapes (Bradbard, 2011). Language, art, architecture, history, literature, food, clothing, and local customs were all huge facets in which members of the grand tour immersed themselves. Those who participated in this tour maintained their identity while developing relationships with locals and those of different cultures. Most kept diaries or journals to document his or her experiences, adventures, and newfound lands.

Ariccia and the surrounding Castelli Romani region is important in the history of the Grand Tour because many well-known artists, writers, and musicians spent much of their Tour being inspired by the area. The Chigi Park was a popular oasis for many artists to paint new landscapes and for writers to jot down new ideas for their next great literary work. In our literature lecture, with Jessica Weiss, on author Henry James’, “Italian Hours”, he vividly describes the towns of Ariccia and Albano as charming, picturesque, and extravagant (Weiss, 2011).  Ariccia has a history dating back to the 1700s. It became a haven for important artists and writers of the time. Creativity flourished between the second half of the 18^th century and the beginning of the 19^th century. During this time the best artists, decorators, writers, and poets worked in Ariccia as part of their Grand Tour. Ariccia became a frequent stop to make travelers. Bernini made Ariccia his canvas by creating the square; church, palace, and fountains included (Petrucci, 2011). Those of us lucky enough to live here are living in a town extremely important to the arts.

My three short months have been filled with learning experiences and travel opportunities that mimic those of the young men and women of the Grand Tour. Like my predecessors I’ve spent three months of my life immersed in Italian language, art, architecture, history, literature, food, clothing, and local customs. My travels have paralleled those of the Grand Tour by including Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Bologna, and the various towns of the Castelli Romani. My personal Grand Tour of Europe also has included Paris, Prague, Barcelona, Athens, Geneva, and Frankfurt. Within each place I visited I made it a point to learn something about the art, architecture, history, literature, food, and local customs. As the young men and women did on the original Grand Tour, I’ve documented what I have learned and seen through pictures and a digital journal. As I look back on my experiences and adventures, documenting my time here through various mediums was one of the best decisions I could have made. I know I would have never been able to remember every detail and fact about each place or experience I had without a reference. In the future maybe someone will take the time to read my journal as we read the journals of past Grand Tour travelers.

6. Conclusion

I left Auburn with a few goals in the back of my mind I wanted to accomplish while I was here. First, make lifelong friendships. I’ve accomplished this with some if not all of the girls. I have so much in common with them that I can see us attending each other’s weddings, baby showers, having girls’ nights, or taking weekend trips together. The 19 girls I’ve spent the last 3 months with have become sisters to me. I can confidently say I would do anything for anyone of them.

Second, travel to as many places as possible. In Italy I've been to many little towns, historical sites, and cities. In Europe I've gotten to travel to Athens, Paris, Geneva, Prague, Frankfurt and Barcelona. There are many other places I wish to visit, but time has run out. When my next adventure overseas will be, I do not know, but having the confidence that I can travel and become apart of a new culture drives me to make it possible.

Third, my top three. In one of my very first, pre-departure blogs, I posted three pictures of places I wanted to go: Verona, the Swiss Alps and Cinque Terra. I was always told if I set my heart and soul to something I can do anything. I’ve traveled to all three places, one better than the next. Goal number three accomplished.

Lastly, learn more about myself, mature, and appreciate everything and learn a different way of living. I haven't been home sick, I can say I have been person sick. I have missed my family, dog, and boyfriend, but now I know that they really are what matter most to me. Material things I could care less about, new clothes, shoes, accessories, gadgets, and house wares are great, but I didn't have all that over here, I had relationships and experiences. I know being on my own I have to take care of myself both physically and mentally. I've learned that the little things you do for people do go a long way. I've learned that being the responsible one or being the "mom" of the group isn't a bad thing and having multiple people tell me I'm going to be a great mother and wife mean more to me than anything. I've learned that opportunity outweighs time and money, and plans can and will change, so just go with it. I've learned to take my time to embrace my surroundings, to slow down, and appreciate what's around me, no rushing necessary. Stress is the body's worst enemy; it can consume you and take over if you let it. Why sweat the small things or even big things? If they happen, happened, or are happening, what can you really do about it if it’s something you can’t control or couldn’t control in the first place.

            My experience in Italy has given me a new perspective on life. It has opened my eyes and mind to new things, people, and places. It has left me with memories that will forever be instilled in my mind and a group of roommates, faculty, and staff that I can forever call my Italian family. 

References

Bradbard, M. Joseph S. Bruno Auburn Abroad in Italy Syllabus Spring 2011.

Edwards, S & C. Classroom lecture on "Creating a Cone Free Zone: Cultural Impacts on Stress, Wellness, and Relationships".

Petrucci, F. Classroom lecture on the “Art of the Grand Tour.”

ThinkExist.com Quotations. “Travel quotes”. ThinkExist.com Quotations Online

Weiss, J. Classroom lecture on “Italian Hours” by Henry James.

only 2 days left.

bittersweet. the exact way i started my blog almost three months ago. 
as time is winding down to the final 48 hours it's hard to imagine this experience being over. i feel like it was yesterday when i was sitting on the floor in the atlanta airport with 19 of my future roommates talking about how excited we were to be leaving our normal ordinary lives in auburn and starting new ones together in italy. i'll admit i was skeptical on the whole idea of living with 19 girls. i'll also admit that i have particular ways of doing things (a krywicki trait), so i wasn't sure if i'd be able to change my ways or accept other peoples. i hated living in the dorms my freshman year, the thought of sharing a room with not just one person but four others didn't sound like a pleasant walk in the park either. but i had an open mind. i made sure i had an optimistic attitude the second i walked into the palace doors. sure there was tons of things running through my head. what if the beds are uncomfortable? what if my roommates hate me? what if i hate my roommates? will i have my own space ever again? what if the showers are cold? what if i don't get along with anyone? etc. etc. it's only natural, i'm sure i wasn't the only one. i was always the girl who was friends with all the guys because i never could trust girls, other than my best friend kelsey from the 1st grade. i was the girl who got stabbed in the back way too many times to ever fully let my guard down. now i was living with all girls. and it was the best experience ever. was there ever a fight between any of us...nope. did anyone get stabbed in the back...nope. we're we always there for each other when something was wrong...yep. did we share things and help each other out when someone needed something...yep.
when i return to the states saturday and living alone this summer, i'm not going to know what to do with myself. i've gotten so used to eating every meal with someone. shopping with someone. instead of calling my friends on the phone i just had to yell down the stairs or to the other room. these girls have become my family and soon enough we'll have to part ways. one thing i'm striving to do this summer and throughout the rest of my life is to stay in touch with all of them. every single girl has something great about them or something to offer the world. i'm lucky to be stuck with at least four of them this summer since we're all interior design and most of the others are planning on taking class in auburn as well. hopefully weekly reunions will be a must on everyone's agendas, i know it will be on mine. 
it's going to be weird not packing in a backpack for a weekend, jumping on a plane, and traveling to a different country for a few days. i got spoiled over here when it came to seeing new places and doing new things. when i get back to the states i won't have my own little nook, i'll have my own little house. which is weird because i've gotten so used to my cozy little space in the palace that i won't know what to do with all the space my house has to offer (not a terrible thing). 
it's going to be hard leaving the family i made over here, but exciting to be returning to all those people i had to leave behind. i do miss them and i do miss a lot of things in the states, but i'm going to miss things just as much that i'm leaving behind here. i'm going to miss terribly the market every monday morning. i never have had so many delicious fruits and veggies for cheap prices in my life. the view i get every morning when i take a walk won't ever be mimicked by alabama. the slow meals and stress free life is going to be hard to bring back with me, but its one thing i'm going to try my hardest to fit in my suitcase and take with me. 
as the final days approach, i've handed in all my assignments. i'm ready for my final in the morning (well, maybe not so much). and i've started to pack my two large duffle bags, plus an additional carry on bag that i didn't have when i came here. luckily i didn't buy anything more than what i did or i'd being leaving a lot behind. tomorrow we're having a picnic in the chigi park and cooking a southern meal for our professors and staff. friday, we pack, clean, take inventory, and plan to have a group dinner together as our last one in italy. i know when friday night does come and i should be sleeping i won't be able to. i'll have too much on my mind about leaving, flying, and returning to auburn. till then i'll be sure to make my last 2 days worth it and enjoy my little time left to the fullest.
jamie. 

[Last Weekend in Italy]

My last and final weekend in Italy was spent in Positano and Capri. Gorgeous. Enough said. 

Positano, Italy

Optimistically we packed our sunscreen, bathing suits, and beach towels and left Friday morning for the coast. Friday didn't turn out to be the best day for weather. It ended up raining and was on the chilly side but that didn't stop us from enjoying our first night there. We had a group dinner next to the ocean and enjoyed seafood and wine with the sound of crashing waves in the background. The swimsuits and sunscreen stayed in our suitcases for the entire weekend, but the weather did pull through for us for the rest of the weekend. At 10am on Saturday we took the ferry to Capri, an island off the coast between Positano and Sorrento. I kept thinking about my mom on the ride over. She would have tossed her breakfast over the side if she had to even look at the boat rocking docked. I guess because of the wind and rain the night before the Mediterranean was a little choppy and by a little I mean a lot!  
Capri was a little touristy but perfect at the same time. The scenery was immaculate! I never saw water so blue, lemons so big, and the large amount of gorgeous people in one place. The girls said the gelato was the best in Capri that they have ever had, some actually got it twice (I resisted). The shopping was all high-end. Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Prada to name a few. If the stores weren't name brands I knew their prices were on the same level as those I did. I can't justify spending the money on any of that stuff, but it would be nice if I could (one day). Late that afternoon we headed back to Positano making some Auburn connections with a mother and daughter from New York. Her son graduated from Auburn last year, small world!

Capri

That night I went to dinner with a few of the girls up the street from the hotel and ended my night with an intense game of Kemps. {{The object of Kemps is for one member of a team to accumulate all four cards of a single rank in his hand and to have his partner recognize that fact aloud by yelling "Kemps!" before another team realizes that his team has four of a kind. The winning team, after each hand, receives a letter (beginning with K, then E, M and so on). The first team to spell K-E-M-P-S or P-I-C-K-L-E wins. However, with other variations of the game, a target number of wins may be predetermined. Prior to the game, partners confer to create a signal to indicate when four cards of a rank have been accumulated.}} The night took me back to 7th grade at the Dallas Rec in my home town. We'd play kemps for hours outside in the summer. This time was just like that except I was in Southern Italy with my Chigi girls crammed in a hotel room! (I liked this time a lot more.)
Sunday morning I packed my bags, had breakfast, and ventured on a walk with Megan and Casey. Wondering why there were tons of people outside walking with olive branches had us skeptical until we realized it was Palm Sunday and instead of palms they used olive branches (a little more prevent around here than the States). We ran into the crowd of people outside the center church receiving a blessing. It was neat to see another culture celebrate a traditional Catholic ritual when I'm so used to something different. For the next hour the three of us made our way up and around the opposite side of Positano, more the 'local' side. It's amazing how people build houses on cliffs and travel up hundreds of stairs to get to their homes. Or how beautiful one place can be in any direction of view. We met up with some of the other girls to sit on the beach until it was time to meet the bus to go back to Ariccia. 
Positano was a great way to end the past 3 months; a great location with a great group of friends.

Positano, Italy

Positano by Night

Ticket

Positano from Boat to Capri

From Boat to Capri

Capri

No Horn (first time i've even seen this in my life!)

Lemons in Capri (huge!)

Expert of the Days:
{Positano}

• it is a small town in which the main part of the city sits in an enclave in the hills leading down to the coast.
• split in 2 by a cliff bearing the Torre Trasita (tower).
• the west side has the smaller, less crowded Spiaggia del Fornillo beach, and is less expensive.
• the east side has the Spiaggia Grande beach, backing to the towns center.
• Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta is a lofty, ceramic tiled dome, and is the towns most famous, and pretty much only, major sight.
• the Blue Star, on Spiaggia Grande, has small motorboats for about 55 euros per hour to rent, and organizes excursions to Capri and Grotta dello Smeraldo.
• Spiaggia del Fornillo has Centro Sub Costlera Amalfitana which offers dives for 60 euros for 2 hours and also has lessons!
• Nocelle is a tiny, still isolated mountain village that has some of the most spectacular views on the entire coast-- easiest way to get there is by public bus (1.10 euro, 30 minute ride).
• Praiano is an ancient fishing village and has one of the coasts most popular beaches, Marina di Prala.

(via Rae Ann Boswell)

{Capri}

• Described as Luxuriant, extraordinary, and such a mild climate.


• Capri is a Mediterranean island of calcareous origin that has been visited over the centuries by intellectuals, artists and writers, all enthralled by its magical beauty. A mix of history, nature, worldliness, culture and events that daily blend together and bring the Legend of Capri to life; a legend that sees no comparison anywhere in the world.

• It is an Italian island in the Tyrrenhian Sea off the Sorrentine Peninsula on the south side of the Gulf of Naples, in the Campania region of Southern Italy.  It has been a resort since the time of the Roman Republic.

• Features of the island are the Marina Piccola (the little harbour), the Belvedere of Tragara, which is a high panoramic path lined with villas, the limestone cliffs called sea stacks that project above the sea (the Faraglioni), Anacapri, the Blue Grotto(Grotta Azzurra), and the ruins of the Imperial Roman villas.

• Capri is part of the region of Campania, Province of Naples. The town of Capri is the main center of population on the island. It has two harbors, Marina Piccola and Marina Grande (the main port of the island). The separate commune of Anacapri is located high on the hills to the west.

• The etymology of the name Capri is unclear; it might either be traced back to the Ancient Greeks (Ancient Greek kapros meaning "wild boar"), the first recorded colonists to populate the island. But it could also derive from Latin capreae (goats). Fossils of wild boars have been discovered, lending credence to the "kapros" etymology, but on the other hand the Romans called Capri "goat island". Finally, there is also the possibility the name derives from an Etruscan word for "rocky", although supposedly the Etruscans never actually ruled the island, making that etymology less likely.

• Things to see:
• Blue Grotto
• Church of San Michele Arcangelo
• To Eat:
• Capri can be quite expensive but there are many supermarkets you can grab and pack a lunch for the beach.
•  Shop:
• Capri’s Via Camerelle is tantamount to fashion addicts heaven, a spectacular open-air catwalk which commences in front of the Grand Hotel Quisisana and concludes at the start of Via Tragara, lined with boutiques in which to admire the extravagant creations of all the world’s greatest clothes and jewelry designers.
•  Safety:
• Be sure to be aware of your surroundings because it can be very rocky and dangerous in some places.

(via Taylor Deen)

last country of my Grand Tour.

Barcelona, Spain. 04.07.2011-04.10.2011

arrived in Barcelona at 11:50. walked a half hour to our apartment after checking in with the apartment company. went to bed shortly after, ready to start our first day in Spain sightseeing and relaxing at the beach. 

1st thing's first, i went to the grocery store picked everyone in the apartment up some breakfast and searched the streets of Barcelona for a free map. success. 

we met the other 13 girls at the metro and headed to the beach. can i just say i've never seen so many grocery stores in a city than i have in Barcelona, it's actually quite nice because you can get a liter of water for 80 cents and other cheap snacks without having to sit at a restaurant and waste time and money, it's great! some of us headed straight to the beach while a few others decided to grab lunch. bad idea. poor katie whitehurst got her louis vuitton purse stolen. within it was her ipod, iphone, louis vuitton wallet with cash and credit cards, and camera; grand total $2,500. after that incident i've never watched my purse and other people's purses more carefully in my life. and to think in america i leave my stuff on the beach for hours without anyone watching it. after being at the beach for a few hours, a few of us went to see some of the major sights of Barcelona. 

The W Hotel: the new Barcelona Icon

Alex and I at the Beach!

we ran into a band and a couple dancing. i loved this and i could have stood there all day listening to the spanish music. one thing i can't wait to do when i get back in the states is go out with nick and dance! 

Dancing in a Barcelona Square

we ended our first day of sightseeing with Gaudi's Park Guell and a delicious gourmet american meal for dinner...Subway! (i know what about the tapas and spanish food? when you're on a budget and craving a good make-your-own sandwich there's just no other option). 

Park Guell

View over Barcelona 

Close-up of Mosaics in Gaudi's Park Guell 

Me and Laura; Gaudi: Park Guell

 

Me, Laura, Susanna; Gaudi: Park Guell

Gaudi: Park Guell

Gaudi: Park Guell

we got home around 10pm. showered with the intention of going out, but i guess the sun took more out of us than we thought because before I knew it, it was 1:30am and i woke up from being passed on the couch. there's always tomorrow night... we had to wake up and check out by 11:00am and take our luggage to the other apartment. instead of getting 3 apartments (since there was 19 of us) for 3 nights we only booked 1 for the 3rd night because we had to be at the airport by 3:55am to catch our 5:55am flight to Rome, rough but it we pull all nighters all the time, how bad could it be? 

Gaudi's Casa Mila, Sagrada Familia, and the Agbar Tower were on our sightseeing list for the day. some of the girls went to the Picasso Museum as well, but I had to join the group at the beach and relax for a few hours. it was in the 80s, I've gone to a million museums and churches, don't judge me that i didn't go but I just couldn't. four of us left around 7:00pm and went for tapas at a great place on the main street, Passeig de Gracia, called Tapa Tapa. we got a bunch of stuff to try but my favorite was this shrimp and crab salad on a piece of toast. i could have had ten of those for dinner and would have been completely content. for dessert we headed next door, mcdonald's. in Spain they have this ice cream dessert called a Wafer. do they have these in the states? they're a waffle bowl with vanilla ice cream, your choice of chocolate or carmel sauce and pecans! please tell me yes, i've been gone for 3 months, dreams can come true, right? 

I know it's spelled differently but it's still my name!

In-front of the Sagrada Familia

Gaudi's Sagrada Familia

Old meets New; Gaudi: Sagrada Familia

Gaudi's Casa Mila

Me and Brittany; The Agbar Tower 

after we showered, packed our bags, praying they wouldn't be over weight when we got to the airport, some of us stayed in and rested till 2am and some of us went to get Sangria to pass time. everything was going smoothly, we walked to the bus stop, got on the right bus to the airport for only 1,45euro, and then missed our stop because we all fell asleep on the bus, great! fortunately, we only ended up at Terminal 1 of the airport instead of Terminal 2 so we just had to wait for the shuttle bus to pick us up. it was a miracle that we all checked our luggage without going overweight, got through security, and boarded the plane on time with no problems...

i woke up at 9:00am still on the hour and 15 minute plane ride. supposedly we attempted to land at one Rome airport and couldn't so we pulled back up, circled for a good hour and a half, and eventually landed in the main Rome airport. we were flying for a total of 3 hours and i didn't even realize it. this was probably a good thing. 

now it's monday night. i have 12 days left in Italy. it's bittersweet. i love it here. i love the markets, culture, traveling, and the girls i live with. but i'm excited to get back to my family, the states, and auburn. the next two weeks are filled with a few trips, one of which is to Positano this weekend; assignments due, 12 page paper, final exam, and photo journal left; and packing my Italian life away in 2 huge duffle bags and a rolling carry on.