One month down, lifetime to go

Well maybe not a lifetime, but the way this experience has been going - I see no reason to keep it up.

One correction from my last post; Fighissimo (my roommate corrected my spelling - Thanks Valentina)

On to the meat of Bologna -- also known as the bolognese.

After the Ravenna trip it seemed like it would be pretty difficult to top some of the beautiful history we saw. HOWEVER, Italy is full of surprises. Giancarlo Benevolo, my culture professor, taught two classes after Ravenna - One on Bologna and the other about Urbino.

The in-class lecture was then followed by a visit to Urbino. The early, early bus ride was a bit difficult considering a group of nine girls went out together the night before for dinner. Of course, being the large group of lovely ladies that we are - we met a big group of Napolitani men. (That's a story in itsself)

The two hour bus trip led us from the urban landscape of Bologna to the rolling hills of Italy. Upon our arrival we knew we weren't in Kansas anymore. With streets resembling San Francisco I was pleased with my shoe choice that day.

First stop - the Palace/ Castle of Federico III of Montefeltro. Yes, there is a difference between a palace and a Castle.. We were tested on it. Anywho, the it was breathtaking. The intricate architecture and obviously egotistical man for whom it was built was amazing. The piazzas and court in the center drew attention to the importance of geometry and blah blah blah other things relevant to the time period.

Bottom line.. well worth the trip. Afterward we were taken to a quaint little restaurant tucked into the basement of a building. As usual, we took over the place with our booming english mixed with some italian.

Overall, great trip. More details upon request.

On to class.. I AM DONE. Yesterday (Monday the 27th) I complete the 2 final exams - One culture, the other grammar.

I now have no official plans until the 5th of October when my Italian Literature class begins. The others - History of Italy and Advanced Grammar begin on the 12th and 18th of October. Wow.

I believe the plan is to head off to Rome for the weekend. Not 100% sure what the plan is.

Tonight a BIG group of about 20 of us are getting together at our friend Ellens house for a HUGE dinner. I will be contributing an appetizer of bruschetta. I have yet to make it - but have been practicing with some recipes.

I hope all is well. Let me know, maybe with comments, if anyone is actually reading my blog.

I forgot to mention that I got the chance to learn to how to make, from scratch, genuine italian pastas. 

I became good friends with the woman at La Traviata. She was using a knife twice my age. That says it all. Also, she would not tell me her name - She referred to herself as the mother/grandmother of everyone. She has lived in Bologna for her entire life and has been making pasta in her family's restaurants since she can remember.

Sitting on a fountain in a Piazza in Urbino - Just before the traditional Italian dance show began.

Me, Clara (Lei e' FIGHISSIMO . Also, my grammar professor) and Natasa. We were the favorites.. Well, John too, but it was much easier to talk about boys with just the girls.