The View From the Afternoon

So, this is what I see from the window of my classroom every day. Technically this exact shot is from a bench outside the building where my classes are held, but you get the idea. Soon and very soon that will be covered with snow. It actually snowed up in the mountains a few days ago. It only rained cold, icy, wet rain in the valley, but the mountains did have snow.

It's been a while since I've posted any new updates. I think the last one was about my birthday, but very little has happened since then. I took a day trip to Italy with the ISEFE people. We're special. We're like Erasmus, but not because we're only Americans and Asians.

I think my expectations were a little too high. Maybe not too high, but maybe too different. When I picture Italy I picture Rome, the Vatican, Letters to Juliet even. I didn't picture industrialized city with a few nice old historical sites here and there. I realize now that I shouldn't go into things with expectations though, because if I hadn't then I really would have enjoyed it more I think. There is one thing that blew my mind far beyond my wildest dreams.

Italian pizza and gelato.

I've heard of the wonders. I've heard that pizza in Italy is the best and I've heard that you "just can't go to Italy without eating some gelato". But believe me when I say that I had no idea it was going to be like it was. First of all, it was the cheapest pizza I've had since I've been in Europe. We ate at this cute little Italian place that we finally found - believe it or not, it's crazy hard to find a sit down type restaurant where we were. I ordered the pizza margheurite...I'm not even sure if that's how you spell it because I've ordered that exact pizza and used at least 3 versions of that word in ordering it. So I'm no novice to this pizza. But when they brought that pizza out to me with my OUT OF THE TAP coke and I took my first bite I was expecting it to taste like every other marghajopoliseria pizza that I've eaten here. FALSE. It was the best pizza I have ever tasted in my entire life. Kudos, Italy. You rocked my taste bud's world.

Aside from that, very little else has been going on. I befriended this girl who loves Vampire Diaries as much as I do, possibly more. I then went on to turn two of my friends here onto the show. I'm making the world a better place, one vampire at a time. (Team Stefan, by the way). I also ate a kiwi for a boy. If you know me, then you know that's something I'd rather not do. I'd rather not try new things. Especially if they're good for me. But if I do, it usually means it's for something that's worth it...

Coming up: Trip to NICE! I'll get my bikini on, even if it's under a parka. We'll see how cold it gets. Also: PARIS for tennis! Get ready Nadal, I'm about to shake up your world. And then it will be time for my hips to speak truths at the Shakiraaaa concert.

I'm anxiously awaiting you, November <3