Finally Arrived in Florence

Me and the airport - nervous before my trip but it went pretty smooth and I met a couple interesting people on the flight over.

Zach and I on the drive up to O'hare, missing him already...

Well I just got into Florence and I am loving it already, considering there really is not much that you can dislike about a place like this anyway.  On the flight over from Switzerland I sat next to a very nice, talkative, Italian man named Alexander, he talked to me about everything and told me to try everything.  It was nice to talk to talk to someone who knew the land so well and he spoke English so that was a plus.  The flight was supposed to only be an hour long but Tyler, Erin, and I did have some trouble on the flight concerning the wind in Florence, so we had to land early in Bologna, which is about an hour and a half away from Florence.  Since we had to wait longer for a bus to arrive to drive us to the Florence airport I had time to purchase my first euros, they are pretty compared to the US dollar.  Since our flight was running late we were not able to get to our hotel at the correct arrival time, so I asked Alexander, the man on the airplane, if he could call the hotel for us and tell them our problem.  Once we arrived at our hotel we finally got settled in and went out for a walk in search of some dinner.  We went to a cute little pizzeria called La Lampara and enjoyed our first real Italian meal.  The water is all bottled here in glass bottles and is not free, not cool but I think I will survive.  One of the waiters there, an older man, was really sweet and bought us all a shot, can’t remember what it was called but it was very tasty.  He gave me a 15% off card too for the next time I go in there.   

Missing home a little bit, not seeing my sisters, dogs, and parents will be hard but I know they love me and support that I am here, so that helps a lot.  It has also just hit me that I won’t get to see Zach till October..hurts my heart because I usually talk to him everyday, its also nice to know that he supports my decision to study abroad.  I still cannot believe I am here.  Sitting in our hotel room, with the door to our balcony wide open, listening to people outside and being here, calm, its just amazing and surreal. 

Love-Jess

Italy.. Here I Come

So the day has finally arrived and I can not sleep anymore.  I am so anxious to get the flight over, 13 hours is a long time for me to sit still..but I think I will survive.  I can not wait to get over there, although I have been crying a lot lately, I think it is just because I have never had to leave my home and my comfort zone for such a long period of time.  I know it will fly by and in no time I will be wishing I was back in Italy, so I am going to enjoy every second I have over there.  I am very happy to know that I am a "yes" person, I don't like to sit back and watch others do new things, I have to be apart of it.  I love trying new food and experiencing whatever life throws at me.  I think this study abroad trip will have plenty new adventures and opportunities for me and I can't wait to see that they are.  I do know that once we arrive at the airport today I will cry and I will be hugging my family like I won't ever see them again.  Leaving my boyfriend is going to be hard too, but I did get very lucky and know that he supports me and is very excited for me.  It has been calming to me to know that in October my parents and Zach will be coming over to see me.  Wish me luck on the flight =)

SOFIA Program

I recently was involved in a research program called SOFIA through Monmouth College.  It was a wonderful learning experience for myself, not only as an artist but as a person.  I learned a lot in that three week period, about my abilities artistically, my knowledge of painting, and my drive to be an artist.  I wanted to study Michelangelo's statue of David, and did so by researching the tiny model he used.  Since I am leaving for Florence very soon I figured I could use this program to help guide my thoughts into the mindset of living in Italy.  Painting the David helped me become better prepared for this trip and I can not wait to see the statue in person.

Blessed

Well I haven't updated in a while and am getting down to the last few days before I leave =)  I have about 11 days left here and have been spending this time at school working on an art research project through Monmouth College, its called the SOFIA Project.  It has been a lot of fun and working on my art has really helped me loosen my nerves up a bit about leaving. I have been painting the statue of David by Michelangelo and have been getting more anxious and excited to see the David in person.  Its going to be an incredible experience, and breath taking I'm sure.
I have also been spending these last days with the people I am closest with. My parents had a going away party for me this weekend so I could see all my family and some friends before I left.  It was wonderful.  Lots of wine, bread, and pasta!  I think everyone had a great time and it was really comforting to see my family and friends so excited for me.  That is another thing that has been pretty cool about this experience so far, seeing everyone's reactions and excitement for my life and my adventure I'm about to go on.  Its also pretty nice to hear my loved ones concerns about this trip and their willingness to share their own experiences and advice.  I have noticed that people who find out that I'm going abroad become very interested in my life and want me to make the most out of my time in Italy. Its awesome to know that others are excited for me and really want me to take in everything about the lifestyle and language.

I am blessed.