Still Making Adjustments.

The first couple days I have been trying to get adjusted to the town and the culture. At first I felt a little uneasy but the more we go out the more comfortable I feel.  I’m going to have so much fun to riding my little tie dye colored bike down the streets. Sometime it’s hard because of all the people and cars but eventually we will get used to it.  The town of Brescia is beautiful and I can’t wait for the rest of the trip!
-Kristin

Discovering Cultural Differences

Today was another exciting and eventful day! This morning we started out going to a Latin Catholic mass, which would have been a great experience, however we were not dressed appropriately so they wouldn’t let a few of us in. Now we know for next time! You are not allowed to wear skirts, shorts, tank tops and dresses that are strapless or with spaghetti straps. I believe this church is one of the oldest churches in Brescia, which would have made it a great experience. After that failed attempt we went to a bar (Café for the people at home) and got a cappuccino. I think I am now addicted to them! We learned that in a café or restaurant that they usually include seating charge therefore you don’t have to tip much. It’s a lot different than home. Some people will not even accept tips if you give it to them. Now in the more touristy cities they like to get tips.  While discovering Italy we learned that we have to be more "rude" in a way. They can tell we are tourists because we smile so much and we are polite compared to many of the Italians. After our cappuccino we drove our bikes to the schools where we will be taking our classes.

(In Piazza Arnaldo which is very close to where our classes are being held.)

 We took a detour to a Gelato shop, which had amazing gelatos. 

Being here is so surreal. Riding our bikes through a real Italian town with the locals is an experience that I can't describe.  Every street we ride down is scenic and beautiful. I can't wait to discover more of this beautiful country!!

(Taken during our walk all over Brescia.)

-Jonathon

GMC In Italy Day-1

Great Weekends in Italy!

After an exhausting flight from Philadelphia, to Chicago, to London for a night, and another 2 hour flight to Milan, I finally arrived in Italy!  I was so exhausted from all the flying and was relieved to finally land.  My month long adventure in Italy was about to begin.  I still can't believe that I'm finally here.  Elisa Clewis was there promptly to greet us and take us to the bus.  After boarding we drove to a convenience store where we bought some food and supplies.  Afterwards, we drove to Brescia.  Viewing Italy up close was nothing short of phenomal.  The city of Brescia is a very sweet city, bearing similarities to Philadelphia, only much more elegant and quieter. 

I settled into my apartment, which was a lot smaller than I thought.  I realized these first few days in Italy would take some getting used to, especially with adjusting to a new lifestyle altogether.  After some unpacking and cleaning up, I was able to get some rest.  Saturday morning I went outside to meet with everyone.  Elisa took us all to pick up our rental bikes.  We walked through the town, passing all the shops, cafe's, and churches.  I was so amazed to see such fascinating things in Brescia!  Plus, the weather was sunny and warm, providing a pleasant atmosphere.  It felt good to walk along Brescia's streets. 

 

We soon received our bikes to ride.  I was a little apprehensive about riding my bike at first since I have not rode one in several years.  But surprisingly enough, I was able to get on and ride without falling. 

           

We rode around the area for a while, stopped to look at one of our schools which was located in the main square of the city, which was a wonderful spot because there were cafe's and shops all around.  Afterwards, we went grocery shopping.  The experience of shopping in Italy was compleetly different from that in America.  Later that day I had my first philosophy class meeting at the square in front of the school.  It went really well despite the distracting sounds around us.

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Today was an even better day in Brescia. I spent the morning bike riding with everyone through and around the main square, stopping at several places. We learned the locations of the schools we would be attending, even though I knew it would take me some time to get my bearings. We later then stopped at a gelato & water ice shop for some frozen treats! I tasted a passion fruit and lemon ice which was so refreshing! I attempted to return to my room alone and did so successfully. A while later we went to a historical festival in town. It was nice, though we were not there very long. I saw Italian dancers, horse-drawn carriages, and a petting zoo! Tonight, my first weekend in Brescia ends with a welcome dinner, which will surely be a blast. I had so much fun in Italy because everyday was a new surprise and I look forward to what will be next.

-Gabrielle

Packing, Flying, Traveling - Oh My!

Of course, British Airways (the people we so happen to be flying with) decide they want to go on strike the Tuesday before we leave, putting anxiety levels through the roof. I just found out that instead of being at the airport at 6:00 pm we have to be at the airport at 5:15 am and spend a night in London. There is also a high chance of our luggage being lost so we should pack four extra outfits in our carry-ons. This makes me even more anxious because all I have been doing is shopping for the perfect clothes to wear there, but I won't know what to really wear until I'm there.  I'm just going to have to wing it and hope I don't stand out too much the first couple days without my luggage. I may be rambling and it may sound silly, but to someone who loves clothes as much as I do and doesn't want to look like a "trashy American" to my two Italian roommates on first impression, it's kind of a big deal. On a better note, I checked the weather for Brescia and it's suppose to be really nice after the first couple days; up to 76! Sundresses, sandals, and Italy here I come!
~Marley


I have anticipated the study abroad trip to Brescia, Italy since I first learned of it in September.  Since then, I have done everything to prepare for it.  Now I am down to the last week before I depart for Italy, and needless to say, my preparations have become REALLY hectic!  From packing clothes, shoes, toiletries, electronic supplies and school supplies, my days are busy!  Despite that, it all the more fuels my anticipation as I countdown the days to the big day.  I am a little sad that I am leaving my home in America, and will be gone for quite a while, but I am going to embrace this opportunity as it comes.  I look forward to having the experience of living in Italy.  I have desired to visit Italy for many years, especially since my ancestors from my mother's side came from Calabria, Italy.  I am thrilled at the thought of returning to the land they left behind.  I am also looking forward to learning and experiencing Italian culture, history, and language.  In addition, I look forward to making new friends and memories.  With courses and weekend trips, I know that in Brescia there will never be a dull moment.  I look forward to you soon Italy!  Arividerci! 
~Gabrielle

It's the night before we're about to leave and I am so anxious that I am not going to be able to sleep! I figure I will have plenty of time to do that on our flight and it's going to be a killer waking up at 3:30 in the morning anyway. It is not often that I travel so I am a little nervous about flying however I know that once I get settled in the time is going to fly by. I have been looking forward to leaving for such a long time and have bragged to just about everyone I know that I will be in Italy for a month yet it just hit me two days ago. I wish that I could bring all my friends and family with me in my suitcase. It would also be nice if I could bring the NHL playoffs with me. If this is the year my flyguys win the cup (or even just make it to the final) I am going to be bummed not to be in the country. However, I am going to miss the chance of a lifetime for an even greater chance of a lifetime. Can't wait to land in Milan!
~Kristin

Great Expectations.

I am sooo excited to leave for Italy in a few more days.  I can't believe that it is already here.  It has always been a dream of mine to travel to Italy because most of my family is from there and many of them still live there today.  Unfortunately, I will not have the time to travel and visit family, but it will be nice to learn a little more about the culture and language.  My grandparents are straight from Italy.  They have lived here for around 50 years now but they grew up in Italy.  They have taught me a lot about the culture and food, so it will be nice to actually experience it and see the places that they have talked about for so many years. For example, the Vatican is something they always talked about and that's one of the places I am going to visit while we are in Rome!  That should be an amazing adventure!  That's only one of the many places in Italy we will be exploring!  One thing that will be tricky is the language barrier.  Unfortunately, I do not know any Italian. Even though my grandparents and my Dad know fluent Italian, I do not know any!!  I can say "Bonjourno" and "mange".  That's pretty much the extent of my Italian.  I am really hoping that I will learn more of the basics when I am in Italy! I am really looking forward to exploring every aspect of Italy and its culture!

~Jonathon

Studying abroad in Italy is a dream I've always had, and I'm so thankful I'm getting the chance to experience the culture.  I am half Italian, however my dad's side of the family is full Italian.  In fact, many of my grandpa's brothers and sisters were born in Italy and my grandma's cousin are still living in Italy to this day.  Hearing about the Italian culture throughout my life has always been so fascinating and it seems like people take time to really enjoy life, and they're not always on the go as we are here in the United States.  Experiencing the culture first hand will truly be a blessing and exploring all of Italy that I can will be an adventure!

~Angela

Italy, Italy, Italy. It has been my dream to go to Italy since I was a little girl and first heard of the floating city of Venice. In the past year I've taken 6 credits of Italian language and culture, and have learned SO MUCH! The language is so beautiful, and my favorite part of the culture is (predictably) the food. I've learned of the Italian preference for dubbed American movies, and their crazy driving habits. It has been an exciting two semesters, and this study abroad experience is bound to be the capstone to my forage in Italian culture.

~Ashley

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get the chance to spend an entire month in Italy!  Of all the traveling I've done with my family, I always dreamed of the chance to go to Italy and see Venice, the City on Water; and explore Rome, home to the Vatican.  It is going to be a truly amazing experience.  What further fueled my desire to see Italy is the fact that my fiance is half Italian.  His father's side of the family are 100% Italian and many of them were actually born and raised in Italy.  I'm so excited that I'm going to experience the country that they came from and get to know more about them.  In preparation for my trip, Jon and I went shopping to find "European-esque" clothing and I've been using a language program on CD to try and get a jump start on learning Italian.  (I'm getting pretty good!)  I'm greatly anticipating this trip and the amazing experience I'm going to take away from it.  I have no doubt this trip is going to be life-changing!

~Jenna


I am very excited to go to Italy. I have never been out of the United States before and I am a bit nervous. WIth only two days remaining I want to make sure I have everything I need. I am sad to leave my friends, family and boyfriend for a month but I know they will be here when I return ready with open arms. I do not know one ounce of Italian but I am very eager to learn a new language. I am also alittle apprehensive of how I am going to manage my money over there. I want the flight to run smoothly and hope we all stay healthy and happy over in Italy.
~Amanda