Hi everyone! I am writing today on my last day at school. So far, the kids have been so sweet! One little boy even started crying when he found out I was never coming back. It was so touching! They made me a card, and their moms and dads bought me a book that has sketches of landmarks in Rome and I had the kids sign it. We even had a little party where they brought in mostly junk food and we watched The Lorax as most of the kids hadn't seen it.
This afternoon we will go outside where the Nomentana fair will be happening, which is basically like a Carnival. My friend Nick is on his way here and I am so excited to see one of my best friends!!! After school, Noreen and I are having a party as she is going on sabbatical for a year and I am leaving. It still has yet to hit me that I will no longer live in Rome. We have some plans for Saturday, so it's not entirely over yet!
In honor of leaving quite soon, before going to Venice, Paris, and London, and finally home, I thought I would make a list of things I will miss and won't miss about Italy! We will go with the negative first...
5. The crazy Italian driving....You basically just walk out in front of cars and hope they stop. Also, the honking and ridiculous gestures. I will look forward to driving my own car again (if I remember how) and driving on simple roads.
4. This heat. The last 2 weeks have been disgustingly hot...I'm talking to ac in the classroom or at home and it has been about 93 degrees INSIDE the classroom. The kids are miserable, I'm miserable and we are all sweating. Gross!
3. Not knowing where I am going/what I am doing. I usually feel lost and I am horrible at directions, so going places is my downfall. Good thing I was going places by myself a lot of the time....Also, in the grocery store, I will not miss not knowing what things are. I would like to know if that is a bottle of conditioner or if it's lotion, thank you.
2. The toilets. Why do Italians think it's ok to not have a toilet seat. It's kind of a necessity if you ask me. The worst one is located in my favorite bar....I will miss the bar, but definitely not the disgustingness of the bathroom.
1. Errands taking hours. You need deodorant? Be prepared for this errand to take 5 hours. People are leisurely and one errand turns into wondering around Rome for countless hours.
Things I will miss:
5. Seeing beautiful buildings all around me wherever I go. I was constantly looking around me that I have tripped a few times!
4. Italian men saying "Ciao Bella." I mean come on, what girl wouldn't want to be greeted by men saying "Hi Beautiful" every morning.
3. The food! The spaghetti, pizza, and gelato were better than expected. I will not miss them making me fat, however.
2. My students! They were such a lively group of kiddos, but they taught me just as much as I taught them. They thought the word "Minnesota" was one of the funniest things ever, they spoke to me in Italian daily and laughed when I couldn't answer, and they were all in all just a fun bunch!
1. The teachers and friends I have met. Everyone was so welcoming and loving towards me, even though I was basically a stranger. Without all the encouragement and help I got, Rome would have been a much scarier place. All of them invited me into their lives without a doubt and I will always remember them for that! I want to reunite with them at some point in my life! We have already discussed pen pals with our classes!
This has been such an amazing experience and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I have learned so much about teaching and mostly about myself over the past 3 months. I am excited to be on vacation for 10 days before going back to "reality." I know this will not be goodbye for Rome, but a see you later!
Ciao Italia!
xoxoxo Katie
Italy
Friday, June 21, 2013
Monday, June 17, 2013
Firenze
This past weekend I took a train to Florence, or Firenze in Italiano. I was a judge at the school talent show (ha) and made me way to the train station. And of course, travelling is never worry free for me. I found out 2 min before I was going to go that the public transport wasn't working due to a strike. Cool. There goes 15 euros for a taxi! I got to Florence just fine and met Rebecca and Marissa.
We found our hotel and checked in very sweating. It is getting very hot here now- this weekend it was 90s. We asked our hotel guy where to go to eat. He reccommended a place and we went there at 9:30. We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into!
We knew it was good because there were tons of people outside waiting to get in. Two boys from Canada chatted with us for a bit- they basically warned us that it was a different dining exerience!
We were seated after a few min. and everything seemed normal; it was definitely a fun atmosphere with music and the waiters were laughing and talking. We got our order in and talked.
Our food came and it was then that we noticed that the waiters seemed a little drunk- and they were doing shots with other tables around us....One of the waiters came to our table and made us wear wigs...while we ate.
When we got back to Florence, we went to the market where their speciality is leather goods. We bartered and got some good deals! We had pizza for dinner and went to bed early as we had had a long day!
On Sunday morning, we basically woke up and left on our trains. It was the last time I will be seeing Marissa and Rebecca, so that was sad! I am definitely already planning on going to Seattle to visit them sometime soon!
Sunday night was fun because my friend Robyn from my swim team in h.s. was backpacking with her friend Kirsten through Europe and was in Rome this weekend. I cooked them pasta and took them to the Drunken Ship. It was good to catch up with Robyn and get to know Kirsten!
Now I only have 4 days left of school! It seems so crazy to me. I am definitely ready to be done with the teaching part. I am excited to go home and see friends and family, but I also want to stay because when I go back, I have to find a job and do grown up stuff! I am so excited for Nick to come in only 4 days! I think travelling with him will be a great vacation!
Ciao and mi manchi (i love you)!
xoxo Katie
We found our hotel and checked in very sweating. It is getting very hot here now- this weekend it was 90s. We asked our hotel guy where to go to eat. He reccommended a place and we went there at 9:30. We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into!
We knew it was good because there were tons of people outside waiting to get in. Two boys from Canada chatted with us for a bit- they basically warned us that it was a different dining exerience!
We were seated after a few min. and everything seemed normal; it was definitely a fun atmosphere with music and the waiters were laughing and talking. We got our order in and talked.
Our food came and it was then that we noticed that the waiters seemed a little drunk- and they were doing shots with other tables around us....One of the waiters came to our table and made us wear wigs...while we ate.
The owner let us have Marissa's ipod on for the whole restaurant. She played the song "The Cupid Shuffle" which has a specific dance to it. Of course I wanted to do this dance, so we taught the waiters the cupid shuffle in the middle of the restaurant...with wigs on. Yep. People at other tables were taking pictures and videoing us. Cool. This is what future teachers look like! ha!
We made our way on Sat. AM to the meeting spot for a wine tour. Our tour guide was super nice and knowledgeable. Everyone else on our tour was visiting Italy and hadn't been here long. It was cool knowing about stuff and informing them! I felt like an expert, even though I am far from it. Olsa was from Sweeden and she wrote articles about wine for a wine magazine and travelled all around the world for wine tasting etc, so she knew her stuff! We went to two wineries, one big and one small. Both were great to see and were absolutely beautiful. We also ate lunch at a restaurant ownd by "the crazy butcher" He is famous for playing ACDC and also has his own tv show. We also stopped in a small town near the second winery and had some ice cream and shopping.
On Sunday morning, we basically woke up and left on our trains. It was the last time I will be seeing Marissa and Rebecca, so that was sad! I am definitely already planning on going to Seattle to visit them sometime soon!
Sunday night was fun because my friend Robyn from my swim team in h.s. was backpacking with her friend Kirsten through Europe and was in Rome this weekend. I cooked them pasta and took them to the Drunken Ship. It was good to catch up with Robyn and get to know Kirsten!
Now I only have 4 days left of school! It seems so crazy to me. I am definitely ready to be done with the teaching part. I am excited to go home and see friends and family, but I also want to stay because when I go back, I have to find a job and do grown up stuff! I am so excited for Nick to come in only 4 days! I think travelling with him will be a great vacation!
Ciao and mi manchi (i love you)!
xoxo Katie
Malta
Hello everyone! I am sorry I am a little behind on blogging, but this week I will attempt to catch up
On the 8th of June, just after undergoing a very stressful observation, I got to go to Malta! I had never heard of it before, but Marissa and Rebecca were told that it was a really cool place to go. I got to the airport fine and after waiting in line for hours and a delay, I finally was able to board the flight. Thankfully, I was able to make a friend who was from Malta who gave me suggestions of what to do and where to go, so that made the trip a little more enjoyable.
I arrived to our hotel, which was actually a bed and breakfast. The building that this former house was in was 450 years old! We talked to the employee there and went to bed after we had had a long week full of observations! The next morning, we went to the market and found little odds and ends. One of the coolest things about Malta is that one of their official languages is English! I actually was able to tell the difference between shampoo and lotion for once! :)
After the market, we went to a smaller island off of Malta called Comino. We took a bus for an hour, and then a ferry for 20 minutes o the beatiful area of the Blue Lagoon. This place was paradise! It had clear, turqoise water and it was super crowded! The only bad thing about this place was that it was so busy so instead of laying on te beach in the sand part, we had to lay on the rocks. We were able to sun bathe, take pictures, and of course, apply plenty of sunscreen! The water was freezing, but it felt really good after tanning. There were a few jellyfish, but the were small and they were easily seen since the water was so clear. Pictures!
After we sunbathed for a while, we went on a speedboat that took us to 5 different caves. The caves were cool, but we all thought the boat ride was the best part! The driver went super fast and it was great just being out on the water.
We arrived back to our hotel late, and we finally were excited that we would be eating on Italian time, but then found out that restaurants in Malta close at 10! We quick were able to run out and grab a pizza thankfully! It was an uneventful night, although Rebecca and Marissa spent the night with ice cream and frozen meat on their legs because they got super sunburned!
Sunday morning we ate breakfast and went shopping aroundthe square. I had an earlier flight, so I went to the buses and headed to the airport. This flight was finally not delayed and I was hom at a reasonable time!
I think that Malta was the perfect spot to relax after a stressful week! I recommend going to this small Med. island in your lifetime!
More to come soon, ciao ciao!
xoxo Katie
On the 8th of June, just after undergoing a very stressful observation, I got to go to Malta! I had never heard of it before, but Marissa and Rebecca were told that it was a really cool place to go. I got to the airport fine and after waiting in line for hours and a delay, I finally was able to board the flight. Thankfully, I was able to make a friend who was from Malta who gave me suggestions of what to do and where to go, so that made the trip a little more enjoyable.
I arrived to our hotel, which was actually a bed and breakfast. The building that this former house was in was 450 years old! We talked to the employee there and went to bed after we had had a long week full of observations! The next morning, we went to the market and found little odds and ends. One of the coolest things about Malta is that one of their official languages is English! I actually was able to tell the difference between shampoo and lotion for once! :)
After the market, we went to a smaller island off of Malta called Comino. We took a bus for an hour, and then a ferry for 20 minutes o the beatiful area of the Blue Lagoon. This place was paradise! It had clear, turqoise water and it was super crowded! The only bad thing about this place was that it was so busy so instead of laying on te beach in the sand part, we had to lay on the rocks. We were able to sun bathe, take pictures, and of course, apply plenty of sunscreen! The water was freezing, but it felt really good after tanning. There were a few jellyfish, but the were small and they were easily seen since the water was so clear. Pictures!
We arrived back to our hotel late, and we finally were excited that we would be eating on Italian time, but then found out that restaurants in Malta close at 10! We quick were able to run out and grab a pizza thankfully! It was an uneventful night, although Rebecca and Marissa spent the night with ice cream and frozen meat on their legs because they got super sunburned!
Sunday morning we ate breakfast and went shopping aroundthe square. I had an earlier flight, so I went to the buses and headed to the airport. This flight was finally not delayed and I was hom at a reasonable time!
I think that Malta was the perfect spot to relax after a stressful week! I recommend going to this small Med. island in your lifetime!
More to come soon, ciao ciao!
xoxo Katie
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Sicily
Hi friends and family! I feel like I am constantly apologizing about not writing....time just gets away from me! Last weekendI went to Palermo, Sicily. I am glad I went to see it...it was beautiful scenary, but not my favorite place so far!
On Friday after school I went with Noreen to the airport. She was headed off to Ireland to visit family, so it worked out that we both could travel together. I am sick of it taking forever and a day to get anywhere you want to go....I miss my car! :( I also wish that someone would invent time travel or teleportation. When I finally got the airport, after walking, metro, and train, I grabbed a snack and waited at my gate. An announcement came on in Italian and I was waiting for them to say it in English...yep, never happened. I turned to the people around me "Parla inglese?" No. Finally found a woman to tell me what was going on. "The flight has been delayed 23 hours." My reaction, "23 HOURS?!" Yep, I am not going to Sicily. After talking more, I found out she definitely meant 23 MINUTES. haha When I arrived in Palermo, my wonderful friends Rebecca and Marissa were there waiting for me! We made it to our hotel and crashed.
The next morning, we ate a delicious breakfast and checked out the top floor outdoor pool. It was a great view!
We set out for the town and of course went shopping! My best deal was getting two pairs of shoes for only 15 euros. I had to explain to my dad that I had to get two because one pair was 10 euros, and for two it was 15! I know he still probably didn't understand! We went to a market, which is where you can get knock off items and other local things. I got some gifts for people! We ate pizza for luch and for dessert what else but cannolis! It was huge and delicous. We headed back to our hotel to get ready before dinner.
For dinner, we went to a restaurant that was recommended by our hotel. It was good,but not great. I had ravioli. And of course wine. We then ventured to a bar that we researched on the internet. Of course, we couldn't find it. We are not the best at directions, and I am the worst helper! Marissa can at least read a map! We walked in the streets of Palermo and got stared at by EVERYONE. Not even an exaggeration. We stuck out like sore thumbs. Every single groups eyes were one us, and many commented, hooted, hollared, or whistled. It was super awkward! I don't know what I would have done if I was alone! We were soon talked to by a group of guys and taken to a different bar. What has been so fun about Italy is meeting so many people that are different than me and hearing their own stories! Their lives are far more exciting than mine I feel!
On Sundy, after again a delicious breakfast, we went and layed by our fabulous pool. Unfortunately, I had an early flight, so I had to leave the outdoors to fly back. I made the treck home and crashed.
This week has been super busy! On Tuesday night, Noreen, Bardan, and I went out for a pizza to get through the week. Today and tomorrow I am getting observed for a second time. It is much more intense than at home. My observer stays for two days and watches me throughout the entire morning. I am used to getting observed for one lesson and then they leave. It has been a lot of pressure. He said I have improved a ton, which was reassuring, and I think it went well. Now, I just have to get through tomorrow's two lesson and I only have one full real week left after Malta this weekend! Beach, I am coming for you!
p.s. more pictures
Ciao and miss you all!
xoxo Katie
On Friday after school I went with Noreen to the airport. She was headed off to Ireland to visit family, so it worked out that we both could travel together. I am sick of it taking forever and a day to get anywhere you want to go....I miss my car! :( I also wish that someone would invent time travel or teleportation. When I finally got the airport, after walking, metro, and train, I grabbed a snack and waited at my gate. An announcement came on in Italian and I was waiting for them to say it in English...yep, never happened. I turned to the people around me "Parla inglese?" No. Finally found a woman to tell me what was going on. "The flight has been delayed 23 hours." My reaction, "23 HOURS?!" Yep, I am not going to Sicily. After talking more, I found out she definitely meant 23 MINUTES. haha When I arrived in Palermo, my wonderful friends Rebecca and Marissa were there waiting for me! We made it to our hotel and crashed.
The next morning, we ate a delicious breakfast and checked out the top floor outdoor pool. It was a great view!
For dinner, we went to a restaurant that was recommended by our hotel. It was good,but not great. I had ravioli. And of course wine. We then ventured to a bar that we researched on the internet. Of course, we couldn't find it. We are not the best at directions, and I am the worst helper! Marissa can at least read a map! We walked in the streets of Palermo and got stared at by EVERYONE. Not even an exaggeration. We stuck out like sore thumbs. Every single groups eyes were one us, and many commented, hooted, hollared, or whistled. It was super awkward! I don't know what I would have done if I was alone! We were soon talked to by a group of guys and taken to a different bar. What has been so fun about Italy is meeting so many people that are different than me and hearing their own stories! Their lives are far more exciting than mine I feel!
On Sundy, after again a delicious breakfast, we went and layed by our fabulous pool. Unfortunately, I had an early flight, so I had to leave the outdoors to fly back. I made the treck home and crashed.
This week has been super busy! On Tuesday night, Noreen, Bardan, and I went out for a pizza to get through the week. Today and tomorrow I am getting observed for a second time. It is much more intense than at home. My observer stays for two days and watches me throughout the entire morning. I am used to getting observed for one lesson and then they leave. It has been a lot of pressure. He said I have improved a ton, which was reassuring, and I think it went well. Now, I just have to get through tomorrow's two lesson and I only have one full real week left after Malta this weekend! Beach, I am coming for you!
p.s. more pictures
My childhood friends visiting from the previous week! My cheesecake turned out even in Italy. :)
Ciao and miss you all!
xoxo Katie
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