paradise lost?

On our first away weekend, a few of us headed to Cinque Terre.

We hopped on the train for what felt like an eternity...numerous stops and transfers;

and we got off at the wrong stop (we got off too early-

but fear ye not, we had photo ops at the train station).

FINALLY, we got to Monte Rosso, the furthest of the 5 lands.

When we arrive, we were picked up by Emmanuale, the son of our cottage owner Frederico..

whom, might I add is next to our best friend since we were shooting texts about our arrival (but his English is terrible so his wife was was the texter---notes on a scandal!)

Emmanuale took us on what was the next best thing of Tim Burton's version of Mr. Toads Wild Ride.

I was literally in shambles, I mean laughing uncontrollably as I was tossed between Abby and the door while E-man was taking the tiniest windy roads at probably 90 mph!

Then, by foot he takes us to a gravel square in the pitch dark, surrounded by a wire fence and says that's where we are staying! wtf Emmanuale!!

After unpacking at the actual house, we opted for some foodies in town..

Unfortunately, since we stayed at the top of the town, we had to take the only way down: the trail of tears!

Now, I'm a grown man, but we had to take a small cobblestone road, in the pitch dark, next to a cemetery, road into town...my eyes played all sorts of cruel jokes on me!

The 4 of us walked down grabbed some pizza and returned back on the road very less travelled home!

Friday woke up to the most spectacular view:

Then headed out to hike the towns. Sadly for us, the "leisurely" path we thought we signed up for was clearly made by the devil himself: steep, narrow, and high.

I was awesome to be passed by the geriatrics club with walking sticks!

Alas, we made it to Vernazza, baked in the sun on some rocks, took a boat ride to the Via Dell'Amore, full of padlocks and graffiti of star crossed lovers.

That night had a delicious dinner in town, and overlooked the ocean at dusk.

Saturday made a pit stop in Pisa, tiniest town and tiny tower!

BUT many funny Chinese fans taking photos!!!!!

Then headed home.

It was a successful weekend on our own!

...and because she moves in mysterious ways: Ciara "Gimmie Dat"

Ciara - Gimmie Dat from shadyuploader on Vimeo.

...all of the lights...

in case you have 30 minutes to spare...check out Kanye's mini-film for "Runaway". Actual post tomorrow!

the agony & the ecstasy

while reading this "biographical novel" on the life of Michelangelo

I've felt as though I can relate to his life [merely by the title]

There's been a bit of agony, and maybe a little ecstasy [no droga Sam!]

Agony

The shoddy internet I have, EVERYWHERE. Does Italia not want me to catch up on my music?

[I sit outside on the steps like a creep to use it at home]

The bus I ride to town full of the oldest people on the planet. They are beyond cranky.

[I often think diaper changes and naps are in order for the folks!]

The amount of mystery food I've eaten at dinner because when I ask what it is...I still don't understand what she tells me!

The numerous tomatoes I've put in my mouth, I LOVE food, but tomatoes are low on the totem..at least they were.

The mosquitos that gnaw my chocolate skin whilst using my internet i.e. right now

The fact that I've been using the bidet towel for my hands. Smart move.

The fact I feel like I don't have a mind of my own w/ all the rules/meetings/speakers etc.

The Pixies said it best 'Where is my Mind?' but seriously..I'm 23, not 15. A curfew?!

All the people/car traffic on the small roads in town...it's worse than NY.

My f.o.m.o [fear of missing out] w/ my dearest friends in my last year of college.

Not being close to famiglia....
the showers made for midgets. I'd like to not bend down to pick up my shampoo to hit my head on the wall, which in turn causes my daire aire to run into the handle. NO BUONO!

the lack of cheez-its and diet dr. pepper.

....BUT, basta [enough] w. the venting, onto the best

Ecstasy

The group we have here in Siena, we all bring something different, funny, comforting, & loving

My host family: they couldn't be any better. Laughs every night at dinner, and I love them.

Seeing LACEY and ASHLEY in Florence.

Gelato.

Running in the Tuscan hillside.

The views of the hillside from various places in the city.

Living in a place that thrives on culture.

Gelato.

Food.

The vanilla wafers [these can constitute as REAL ecstasy!]

The compassion and genuine love of the people at school.

Making international friends

Making friends who talk so much that enables me to have the international friends.

Coca-Cola Light.

Seeing some of the greatest pieces of art known to man.

Visiting the most scenic towns.

Gelato.

The amount of music listening I can cram into a week.

Immersing myself in culture.

Italy is honestly breathtaking, and the hospitality is amazing- so much so that tonight after dinner,

*Sidenote: I'm going to Cinque Terre tomorrow and won't see my family until Saturday*

So Niccolo gave me the double cheek kiss, which I was unprepared, then I said bye to our host dad, whom also went for the cheeks, but we didn't plan well and he almost got my boca!

Could've been awkward!

A dopo!