Italian Charm....

What I love about Italy...
- dolce far niente: the sweetness of doing nothing...the Italians dedicate a lot of their time to enjoying each others company especially on Sunday's and during lunch time.  They take more than 20 min or in my case 3 min to eat their food. In fact, they actually take hours to sip their wine and eat their 3-5 course meals and dedicate time to their partners, friends and family...a truly beautiful experience that we should all do! 
- Taking time: In everything they do Italians take their time, when they walk, when they eat, when they shop...this has been perfect for my dilly dally and slow pace walking/getting ready, however it also has taught me to appreciate my surroundings and the little details of day to day life... Yet, sometimes this beautiful habit is hard to adjust to, especially when you have a plate full of gnocchi or a towering cone of gelato at your disposal. With that aside, not always rushing to get to place to place and learning to enjoy relaxing even if it's looking at a pair of shoes has been quite beneficial. It stops you from taking the small pieces in your day for granted.
-The food: from fried egg plant to wine soaked risotto, pesto lasagna, pasta of every kind, chocolate croissants, caprese salads, kababs, fresh vegetables and fruit all the time...(still love my cereal though...)
-The social scene: the Italians idea of a good time is a glass of wine, a little music on the street, and good conversation...not raging, puking in the nearest garbage, running around in tiny garments raging drunk...(my professor said all of these have occurred outside her apt...it's what give us a bad name....) every Friday and Saturday night...in other words the Italians keep it classy...we are all learning to appreciate this form of party :) It's also the form of party where creepers are usually not present. 
-Music everywhere: I have seen so many talented street musicians...I love turning into all sorts of nooks and crannies and hearing a banjo, accordion, guitar, harmonica etc playing a little Italia tune.. - The Gelato: I am not sure even how to describe the mouth watering, creamy, sensational whipped scoops of greatness on a cone...wish I could bring it back as a souvenir to everyone! 
- The Coffee: espressos, cappucino's,  caffes....mmmm....good at all times of the day!
- The fashion: especially the boys...they all ride around on their bikes in their business suits and stylish shades (raising my eyebrows up and down)...they all dress so well...yet, there has been a few jersey shore type ones... can't win em' all.  The girls have rockin' boots and leather jackets! 
- The hair: the Italian women (most blessed with gorgeous locks) come with all different types of hair styles, and lengths...they make unmanageable, wild, unruly hair look fantastic simply by being confident in which ever form it takes when they leave their homes...my medieval mane and I really appreciate this :) 
- Walking everywhere: at times this can be frustrating, (my feet have produced quite the callouses...yum...(could really use a hair success pedicure)  but it's great exercise, and you feel very refreshed afterwards...it also allows you to take in Italy and all its splendor...(and makes you feel a lot better about the huge chocolate covered/filled croissant you ate 5 min ago...I mean a little bit better.)
- The pigeons: I know everyone thinks they are annoying but I think they are so cute plucking their baby heads back and forth, begging for a piece of love (bread) and they come in all colors. I like them.
- The dog friendliness: everyone has dogs...and even though they don't love when you google at them, I can't help it....dogs are such loveable creatures and they make everyone happy all over! I love that so many Italians have them...and treat them well :) 
- The views: from nearly everywhere, you have a cool view... why? because the streets are cool, the cafe's, restaurants, buildings, museums, landscapes are all original, old, and have such character. 
- The willingess to help:if you're lost whether they speak English or not, every Italian has done their best to explain and will even walk you to where you need to be... Today, my roommate lost her key and a bunch of Italians all got out of their cars  and helped her look...(she found it)!!! It's so nice...they also give you a lot of free food, a free glass of wine etc....some don't like you, but for the most part they are kindred folk. 
---I could go on and on..but again, I don't want to kill the blog with length...
--------I have been trying to fit into Italian culture with what I wear and how I walk (like I know where I'm going and that I don't care about anything)...sometimes I think I fit in (especially when the street vendors don't target me as a dumb American who would want a glow in the dark object) other times I am tripping/wiping out on a cobblestone bumps, or unconsciously stopping and oogling at the windows that display a wide range of chocolate croissants, cookies, donuts etc. 
Also...
This weekend I traveled to Padova, Venice and Verona which was included with our API excursion...while there, I went on 3 walking tours, gondoliered it up, absorbed myself with a ton of cool Italian places, shopped in Merone (Island off of Venice, where they do the glass blowing), went to Juliet's balcony and touched her boob (this is supposed to bring you good luck in your love life...don't be surprised if I come home with a husband), had a fun wine tasting and tour of the vineyard in the beautiful countryside, and enjoyed my time with my cool new friends :) I'm so very happy and content right now :) Today, I watched my first piece of media in 3 weeks! Pride and Prejudice...I just finished the book, naturally had to watch the movie...!  It's been kind of a relief to not be tempted with tv! Now, I'm off to go eat an Italian meal, made by my roommates!!


p.s.  split my pants open yesterday...gotta cut down on the carbs...
xoxoxoxooxoxoxo......Missing my fam and friends!