tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59473960617415824102024-03-13T02:44:01.869-07:00Cheers and Ciao"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."
-St. Augustine.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610791737875881747noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5947396061741582410.post-30491625747912196852008-04-28T03:16:00.000-07:002008-04-28T03:36:22.429-07:00Festa della LiberazioneOn April 25<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span>, Italians celebrate their freedom from the Nazis. By celebration, I mean food and family. For us American students, family means the Italian friends we've made and food means pasta. We gathered together at a friends country home in the hills of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Tuscania</span> for Spaghetti con <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">frutti</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">di</span> mare (muscles and baby shrimp).<br /><br />Our original plan was to conclude the evening on the beach with a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">falò</span>, bonfire (not to be confused with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">fallo</span>, pronounced deceptively similar), but our idea was squelched by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">tramontana</span> <em>north wind </em>ever plaguing the area this time of year. <br /><br /><strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Spiaggia</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">di</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Tarquinia</span> <em>The Beach in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Tarquinia</span></em></strong><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/SBWkZ4J42II/AAAAAAAAAMs/ytaKugkdRgA/s1600-h/IMG_0131.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194238509719279746" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/SBWkZ4J42II/AAAAAAAAAMs/ytaKugkdRgA/s320/IMG_0131.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Regardless, It was therapy to my Southern California soul to smell the salt air and hear waves, no matter how piddly they were. <br /><br /><strong>Mia <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Famiglia</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Italia</span> <em>My Italian Family</em></strong><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/SBWk0YJ42JI/AAAAAAAAAM0/HXqmypCwFSk/s1600-h/IMG_0132.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194238964985813138" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/SBWk0YJ42JI/AAAAAAAAAM0/HXqmypCwFSk/s320/IMG_0132.JPG" border="0" /></a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610791737875881747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5947396061741582410.post-35814551973858575742008-04-23T07:24:00.000-07:002008-04-23T07:49:12.463-07:00Primavera in Tuscania<div align="center"><strong><br /></div></strong><div align="center"><strong>Monday April 14th 2008 ~ Reflections written on a park bench</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">A soft Spring breeze <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">touches</span> my arms with a slight coolness, ruffling the pages of the Bible open on my l<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ap</span>. The pungent smell of freshly trimmed grass arrests my nose. A <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">gravelly</span> old voice drifts over the park as its owner walks steadily on the path, discoursing with his companion, probably about yesterday's election. I've lost count of the rounds they made. What a glorious day to be class free and in Italy.</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192450076747290706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/SA9J1YJ42FI/AAAAAAAAAMU/dUvVmIJUd_A/s320/DSC_0310.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I found it hard to untangle myself from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">pudgey</span> covers and plot of my book this morning after I had settled back into bed when breakfast was over. The lure of a peaceful Spring day compelled me out of Sierra's fictional world and into the shower. Slipping my bare feet into the straps of sandals mom had brought me, I reveled in the fact that I could pull on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">capris</span> and a short sleeve blouse.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192450785416894562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/SA9KeoJ42GI/AAAAAAAAAMc/Y0shD3Z9TiI/s320/Image070.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">A tour group has just piled into the opposite end of the park, admiring the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">stunning</span> valley below San Pietro. Mr. Mower can't be inconvenienced by the newcomers and continues to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">noisily</span> cut the green spaces down to size. A group of young men are forced to roll out of comfortable formation on the lawn as the machine rumbles close to their backs, flinging mulch into the conversation. </span></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Large marshmallow clouds have seemingly appeared out of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">nowhere</span>, creeping <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">stealthily</span> into the azure landscape above me; however, such pure fluff is anything but threatening. I'm hoping some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">of</span> the sun's golden rays will choose to linger in my darkening tresses.</span></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192451588575778930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/SA9LNYJ42HI/AAAAAAAAAMk/Ll-hPyGLthk/s320/DSC_0553.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span> </div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610791737875881747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5947396061741582410.post-5884248455270904262008-04-22T03:39:00.000-07:002008-04-22T04:02:56.302-07:00Gnocchi<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/SA3BPIJ41-I/AAAAAAAAALc/-_TZR-byR6Q/s1600-h/DSC_0277.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192018411059206114" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/SA3BPIJ41-I/AAAAAAAAALc/-_TZR-byR6Q/s320/DSC_0277.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/SA3Bg4J41_I/AAAAAAAAALk/F1ksJAQkYOw/s1600-h/DSC_0279.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192018716001884146" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/SA3Bg4J41_I/AAAAAAAAALk/F1ksJAQkYOw/s320/DSC_0279.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br />Gnocchi is a potatoe pasta similar to mini potatoe dumplings. Loredana showed my mom and I how to make homemade gnocchi a few weeks ago. It's very simple and requires only a few ingredients. Here is the recipe in pictures.<br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/SA3B4oJ42AI/AAAAAAAAALs/pBUZW04o_W8/s1600-h/DSC_0280.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192019124023777282" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/SA3B4oJ42AI/AAAAAAAAALs/pBUZW04o_W8/s320/DSC_0280.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/SA3CgYJ42BI/AAAAAAAAAL0/v4nfF4dyzz8/s1600-h/DSC_0290.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192019806923577362" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/SA3CgYJ42BI/AAAAAAAAAL0/v4nfF4dyzz8/s320/DSC_0290.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/SA3DO4J42CI/AAAAAAAAAL8/lMBtgRBjX4w/s1600-h/DSC_0307.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192020605787494434" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/SA3DO4J42CI/AAAAAAAAAL8/lMBtgRBjX4w/s320/DSC_0307.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/SA3DeYJ42DI/AAAAAAAAAME/oVzoy0afIYg/s1600-h/DSC_0309.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192020872075466802" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/SA3DeYJ42DI/AAAAAAAAAME/oVzoy0afIYg/s320/DSC_0309.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/SA3EOoJ42EI/AAAAAAAAAMM/frz2SU1543c/s1600-h/DSC_0327.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192021701004154946" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/SA3EOoJ42EI/AAAAAAAAAMM/frz2SU1543c/s320/DSC_0327.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/SA3A44J419I/AAAAAAAAALU/Iha3z2b6d2k/s1600-h/DSC_0277.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610791737875881747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5947396061741582410.post-40366746873895638072008-03-21T07:51:00.000-07:002008-03-21T07:55:32.817-07:00Spring Break ~ France<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R-PL5yMQBYI/AAAAAAAAALM/UNcMkGhaUCY/s1600-h/eiffel_tower_paris003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180208189992338818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R-PL5yMQBYI/AAAAAAAAALM/UNcMkGhaUCY/s320/eiffel_tower_paris003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Ever since <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">high school</span>, when I started having <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">francophilia</span> tendencies, I've dreamed about going to Paris. Well, it's finally happening! I fly our of Rome <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ciampino</span> tomorrow, heading to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Beauvais</span> Airport. Four days in Paris and three days in Nice.</div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610791737875881747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5947396061741582410.post-50691417867084346082008-03-21T07:30:00.001-07:002008-03-21T07:51:35.021-07:00Tuscania Ghosts<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R-PG3yMQBXI/AAAAAAAAALE/mEI7fBOk43I/s1600-h/Ghosts.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180202658074461554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R-PG3yMQBXI/AAAAAAAAALE/mEI7fBOk43I/s320/Ghosts.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Our student advisor, Marco, plays basketball for a small local league in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Viterbo</span>. Compared to soccer (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">calcio</span> - cal chi o), basketball is the black sheep of Italian sports. I found this out when a contingent of us went to one of his games. We had made signs to support the Ghosts and wore green and white. I felt very American yelling at the refs and doing the wave. The team got a big kick out of it however; and apparently we are good luck because they only win when we are there to cheer them on.</div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610791737875881747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5947396061741582410.post-24510653040200047702008-03-20T07:14:00.000-07:002008-03-20T07:26:53.691-07:00Prima Frutti<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">First <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Fragole</span> (strawberries) of <em>SPRING</em>!</span></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179827870638277986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R-JyASMQBWI/AAAAAAAAAK8/3Zh-wTPVhBQ/s320/IMG_0310.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Loredona</span> had a delicious addition to my breakfast spread this morning - a small bowl of beautiful strawberries that had been soaking in sugar and lemon juice overnight.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">She told me (in Italian) that its a bit early for strawberries, but they looked very red so she bought them. These strawberries could easily be the best <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">I've</span> every tasted - the sweet flesh was still firm and the color was an deep <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">rosso</span>.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">If these are the first fruits, I can't wait to experience what else Spring has in store!</div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610791737875881747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5947396061741582410.post-63523337446945944052008-03-19T09:01:00.000-07:002008-03-19T09:23:54.350-07:00Maratona della citta di RomaThe 14<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">annual</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Rome</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Marathon</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">was</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">held</span> on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">March</span> 16<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">th</span>. A <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">few</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">friends</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">and</span> I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">decided</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">to</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">participate</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">this</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">event</span> ~ <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">you</span> know, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">when</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Rome</span>...<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">But</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">since</span> none <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">of</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">us</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">had</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">really</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">trained</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">for</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">such</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">thing</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">we</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">signed</span> up <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">for</span> the STRACITTADINA, a 4 K "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">fun</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">run</span>" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">around</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">small</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">part</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">of</span> the city. <br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179483715817000210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R-E4_1kxTRI/AAAAAAAAAKk/jfOgyeDUHgg/s320/100_1647.JPG" border="0" /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">run</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">started</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">just</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">after</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Marathon</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">took</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">off</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">We</span> all <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">gathered</span> (in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">our</span> free t <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">shirts</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">hats</span>) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">next</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">to</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">colleseum</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">to</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">tune</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">of</span> "Volare," <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">began</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">our</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">march</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">through</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">Rome</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">Streets</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">were</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65">blocked</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_66">off</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_67">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_68">supporters</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_69">lined</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_70">way</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_71">shouting</span> "Bravi."<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R-E5olkxTSI/AAAAAAAAAKs/YCQEN7jNnWQ/s1600-h/IMG_0300.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179484415896669474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R-E5olkxTSI/AAAAAAAAAKs/YCQEN7jNnWQ/s320/IMG_0300.JPG" border="0" /></a> <strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_72">QUICK</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_73">FACTS</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong><br /><em><strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_74">Participants</span>: 45.356</strong></em> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_75">women</span>: 49% </div><div align="center">men: 51% </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">0 - 20 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_76">years</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_77">old</span>: 38% </div><div align="center">21 - 40 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_78">years</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_79">old</span>: 25% </div><div align="center">41 - 60 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_80">years</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_81">old</span>: 22% </div><div align="center"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_82">over</span> 60 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_83">years</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_84">old</span>: 15%<br /><br /></div><div> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179484875458170162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R-E6DVkxTTI/AAAAAAAAAK0/ZVC2iNT4eY0/s320/IMG_0301.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610791737875881747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5947396061741582410.post-72530160391542359842008-03-11T05:20:00.000-07:002008-03-17T05:37:49.165-07:00APE<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R9Z5ylkxTQI/AAAAAAAAAKc/damlQOYxhYI/s1600-h/IMG_0027.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176458731695721730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R9Z5ylkxTQI/AAAAAAAAAKc/damlQOYxhYI/s320/IMG_0027.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R9Z5fFkxTPI/AAAAAAAAAKU/oFtSIFhoDOQ/s1600-h/IMG_0127.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176458396688272626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R9Z5fFkxTPI/AAAAAAAAAKU/oFtSIFhoDOQ/s320/IMG_0127.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center">My first encounter with these cute little vehicles was in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Zermatt</span>, the all skiing - all the time resort town in Switzerland. No cars are allowed in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Zermatt</span> so people use these to transport building materials and tired travelers.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Italy also has a large population of these <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">miniature</span> trucks on wheels. I've seen a couple in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Tuscania</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">navigating</span> the skinny <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">cobblestoned</span> streets with ease. They were also everywhere when I traveled down South in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Sorrento</span> and Capri. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">My friend Becca loaned me Frances Mayes' second Italian memoir, "Bella Tuscany," and I have been enjoying all the familiar cultural references. She mentioned these small cars in the first chapter, giving the Italian name: APE (ah-pay).</div></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610791737875881747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5947396061741582410.post-67652076223823715502008-03-07T02:15:00.001-08:002008-03-07T02:31:39.471-08:00Italian Immigration<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R9EWT1kxTOI/AAAAAAAAAKM/4QLzuHRVUUQ/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174941976880041186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R9EWT1kxTOI/AAAAAAAAAKM/4QLzuHRVUUQ/s320/1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Once you've gone through the hassle of acquiring an Italian visa in the States, you still have to apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno within eight days of your arrival in Italy. This means lots of paperwork and handing over copious Euros for postage and processing.</div><div> </div><div>According to our student advisor, no one ever actually gets there Permesso di Soggiorno due to Italy's crazy beaurocracy, but all you need is the recipt from the post office proving you sent all the documents. </div><div> </div><div>Well, a couple weeks ago, several of us got text messages at 2 am from the Uficio di Immigrazione in Viterbo. Both messages were in Italian and I forgot about them until another student mentioned that she had recieved similar messages. Apparently, no students have ever gotten this far in the process.</div><div> </div><div>So today we had to go to Viterbo to get fingerprinted. This involved waiting in line (not as bad as the DMV and Italians actually know how to form a line), getting each finger copied and then going down the street to a different office with alot of Polizia. Wait a bit longer and then have a complete set of prints taken (each finger, thumb, four fingers, and palm). The two technicians were pretty impressed with my new US passport and laughed about my cold hands. </div><div> </div><div>So, I'm still not sure whether i'll be getting my Permesso di Soggiorno before I leave Italy, but I can check the Immigration office of my list of places to go...</div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610791737875881747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5947396061741582410.post-8639918052051863412008-02-21T06:21:00.001-08:002008-02-21T06:22:58.051-08:00After (well, more like during...)<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R72JGVv2cRI/AAAAAAAAAKE/Jrcj7gIXG44/s1600-h/IMG_0935.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169438689301262610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R72JGVv2cRI/AAAAAAAAAKE/Jrcj7gIXG44/s320/IMG_0935.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div> </div><div>The pick is a bit blurry, but, you get the idea...</div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610791737875881747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5947396061741582410.post-26922164965748316882008-02-21T06:14:00.000-08:002008-02-21T06:21:02.161-08:00Carne Cooking Class<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R72HoFv2cQI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/wFkPHMyeG9I/s1600-h/IMG_0932.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169437070098592002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R72HoFv2cQI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/wFkPHMyeG9I/s320/IMG_0932.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><strong>The Menu</strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div><div align="center">Pollo Arrosto</div><div align="center"><em>roasted chicken</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center">Cinghiale</div><div align="center"><em>wild boar</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center">Chianina Fiorentina</div><div align="center"><em>Fiorentina steak</em></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610791737875881747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5947396061741582410.post-22958369100113785072008-02-21T06:03:00.000-08:002008-02-21T06:14:47.093-08:00Before<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R72GpVv2cPI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/rVSrUcGinYk/s1600-h/IMG_0864.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169435992061800690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R72GpVv2cPI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/rVSrUcGinYk/s320/IMG_0864.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We saw these cute cattle during our trip to Vulci Archaeological Park. Marco, our student advisor, mentioned that these particular critters make a famous type of steak - The Fiorentina. Little did I know that I would get a chance to taste one of these cuts of meat in the next week!</div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610791737875881747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5947396061741582410.post-60521931987794733982008-02-19T07:30:00.001-08:002008-02-19T07:37:35.091-08:00Tarquinia Skyline<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R7r2plv2cOI/AAAAAAAAAJs/MtRQVVadtb8/s1600-h/IMG_0835.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168714716728946914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R7r2plv2cOI/AAAAAAAAAJs/MtRQVVadtb8/s320/IMG_0835.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Last Friday we went to the Archeological Etruscan Museum in Tarquinia. This is the view from one of the top floors in this interesting museum full of pots, tombs, and jewelry from the Etruscan period. </div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610791737875881747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5947396061741582410.post-13058680957862674752008-02-14T07:59:00.000-08:002008-02-14T08:02:30.662-08:00<strong>Soletico</strong> ~ tickle<br /><br /><strong>Signgiotso</strong> ~ hiccup<br /><br />Instead of learning useful Italian vocab, I end up remembering random words like the ones above. Fun nonetheless.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610791737875881747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5947396061741582410.post-79943367384187081812008-02-14T07:53:00.000-08:002008-02-14T07:57:27.909-08:00Bella Tuscania<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R7Rkzlv2cNI/AAAAAAAAAJk/lJrU7GfsbwY/s1600-h/IMG_0692.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5166865509969719506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R7Rkzlv2cNI/AAAAAAAAAJk/lJrU7GfsbwY/s320/IMG_0692.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610791737875881747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5947396061741582410.post-79691472403462288482008-02-06T06:21:00.000-08:002008-02-06T06:40:03.551-08:00The Bar SceneTerminology varies wherever you are -uptown, downtown; East coast, West coast; American, Europe. <br /><br />One such difference has been rather difficult for me to get used to: In Italy, bars are not the center of nightlife, full of drinking and dancing. Bars are what Americans would call a cafe - a place to get coffee or a light meal, sit, and enjoy people's company. <br /><br />Italians take the term bar literally - a long counter where beverages and food are served. The coffee culture isn't a sit down and chat while sipping a venti iced frappuccino kind of scene; it's a let me slurp down a cappuccino while I have a fifteen minute break from class while standing at the counter. <br /><br />I always do a double take when a teacher says, "take a break, go to a bar. be back in fifteen..."Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610791737875881747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5947396061741582410.post-87859949320286514152008-02-05T06:03:00.000-08:002008-02-05T06:11:37.129-08:00It's All In The NameDuring a walking tour of Tuscania during orientation, we ended up walking down a slightly secluded alley running along the wall in order to get out of the historical center. The street was called Via Della Lupa - The Way of the Prostitute.<br /><br />Lupa, the Italian word for prostitute, comes from "Lupo" or wolf. Prostitutes used to make a howling sound in order to signal their availability to interested clientele. They lurked in dark streets on the outskirts of town.<br /><br /><em>Current reference</em>: Professor <strong>Lup</strong>in - the werewolf teacher in Harry Potter.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610791737875881747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5947396061741582410.post-31243745257960997552008-02-04T02:05:00.000-08:002008-02-04T02:39:21.782-08:00Tuscania<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R6bj_zgW9yI/AAAAAAAAAJc/dqfGpkCDWmg/s1600-h/IMG_0603.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163064708124047138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R6bj_zgW9yI/AAAAAAAAAJc/dqfGpkCDWmg/s320/IMG_0603.JPG" border="0" /></a> My second study abroad semester has begun. I arrived in Tuscania, Italy on January 30th. Tuscania is a small Etruscan village, located in the Lazio region, 90 miles Northwest of Rome. <br /><br />I live in the historical center of town with an Italian couple (Loredana and Bruno). The school that I attend, Lorenzo de'Medici, is located just inside the medieval walls of the historical center. Six other students (from Boston; Circleville, Ohio; Chicago; Albany; Sun Valley; Monterey, Mexico) are here for Spring semester and three students are the first set of students participating in LdM's "Three-Cities" program which starts in Tuscania. <br /><br />My classes revolve around Italian arts and culture. I'm taking:<br /><ul><li>Masterpieces of Italian Literature</li><li>Beginning Italian</li><li>Digital Photography</li><li>Foods of Italy</li><li>Tuscania Sketchbook</li></ul><p>With less than a week in Italy under my belt, I've already had a completely different experience than my previous semester in Oxford. This blog will be a culture diary, chronicling my immersion into a new and wonderful place.</p><p><strong>Photo</strong>: View from a park in the historical center ~ Tuscania.<br /></p>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610791737875881747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5947396061741582410.post-12739061537707572282007-12-01T06:36:00.000-08:002007-12-01T07:15:23.323-08:00Santa Suit Season<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R1Fx-933jwI/AAAAAAAAAJU/r_WadNrk_Us/s1600-R/IMG_0703.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5139013976381165314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R1Fx-933jwI/AAAAAAAAAJU/N8wgu2Ok-qY/s320/IMG_0703.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>You know it's Christmas season when you see freshly laundered <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Santa</span> suits being wheeled around. These beauties were being delivered to a costume shop in London.</div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610791737875881747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5947396061741582410.post-52181527026214741512007-11-24T04:46:00.000-08:002007-11-24T05:18:59.087-08:00The Best Charity Shops<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R0gdyEeMzFI/AAAAAAAAAJM/1_XbuJDPQYw/s1600-h/IMG_0385.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136388121047125074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R0gdyEeMzFI/AAAAAAAAAJM/1_XbuJDPQYw/s320/IMG_0385.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I've been rather <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">disappointed</span> with the thrift stores, or charity shops as they are called in the UK, in Oxford. Most have a limited amount of clothing and the rest of the goods are more <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">trinketish</span>. I'd given up hope of good deals and fun finds while in England...until I went to Bristol</div><div> </div><div>Bristol has a funky vibe not found in Oxford. The closest comparison is Cowley Rd., but even its bohemian nature can't compete with the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">eclectic</span> mix of shops on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Broadmead</span> and Park Street. This could be due to Oxford's large population of affluent students who don't seem to be interested in second-hand.</div><div> </div><div>But Bristol was a treasure trove of charity shops and bargain <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">boutiques</span>. I found the purse pictured above in a British Heart Association shop for 1 pound! Make sure to check out <a href="http://www.blazestudio.co.uk/#">Blaze</a>, a ceramics co-op that has reasonably priced, hand crafted ceramic pins, tiles, cups, etc. and Shop (on Christmas Steps), a little <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">boutique</span> with vintage clothing, accessories and music. </div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610791737875881747noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5947396061741582410.post-1177840884749687602007-11-23T00:22:00.000-08:002007-11-23T00:41:21.964-08:00Schmap Guide: Bath<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R0aOMUeMzEI/AAAAAAAAAJE/iWQvnTJfZOc/s1600-h/IMG_0738.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135948767367580738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/R0aOMUeMzEI/AAAAAAAAAJE/iWQvnTJfZOc/s320/IMG_0738.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>A <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Schmap</span> is a travel guide, including interactive maps, photos, and reviews. Places of interest are marked on an easy to read map of the city. You can click or browse through the recommended places and read historical information, practical information, and reviews from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Schmap</span> makers and other travellers. </div><div> </div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Schmap's</span> online services are easy to navigate. Go to their <a href="http://www.schmap.com/">website</a> and pick from thousands of destinations.</div><div> </div><div>Recently, a photo from my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Flikr</span> account (the one above) was chosen to be included in the Bath <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Scmap</span> guide. The photo was taken in the Assembly Rooms. Check out the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Schmapplet</span> on my sidebar to see the picture and others from this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">location</span>.</div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610791737875881747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5947396061741582410.post-21384704772393945072007-11-16T11:23:00.000-08:002007-11-16T11:33:49.780-08:00Switzerland Interary: Day Six<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/Rz3wb0eMzDI/AAAAAAAAAI8/_fXaaLcfVhE/s1600-h/IMG_0314.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5133523511004679218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/Rz3wb0eMzDI/AAAAAAAAAI8/_fXaaLcfVhE/s320/IMG_0314.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Bundle up - it's a cold morning walk to the train station.<br /><br />Grab a pastry from one of the early - opening bakeries on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bahnofstrasse</span>.<br /><br /><ul><br /><li>I got what looked like an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">icingless</span> cinnamon roll. Turned out to be a orange - hazelnut roll with a thin layer of orange glaze. Quite tasty.</li></ul><br /><p>Take the train to Geneva. Another beautiful ride. Takes about three hours.</p><br /><p>If you have time, spend a few days in Geneva. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ang</span> said it was better than Paris. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">unfortunately</span> did not have time, so I headed all the way into Geneva airport.</p><br /><ul><br /><li>Make your way up the stairs and out of the arrivals terminal where the train station is. I flew <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">easyJet</span>. The Geneva airport is small and mellow, so enjoy the leisurely wait until your plane takes off.</li></ul><br /><p>Bid adieu to Switzerland out the plane window and settle in for a short flight back to the UK.</p></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610791737875881747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5947396061741582410.post-89972656899140656862007-11-15T01:27:00.000-08:002007-11-15T01:51:05.795-08:00Switzerland Intinerary: Day Five<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/RzwRjUeMzBI/AAAAAAAAAIw/nRtABEXym7U/s1600-h/IMG_0231.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132996973783993362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/RzwRjUeMzBI/AAAAAAAAAIw/nRtABEXym7U/s320/IMG_0231.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Matterhorn Hostel will provide breakfast for 7 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">CHF</span>. You <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">could</span> probably get cheaper elsewhere but you'd have to brave the early morning cold and it wouldn't be all you can eat. Two nicely arranged place settings were waiting for us in the cabin like restaurant attached to the hostel. A plate of foil wrapped cream cheese wedges, honey, jams, and butter were laid out. When we arrived, our host set about cutting slices of bakery bread. Made us unlimited cafe <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">au</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">laits</span>.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div>Head up to the <a href="http://bergbahnen.zermatt.ch/e/web-cam/topin.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Gornergrat</span></a>. Don't expect to stay long. It's worth it, but be prepared to hop out, take a few pics, and hop back in the train. It is COLD up there! </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div>Buy a sandwich at <a href="http://www.biner.ch/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Biner</span> Bakery </a>(<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Bahnhofstrasse</span> 23) for take-away. I highly recommend the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">foccacia</span> - tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil pesto on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">tomato</span> and olive <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">foccacia</span>. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div>Eat your <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">sandwich</span> on a bench before going on a hike. Keep going straight on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Bahnhofstrasse</span>. It will take you on the right of the river. Stay to the right and you'll see a little trail leading up the mountain. Take that to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Blatten</span>, an abandoned cow-town, and then circle back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Zermatt</span>.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div>Rent ice-skates and use the outdoor rink. Make sure it's open before you do though. We tried and they were setting up for curling...</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div>Go to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Zermatt</span> Coop for a large selection of Swiss chocolate at cheaper prices than at specialty shops. (Make sure you get a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Toblerone</span> - they are so tasty and taste better than the ones sold in other countries). Also take home a packet of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Rosti</span> that you can make at home.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Grampi's</span> Pub for dinner (bar on first floor, Italian restaurant on the second). Pizza was good and very large, but with the thin crust, I managed to eat most of mine without help.</div><div></div><div></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610791737875881747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5947396061741582410.post-53810655821255748592007-11-14T07:09:00.000-08:002007-11-14T07:20:56.809-08:00Limericks by Katherine<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/RzsQDIMAlvI/AAAAAAAAAIo/tgU-Kka7NJU/s1600-h/chatsworth+2+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132713846242318066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/RzsQDIMAlvI/AAAAAAAAAIo/tgU-Kka7NJU/s320/chatsworth+2+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;">E</span></strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ver</span> reading was Miss Emily</div><div align="center">Of dear Anne, Emma, and Lizzy B.</div><div align="center">Austen books she'd devour -</div><div align="center">Feel their rapturous power -</div><div align="center">And she'd long for a man like Darcy.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">My ever so skilled housemate, Katherine, makes up <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">limericks</span> to help herself fall asleep. One very sleepless night she came up with one about Rachel. It was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">received</span> with so much enthusiasm from all of us, she decided to write one for each Brie and I. This afternoon, I found a green 3 x 5 card stuck amidst the soup in my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">cupboard</span>, decorated with cut out lace and flowers. On it was this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">limerick</span>.</span></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610791737875881747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5947396061741582410.post-38510382547606866952007-11-12T01:31:00.000-08:002007-11-12T06:35:46.595-08:00Switzerland Itinerary: Day Four<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/RzgeCkSKbVI/AAAAAAAAAIg/AAMkHJkxq6w/s1600-h/IMG_0090.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131884804837109074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/__AeEAGk6X7I/RzgeCkSKbVI/AAAAAAAAAIg/AAMkHJkxq6w/s320/IMG_0090.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Get up and do some shopping!</div><ul><li><a href="http://www.schuh-interlaken.ch/english/chocolateria.htm"><strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Schuh</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Chocolateria</span></strong></a> for amazing truffles. I got four: <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Caramel</span>, Baileys, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Vanille</span>, and Dark Chocolate. Only 4.60 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">CHF</span>.</li><li><a href="http://www.merkur.ch/en/index.cfm?action=merkur"><strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Merkur</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Confiserien</span></strong></a> for even more chocolate. This place is a chocolate <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">warehouse</span>. I bought 28 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">CHF</span> worth of chocolate here. They have bars, cookies, and truffles of every sort. Check out the back of the store for good sales.</li><li><strong>Heidi's</strong> <strong>Souvenir-Shop</strong>: I found my Switzerland charm (I collect charms for a charm bracelet from every country I go to) here. A good selection of Swiss souvenirs at a very reasonable price.</li></ul><p>Train from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Interlaken</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Zermatt</span>. Change at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Spiez</span>. If you have enough time, walk outside the station to see beautiful changing colors in Autumn.</p><p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Zermatt</span> is a resort town. No cars allowed so hotels and construction companies use these little carts as "taxis."</p><p>Stay at <a href="http://www.matterhornhostel.com/">Matterhorn Hostel</a>, about 5 minute walk from the train station. Free <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Internet</span>, cheap breakfast, and really friendly staff. It gets really cold at night so be prepared with flannel p.j.s or borrow any extra blankets from unoccupied beds. I used three.</p><p>Dinner at <a href="http://www.rhone.ch/hotel-derby-zermatt/hauptframe.htm">Hotel Derby</a> Restaurant. Dining room has a mountain elegance and staff is pleasantly attentive. Soup is excellent and well priced. Comes with bread. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Ang</span> and I split the "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Croûte</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">au</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">fromage</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Valaisanne</span>" or Cheese on toast <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Valaisanne</span> style. Excellent!</p><p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Zermatt</span> seems to shut down pretty early and our legs were feeling yesterdays adventure so we took advantage of our private (only occupants in a 8 person room) <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">accommodations</span>.</p>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06610791737875881747noreply@blogger.com0