On wednesday I had the priviledge of attending a Papal Audience with at least 50,000 other people who had travelled from all over the world to see Papa Francesco. Even though the Pope didn’t speak until 1030, we got up at 630 to head to the Vatican so that we could get good seats and I’m glad we did because we had to fight tooth and nail to make our way to the front. I was pretty surprised that the toughest people in the crowd were either really old Italian women or nuns! They had no problem pushing us around and throwing ‘bows to beat us to the front. Even though I’m not Catholic it was still a really cool experience. Papa Francesco rode around the crowd on his Pope mobile, shaking hands, kissing babies, and just generally being a really delightful soul. After that some prayers were read and he gave a homily of sorts and then extended a blessing to the crowd. It was interesting because after everything the Pope said or read they had various Cardinals giving a summary of what he said in german, english, spanish, and arabic (which made the whole thing veeeery long but it was cool to see how they reached out to the multiracial crowd.) Overall the experience was very cool and if you ask me, Papa Francesco is a pretty amazing guy.

that is all.

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to travel to Naples and Sorrento with a few of my girlfriends. Considering we planned this trip 2 days before we left, and that none of us really have much knowledge on the ever confusing Italian transportation system, we were incredibly lucky with our travels.

We started our trip early Friday morning, taking a bus to the metra to another line on the metra and finally to our train to Naples. Considering we stick out like sore thumbs, us ladies generally attract attention from curious Italians and this train ride was no exception. We made some Italian friends who are in the Italian army and had ourselves a pretty hilarious time on the train. Some people had warned us that Naples was a sketchy town to visit and not worth seeing but I couldn’t disagree more. Naples is a city just like any other city so yes, you do need to be careful and situationally aware, but Naples is also bustling with an extremely cool and authentic Italian culture that I fell in love with. Among other things, I had the best pizza I have ever had in my life for 1.50 eu, watched the sun set over the sea with Mt. Vesuvius in the backround, and stayed at a really cool hostel where we made some polish friends.

Saturday we woke up early again, said goodbye to Naples and attempted to catch a ferry to Sorrento. We didn’t budget our time as well as we had hoped so we ended up running through the streets of Naples attempting to find the port. We had 2 minutes before the ferry left and I had kind of given up hope that we would make it but the ferry guys saw us running and held the ferry for us which was incredibly sweet. One guy actually took us into the employee entrace of the ticket office so that we could get our tickets as quickly as possible and then led us onto the ferry and man oh man am I glad we made that boat because the ride to Sorrento was breathtaking. The fog was just starting to clear and the views of Mt. Vesuvius and Capri were simply incredible. After a hectic morning, the boat ride put us into the relaxed mood we needed to have for beautiful Sorrento. In Sorrento we  walked around the lovely town, bought some jewelry and sunglasses, spyed on a few weddings, and headed down to the sea for some much needed swim and tan action. We left Sorrento Saturday night and while I had an amazing time, I was very glad to be back in Rome. I am starting to consider this magnificient place my home and I think other students are doing so as well because at dinner Sunday night everyone seemed really happy to be back from their weekend excursions.

that is all.

“Bibelot” : a small object of curiosity, beauty, or rarity.

This past weekend I went on my first study trip. I use the word “bibelot” here to describe this trip because I never would have thought I would have the experiences that I had there, during my semester in Italy. SLA Chandni (further known as Slandni) promoted this trip as best she could and yet we weren’t sure if we would get enough people to go. Luckily, we ended up with 18 students (the perfect amount), Slandni and our very own professor Grazia. Instead of going into a long rant about how amazing the trip was, I will just make some bullet points of memories that I have and will always want to keep with me.

• Hiking 1,500 kilometers to the top of Monte Porco (shown above) to the point where you can see the island of Capri in the distance
• “Basta Billy” – naming the dog at the hostel where we stayed because he was so cute but so annoying – in the end we turned him into an imaginary person so that it was funny every time someone reprimanded him because we imagined they were reprimanding an actual human being (“Billy stop licking your butt!”)
• Teaching the entire town of Cusano Mutri how to do the YMCA dance the correct way instead of forming the “Y” and then waving your arms in the air back and forth
• Staying up until 1am and 2am to have group bonding with games of “spoons” and “mafia”
• Eating every meal overflowing  with mushrooms because, of course, we were at the Sagra dei Funghi (Mushroom Festival)
• Telling everyone my embarrassing story about the fact that I told my mom and the SLAs back at Rome that I was going to “Funghi, Italy” not realizing that that was not a real place – I then became founder of said “Funghi, Italy”
• Learning how to make gnocci and other pastas along with tasting the (best) wine from Cusano Mutri

All in all, these study trips have shown me that there are people out there in the world that you will meet and bond with that you would have never encountered otherwise in your life time. These were people that I shared similar interests and hobbies with, who enjoyed hiking for half of a day only to be drenched in sweat and exhausted before you had to go to the festival, or who loved to drink wine at dinner and then go dance it all off in the middle of the street while getting the attention of the entire town.

To sum up the weekend, the most memorable part was when, on Saturday night we had finished our dancing around midnight and we all gathered to leave. As we were walking away from the festival, the DJ got on his microphone and bid the “americani” a farewell and the entire town clapped for us. It was nice to see that americans really aren’t hated by the europeans the way we might think.

On our last Sunday there we went to the surrounding area where we saw fossilized dinosaur and fish bones and then took one last shopping trip through the small town of Cusano Mutri. We bought Chandni a spoon to hang on her wall that has places to hang keys, etc. just to show her how grateful we were for all of her planning.

As you can see, we were all an incredibly happy group:

I dedicate this post to my fellow Funghi-ians, to forever remembering when we took that mushroom trip together!

Cheers,

Megan

“Theurgy” : the working of a divine or supernatural agency in human affairs.

I felt this word was appropriate for Week III seeing as JFRC organized a phenomenal mass at the St. Ignatius Church in downtown Rome for all of us students. Although I come from a religious background, having been a Lutheran since baptism and having read the bible over multiple times, I would not consider myself a religious person at the moment. Some would say I am a “lost soul,” I would just say I am enjoying the adventure of spirituality. Yet even being a self-proclaimed “agnostic” for lack of a better term, I still felt a sense of “theurgy” when entering into the church. I had been a part of Catholic masses as a child when I went with friends, but otherwise I knew the Lutheran faith much better. Being able to participate in such a sacred ceremony, in such a sacred place with members of the JFRC (including our own SURPRISE Father Michael Garanzini) added a little flavoring to my life in Rome.

Afterwards we also enjoyed a divine (get it?) dinner at one of the local restaurants that SLA Russell told me was a favorite of all of the employees of JFRC. When I get the name of it from one of the SLA’s I will let you all know so if you come to Rome you can go there. My favorite dish by far was their pear pasta. I know you may be giving me a look of disgust when reading that, but trust me, the Italians know how to make food.

The rest of the week took on it’s normal routine with classes and then trips to the piazza outside of the Vatican at night and walks around places such as Campo di Fiori and Piazza Novana (pictured below).

BY THE WAY, SIDE NOTE: All of these pictures have been taken by yours truly, so don’t think I am just kidding when I say I have visited every one of these places.

Anyways, then comes the most enjoyable part of the week, the weekend!

I and 10 of my companions traveled to the Amalfi Coast, where we stayed in a small hostel in Atrani. Now, many people were skeptical of the fact that 10 of us were traveling such a long way together, but let me give you some advice for your future travels – DO WHAT FEELS RIGHT TO YOU. 10 people was not too many for our group, because we were all close friends and we knew how to make the best of every situation. At times it was nice to split off into small groups to go see different sites or to eat at different tables at restaurants, but just remember you can do anything you want when traveling as long as you have that gut feeling that it will be okay. Trust. The. Gut.

Anyways, we had some amazing experiences traveling around the Amalfi Coast by walk, boat and bus. Even our experiences getting to and from the coast were a trip. We had to take two trains and a bus to get there and back, and let me tell you it was not as simple as one might think. At the bus stop right after our second bus we met a little woman who called herself our “nonna” (grandma) and helped us find our way to our final destination. Just speaking the crude Italian we knew we were able to get to know some of the locals in the area and that had to be the best part out of all!

Our last night in Atrani was probably the most enjoyable. We ate at a small restaurant called “Taverna degli Apostoli” where the son and his mother cooked all 10 of us a special meal inside. All 10 of us drank wine, ate pasta and really bonded over the important things in life. We played a question and answer game where everyone had to go around the table and answer various questions such as “Who is your idol and why,” and “What is your biggest fear in life?” Afterwards we headed to the main steps in the downtown area where we met some local kids and taught them some of the English language. Finally, a small group of 5 of us called a bus from a dance club called “Africana” located about 40 minutes north of Atrani and headed there for the night.

Now, if you don’t like an older and more mature crowd, this place was not for you. Luckily my 5 friends and I were ready to meet important people from around the globe, so we had a blast! My friend Stratton and I met our future selves – Brian and his intern who were working for some big business located in California. We exchanged emails and we now have a new connection in the business world for later in life! This exemplified what Susanna had said earlier to me in the semester when I asked her, “How do you become the successful person that you are?” She replied “Never stop talking to people.”

Simple, but true. Always be open to those around you.

Now, finally, for all of you wishing to travel to the Amalfi Coast some day, here is a word of advice – only take the amount of money you will need because there are pick-pocketers in the region and they are very crafty!

On the way home we picked up some McDonalds at the train station because it was the only food we could find that was still open. It did not make me miss America. Stick to the Italian food when you’re in Italy.

Cheers!
Megan

It’s funny, because during the weekdays, I am ITCHING to get to the weekends so I can do all the fun things I have planned! Friday I went with some of the USAC students on an early morning voyage to a national park about 2 hours away from Madrid to KAYAK! We kayaked along the Duraton River with a tour guide and were on the lake for about 3 hours. We learned about vultures that reside in the park and saw ruins of some ancient monasteries and villages that were built in the 1300s, as well as the home of Saint Fructus and a sight where he created a miracle which made him a saint. After a hike up a huge, sandy hill and some after-effect achy arms from paddling, our group went to a restaurant for some paella! Paella is a rice dish served with chicken and seafood and vegetables and is famous for its Spanish roots. It is a very savory dish, but not knowing what kind of meat and mixing types of meat has not been too appealing for me. Plus there are shells and eyes to keep watch for in each forkful… (see below).

Saturday I went shopping with my friends down Goya Street and in Puerta del Sol and I got a necklace at a really cool store called Sfera. In the evening, a couple friends and I went to a famous chain of restaurants in Spain called El Tigre which are known for mojitos THE SIZE OF YOUR HEAD. I couldn’t finish all of my drink, even though it was delicious. Along with the mojito you are served tapas, typically potatoes with a creamy sauce over it called patatas bravas (Have I mentioned they love carbs here?). It was the most crowded bar I have been to so far, but I am sensing many more nights at El Tigre because of the fun we had.

Sunday I went to a bullfight with some friends, which is one of Madrid’s biggest claims to fame and a deeply rooted tradition in Spain. It is a once in a lifetime event for me, as I do not plan to go back… But the architecture of the stadium is beautiful (of course), and I guess more than anything this experience made me more “culturally aware.” The matadors were very graceful and colorful, and are considered huge celebrities in Spain, similar to our celebrity athletes.

OBSERVATIONS:

-Seafood is usually served with the full body intact…eyes and everything. I learned this the hard way after my first bite of paella when I discovered a full prawn had unknowingly been under the rice.

-When all else fails… Bread saves the day. Spaniards love their carbs, and if I don’t like a meal, there’s always bread to fill me up

-Spaniards hardly recycle

-Most are not overweight. My friends and I decided that even though they eat only carbohydrates and seafood, they sit and enjoy their meal, and aren’t rushing around.

-I’ve probably mentioned this before, but I take the metro to and from school and it is KILLING me that it isn’t customary to bring coffee in travel mugs.

-I don’t like bullfighting. That was definitely a once in a lifetime deal.

Over the past few weeks I have ventured out to explore more of Beijing. Most of the time people in our group end up going to Sanlitun, the embassy district where there are many international stores and international people. Almost every time I am out I meet someone from a new country ranging from Russia, the Congo, Germany and Pakistan. On average every expat or international traveler I meet speaks 3 languages and has lived in at least 2 different countries excluding their home country.

There are some people who go on dates of business meetings and everyone speaks different languages and Chinese is their common ground. It’s so fascinating to realize how international Beijing is. Even though about 1% of Beijing’s population are international compared to 20% in New York, the community that is present among expats appears much stronger. There are not separate areas for each ethnicity, but rather just common gathering areas for all nationalities. I’m picking up bits and pieces of new languages while studying intensive Chinese. Everyone is very willing to help and have amazing connections within China and around the world from being so well traveled.

I never thought about living internationally until studying abroad in China. Living as an expat can be extremely challenging, but also very rewarding. The people you meet and the community and support you develop between one another is unlike any relationships I have back in the United States.

The first two weeks of classes are over and there are just 11 more weeks to go! Wow, that’s kind of a lot. This is why I propose we create semesters where the only thing students do is travel, hence “Abroading.” It could work, it could be a thing, but it probably won’t and that is why I have to continue to go to class for 11 more weeks. *SIGH*

In the past two weeks I have become more acclimated to Spain through food, travel, and some great friends. My first “night out” was Madrid’s Fashions Night Out. This event is a global fashion party in short. It takes place in major cities around the world including my very own Chicago. As an avid, self-proclaimed, lover of shoes, defender of bags fashionista, of course I jumped at the chance to be a part of Madrid’s Fashions Night Out. Dressed up with my make-up done, hair straightened, and some of my favorite pieces of jewlery I wandered my way around Madrid’s high end shopping district. Every store was lit up like Christmas. Some of the most elegant women and classiest men were in attendance. Fashion designers, boutique owners, and Madrid’s socialites made their way around the numerous parties. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres were passed like their was no tomorrow and I was a part of it all. I purchased a pair of black earrings while enjoying a mojito at a store called Rimini. I then made my way to a men’s tuxedo and fine apparel store where I enjoyed my own personal mini champagne bottle. By the end of the night I was enjoying what I do best-people watching. As I sat on a bench, I realized that I have a pretty awesome thing going here in Spain. At 1 AM when parties were still in full swing I headed home thinking of all the beautiful people and things I saw.

The next day I was off to Segovia with the other students from my program. Segovia is about an hour and a half drive from Madrid, Nestled in hills and mountains, it truly is a beautiful site. Our first stop was El Alcázar de Segovia. This castle or fort, like many in

Spain came from the Arabs but was built from Roman foundations. 1120, around 32 years after the city of Segovia returned to Christian hands, during the time when Alfonso VI of León and Catile reconquered lands to the south of the Duero River down to Toledo and beyond, was the first time we see this fort referenced in history. Alfonso the VIII and his wife made this Alcázar their home during which time most of the work was done to create the stone fortress that exists today. The inside of the castle is breathtaking with picturesque views of the country side and amazingly detailed ceilings and art work. The last stop of the castle was the trek up the 152 stairs of the tallest tower in Alcázar to the top of the castle; my favorite part of the visit.

After the visit to Alcázar we had free time in the town and I chose to visit the cathedral-Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción y de San Frutos. This cathedral was breathtaking, not only from the architecture on the outside but inside as well. The cathedral was built between 1525-1577 in a late Gothic style. The inside is comprised of numerous chapels, meeting rooms, a courtyard, and one of the most beautiful organs I have every seen. The bell tower reaches 90 meters or about 295 feet!

To end the day we enjoyed a very traditional meal of Segovia-Cochinillo. Cochinillo is basically baby pig, it means Suckling pig. It is a pig of about 2-6 weeks old, cooked whole by roasting. Cochinillo is so tender that it can be cut with just a simple plate!  The process of
cutting the cochinillo is actually quite funny because to finish the process you throw the plate on the ground when you are done! My piece included one of the pig hoofs and the tail! Watch the video below to see how it is cut!

Stay tuned to see where else this semester takes me!

So… I know I’ve been a particularly bad blogger considering we are already into week 4 and I haven’t even tried to tell you all of the wonderful things I have been up to in Rome! That’s the thing though, there is so much to do in Rome and between classes and exploring, there has barely been a minute to catch my breath, so forgive me.

Orientation week was… exhausting, but 100% necessary. The Sla’s kept us constantly going with jam packed days. We went on tours of the neighborhood we live in (Monte Mario), had a scavengar hunt downtown (the Pantheon and St. Peter’s basilica were just 2 of the stops on the hunt…), had crash courses in Italian so we could survive the first week before classes officially kicked off, went to the Colloseum and Forum, and ate a lot of gelato. I don’t think I’ve ever been more exhausted than during orientation week but it was an awesome welcome to an even better city. We ended orientation week with a trip to Umbria, where we got to explore these awesome little towns that one usually expects to find in Italy (Rome is defintitely a biiig city, not a cute little village.)

Classes started on the 2nd of september and so far they are great. I am taking Writing in Rome, Church in the World, Italian 101, and Intro to Opera. I am beyond impressed with the professors here, they are incredibly talented and intelligent people. My writing class is easily my favorite as it is onsite. We generally read short stories set in Rome before class and then spend class visiting the sites mentioned in the stories. It’s pretty awesome to be in the same locations these writers were inspired by.

So far the highlight of this week was definitely the start of Calcio! I was weary at first because I haven’t played soccer since I was in middle school but I’m really glad I signed up for it. Most of the students here participate in Calcio; we get together every wednesday and have ourselves some good ol’ Italian soccer matches. Afterward everyone heads to a local restuarant for pizza and beer; it doesn’t get much better than that. While my body feels slightly broken, Calcio was a much needed energy release from the past few weeks. Don’t get me wrong, Rome is beyond incredible, but when you live with 180 students and you all take class in the same place that you live, tension eventually starts to build up 🙂

This weekendend I am heading out to Naples for a day trip, and then moving onto the Amalfi coast before it gets too cold!

I will write again once I get back from the weekend!

Ciao!