Buon Viaggio

If there is one thing I love about Italy, it's the simplistic lifestyle filled with enjoyment and relaxation. I am just about four days into my journey and have loved every minute of it. We've been on many adventures already and I am sure there are plenty to come. It all started with exploring the streets of Roma, Italia. Ancient, historic, and beautiful. We've rented a car to make our way up the coast to get to our final destination, and let me tell you- it's definitely a ride on the edge of your seat driving around in busy cities like Rome. Let's just say we almost took out a vespa, got sideswiped by a bus, AND drove on the wrong side of the road! Yikes! Next up was an island just a couple hours north on the west coast, Porto Santo Stefano. Our GPS died and we were winging it for where we were going to stay, so we pulled into the first hotel we saw with only room left so we took it!  Everything seemed to be great until the fire alarm woke us up at 3am the following morning! Should we plan an escape route?! Well, we decided to go back to sleep after it shut off- everything was fine. Today we are enjoying our time under the Tuscan sun in the breathtaking Siena, Italy. This has to be my favorite. Green hills everywhere and ancient buildings along the distance. The immense beauty of this place is indescribable. Here are some photos to help! :) 

La Fontana Di Trevi- Roma, Italia                                                                  

Porto Santo Stefano

Siena, Italia

The beautiful Tuscany

Duomo di Siena

Ciao Tutti!

Well, it's official. I have received my visa, and I am on the final countdown until I leave. Just 12 days away from starting my new journey in Italia! I am filled with a range of emotions, mostly excitement with a touch of nerves. I just got somewhat of an idea about my living accommodations for the next school year. The resident directors  have secured housing in downtown Torino in a large, very nice apartment for me with four other girls from the program. Five girls together in one apartment in Italy? It must be pretty big. I had asked to stay with an Italian student, mainly to have the opportunity to work on my Italian on a daily basis, but it was a very limited option. Anyways, I will already have plenty of opportunity living there for 8 months! Now, the packing! Still have not thought about what I am going to bring, but I will not let myself procrastinate till the very last minute, as always. First of all, packing and me to not go well together. Then, you add the fact that I will be gone for the whole school year, in a completely different country and things begin to be a little more difficult. I have a couple packing lists though, so I should be fine as long as I stick to them! Well, I'm off for now. Arrivederci!