The previous post shows some pictures of the main sites in London. The tour wasn't bad and the sites were impressive, but I am a lot happier to be in Italy. In London, the cars were awesome! So many nice Audis, BMWs, Porsches, Land Rovers, Bentleys, and Jaguars. But it's just an indication on how focused Brits are on work. Everything seemed about status. The weather was awful, cold, and wet as well. Some clouds moved in overhead here in Firenze, and it still is very cold, but at least it's been mostly sunny.
This morning I had my Italian placement test and I placed into ITAL 104 Elementary Italian II, which is what I had originally signed up for, so the test supported that decision. This means I'll be taking ITAL 211 Intermediate Italian I once I start classes in Rome. At lunch today, I used Italian in a real, non-prompted situation for the first time. I forgot how to ask for the bill, so instead, I said, "Paghiamo per i nostri cibi," which means "Pay for our food." I just need to keep working on the vocab and I'll have it down.
I am super tired from all the walking and I've been up since 7:30 so I am planning on taking a quick nap before dinner. Starting tomorrow I will be almost continually connected to the internet since I'll have the study center plus an internet usb stick that I bought to use. Hopefully once that happens I can update the blog more often.
I hope everyone is doing well. I love and miss you all!
Daniel
I'm glad you made it to Italy safely and in one piece. ;-) So how many classes will you be taking altogether? Are you staying in dorms, too? I love the picture of the Alps, by the way-- so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI am surprised to hear that London wasn't all that impressive, but I am glad to hear that Italy is pretty amazing so far. I like the pictures you already loaded, but hopefully you can figure out the camera situation soon so we can see more! Thanks for updating your blog pretty regularly...I am checking several times a day to see if there are new postings. :-) Hope you are having a fun time and managing okay being away from Jessica.
ReplyDeleteYou have no idea how happy I was when you told me you thought we should get an Audi and a Land Rover! My two favorites! At least one good thing came of London, huh? ;-)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're enjoying Italy! It sounds beautiful and I can't wait to see/hear more!
Be safe - I love you, Jess.
Sarah - For the two weeks here in Firenze, I have one intensive class, 4 hours a day. Then when I get to Rome, I'll have 4 classes: Intermediate Italian, International Economic Relations, History of Italian Cinema, and a political science class about the European Union. I'm in an apartment with 3 other guys. The Alps were one of the most amazing sights I have ever seen. I can't wait to see them from the ground.
ReplyDeleteMel - I'm sure London is nicer in the summer when it's not quite as depressing weather-wise. It seems like once you see all the main sights, there's not much to do in London, unless you actually live there and have stuff to get done. I feel stupid for leaving the charger. I'm planning on trying to find a new camera today. It's been really hard being away from Jessica, especially the first few days in London without reliable communication. Things are improving now that I'll have access to the internet a lot more often.
Jess - That was probably the best thing about London, deciding all that. Haha. Italy is way better. I just can't wait until I'm in Rome so I can really get settled in and be able to unpack and start in on a routine. I love you too! :-)
I hope you are asking people to share their pictures with you! That way, you don't miss out. Besides, when your dad returned from India, I almost liked seeing other people's pictures better because he was shown in some of them. Have people been taking pictures with you in them? Ask them to send the pics to you.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you placed well in Italian...shows you learned something up at Oregon!
Hope your classes go well. Thanks for keeping us posted!
Love, MOM