Spring Break Edition: Granada Spain

Granada Spain: The third stop of my spring break travels.

 Granada Spain was absolutely amazing. The only reason I chose to travel to Granada was because my sorority sister Miah is studying abroad there. To be honest, I was a little sad when she told me a week ago that the closet beach was an hour and a half away.

After a 3 hour plane ride from Amsterdam, 2/12 hour bus ride from Magala, and 5 minute taxi ride, I'd finally arrived. Granada reminded me a lot of Florence. I feel like when people think of Italy, they generally think of Rome and Milan. Whereas when people think of Spain, they generally think of Barcelona and Madrid. Both Granada and Florence are two very small, cozy less touristy cities.

 The two of us nearly lost it once we saw one another. It felt so good to see a familiar face, I could care less about going to a beach. I was finally reunited with family from Howard.

We dropped my bags off at Miah's home stay before meeting up with her friend that I would be staying with. She told me that her home stay mother was very particular about having guest over, so it was forbidden for me to sleep there. It did not make a difference either way, as long as I had somewhere to sleep at night.

After dropping my bags off, we took a long stroll toward the mountains. I could not help but notice the gypsy style the closer we got to the mountains. The gypsy dressed in very baggy colorful pants, half shirts, and worn shoes. It surprised me to see so many people there with dread locks. The closer we got toward the mountains the more bats I began to notice flying above my head. I literally felt like I was on another planet. In fact, I got a little freaked out at one point, and asked Miah if we could leave. " Andiamo," I said. Meaning "let's go" in Italian.

By that time it was a little after 8pm so we made our way to the tapa bar. Tapas are mini meals that come with your drink of choice. It's traditional to go to tapa bars in Granada. At the first tapa bar we went to, we had rice, homemade chips, and two croquettes all for 3 euro. I thought it was a pretty good deal. After the third tapa bar, I was very full. I must admit, tapa bar hopping is not such a bad idea for two college students on a budget.

The next day Miah took me to a few of the clubs in Granada. I found it surprising that hip-hop and American pop music was played at all the clubs we went to. The local Spaniards (some of which were of African descent and a few study abroad students) accounted for the population. Watching them dance to the hip hop and pop music amazed me. The guys did not dance with the girls. Instead they formed their own circles and did a mixture of break dancing and two stepping. This was a sight I was not use to seeing, especially coming from Washington, DC.

The rest of the week flew by. I was in Grananda from Monday-Thursday morning, but it literally felt like I was there for a day. I enjoyed catching up with my good friend. I finally had a chance to relax. No itineraries, no pressure to see historical landmarks, and no computer.

Though Granada was nice, and tranquil, I missed my Florence.

Spring Break Edition: The kickoff

Spring break kick off 3/25/10

1:00pm Today begins the first day of spring break. I will be traveling to four different countries all by myself, meeting friends in each location. My first stop is Brussels Belgium.  I am leaving from Pisa Airport which is about an hour and a half away from my apartment in Florence.  In a few minutes I will be heading to Firenze Santa Maria Novella, train station to catch a bus to Pisa.

4:00pm I finally arrive to Pisa after waiting for hours at the train station. By the way, my time at the train station was nothing short of interesting. I spent an hour searching for the Teravision bus stop. Finally, I found it, and as I found the bus stop, a 5ft 4in tall slightly bald, Sicilian man who appeared to be in his late forties apparently found me.

“ Ciao bella. Come ti chiami?,” (Hello beautiful. What is your name?)  he asked in a low voice, attempting to be sexy I guess.

This is going to be fun. I thought to myself. Chuckling under my breath, I respond, “Buongiorno singor, mi chiamo Vittoria. Tutto bene?”  (Good day sir. My name is Victoria. Is everything good?) I made sure to be as formal as possible.

“Tutto bene. dove stai andando?” (Where are you going?) He asked.

“ Vado visitare Belgium,” I stated.

He knew absolutely no English, and I only know very little Italian so we had spurs of very brief conversations. I sometimes enjoy the fact that my Level of Italian is entry level. It makes the conversations that much more interesting.

After hours of random conversation, the bus finally arrives.  Offering to hold my bags for me, my new friend led me on the bus.  “ No gratzie,” I said. “I got it.” One thing the study abroad program always tells us, is to pay close attention to your bags. Now, I am sure he wasn’t going to run away with my belongings, but hey you never know.

I sat down, placing my bag in the extra seat. Attempting to stall, I intensely searched for my journal. I look up and who do I see staring at me, my new Sicilian friend, patiently waiting for me to finish my search so that he could sit.

After finally realizing he wanted to sit next to me, although the bus was over half empty, I moved my bag to the ground and down he sat.  My initial thoughts were,  “Why on earth must you sit next to me, when there is nearly an entire bus full of empty seats?” but then I thought, “Hey, what harm would it do me to let him sit next to me. If something as little as me allowing him to sit next to me, has the ability to add to the well being of his day, why not?” We sat next to one other. I guarded my belongings in between my legs, and put on my iPod. We arrive to the airport after a little under two hours. I tell him to enjoy his time in Sicily and we part.

This is a sign that I am growing up. Four months ago, I would have looked at him like he was crazy and politely asked for some privacy. Honestly. Life is too short to be mean  to people. I think that it was cool he took the time to get to know me for that short period of time. You never know peoples situations, and how something as little as “hello” may be able to add to their day.

11:00pm

Today was an interesting day. So I already wrote about the 40 year old man that I became friends with at the train station. Now on to the second friend I made at Pisa.

I get to Pisa hours before my flight. Not 2 hours before, but 4 hours before. (Hey this is my first time traveling the world alone so I want to assure that I am on time for everything.)

 Any who, I sit next to this guy (who appears to be my age) watching the Michael Jackson This is it movie. He sees me peaking over and offers to share his headphones. I say” aww gratzie.”  We share headphones until it's time to board the flight.

Finally we get on the plane and sit next to one another so that we could finish the movie. I know very little Italian and he knows very little English, but from what I understood, he was going to Brussels for his sisters wedding.

We get off the plane and I show him the location of my hostel and asked him if he knew how to get there. He had no clue. I asked him if he was taking the train to his sisters house and he told me his sister was coming to pick him up. We get to baggage claim and he leaves.

Two minutes later he comes back in to tell me his sister has offered to give me a ride to my hostel in Brussels.  I was a bit skeptical at first, but then I thought, hey I'm about to get in a car for a taxi for 50 euro with a complete stranger, why not get a ride from someone I have taken the time to know for hours. Plus, I do know little Italian and no Brussels language.

We get to the car and I meet his cousin and sister. They were both Italian and they both spoke very good English. We had really good conversation in the car. They took me to see this street where prostitutes served as window displays. It was quite disgusting to watch the women degrade themselves as the men chose which prostitute they wanted. After , they took me to eat a typical Turkish meal. I had a vegetarian pizza like dish. The cousin suggested I tried the Turkish milk so I did and didn't like it to much. It tasted like a bitter yogurt. He told me the Muslims drink it with salt. After we left they took me to my hostel to meet my friends.

One wise thing the guy told me yesterday was to be careful who I trusted. Everyone in the world is not that trustworthy. I really took a risk and trusted they would get me to my hostel safely. It was a good risk though Certainly worth it.

SURPRISE!

So yesterday I got a huge surprise . I go to open my email and who do I have an email from? The staff of Stefania Ricci, the Creative Director of the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum.  One day last week I took it upon myself to google her name and find her contact information, and yes that may sound crazy, but I don't think anyone understands how moved I am by the story of Mr. Ferragamo. Mrs.Ricci has truly done a remarkable job with really capturing the essence of the life of Ferragmo. It was only fitting I attempted to find her information online in order to meet her. My apartment is literally 4 minutes away from the headquarters.  The books written by Mrs. Ricci, Salvatore Ferragamo, the Evolving Legend 1928-2008, and Audrey Hepburn, are also a great influence on my burning desire to meet her.  

Any who! The email entailed the details of our meeting. April 12th at 10:30am. I can’t wait. This is what happens when you introduce faith to reality. 

Ciao bella’s,

Victoria 

150 Years of Italain Unity

Today, March 17 2011 marks the 150th Anniversary of Italian unification.

To celebrate, there were many parades, fireworks, and festivites. It was beautiful to watch the people of Italy come out and celebrate. With Italy being so regionaly competitive, it was nice to observe Italain patriotism, rather then regional patriotism. For the first time, this was a national holiday. Many businesses were closed. I thoroughly enjoyed myself both last night and this morning. 

Enjoy, 

V.Fortune

The Ponte Vecchio lit up for the celebration 

The David by, Michaelangelo

My prayers are with JAPAN

My phone rings.

“ Mom, what’s up? I am in class.” I frantically answer. My mom knows what time I have all my classes. Her calling me at this hour was quite unusual.

“Have you heard about the earthquake in Japan?” she asked.

“No I haven’t. What happened?” I asked her.

“A 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck in Japan and later turned into a Tsunami. Vicky you could’ve been there. That could’ve been you lost in the rubble. God is truly watching over you.”

Rushing to get back to class, I didn’t process everything, but once the class was over reality began to sink in.

See, I’ve been studying the Japanese language and culture since the 9^th grade. In fact, my first choice to study abroad was Japan. I applied but got rejected before full submission because I’d unknowingly missed the deadline. As a result, I applied to study in Italy. My rejection didn’t stop my desire to travel to Japan. A few weeks ago, I applied to volunteer as a photojournalist behind stage for the Florentine Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. Orchestra. They are currently in Japan for a week.  I sent my resume and everything, but never heard back from them. Now, no one in his or her right mind can’t tell me that God is looking over me.

The connection I have with Japan is a very strange one. No one in my family speaks Japanese. I don’t have any Japanese friends other then the exchange student Sakiko who I hosted in high school, yet I have this burning desire to learn more about the culture. There is a certain level of refinement the Japanese people obtain. I admire their, drive, humility, and overall lifestyle. Being surrounded by so many Japanese tourists in Florence makes me want to figure out what I could do to help those in Japan affected by the earthquake. Perhaps shedding light on their situation and encouraging more to keep Japan in their prayers will do for now.

This situation reminds me a lot of the catastrophe that took place in Haiti January 12, 2010. What a devastating day that was for many. Despite the devastation, the people of Haiti remain optimistic. Haiti is a country that has been through so much. They are a country of strong faith. When I traveled to Haiti over the summer, at some moments I really wanted to breakdown in cry due to some of things I witnessed, but I refrained. If I could be granted with a smile everyday by a person with missing ligaments, and a kid no older then six years old barely dressed, what reason do I have to cry ?

One of the best qualities any human can poses is strength, and that is exactly what the people of Haiti have and what the people of Japan will gain.

God is speaking to those in Japan. I’m not sure what it is he’s saying, but I do know that he leaves no one hanging. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. It is up to us to follow the tough, rocky path in order to find it. Life is very unpredictable, so we must cherish it while we can.

No matter your religion, it is my hope that you ask whoever you may worship to watch over Japan.

日本のために祈りなさい,

Ciao,

Victoria

IRELAND

We arrived in Dublin, Ireland yesterday. To be quite honest, my first impression was BORING. After spending an entire day here, I have slowly grown to love it. The Irish people have shown me nothing but love.

Yesterday we wondered around Dublin. As some may know, Guinness beer is brewed in Ireland, so we went and checked out the Guinness factory museum. I never knew there were so many stages in making beer. Well “good beer” as the Irish may say.

Today, we went to more of the countryside of Ireland. We took a journey along Greystone and stumbled upon this incredible beach. Happy couples having picnics, people walking their dog, senior citizens reminiscing, it was just a nice tranquil place to be. 

This older gentleman who appeared to be in his late 60’s early 70’s caught my attention. He was sitting on a bench alone gazing out into the water and wiping tears from his eyes. I figured he’d lost someone very dear to him and came to the beach to get a piece of mind. Some of the benches  had personalized remembrance messages  engraved on the back of  them. I went over to him, looked him in the eyes and asked him if he was okay. He replied, “I’m just fine dear. Thank you so much for asking. That was very kind of you.”

I don’t know what his situation was, but I felt like I felt his pain. I wanted him to know that if no one else cared about his feelings, at that moment, I did. We are all-human and have emotions. We all have to deal with loss at some point. Every day interactions like this allow me to appreciate life more and more.

After leaving the beach we walked to a pub. It is very interesting to go from drinking wine with meals to indulging in beer. Beer is treated like a delicacy in Ireland. There is a certain way it drafted, poured, and preserved. I am not a big fan of beer, but since I was in Ireland, I thought “hey, why not take part in the Irish culture.”

Overall, it was an incredible get away. 

Ciao,

Victoria

HUMAN INTERACTIONS

I just had a “moment” with an Italian man who worked at a near by bookstore. It was one of those “despite the fact that we are from two totally different countries, I recognize that at this very second I need your help” type of moments. I am not sure if you’ve had a moment like this before, but here is the story leading up to mine.

I decided to take a walk and snap a few photos of some of the latest window displays. I was a bit brisk outside, but who cares, I am in Florence Italy for goodness sake. I wrapped a huge scarf around my neck and off I went.

Something made me remember that I needed to buy a book for my fashion class, so I made a stop inside of the bookstore. Overwhelmed with so many books written in Italian, I decided to search for a few photography books.  As I pulled out my right hand from the inside of my coat pocket, I felt a bit of a tingle. My avatar sun glasses made a cut in my middle finger and started to bleed uncontrollably. I rushed to find the nearest sales person to ask where the restroom was. This middle aged Italian cashier leads me to the restroom with bandage tape in hand. He asked if I was okay in Italian. I replied with a simple “si, gratzie.” He stood with me as we waited for the two women in front of me to use the single person restroom.  Once they were out, he opened the bathroom door, turned on the light and water, and reached for the soap. He waited for me as I washed my hands and had paper towel ready for me once I was done. He then carefully wrapped the bandage around my finger.

I teared up a bit. Not because I was bleeding, in minor pain, but because a stranger I have never said more then five words to made an effort to assure that I was okay. I barely understood him, and her barely understood me but the fact of the matter is he had a heart. At thought moment if he didn’t understand anything else,  he understood that I needed his help. Sometimes being so far away from home, I miss being cared for by people that are the closest to me. Now of course I wasn’t about to die or anything, but it’s the little things in life that sometimes matter the most. He didn’t have to go out of his way to assure that I was okay, but he did, and I am grateful.

I ended up buying the book that was in my hand during the time this happened. It was not the book I came there for, and it was far out of my price range, but it had my blood dripping from it so I felt compelled to buy it.

Hey, that's LIFE. 

Ciao bella

ROME: Sistine Chapel

My weekend trip to Rome Part 1 

Ancient architecture, the Pope, and vespa’s moving 100 mph are three things that immediately come to mind when I think of Rome. Unlike Florence, Rome is far larger in population.

Luckily the program and I weren’t a huge group of misguided Americans, and had knowledgeable tour guides and professors to show us around. Otherwise, I would not know where to start.

We began with a tour of the Sistine Chapel. The Sistine Chapel was named after Pope Sixtus IV. A combination of fresco and marble was used for a number of pieces done in the Sistine Chapel. The very quiet and serene chapel reminded me of being at a church service.

The young Michelangelo and Raphael were among many of the artist that contributed their work in the Chapel. It was interesting to learn about the first time Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Clement to depict “The Last Judgment.” in 1534. During that time period, Michelangelo was best known for his sculptures, using fresco was very new to him.

The Pope gave him directions and relayed to him exactly what he wanted depicted. Michelangelo did his best to oblige, and before he could complete the wall, the Pope changed his mind.

Outraged after spending so much time working on the Fresco, Michelangelo fled to Florence and left the painting unfinished.

Appalled and in a state of shock that a young boy would have the courage to do such a thing, the Pope ordered his return. Being the rebel Michelangelo was sometimes described as, he refused. As a result the Pope ordered a war with Florence.

For the will of the Florentine people Michelangelo returned, still a bit angered at the Pope.

This story was very interesting to me. According to the tour guide, there is evidence that Michelangelo was angered with Pope through his depiction of Jesus on the ceiling. There is a clear depiction of Jesus’ behind; some say Michelangelo purposely did this. 

Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take photos in the Sistine Chapel, but I have tons to share from everywhere else. 

The guy with the boots is the Michaelangelo. He always wore those boots. The day he took them off, his flesh came off with them.

Rome: Photo Edition

The Colosseum. Lots of bloodshed here. 

The Trevi Fountain. "Make a wish" 

Los Angeles you ask? Noooo ROME! 

The Trevi Fountain at Night

Many of the sculptures I came across were Egyptian.