Milan and Finals

November 22, 2016
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Europe Italy
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It is now November.

Which means I survived Midterms and what is next is of course Finals the most wonderful time of the semester. No mater where you are in the world Finals are Finals. This is the time where you really have to show what you have learned this semester as a student regardless if you are in NY our comfy home in New Paltz, or in Milan!

What I learned from Midterms in Milan was that it truly wasn’t that bad. The tests were really a straightforward summary of most of the lessons of the semester. I am currently taking five classes here and to some that may seem a lot especially while studying abroad.

But you learn how to delegate your time, your assignments, and your studying time.

My Midterm grades came out fantastically. I was and still am so proud of myself especially because this is my first experience abroad this could have been a really trying time for myself EXCEPT it was not.

During my Midterms some fellow new paltz study abroad students NICK ENDERLE AND GAM LAFRANCE came to visit me. Oh boy, some may think how was I able to focus during this time especially when my two best pals were here!?

Well guess what? I did it. Because rightly so when my friends came I was overjoyed to finally have a piece of comfort with me. I know first and foremost I am a student! This is my right!

I made sure to devote time at night to really review my material. But honestly, the whole time prior to my friends arrival I have been spot on in class and quite aware of whats been going on in classes. Maybe my friends gave me a boost of luck and renewed purpose.

To sum it up, classes in Milan are doable especially if you are the kind of student to engage in class and do work outside of class. If you are not you will be overly stressed. Basically, if I could do it so can you!

Picture below is Gam and Nick at Galleria d’Arte Moderna in Milan. My great pals!

My roots

November 16, 2016
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Europe Italy
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The reason I am here is ultimately because if I were to study abroad it HAD to be Italy. My Grandparents left Italy in the 60’s to come to America to start a new life. They along with multiple other family members began their new life in NYC. They took all their knowledge of living in southern Italy as farmers in the mountains and took that to the Bronx.

Years later here I am. A senior in college going back to Italy to get in touch with my roots. Although Milan and Selvacava the town in which my family came from are 7 hours apart. Similar culture values are found here in Milan. I have been easily able to recognize food and language relations as my family has.

I really am lucky to say that my italian language skills have purely strengthened since I have arrived. I cannot say I am fluent but I am very conversational and I can understand very well.

The food is incredible. Everything is so fresh and so flavorful. Any restaurant or pizza place you go to you know you’re getting a good deal. Most meals are between 10-15 euros which means you will get a big full plate that will leave you quite full.

There is something special here called Aperitivo where you get a drink which can be non-alcoholic for about 5-10 euros and you have access to a full buffet of fantastic Italian cuisine. This is something I will miss extremely when I go back to the U.S.

But here I am..Una Ragazza Italiana.

A Whole New World

March 1, 2016
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Celebrating my one-month anniversary of living in Italy! It’s weird to say that because I feel like my time here seems to have had flown and at the time it’s like I’ve been here for a year.

The Italian culture has finally infiltrated my American ways, and I slowly see myself fitting in more and more with the people around me. Don’t get me wrong, I am definitely far from being an authentic Italian…VERY far.

Culturally speaking, the adjustment has been harsh and quick. Funny enough, I have discovered the Italians frequently use the term “like a New Yorker” to describe a broad list of actions done quickly and frankly…rudely. I find this pretty amusing since the term is generally used for all Americans and not just New Yorkers. I have found however that I DO in fact fall into these categories more than I assumed I would.

You might be described as a “New Yorker” here in Italy if you do any of the following:

-Walk ‘at the speed of light’ to get from place to place…passing dozens of people while doing it.

-…AND potentially putting yourself at risk of getting hit by a car JUST to pass these unbearably slow walkers

-If you avoid making eye contact with any vender on the side of the street (especially not stopping to listen to their deals or even to say “No Grazie”)

-…Actually make that avoiding eye contact with any passer-by in general.

Those are just a few examples of the stereotypes that I’m both dealing with and proving here in Florence. But who can blame me right? I’m just an American!

On another note, we are quickly approaching midterms, which seems nearly impossible. I have started my ‘intermediate’ level of Italian and I have to say that I’m very lost. I feel like I should be retaking beginners because it went by so quickly, and now my class is completely in Italian. No worries though, I will get through the second half of the class by trying to interpret the hand gestures of my Italian teacher and giving pained glances at my neighbor as we both feebly attempt to answer each question.

What I have deterred is that the classes, although less frequent in the week than my classes back in the States, are much longer. Each lesson is two and half hours, which sounds OK except for when you realize that your attention span is barely ready for an hour class.

However, that being said, it has definitely been a completely new experience learning about history in Europe. I’m enrolled in a European literature class, and we have been reading several novels from World War II. The Italian perspective of this war is so vastly different than when we learn it at home…it’s seems like a completely different war. Professors refer back to the United States, and ask us to compare what we know to what we are learning now.

I’m learning that this experience truly is priceless. Both culturally and academically, I am realizing that what I call home is such a small place compared to the rest of the world. People create their own homes all over the world where they have their own traditions and their own lives. They eat dinner at 9 PM, pick up their kids on a Vespa, and hang their clothes out to dry; and that doesn’t make them wrong.

People tell you all the time growing up that there is a whole world out there to explore, and I understand why some people are afraid to do it. It is humbling and real to see the amount of people in the world that don’t even know your hometown exists—and on top of that, don’t care. But with that being said, I’m so eager to explore it more.

–Stay tuned!

Swan Song

May 24, 2015
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Europe Italy
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Okay so although I still have a few weeks abroad in Europe, I do indeed leave the love of my life, Milan, in one short week. To be honest, this kind of makes me wanna vomit. To think that I arrived here almost four months ago, truly is something I cannot fathom. Milan has been my home, and pretty soon I will have to say goodbye.

As I have mentioned in past posts, I really am a big believer in everything happens for a reason. So to think that I almost let fear hold me back from coming to this amazing country is insanity at this point. I am so glad that I left my inhibitions in the United States to come to this magical place. Milan will forever be in my heart.

To think back to my first day where I cried like a baby when my adapters wouldn’t plug into the wall, I received the wrong keys to my apartment, my phone wouldn’t work, I was alone, and I ate one of the worst meals of my life, FINALLY I can think back and laugh. Sure this experience has not been perfect. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. I just feel so different (in a good way). I have grown up so much here.

Lucky for me this experience isn’t over yet. Although I do leave Milan in one week from tomorrow, I still have a couple weeks where I will be traveling around Europe. So I have a lot to look forward to.

Am I ready to return to the United States? I’m not really sure. I mean I kind of have no say in the matter. I have finished college, and now I must get a job, an apartment, and enter a new phase in my life. Would I stay longer if I could? Absolutely! But regardless my time here will never be forgotten. There was no better way to leave the University life. For those who are unsure of spending their final semester abroad, or studying abroad at all for that matter, I must encourage each and every college student to look into it.

Leaving our mark in Barcelona

The people I have met through this program are some of the greatest people I have met in my life. Milan holds a special place in my heart, but I know a big reason behind that is the amazing people here. However, I must give a special shoutout to one special lady Kara Buzzeo. New Paltz is small. And yet there are always those people you do not know. Kara and I both attended New Paltz, lived in the same hall, ate in the same places, worked out in the same gym, and yet it took coming abroad to Milan, Italy for us to meet. I now consider Kara one of my true gems that I will take away from the Paltz. My experience would not have been the same without her. Yes, I will not be continuing on with her in the fall, in New Paltz, but I know she is destined for great things.

Maybe I will write another post abroad, maybe I won’t. I just wanted to write this one now, to make sure I did it before leaving for the rest of Europe.

For now I will be galavanting around Milan, attempting to complete the things that I wish I had been doing all semester, but have neglected to leave to the last minute. Also if anyone would like to help me pack, feel free. Time to study for finals!

Till next time readers, continue to reach for the stars,

Tamara

End of the year celebration with my housemates: Bethany, and Allison!

Save the Drama For Your Mama

May 20, 2015
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Europe Italy Uncategorized
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Il Dottore Selfie

So as most of you know I took a Dramaturgy course in Milan this semester. Our class finished up on Monday, and we had our final on Tuesday. This final was unlike any I have had in my four years at New Paltz. We as a class had spent our semester writing a play, in true commedia dell’arte fashion. We had two professors for this class: Laura & Stefano. Laura spent the first half of the semester teaching us the history of commedia dell’arte. Laura also helped us to write our scenes. Luckily for me, someone who has never written a play before, we were able to work in groups. With the help of Stefano we brought the words to life.

This was a long process. We went through many drafts, many opportunities for editing. Just when we thought we were done, there was always another change to be made. Stefano made cast decisions, and then for the second half of the semester we blocked and staged our production. I was cast as Il Dottore, the heavyset, old, know-it-all man. This was quite the humorous role for me. I have done a lot of theatre in the past, but I must say I have never done anything in the style of commedia dell’arte, so this was a first!

My mom actually sat in on the class a few weeks ago, so that she could see what I was up to. Needless to say, seeing us all in the masks, she got quite a kick out of it.

Monday was our final run-through, and despite (poorly timed) illness on my part, Tuesday we performed for the last time. The show: The Tooth Puller can be watched here on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLKQ_gNPa20

And with this my friends, I am done with classes, and in full finals mode! Tomorrow I have the end of year celebration and then I am actually off to watch Stefano perform in a commedia dell’arte play at Piccolo Teatro!

Till next time! Keep practicing those lines, and those lazzi!

Tamara

The Cast & Crew of The Tooth Puller

Prove Yourself Wrong Everyday

May 19, 2015
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Europe Italy
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Vernazza, Cinque Terre

Ok, so I am sure you are all wondering about the significance of my blog title for this post. Normally, you can count on Tam for a pun, joke, essentially any type of humor. And don’t get me wrong, I did have a couple of silly titles in the works, but none of them seemed to reflect my true feelings towards Cinque Terre (my latest adventure). So the truth is this post is a little less Tam the ham and a little more real life.

This trip was my last planned group trip. Anything else I do from here on is either on my own, or will be a carpe diem with friends. After visiting Cinque Terre, a place that I honestly had never heard about before arriving in Milan, I must say I am in awe. First off I must suggest that those who visit should decide to embark on the hike through the towns. In my opinion, and others can fee free to disagree, the beauty, the essence of Cinque Terre can only be found in the hiking. Sure, you can take a train from town to town. But these towns are super small, and they sort of blur together. However, this is not the case if you hike. The hiking unlocks the raw Cinque Terre, and unfolds some of the most incredible views I have ever seen in my life

Manarola, Cinque Terre

Brooke, Heidi, Taylor, MK, Madison, Alissa and I mid hike

This was the biggest group I have done a multiday trip with, there were seven of us, Brooke cleverly named us the Cinque Chicks. Seven can be a difficult number to accommodate, it isn’t even, and it is quite large. We lucked out, this really was never a problem! These are some of my favorite ladies in Milan, and I probably couldn’t have accomplished as much as I did this weekend without them. To be honest, at first I was kind of confused as to why we were going for a whole weekend, but upon leaving I wished we had left for Cinque Terre even one day sooner!

Cioppino at La Cantina di Miky

We arrived Friday in two groups. Brooke & Heidi scouted out Monterosso earlier in the day, and the rest of us joined later. Monterosso was probably my favorite of the towns. It was on the larger side, as compared to the rest. But most importantly to me was the beach. My mother always jokes that she gave birth to water babies. Although I disagree with my mother on many things, this is not one of them. I love the water, it brings me joy, it brings me to life. There is nothing more relaxing to me then soaking up some sun in between trips to the ocean/lake/pool/literally anything. So to arrive Friday and see a beach really made me a happy camper. Upon our arrival we walked around for a bit, and then Heidi and I dipped our toes in the crystal blue Mediterranean. We grabbed dinner, I made sure to have seafood of course, and then we were off to our hostel.

View from 5 Terre Backpackers

Our hostel had the most amazing view, two cats roaming around, as well as hammocks. Plus this was all for a relatively good price. Definitely one of the nicer hostels I have stayed in. I didn’t even realize but we had our own room, which was a nice change of pace. I did not think there would be a room for seven! One great thing about our hostel, was that because it wasn’t directly in Monterosso they provided daily, free shuttles. Everyday I took the 9am shuttle to Monterosso, and the 6pm shuttle back to the hostel.

So Saturday morning we awoke early enough to enjoy our free breakfast of cornflakes and coffee, and then we were off! I won’t lie, I felt like I was in over my head Friday when we got off the train to see how many people had walking sticks in hand. I am not a nature girl. I have lived in New York City for 22 years, and my ideal nature is Central Park. Although hiking isn’t my forte, I knew I could not come to Italy without visiting Cinque Terre, so I figured I would suck it up for one day, and then Sunday, the beach would be my reward.

First off you have to pay to hike, which I found odd. Why must I pay to be at one with mother nature? Oh well, no big deal. We also had to make sure to use the bathrooms in the towns, because there were no bathrooms on the trails. This hike truly is and was meant to be a whole day affair. We were told the first part of the hike was the roughest. In my opinion, we were lied to…

Don’t get me wrong, the hike from Monterosso to Vernazza was without a doubt nearly impossible for me, but I actually found part two of the hike from Vernazza to Corniglia to be the real beast. Maybe most people find the first part of the hike the roughest because it is longer, but man oh man did I struggle. Europe has faced me with lots of opportunities where I have had to push my physical abilities in order to take in all that is around me. I am used to walking, we walk a lot in New York City, heck I don’t even have a driver’s license, but the walking I have done abroad is far more grueling then anything I have ever experienced. Hands down though Cinque Terre was my Everest.

I am overweight, out of shape, and have eaten my fair share of pizzas in Italy. Never, do I think I have doubted myself more so then I did on this hike. I was embarrassed, and disappointed in myself. It did make me feel better to see five of the others struggling just as much as I was (not Heidi, this was a walk in the park for her). But I’m not sure if the other girls were as close to giving up as I was. I just felt like my body could not do what I was asking of it. Which is why this hike truly tested not only my physical limits, but my emotional limits as well. If I was alone, there is NO doubt in my mind that I would have waisted the 7.50 euro, and headed back down to give up. But being with these other girls, all of us motivating each other, stopping for breaks, water, and pictures in between, gave me hope. I just wanted to be able to do what my friends were doing. And spoiler alert, if you have not already gaged this from the title of this blog post, I was able to do it. All seven of us successfully survived a full day of hiking, mostly uphill, on unpaved stairs.

Prove yourself wrong everyday. Because this is what I did in Cinque Terre, and it truly impacted me far beyond what I could have imagined would come from a weekend trip.

Selfie time for Heidi, Alissa, and I

And that is the thing, if I was unable to do this hike, I would have never been able to view Cinque Terre with the essential bird’s eye view. I am proud of myself for pushing myself past my limits and completing what I nearly gave up on. Proving yourself wrong is one of the most rewarding experiences you can face. Truth is because of the shuttle we only had time for tre terre, however Sunday before our beach day, and before our train home, Alissa, Heidi and I trained to the other due terre. So I indeed was able to see all cinque!

Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre

I think I was on a high from the hike, so this weekend really was just what the doctor ordered. The towns were adorable, the gelato, delicious, and the beach relaxing. Dear readers, please keep in mind all that I have said in this post. Never give up on yourself, you are capable of anything and everything.

XO
Tamara

Beach day in Monterosso, in the Mediterranean Sea!

PS.

To all of those students (both New Paltz and elsewhere) who graduated this weekend, conGRADS! I am technically a member of the class of 2015, so I guess this makes me a college grad! I do believe this will all hit me a bit more, once I am done with finals. Sure, I may never get to walk across the stage and collect my “diploma,” but I’m pretty sure Cinque Terre was an adequate alternative!

Sometimes you just gotta stop and smell the flowers! Greetings from Corniglia, Cinque Terre

Third Stop: Rome!

May 12, 2015
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UK and Ireland Wales
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The next stop for five days was in the beautiful city of Rome! Not only was I spending the first week in April in Rome, but I was spending my birthday in the ancient city.

The weather in Rome was a nice change from the wind and rain from our previous trips. Before heading to Rome, one of the things I was looking forward to was the food! The first meal I had in Rome was a pizza filled with prosciutto. I knew from that first meal that Italy was not going to disappoint!

The first place I visited was the Vatican Museum. The Vatican Museum was overwhelming, amazing, but overwhelming! There was so many things to look at. In every direction, there was beautiful art that I wanted to capture in my mind forever. It took my breath away at the amount of work that went into making these masterpieces we know today.

From my time at the Vatican Museum, I learned two things:

Be VERY careful: I learned before traveling about the thieves, but also keep in mind for the people trying to sell you a bag, selfie stick, tour, whatever. Be mindful and smart.
Be in the moment: I made the mistake of missing the most important piece in the Vatican. I was so focused on taking a photo of the overall picture, I forgot to take the finer details in. Put down the phone and just take it in.

Aside from the Vatican. I saw the Colosseum and I was in awe. I’ve always saw this on television and photos that actually being there left me speechless. I remember taking photos and realizing how unreal it looked. I also had the opportunity to go inside and explore it’s history. I was surprised at the information I’ve already knew. (Thanks SUNY New Paltz!)

Since I went the week of Easter, I was honored to see the Pope! On Good Friday, we were able to see him and be apart of a mass in front of the Colosseum with over thousands of people from around the world. It was a surreal experience that I will never forget. Also seeing the sunset behind the Colosseum wasn’t a bad sight.

Towards the end of the trip, I wanted to fulfill my Lizzie McGuire dream of seeing the Trevi Fountain. Now, I knew beforehand it was under construction, but I was in for a surprise.

Tip #3: Don’t assume things are going to be like the movies or the way you wanted it.

Even though it was HEAVILY under construction, it was still great to see it and throw a coin, even if no water was running.

Rome was filled with so much great history and delicious food. I had an amazing time and wouldn’t mind visiting Italy again.

Under the Tuscan Sun

May 6, 2015
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Europe Italy
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Boboli Gardens!

Study abroad changes you in ways you can never begin to imagine. This is something that my sorority sister Kimberly instilled in me before I left for Italy. Kim had the life altering experience of doing a summer study abroad program in London. At first I wasn’t really sure if Kim’s hypothesis would prove to be correct. However, I must say after three months abroad I truly feel like a new person. One way I have changed is my adventurous spirit. I have always been independent, the truth being that in originating from New York City, it is pretty much a character trait instilled at birth. I needed to be independent in order to get around my humble home. However, I learned quickly while abroad what a difference there was between being independent and truly having an adventurous spirit. Sometimes I tend to doubt myself, my capabilities, and abilities to succeed in difficult obstacles. Time and time again I have wanted to reach for the phone to call my parents and have them fix the obstacles in my path, but time and time again I have amazed myself with my resourceful attitude in order to fix any problem that comes my way. I don’t think I realized how many problems I would need to fix abroad, things that I had never had experience with in the United States. Plus I have the added challenge of a language barrier making it even more difficult to get things fixed.

As you see from my blogs, I have certainly been traveling the world. This past weekend (despite being opening weekend of the expo in Milan) I decided to explore once again. Unfortunately for me, my friends abroad did not have the same desire as I had to visit Florence. I felt, how could I come to Italy and not see Florence? So despite a lack of travel companions, I decided I would venture to Florence regardless. Many people take solo trips abroad, however I was not sure I could succeed in this daunting task. I delayed every step of the planning process. I enjoy doing abroad research, so I was happy to find hostels, food, transportation, and activities. But when it came time to book these things, I did not find motivation to do so. I think I just kept waiting for someone to change their mind and want to come with me. Finally right before my Ireland trip, I figured I want to book my hostel. I needed something to be set in stone before I leave for Ireland. So of course, since the trip was in one week, most of the marvelous hostels I found (one including a pool & sauna) were booked. I had no choice but to settle. I did go off to Ireland though with the satisfaction that I had managed to book something.

When I returned from Ireland I booked a day trip to the Chianti region, and a day trip to Pisa. I felt I had to go to Pisa while in Florence, because they are so close. How could I visit Italy, without seeing the Leaning Tower? But I still hadn’t booked transportation. I figured a train would have better availability by going to the station itself. So the day before my trip I went to Central station in Milan to find a ticket. Sure enough to my disappointment the only remaining tickets for Thursday were 116 euro one way. There was NO way I wanted to pay this. So after hesitation I dove into the world of bla bla car. Two girls from my program had used it to get to Florence. It is so cheap that I wanted to use it to go to Florence as well. But once I discovered I was going alone to Florence, I wasn’t quite as comfortable with the idea. Until of course that is, it seemed my only option. I had to arrive Thursday, since I had a hostel reservation that night, as well as a trip to Chianti the next day. So after lots of nerves I was able to find both a bla bla car to take me there, and another to take me back.

My next obstacle was waking up the day of my trip, to receive an email that not enough people signed up for Chianti, so they were canceling the trip. Luckily, I decided to wake up early that morning, so I had time to deal with this situation. I was given a refund for the trip & was able to sign up for a different trip with a different company. Phew dodged a bullet there!

Chianti olive trees

I was off to Florence without a hitch. My trip was truly incredible. There was something something so illuminating about traveling on my own, but more importantly accomplishing so much in a foreign place alone. I was able to go where I wanted to go, eat what I wanted to eat, see what I wanted to see, sleep when I wanted to sleep, etc. Every morning I found myself waking up early and by choice as opposed to feeling forced. I wanted to get up and explore. I never created strict itineraries, more like possible ideas of places I wanted to go each day. It was such a fantastic voyage.

bought myself a little treat in San Lorenzo leather market 😉

All’antico Vinaio!

Friday I awoke and headed straight to the Boboli Gardens. I took a bus although I certainly could have walked. I walked ALL OVER Florence that weekend. It is small, and yet every turn there is something new to see. The view at Boboli was impeccable. I’m so glad it was recommended to me by friend Sarah, studying abroad in Florence. After Boboli I headed off to All’antico Vinaio for a quick lunch. Florence had a ton of amazing looking sandwich shops, but I must say I was glad this was recommended to me by both Sarah & my Unicatt friend Kim. The line is a little crazy, but it really is worth it. I had no idea what to order, I just kept looking at what others had. I do wish in retrospect I asked the men working behind the counter what they would recommend, so I could have gotten the best of the best. However, I was quite satisfied with my sandwich. Yum, Yum! After the sandwich, I was off to Chianti. Chianti was so beautiful & green. I went with Caf tours, and I would certainly recommend that. I booked Caf tours for Pisa as well.

Leaning Tower of Pisa!

The next morning I was off to San Lorenzo for a leather shopping spree. My oh my did I drop some euros on leather! I bought two purses & a wallet. I tried on a jacket and liked it but anytime I feel rushed I don’t like to shop. So I didn’t buy the jacket then & there. I figured if I really wanted it I would go back. I then headed to Pizzeria O’Vesuvio for a ricotta stuffed pie. This was another place Sarah recommended, but it is also where the cast of the Jersey Shore once worked as well! The pizza was delicious. So it was pizza before Pisa. I am very glad I got to Pisa but to be honest, if I could do it again I would go independently without a trip organizer. I feel like I could have saved money & stayed longer. But hey you live and you learn. I am glad I got my picture with the Leaning Tower, because after all isn’t that the main reason to go to Pisa? I did make sure to get some gelato in Pisa because I had some free time and that’s the perfect way to pass time.

Gusta Pizza @ Gusta Pizza

That evening upon my return to Florence I ate dinner at Gusta Pizza, a place both my roommate and Kim had told me about. I ordered the Gusta Pizza and it certainly was one of the greatest pizzas of my life! Both of the pizzas I had in Florence were Napoli style, so I must fit Naples into my future travel plans for sure! Gusta Pizza did have a line but it was so worth it to wait! All good things are worth waiting for.

NUTELLA ICE CREAM!

After eating my meal I hiked up Piazzale Michelangelo. I do mean hiked! That is quite the hill. But upon arriving at the top you can find one of the most magnificent views overlooking Florence. But of course my reasoning for the trek was for the 2015 Gelato Festival. It was so cheap and I ate a ton of gelato. Every flavor was something I had never tried before. To be honest, after the hike & pizza I was unable to complete all of my gelato, but don’t fret I certainly made a dent.

Michelangelo’s the David

Sunday morning I woke up earlier then ever in order to check out of my hostel and wait on line for the Academia. I am really not a big museum fan, and despite being a New Paltz Hawk, I am not super into art. But my father recommended seeing the David, so I figured why not? I waited on line for only thirty minutes! Then even better was getting into the museum for free! Since it was the first Sunday of the month. So this made the visit even more worth it. The David really is pretty magnificent!

Camp Poyntelle Lewis Village alums in Florence

After seeing the David I grabbed a Subway sandwich and headed to San Lorenzo to buy a leather jacket! Then I was between a free walking tour & the Galileo museum (another place Sarah recommended). Unfortunately for me I decided upon the museum despite breaking one of my cardinal rules. I neglected to look up the museum beforehand, so I got there and it was closed. Bummer! I should have picked the walking tour! I started walking to the tour, even though I was late. But all of a sudden I heard “T-Litt, Tamara?” It was my ex co counselor from camp, Sandra. Perfect timing! I didn’t even realize she was abroad in Florence, because so many camp friends are abroad there. I knew she was abroad but didn’t know it was in Florence. It was perfectly timed for me! I spent the next two hours with her before heading home to Milan. Safe to say this was another successful trip!

Till next time readers!

Tamara

Litts > Venice

April 22, 2015
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Czech Republic Europe Italy
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Spending time with my parents in Venice

Ciao readers! It’s been a while since my last post, but I am back to write about my return to Venice! I did go to Venice for Carnival in February, but with the recent visit of my parents in Italy I agreed to face it once again. My dad had already been to Italy years ago, but my mother had not. So although I had visited Venice already, I was willing to back again. I am so glad I went back, this experience was completely different. My visit in February was all about Carnival, whereas this visit was focused on Venice itself. Although this time the weather didn’t hold up. I taught my parents how to make the best of it & we powered through.

For my last visit, Kara & I stayed in a hotel far from the action, whereas this time around the Litts stayed in an airbnb in the hustle & bustle of Venice. I was also stoked to find that our airbnb had a dog! I love animals =)

Our furry friend at our airbnb

I did a lot more sightseeing this time around, which was wonderful. I was able to actually see Venice. The water was so beautiful. However, I can’t lie you WILL get lost in Venice. The water creates dead ends like its nobodies business. Thank goodness for technology! When we really did find ourselves in a pickle, I would guide us in the right direction with the help of my handy dandy google maps app on my iPhone. I really would recommend having a phone plan that allows for data usage because I seem to use it time and time again.

Even bread is happy to be in Venice =)

We visited St. Marco’s square & the Rialto bridge. Both were jampacked, tourists everywhere. In my opinion though I still think Rome takes the cake for having the utmost tourists. We went to a produce market, as well as a fish market near the Rialto. I must say how much I love all of the food markets in Italy. Food is so fresh here, so it is so cool to see row after row of fresh food. As much as I am hungering for some of my American staples, we sure do love to make room for unnecessary additives in our food. So I am enjoying EATALY. This market was wonderful. I even ran into 3 fellow Unicatt students during this adventure!

There are also dogs EVERYWHERE! Italy has leash laws that differ greatly from America.

Another great experience was the Vaporetto ride around the grand canal. It was very lengthy, we happened to somehow take the wrong boats. But it was very relaxing (and cold) along the water. I would highly recommend Vaporetti rides for those who plan to visit Venice.

As a Jewish family I was very glad that we got to visit the Jewish Ghetto in Venice. It was very powerful walking around the Jewish quarter. Italy being a very Catholic country, I felt very comforted being surrounded by all things Jewish. We visited a Chabad, and met the rabbi. Being so involved in Chabad & Jewish life at New Paltz, this was a taste of Jew Paltz for me. There were even Kosher places to eat around the Jewish Quarter. I do hope to see more WW2 sights around Europe with my future travels. Visiting the Jewish Quarter with my parents made that a special experience for us to share together. Judaism has always been a big part of our family, especially having my older sister living abroad in Israel.

My parents & I returned to Milan on Sunday. Now my parents are off in Rome while I continue on with classes. I hope they have a safe trip back to America! Till the next adventure!

Tamara

Litt family selfie!

Ready For My Closeup

March 26, 2015
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Europe Italy
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On the set of Pomeriggio Cinque!

The opportunities I have in Milan are truly mind-blowing. This past Monday I was able to take part in the recording of a television show, as a member of the studio audience. This is indeed something I have done before in the United States, so it was an interesting contrast to see what it was like in Italy. The even cooler part was that this was for one of my classes. Yes, this was a field trip for my Television, Advertising, Music: The Italian Approach to the Media class.

A screen grab from the episode itself

We were in the studio audience for the show Pomeriggio Cinque on Canale Cinque. The show is hosted by Barbara d’Urso. This really was a once in a lifetime opportunity for us. Here is a link to the show if anyone would like to watch the episode: http://www.video.mediaset.it/video/pomeriggio_5/full/lunedi-23-marzo_524295.html

Yes, the whole show was in Italian so I couldn’t really follow too much of it. But just by chance I got really great screen time, so that was pretty surreal. I kept gazing through the bright lights to the monitors, to see me looking back. I especially appreciated this considering I had not made the cut for screen time when I was in the studio audience for the Rachael Ray show (one of my idols).

The preparation for the show was MUCH more relaxed than for US television. The wardrobe requirements were simpler, and the seating was random. I was also exhausted because I flew in that morning from Barcelona. I went straight from Barcelona to class to the tv show. But I made sure to keep my eyes open as much as I could.

I would not be opposed to doing something like this again. I’m just excited to see what my next class trip looks like! Till next time, thanks for reading!

Tamara

P.S. No autographs please =P