WOW! Where to start with our day in Rome? We woke up, left our hotel a little after 8:45, which was our goal time. We got the the train station, and ran to the 8:59 train to Rome, but it left early, so we missed it. We had to wait for the 9:41 train. So not only did we leave a little late, we had to wait another hour for another train. Oh well. We got on that train with no issues, and made it to Rome, getting off at the San Pietro (maybe St. Pietro? Ashleigh thinks that may be it). We walked towards the Vatican, and were planning on going through the plaza area outside of the Basilica, to the museum to buy our tickets, then start at the colloseum and work our way back. Well, apparently, we didn't know that the Pope speaks to the public on Wednesdays, so when we got there, he was outside the Basilica, talking under his white tent with the cardinals on his left, and speaking in either Italian or Latin. I would assume Italian, but I know the masses are sometimes spoken in Latin. It was such good luck that we got there and he was acutally outside too! I can now say that I have seen the Pope. I don't care how far away it was or how crowded it was there, I saw him, and heard him talk in person. It was really neat to say I was there. Well, we walked around the basilica, and we were planning on buying our tickets for the museum, but there were SO many people there this time because of the time of day (like 10:30) and the Pope was there, that we just wanted to get out of there. So off to the colloseum it was. We took a little bit finding the metro near the Vatican that can take us to the colosseum, but we found it. It was our turn leading for those who were there last year and this year. Last year we followed people who were experienced. But it all worked out.
We finally figured out the subway system and made it to the colosseum. Everyone seemed to be in better spirits once we stepped out of the station and saw the huge colosseum right across the street. I have to agree I love that it is right across from a modern day building like the metro station. We waited in line to get in, and once through the lines, we explored. It is always such a great sight to see, even when this was my second time seeing it. It is so cool to see something so old still standing strong, and to be standing in it. I really like seeing the holding areas that were under the fighting level. It just helps to remember the fights and the gladiators were real, and youare standing in a place where that happened (well not on the ground level, you can't go that far, but in essence you are there). You are standing in the crowd at a game. It is crazy.
We go outside of the Colosseum, and some of us were thirsty or had to pee (me). The ones who had not been to the Roman Forum where the ruins were went there, while the rest of us got food and drink and I tried to find a bathroom. Mental note, the Rome metro does not have a bathroom. I had to hold it for another two and a half hours. We met this guy from Tennessee who was backpacking across Europe by himself because his friends backed down but he had already bought his ticket. He said he was taking a flight or a train to Cairo the next day for four days. I thought that was so cool. I really want to go to Egypt some day. He was pretty funny. We heard his story about getting hit by a car the night before, and how he was on his fourth beer today and it was 12:30. Just a funny character.
Anyways, then we got on the subway and went to get off at a stop near the Trevi Fountain. We skipped three things. The Pyramid, which is the only pyramid in Europe, the Mouth of Truth which I had been to, and the Pantheon, again I have been to it. It was a shame we had to cut those things, and I really wish we could have gone again for everyone who hadn't been there yet. Oh well. Well, we got lost on our way to the Trevi fountain. Apparently the subway stop is not very close to the Trevi Fountain like we thought. We had to ask someone, and we were apparently going the wrong way. They took us the right way, but we realized they were taking us back to the Metro. So that did us no good. We finally found an Italian who spoke really good English, and she told us there really is no easy way to get there from the metro. We were right to get off where we got off, but she showed us a way to walk there from where were now, and that worked beautifully. We even got to walk past the president's house/castle. it was huge. Then, we made it to the fountain. It was hot, and very crowded; so much more crowded thn it was last year unfortunately. But, we all got our pictures, and then we needed to eat. We ate at this little mom and pop restaurant, and I had the rigatoni with bacon and cheese. I also had succi de fruta, ananas. It is pineapple juice. I needed some sugar, and it was delicious. We also got bread from our waitress, and that ended up charging us 9.60 extra. That is the most expensive bread I've ever eaten. And not even the best tasting.
We left there, and decided to cut out the Pantheon and the Spanish steps too. People were getting tired, and frustrated, and time was running out, so we went to the metro so that we could just go ahead to the Vatican. When we got there and walked to the museum, I turned the corner and saw these huge doors closed. I had a pit in my stomach. I was going to ask a worker at the exit what time they closed, but someone else beat me to it. He said they closed already. I asked what time and he said 4:00. One of the people in the group said they looked it up and it was 7:00, so we thought we were safe. But I felt horrible because all day we were saying that we wanted to see the Vatican, and now we couldn't go in. I was worried people would be mad at me for leading them poorly or for not knowing the times. But, we walked around to St. Peter's Basilica, and once inside I knew it made people feel better too. It was so nice to be back in the Basilica again. I love it so much; everything is so ornate and beautiful. It makes you proud to be Catholic, proud to be a part of something so beautiful and sacred as this cathedral. I went to the back of the cathedral to check on their mass times. They had started mass jut like last time we were there, and I walked in and took Communion for the second time in the Basilica. I was very excited to do that. It reminds me of how important my religion is to me, and the roots of my religion. It really makes me proud to be a Catholic. I find myself going back to old routines, like getting Holy Water and blessing myself with it when entering the cathedral, and genuflecting when leaving the mass. I loved it all.
When we left, we went to the Post Office again, and I mailed two post cards, and bought four more. Two addresses I didn't have, so I will just give them to the people. They even have the stamps on them and everything, so they will never know. We walked back out of the Vatican, and shopped at the vendors and stores right outside of it. I bought three rosaries, one shot glass, three shirts for ten, a cheap little italy flag, and a cameo ring which I LOVE. Wee were all in better spirits for sure. Then, we split. The people who did not want to go to Hard Rock left for Civitavecchia, and the ones that wanted to go to Hard Rock left for the metro. It was Heather, Tiffany, Andy, Steven, Kylene, Emily, and myself at Hard Rock. Craig Cobain and his mother, Ashleigh, Mara, Jessica, Kaitlyn, and Jordan went ahead without us. It worked out pretty well. We got to Hard Rock in no time, got our things we needed (I got a shot glass and shirt for me, then a shirt for Bryce and a pin for his dad upon requests, then a shirt for dad for his birthday. I know, it was a lot, but it was either requests, or birthday presents, or something from me because I don't have anything Hard Rock. After that we were wiped, just like we had been all day. We took the metro to Termini, and took the train from there to Civitavecchia. We were literally running to our train as soon as we got into the station from the metro. We had seven minutes until the train left. We got there with a few minutes to spare. It was very lucky. We got back at around 10:00, grabbed paninis and water at the little gelateria at the corner. I had tuna and tomato with mayo, or tonno pomodoro with maionese. It is my favorite thing. I also got some lemon tea, and their tea here in Italy is SO good. Light and refreshing, not too sweet or filling. It is so good! We met Ashleigh up at the gelato place (another one) along the strip after Steven got his Cannoli, and we got gelato. I was going to get lemon ice and strawberry gelato (Granuita di lemone and fragola) but the guy convinced me to get lime instead of lemon. I mean it was like a strawberry limeade in gelato form. It was good. Then, we came back upstairs, and here we are.
I am so so tired right now. I didn't want to write this blog, but I pushed myself too. Plus, Ashleigh is my roommate and she likes falling asleep to me typing. It is similar to me and my fan obsession at bed. Well, tomorrow is market in the morning, then a dclass with a guest artist, and then whatever we want. We are eating dinner with Caterina and some of the Italian dancers I would assume. Can't wait! It seems like only yesterday that we got here! Crazy how time flies. Well, Ciao for now!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Day 8
Today was our day in Pompei! It was a long day. We got up and left for the train station by 5:45 AM! I wore Jordan's cute long, strapless dress. I was excited to borrow it because it's so cute :). We got on the train, and headed to Rome, where we boarded another, nicer train. This one had nicer seats, and all were paired in fours facing tables in the middle. I sat with Ashleigh, Clifton, and Stephen on the first train, then Ashleigh, Tiffany, and Clifton on the nicer train. I couldn't stop yawning, it was too early. The first train to Rome was about an hour. The one from Rome to Naples was about an hour and a half. Then the train, the crappy train, from Naples to Pompei was about an hour. All in all it was about three and a half hours to Pompei from Civitavecchia. Once we got there, we found a taxi outside that Clifton bargained with to take us to Pompei's ruins. I am not even sure if we had to pay, but I know the students didn't. We crammed twelve students and Clifton in a seven person van. That was interesting, but we weren't going too far. They obviously don't have legal issues being a taxi service and overfilling a taxi. Oh well. They really love using their horn in Pompei. Clifton said the farther south in Italy you go, the more they use their horn. There are even signs that say don't use your horn because they use it so much. Our driver really did use it every five seconds. We thought he was just in a hurry but I guess not. Italian drivers aren't the best drivers either.
We stopped, and Pompei ruins, we have arrived! It was exciting to finally be there. We walked in, and eventually bought our tickets in (Clifton bought) and we got our guidebooks and maps in English. We went to town on the pictures. It was such a nice day that it was perfect picture weather. It was around 77 degrees, or 28 degrees celsius here. The ruins were really cool. All of the bricks and stones that are still there after all of this time, and all of the eruptions from Mt. Vesuvius. It was amazing to see the molds of the bodies. We didn't make it around the entire city, so we did not get to see all of the bodies, but we did enter a farming area where some were held. It was weird seeing them in their positions. You can really tell that they were real people by the way they are laying, and can almost imagine their pain as they suddenly were surrounded and suffocated by ash. It is unbelievable to think about it. Other than the people of Pompei, the scenery was beautiful. All of the wild flowers were pretty. In Italy, they have these bright red flowers that just grow wild. I love them. I took a few different types of flowers and pressed them in my wallet to take back with me. I hope they last. I have a pink, purple, yellow, and red flower or flowers. Back to the buildings and ruins, some were really apparent that they were houses. It was so cool to be in one of the old houses that were there in 79 AD. One house, because of the first eruption and the amount of volcanic debree that took up the inside, it is still preserved exactly how it was when excavators took off the roof. (something like that). When the volcano erupted again not too long after the first eruption, the previous ash and soot had preserved the house, and you can see how it looked back then. It was really amazing, as if we were going back in time. I took a lot of pictures, over three hundred. Some of them have me and others in them too. I made sure I had pictures with people in them because those are the best ones. We probably walked around four about 5 hours maybe? We got to see the ampitheatre, the largest house in the city, the House of the Fawn, their version of "fast food" restaurants, common houses of the time, and so much more. I took pictures inside houses and buildings, outside of them, on the street, with Mt. vesuvius in the background. Funny story about Mt. Vesuvius, when we got there and were taking pictures, we could see that it was smoking and stuff was coming out of the top of it! It was so scary, we were joking that it was going to happen again! Of course it didn't, and we are fine.
Well, there are only so many ruins you can see without the proper info about them before they all look the same. We were really hungry, so we left. We looked at the souvenier shops, and one guy tried to sell me a camio (cameo?) ring for thirty five euro. I obviously was not going to pay that. He eventually went down to twenty euro, but that was still too much, and I turned it down. Clifton said that was too much too, so I am glad I didn't buy it. There will be others in Rome to buy and or look at. We walked down this big hill/road away from the entrance of the ruins, and stopped at a "Ma and Pop" restaurant. He got them to give us an antipasta, pasta, second dish, and french fries and or salad plus wine and water for thirteen euro. That was a good deal, and one that we all wanted. We didn't want to spend that much on food. So, I had bread to start out with, these fried fish ball things that were basically batter with fish in it, and fried. They tasted like hush puppies but with a lighter crust. It was really good. Then came the lasagna. It was delicious too. Last was veal, breaded and fried, with french fries or a salad. Everything was so good, and we were all SO hungry. We left, and got on our train to Naples. I fell asleep because I was so tired, but when I woke up we got off the train in order to wait for our connecting train. We got done with Pompei earlier than Clifton expected, so he eventually changed tickets for an earlier time. We were all just SO wiped out from the heat, and our sun tans/ burns on our shoulders and chests, and from walking SO much. I just sat on the side of the walkway, slouched down and trying not to fall asleep; everyone was. But, sure enough we got on our train to Rome, which was the nice train again. I sat with Ashleigh, Jessica, and Clifton, and you better believe I was sleeping most of the time. We got to Rome, and got off the train, to the connecting train to Civitavecchia. We actually got seats too, which is difficult considerring we got there around the time people are coming home from work. We got on at Roma Termini, and by the time we were through all of the Rome exits, there were so many people standing. I fell asleep, again, and we also talked about the dance in culture class people will be taking over the summer. Once to Civitavecchia, Clifton bought us train passes, and we went on our way into our hotel. A few of us, Ashleigh, jessica, Mara, Kylene, Kaitlyn, and Jordan went to get food and make up. I got a pizz rossa con mozarella. It was good, with a coke and gelato. I had amarena (cherry) and chocolate. We then mapped out what our day in Rome is going to be like. I honestly am worried about getting it all done. We will thought, we just have to stay focused. We can see what we need to see, we just can't take too much time. Well, I am extremely exhausted, and I want to go to sleep. We are leaving here for Rome at 8:45. Ciao everyone! Italy has been great so far!!
-WooHoo for dance in Italy
We stopped, and Pompei ruins, we have arrived! It was exciting to finally be there. We walked in, and eventually bought our tickets in (Clifton bought) and we got our guidebooks and maps in English. We went to town on the pictures. It was such a nice day that it was perfect picture weather. It was around 77 degrees, or 28 degrees celsius here. The ruins were really cool. All of the bricks and stones that are still there after all of this time, and all of the eruptions from Mt. Vesuvius. It was amazing to see the molds of the bodies. We didn't make it around the entire city, so we did not get to see all of the bodies, but we did enter a farming area where some were held. It was weird seeing them in their positions. You can really tell that they were real people by the way they are laying, and can almost imagine their pain as they suddenly were surrounded and suffocated by ash. It is unbelievable to think about it. Other than the people of Pompei, the scenery was beautiful. All of the wild flowers were pretty. In Italy, they have these bright red flowers that just grow wild. I love them. I took a few different types of flowers and pressed them in my wallet to take back with me. I hope they last. I have a pink, purple, yellow, and red flower or flowers. Back to the buildings and ruins, some were really apparent that they were houses. It was so cool to be in one of the old houses that were there in 79 AD. One house, because of the first eruption and the amount of volcanic debree that took up the inside, it is still preserved exactly how it was when excavators took off the roof. (something like that). When the volcano erupted again not too long after the first eruption, the previous ash and soot had preserved the house, and you can see how it looked back then. It was really amazing, as if we were going back in time. I took a lot of pictures, over three hundred. Some of them have me and others in them too. I made sure I had pictures with people in them because those are the best ones. We probably walked around four about 5 hours maybe? We got to see the ampitheatre, the largest house in the city, the House of the Fawn, their version of "fast food" restaurants, common houses of the time, and so much more. I took pictures inside houses and buildings, outside of them, on the street, with Mt. vesuvius in the background. Funny story about Mt. Vesuvius, when we got there and were taking pictures, we could see that it was smoking and stuff was coming out of the top of it! It was so scary, we were joking that it was going to happen again! Of course it didn't, and we are fine.
Well, there are only so many ruins you can see without the proper info about them before they all look the same. We were really hungry, so we left. We looked at the souvenier shops, and one guy tried to sell me a camio (cameo?) ring for thirty five euro. I obviously was not going to pay that. He eventually went down to twenty euro, but that was still too much, and I turned it down. Clifton said that was too much too, so I am glad I didn't buy it. There will be others in Rome to buy and or look at. We walked down this big hill/road away from the entrance of the ruins, and stopped at a "Ma and Pop" restaurant. He got them to give us an antipasta, pasta, second dish, and french fries and or salad plus wine and water for thirteen euro. That was a good deal, and one that we all wanted. We didn't want to spend that much on food. So, I had bread to start out with, these fried fish ball things that were basically batter with fish in it, and fried. They tasted like hush puppies but with a lighter crust. It was really good. Then came the lasagna. It was delicious too. Last was veal, breaded and fried, with french fries or a salad. Everything was so good, and we were all SO hungry. We left, and got on our train to Naples. I fell asleep because I was so tired, but when I woke up we got off the train in order to wait for our connecting train. We got done with Pompei earlier than Clifton expected, so he eventually changed tickets for an earlier time. We were all just SO wiped out from the heat, and our sun tans/ burns on our shoulders and chests, and from walking SO much. I just sat on the side of the walkway, slouched down and trying not to fall asleep; everyone was. But, sure enough we got on our train to Rome, which was the nice train again. I sat with Ashleigh, Jessica, and Clifton, and you better believe I was sleeping most of the time. We got to Rome, and got off the train, to the connecting train to Civitavecchia. We actually got seats too, which is difficult considerring we got there around the time people are coming home from work. We got on at Roma Termini, and by the time we were through all of the Rome exits, there were so many people standing. I fell asleep, again, and we also talked about the dance in culture class people will be taking over the summer. Once to Civitavecchia, Clifton bought us train passes, and we went on our way into our hotel. A few of us, Ashleigh, jessica, Mara, Kylene, Kaitlyn, and Jordan went to get food and make up. I got a pizz rossa con mozarella. It was good, with a coke and gelato. I had amarena (cherry) and chocolate. We then mapped out what our day in Rome is going to be like. I honestly am worried about getting it all done. We will thought, we just have to stay focused. We can see what we need to see, we just can't take too much time. Well, I am extremely exhausted, and I want to go to sleep. We are leaving here for Rome at 8:45. Ciao everyone! Italy has been great so far!!
-WooHoo for dance in Italy
Monday, May 24, 2010
Day 7
Today was a relaxed, fun day. We woke up and went to the market to look for things. Its open every morning, from some time really early until 12:00. They sell everything; food, clothing, purses, jewelry, luggage, sungalsses, shoes. It's great. I bought a few things. Two necklaces, one for me, one for Julia. I bought several scarves at 3 euro a piece. Not bad. The necklaces were only two euro a piece. I got a wallet for five, and a pair of lady bug earrings, maybe for me, or maybe for Bryce's mommy. I haven't decided yet. But they will most likely go to her. She loves lady bugs. After that we rushed to get ready to leave for Cerenova for the children's show. We got ready, and Ashleigh and I were the last ones not down there yet. We got a call from Jessica, saying the bus was about to leave, Clifton was down there. We were on our way anyway, so we got down there, and got on the bus. We didn't realize there was even a bus anyways. The day before we rode to tolfa in cars. It would have been nice to know that, and also nice to know the bus was parked on the other side of the hotel. We made it though, and right on time. Clifton made it seem like we were late and he was going to leave us, but we weren't even late. Oh well. We got on the bus with some of the Italian dancers. We were ready to go. I took some pictures on the way there of the road signs and highway signs, and a lot of the scenery on the way there. There is so much natural beauty in Italy. Things just work out and look beautiful. There are so many natural beauties that it makes it so easy to create beautiful cities. The ocean, the rolling mountains, the trees. They all add to the old buildings with their history and their ornate beauty.
ANYWAYS,We get to Cerenova, arrive at the school, and are greeted by the cutest little five-or-so year olds I have ever seen. All the children wear little smocks over their regular clothes, pink for girls, blue for boys. And they sang us a song when we got there. "If you're happy and you know it clap you're hands". It was so cute! After they stomped their feet and snapped their fingers, they sang the best part. "If you're happy and you know it say we are, 'WE ARE!' ". SO CUTE! We recorded some of it, and took pictures, and then got ready to do Britney. There were only two dances being performed; ours and the Italian dancers one with baloons. We got dressed, waited for the kids to come into the small little gym they had, and we were introduced. We were stretching in the gym when they all filed in. Once in, Caterina introduced everyone. She asked the kids how to greet someone from America. They said hello. Then they said Ciao to the Italian dancers. They danced first, then we went on. The whole time they were talking through our routine, but it was a big compliment. It was as if they were seeing a magic show and were responding to everything we were doing. They were so excited that it made me excited to dance for them. That was the greatest feeling. Even if it wasn't perfect, they loved it just the same. We heard loud cheers when we were done, and Caterina introduced Clifton.I am pretty sure she asked them if they had any questions, but they were too young and shy to ask. So, they sang "if you're happy and you know it" again for us. It was still just as cute. There was this one girl with pig tails, dirty blond hair and thick, clear rimmed glasses. She was adorable. The little boys were cute too. One could not stop smiling and blushing at us. I have forgotten how much I love little kids! After that we changed and headed out. As I was walking out and got my camera out of my bag, my necklace that I had bought at the Saturday market fell out of my bag, and the hook made of glass on the back broke off. I broke my necklace within two days of having it. I was really mad. I want to go back Thursday morning and try to get another one.
We got back, and I was exhausted. I laid on my bed waiting for everyone to let me know when we were going to the beach. Well I fell asleep but no one came to get me for the beach, so I woke up like, three hours later. I got gelato with Ashleigh and Heather, and brought it back to the room. I tried Pesce (peach) and tuttobosco. I have had tuttobosco last year. It is like a miz of blackberries, rasberries, cranberries, blueberries. Just a mixed berry. I love it. then, we showered, got ready for dinner, ate, and came back to the hotel. We had pizza, individual pizzas but they were still very large. I accidentally ordered the wrong pizza. I wanted Busco... I'm not sure. Something that starts with a B and has sausage and mushrooms on it. Instead I got a pizza with olives, prosciutto, artichokes, mushrooms,and mozzarella cheese. It was still good, but mushrooms and artichokes are not my favorite, even though the pizza I wanted had mushrooms on it too. The one I got was something like capriccosa. I also tried the cocktail d' amore. It was something peach and grenadine and something else, I can't spell it. It was good. Came with a cherry so I was happy. We got back to the room, and just relaxed. We looked at the map for Rome to talk about that, two days in advance. Then just getting ready for bed really. We are getting up and leaving for the train station at 5:45 AM for Pompeii. It will be a three and a half hour ride to Pompeii. We will get off at Naples and then take another train into Pompeii. Just a side note, Pompeii is part of or really really close to Naples. I can't wait to see what it will be like. Rome I have been to and know what to expect for the most part- a city you honestly cannot see in a day. But Pompeii, I can't wait. Well, off to bed. Goodnight everyone! Grandma and Grandpa I heard youall are reading this so I will let you know how the Pope is when I see him on Wednesday :). Love you all! Ciao!
ANYWAYS,We get to Cerenova, arrive at the school, and are greeted by the cutest little five-or-so year olds I have ever seen. All the children wear little smocks over their regular clothes, pink for girls, blue for boys. And they sang us a song when we got there. "If you're happy and you know it clap you're hands". It was so cute! After they stomped their feet and snapped their fingers, they sang the best part. "If you're happy and you know it say we are, 'WE ARE!' ". SO CUTE! We recorded some of it, and took pictures, and then got ready to do Britney. There were only two dances being performed; ours and the Italian dancers one with baloons. We got dressed, waited for the kids to come into the small little gym they had, and we were introduced. We were stretching in the gym when they all filed in. Once in, Caterina introduced everyone. She asked the kids how to greet someone from America. They said hello. Then they said Ciao to the Italian dancers. They danced first, then we went on. The whole time they were talking through our routine, but it was a big compliment. It was as if they were seeing a magic show and were responding to everything we were doing. They were so excited that it made me excited to dance for them. That was the greatest feeling. Even if it wasn't perfect, they loved it just the same. We heard loud cheers when we were done, and Caterina introduced Clifton.I am pretty sure she asked them if they had any questions, but they were too young and shy to ask. So, they sang "if you're happy and you know it" again for us. It was still just as cute. There was this one girl with pig tails, dirty blond hair and thick, clear rimmed glasses. She was adorable. The little boys were cute too. One could not stop smiling and blushing at us. I have forgotten how much I love little kids! After that we changed and headed out. As I was walking out and got my camera out of my bag, my necklace that I had bought at the Saturday market fell out of my bag, and the hook made of glass on the back broke off. I broke my necklace within two days of having it. I was really mad. I want to go back Thursday morning and try to get another one.
We got back, and I was exhausted. I laid on my bed waiting for everyone to let me know when we were going to the beach. Well I fell asleep but no one came to get me for the beach, so I woke up like, three hours later. I got gelato with Ashleigh and Heather, and brought it back to the room. I tried Pesce (peach) and tuttobosco. I have had tuttobosco last year. It is like a miz of blackberries, rasberries, cranberries, blueberries. Just a mixed berry. I love it. then, we showered, got ready for dinner, ate, and came back to the hotel. We had pizza, individual pizzas but they were still very large. I accidentally ordered the wrong pizza. I wanted Busco... I'm not sure. Something that starts with a B and has sausage and mushrooms on it. Instead I got a pizza with olives, prosciutto, artichokes, mushrooms,and mozzarella cheese. It was still good, but mushrooms and artichokes are not my favorite, even though the pizza I wanted had mushrooms on it too. The one I got was something like capriccosa. I also tried the cocktail d' amore. It was something peach and grenadine and something else, I can't spell it. It was good. Came with a cherry so I was happy. We got back to the room, and just relaxed. We looked at the map for Rome to talk about that, two days in advance. Then just getting ready for bed really. We are getting up and leaving for the train station at 5:45 AM for Pompeii. It will be a three and a half hour ride to Pompeii. We will get off at Naples and then take another train into Pompeii. Just a side note, Pompeii is part of or really really close to Naples. I can't wait to see what it will be like. Rome I have been to and know what to expect for the most part- a city you honestly cannot see in a day. But Pompeii, I can't wait. Well, off to bed. Goodnight everyone! Grandma and Grandpa I heard youall are reading this so I will let you know how the Pope is when I see him on Wednesday :). Love you all! Ciao!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Day 6
One word for today. LOOOOONNNNNGGGG. But fun. We woke up, breakfast, and dressed and ready to go to Tolfa by 10:30. Since we were performing there we were having our tech there earlier. The drive to Tolfa was really pretty. Windy roads in the country,and so many hills and rolling valleys. We saw a small town, which I can't remember the name, but it was basically built into the side of a very large hill (maybe a mountain then? I'm not sure what would be considerred smaller than a mountain but bigger than a hill.) It was beautiful. It was just like the post cards or pictures you see in books or videos about Italy. It was all older buildings with that light peach color and orange, clay shingle roofs. I tried to get a picture but since we were driving and there was a very large amount of greenery on the side of the road it made it difficult. On the way to Tolfa, the small city that I don't know the name of had stop lights with smiley or sad faces in them. Red lights has a sad face, green lights had smiley faces. It was really funny. I got a picture.
Tolfa was beautiful too. Again, another small town with old buildings and cobblestone streets. Their theatre was really nice though. It was small, but the seats were new, and the stage was a nice size. The wings on the stage were a little small, but again, it was such a nice place to be performing when in another country. We rehearsed our pieces along with the Baleto de Civitavecchia's peices (the studio we have been working with- we had a combined show). Afterwards, we ate prosciutto and cheese sandwiches on thick rolls along with literally the best, refreshing tea I've had. After that we packed up our stuff to go back to the studio. We had time to go back and rest instead of staying at one of the Italian dancer's house. I was happy to go back because I was exhausted. It is funny how much you forget you're in a mountain. It was harder to breath. But I really wouldn't be reminded of that until later that night. We slept, or most of us slept, until around 5:45, then got ready again and left for Tolfa part 2 at 6:30. We got there, and there was another show going on, a theatre show that we knew had been scheduled then, so we went to this public gym to warm up in. We grabbed chairs, gymnastic bars, a bench, anything we could to use as a barre. We warmed up, went across the floor, and it was time to go. We got back, went to our dressing room (which the Italian girls had given up to us very very nicely), and prepared for the show. It was strange to see the audience in the theatre while Francesco was setting up the lights. It was just another example of the relaxed attitude of the people of Italy.
We performed and it went well. It was a lot harder to perform, mostly to breath. I think it was because of the altitude honestly. People who don't normally have breathing issues were having them. I got really tired during Click (the second of four dances I performed). But, we got through it, and it made me feel so happy when it was over. The mayor came up on stage and thanked us for being there, and how he was a foreign exchange student at one point too, so he knows how it is and how much he misses his host family, friends, and marshmallows haha. He was really nice. Clifton stepped on my toe with the toenail growing back at the end of the show :(. We had forgotten we had to stay onstage for like a final showing of everyone in the show to come out, and so as I was running out, he stepped on my toe. It was bleeding a little, but it is okay. It is fine now. We got dressed, took pictures, and were told to hurry so we could go eat. The mayor had picked out a nice place for us to eat, and another man who ended up eating with us made reservations. Right before we left, the Italian dancers had given some of us their balloons (balonchino in italian) that they used in a piece and we were going to let them go. That was so exciting to me because I used to do that as a kid! We let them go, and took pictures. It was exciting. Both groups, who can't speak a language fluently to each other, had a moment :).
We ate at a small restaurant in Tolfa, and it was SOOO good. Our appetizer was bread with olive oil, the best bruchetta in the world, salamis and prosciuttos, the freshest parmesian cheese ever, and red wine. We tried a bruschetta with a mushroom mix and another with beans on it. All were delicious in their own way :). Next was ravioli. And I know I am going on about the food, but it was soooo good. It was stuffed with chesse and spinach. I put parmesian cheese and peppercinis on it (like red pepper flakes that people put on pizza). Next was pork, that was roasted over a fire in one big pig like the old fashioned way, and seasoned with good seasonings like parsley and others I couldn't make out. We were given a fresh mix of iceburg and romain lettuce with olive oil and salt too, and then some potatoes cut and baked in olive oil and salt. Finally, we had gelatto. All different types of it too. There was a chocolate with chocolate sprinkles, a lemon sorbet, an orange sorbet, and white chocolate with coffee in the middle! I ate most of Tiffany's lemon sorbet because we weren't given the option to choose, just given what we were given. I had the orange and ended up giving it to Andy. I had a bite of all of them, and they were all so good. Then, we unfortunately had a tiny glass of lemon cello, Clifton's favorite drink. I personally don't like it, but he seems to think I do, so I was given a shot glass of it. It is a lemon drink usually consumed after a meal to cleanse the pallet, a finishing touch sort of thing. You sip on it, you don't chug it or anything. But honestly to me, I think its gross either way. After that, we left, very full and at nearly one A.M. We didn't get there until 11:00. Late dinners here in Italy are very very common. Weird, I know. It was very late, but we had had a show, so it was an exception. After that, I tried taking a picture for Andy of him and Caterina, the owner of the dance studio we were dancing with. It was funny because it took four pictures until I got one with her eyes open. It was just a funny way to top off the night.
Caterina drove Ashleigh, Heather, Mara, and myself back to Civitavecchia, and we got into our rooms. I felt car sick when we got back, maybe because of the combination of windy roads in the dark, lemon cello, and coming down form high altitudes; Not to mention I was sitting in the back seat. But I feel better now after I laid down and got some water. Silly small cars on windy roads. Thats another thing, I'm sure everyone knows, but the cars here are small. You can find some American made cars, like Jeep, and Honda. We saw a chevy SUV once too. They definitely stand out from the tiny ferrari cars that are all over.
Today was a fun day. Through all of the rehearsals and long days being sore and tired, it was well worth it. The people here have so much more appreciation for the arts than in the U.S. We had met an American who has been living in Tolfa for two years now as an archeologist. He literally hasn't talked to an American in two years, so the mayor went and got him (his name is Kevin) and told him to come to the theatre because Americans were there. He was so excited to see us and be able to talk in English. He came to the show that night too and we were able to talk to him afterwards. He was the one who talked about art in Italy. They do have a better respect for art here, I think its because of all of the laws against a lot of free speech or unconventional art in Italy. Giorgio (Clifton's other half) talked about how things are bad in Italy because there are laws against certain shows such as acting or dancing. I am not quite sure what, but I know freedom of speech is an issue, and the "ruler" of Italy has a lot of filtering and control on the media and what's on tv. People revolt all over the country, and start their own theatres where they can do what they want... illegally. I feel that art is a prized thing here in Italy. Caterina was even talking about how she teaches dance at a school. It is part of their scheduling. It just goes to show how they incorporate it in their lives. I think it's a great thing, and a great example of how art is really a precious thing that needs to be better appreciated in the U.S.
Well, Goodnight all! Ciao! Tomorrow morning I will be going to market and then have a children's show. We are only doing Britney and Michelle's piece, so I only have one more piece before I can start thinking about being a true tourist in Rome and Pompeii! YAY! Ciao!
Tolfa was beautiful too. Again, another small town with old buildings and cobblestone streets. Their theatre was really nice though. It was small, but the seats were new, and the stage was a nice size. The wings on the stage were a little small, but again, it was such a nice place to be performing when in another country. We rehearsed our pieces along with the Baleto de Civitavecchia's peices (the studio we have been working with- we had a combined show). Afterwards, we ate prosciutto and cheese sandwiches on thick rolls along with literally the best, refreshing tea I've had. After that we packed up our stuff to go back to the studio. We had time to go back and rest instead of staying at one of the Italian dancer's house. I was happy to go back because I was exhausted. It is funny how much you forget you're in a mountain. It was harder to breath. But I really wouldn't be reminded of that until later that night. We slept, or most of us slept, until around 5:45, then got ready again and left for Tolfa part 2 at 6:30. We got there, and there was another show going on, a theatre show that we knew had been scheduled then, so we went to this public gym to warm up in. We grabbed chairs, gymnastic bars, a bench, anything we could to use as a barre. We warmed up, went across the floor, and it was time to go. We got back, went to our dressing room (which the Italian girls had given up to us very very nicely), and prepared for the show. It was strange to see the audience in the theatre while Francesco was setting up the lights. It was just another example of the relaxed attitude of the people of Italy.
We performed and it went well. It was a lot harder to perform, mostly to breath. I think it was because of the altitude honestly. People who don't normally have breathing issues were having them. I got really tired during Click (the second of four dances I performed). But, we got through it, and it made me feel so happy when it was over. The mayor came up on stage and thanked us for being there, and how he was a foreign exchange student at one point too, so he knows how it is and how much he misses his host family, friends, and marshmallows haha. He was really nice. Clifton stepped on my toe with the toenail growing back at the end of the show :(. We had forgotten we had to stay onstage for like a final showing of everyone in the show to come out, and so as I was running out, he stepped on my toe. It was bleeding a little, but it is okay. It is fine now. We got dressed, took pictures, and were told to hurry so we could go eat. The mayor had picked out a nice place for us to eat, and another man who ended up eating with us made reservations. Right before we left, the Italian dancers had given some of us their balloons (balonchino in italian) that they used in a piece and we were going to let them go. That was so exciting to me because I used to do that as a kid! We let them go, and took pictures. It was exciting. Both groups, who can't speak a language fluently to each other, had a moment :).
We ate at a small restaurant in Tolfa, and it was SOOO good. Our appetizer was bread with olive oil, the best bruchetta in the world, salamis and prosciuttos, the freshest parmesian cheese ever, and red wine. We tried a bruschetta with a mushroom mix and another with beans on it. All were delicious in their own way :). Next was ravioli. And I know I am going on about the food, but it was soooo good. It was stuffed with chesse and spinach. I put parmesian cheese and peppercinis on it (like red pepper flakes that people put on pizza). Next was pork, that was roasted over a fire in one big pig like the old fashioned way, and seasoned with good seasonings like parsley and others I couldn't make out. We were given a fresh mix of iceburg and romain lettuce with olive oil and salt too, and then some potatoes cut and baked in olive oil and salt. Finally, we had gelatto. All different types of it too. There was a chocolate with chocolate sprinkles, a lemon sorbet, an orange sorbet, and white chocolate with coffee in the middle! I ate most of Tiffany's lemon sorbet because we weren't given the option to choose, just given what we were given. I had the orange and ended up giving it to Andy. I had a bite of all of them, and they were all so good. Then, we unfortunately had a tiny glass of lemon cello, Clifton's favorite drink. I personally don't like it, but he seems to think I do, so I was given a shot glass of it. It is a lemon drink usually consumed after a meal to cleanse the pallet, a finishing touch sort of thing. You sip on it, you don't chug it or anything. But honestly to me, I think its gross either way. After that, we left, very full and at nearly one A.M. We didn't get there until 11:00. Late dinners here in Italy are very very common. Weird, I know. It was very late, but we had had a show, so it was an exception. After that, I tried taking a picture for Andy of him and Caterina, the owner of the dance studio we were dancing with. It was funny because it took four pictures until I got one with her eyes open. It was just a funny way to top off the night.
Caterina drove Ashleigh, Heather, Mara, and myself back to Civitavecchia, and we got into our rooms. I felt car sick when we got back, maybe because of the combination of windy roads in the dark, lemon cello, and coming down form high altitudes; Not to mention I was sitting in the back seat. But I feel better now after I laid down and got some water. Silly small cars on windy roads. Thats another thing, I'm sure everyone knows, but the cars here are small. You can find some American made cars, like Jeep, and Honda. We saw a chevy SUV once too. They definitely stand out from the tiny ferrari cars that are all over.
Today was a fun day. Through all of the rehearsals and long days being sore and tired, it was well worth it. The people here have so much more appreciation for the arts than in the U.S. We had met an American who has been living in Tolfa for two years now as an archeologist. He literally hasn't talked to an American in two years, so the mayor went and got him (his name is Kevin) and told him to come to the theatre because Americans were there. He was so excited to see us and be able to talk in English. He came to the show that night too and we were able to talk to him afterwards. He was the one who talked about art in Italy. They do have a better respect for art here, I think its because of all of the laws against a lot of free speech or unconventional art in Italy. Giorgio (Clifton's other half) talked about how things are bad in Italy because there are laws against certain shows such as acting or dancing. I am not quite sure what, but I know freedom of speech is an issue, and the "ruler" of Italy has a lot of filtering and control on the media and what's on tv. People revolt all over the country, and start their own theatres where they can do what they want... illegally. I feel that art is a prized thing here in Italy. Caterina was even talking about how she teaches dance at a school. It is part of their scheduling. It just goes to show how they incorporate it in their lives. I think it's a great thing, and a great example of how art is really a precious thing that needs to be better appreciated in the U.S.
Well, Goodnight all! Ciao! Tomorrow morning I will be going to market and then have a children's show. We are only doing Britney and Michelle's piece, so I only have one more piece before I can start thinking about being a true tourist in Rome and Pompeii! YAY! Ciao!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Day 5
Today was a fun day. We started our day the same, breakfast around nine, and dance at 11:00. Heather and Ashleigh had to go buy jeans to cut up for a costume for one of the pieces, so they went to the market in town (outside market, open daily with food and clothing, where people get their fresh food daily) to get jeans. We all met up at the studio and took class from Caterina, the studio owner of the dance studio we have been rehearsing in. She is a great teacher, who gives you really great corrections. It was nice to take class from a woman, because she gives us more feminine movements than when taking from a man. We also took the class with some of her students, who I had met last year. Some of them were Laura, Nicole, Federica, Francesca, and I think two others. We waited to watch them rehearse one or two pieces, then we started. We ran Michelle's piece and it looked good, much better than when they first started running it here. Next was Britney, and it went well. I fell on my knee a little too hard this time after our fuete turns, but I will be fine. I will just be coming back to America with a few more bruises then when I left. After Britney we ran Spantango. By this point I was ready to do it. I was motivated, and still running on adrenaline from Britney. We had girls watching from Caterina's studio, so we wanted to really do well. Then we ran the pointe pieces. We started with Click. I did pretty well on my new part I had to learn, its a trio with Kaitlyn and Andy. I am filling in for Natalie since she is not here. Other than that though, it was better from yesterday, at least for me.
Next, and last of my routines was Clauser. It went well again, Clifton was calling things out that I was doing wrong though, and because of a previous statement he had made about a certain movement (a small thing, he said out legs were bent when we do retires --It's okay if your'e reading this and don't know what that is) I knew the leg wasn't bent, but he thought it was. He was in actuality thinking of another movement we do, in coupe where our other leg is bent. ANYWAYS! (you can go to ABT.com in their dictionary if you really want to know what that is lol) so we ran it, and We were going over a correction he had told me in Clauser. He said to take my hips where I was going in my attitude turn. I didn't notice that I wasn't doing that. I did it a few times, fixing or changing something everytime. And then, I did it with my upper body spiraled like he said. It was a very beautiful, held, stay up on pointe kinda pirouette. Literally everyone in the room was like, "Oooooooh". It made me happy :) I did something that was really nice. Now I just have to keep it! Kaitlyn and Mara ran Classic, a pointe duet, and Tiffany and I, being understudies, marked it on the side. After that we were done! We found out that the theatre we are performing in tomorrow booked two shows, so, I'm not sure what exactly that means, but it was somewhat stressful even though they were booked at two different times, so bottom line is we still perform at 8:30 I think?? Clifton says don't ask questions, so we don't. We went to this pizzeria for lunch that we have eaten at twice before, once for lunch, another for dinner. I have written about it before, about two days ago for dinner. The department was paying for our meal! :) There are options for what you can have for each course. There are two main courses and two courses after that, if I remember correctly. I had the canneloni, which was very good. (stuffed, tube-like shells with spinach and ricotta cheese). We had the option of french fries or a mixed salad with olive oil and vinegar and I chose french fries because their french fries are amazing. Honestly. People in Italy have french fries too. I was supposed to get this pizza-like thing, with garlic and tomatos and I think meat on it? I never got it, I think they forgot about me. But I was curious to try that the most. Then, I had veal with marinara sauce, which was better without the sauce honestly, but by the time I got the veal I was getting full.
All of that food, plus to die for bread before hand and a coke for the first time this trip, and I was full. What a great way to work off your food than shop! we went shopping again today. There was a whole new street of stores we hadn't gone in the other day that Ashleigh and Heather had found, so we checked them out. We also visited a few of our favorites we had been in already, and ones we didn't make it in time to yesterday. I did really well again, and didn't buy much. We went to this outdoor market near the restaurant, and I got a very pretty, and unique necklace. Its like a glass shape with different colors and designs inside of it. I wore it tonight to get my panini, bellini, and cannoli. I also got a very cute white jacket and a beautiful scarf with teals and pinks and whites in it at the same store I bought a shirt at last year. Good store huh. I love what I bought, and they were all at moderate prices. After the shopping was done, we went back to the hotel. I was wiped out. But, I showered, and got dressed to go get drinks with a few of the dancers. It ended up being Kaitlyn, Kylene, Jessica, Mara, Heather, Ashleigh, and Andy. It was fun, and relaxing. I got un tommo y pomodoro y mayionese, tuna and tomato with mayonaise. Its one of my favorites there, and I needed some protein. I am always hungry because we are always dancing! Then, we walked outside to the outdoor bar right next to the gelateria we got our sandwiches, and ordered our drinks. We all only had one, we weren't trying to get crazy, just having a taste of the culture there. Most people got an Italian beer, Petroni. It tasted good, smooth and Mara told me it was a lighter ale. A few of us, including myself got the ever so delicious peach bellini. Peach schnopps, peach puree, and champagne. It was good, just like last year. After that, we walked back, a few of us got gelato, and I tried my first real, authentic, cannoli from Italy! I never had time last year to try one, and I finally got to! I was so excited to get to blog about it and tell my mom, because it is her favorite dessert :). I took pictures mom, don't worry, and it was SO good. Definitely worth another trip to Italy for. I found out that Cannoli is a sicilian dessert, so it is really only found in Sicily, unless there is a sicilian gelateria nearby. I was in luck. It was delicious. After I brought it back to the room and ate it all, a few of us hung out in my room again. Once things had quieted down to just myself, Ashleigh, Tiffany, Heather, and Andy, we head cars, fireworks, and cheering. We looked outside, and saw tons of cars lined up miles down the road in traffic. Italy had just won the European soccer championship against Madrid or Barcelona! It was so cool to see them all celebrating. A few people looked at us on our balcony from their cars, and cheered to us, we cheered back, and they cheered even louder. There was so much pride in their country in the people on the road. I took a video of the cars, and took in this crazy sight. It was really fun to see, and be here for a time like this. Last year we were in Rome the day before the world cup semifinals were to be played there. That was intense too. After we settled down a bit, Andy helped my Soaz muscle, the one on the lateral side of your thigh, and rubbed some knots out of it. It was really hurting, to the point where it hurt to walk too. Since you can't stretch that tendon/muscle, you have to rub on it. Well it helped, and then before we went to bed he helped me again, and I am now currently enjoying completely open sinuses thanks to the muscle rub I put on both my thighs. It has helped my leg too. Well, tomorrow is our performance. I am going to bed, earlier than I have this whole week. I am proud. I am looking forward to being in Tolfa tomorrow for the show. Goodnight all! I hear Louisville is having good weather! Ciao!
Next, and last of my routines was Clauser. It went well again, Clifton was calling things out that I was doing wrong though, and because of a previous statement he had made about a certain movement (a small thing, he said out legs were bent when we do retires --It's okay if your'e reading this and don't know what that is) I knew the leg wasn't bent, but he thought it was. He was in actuality thinking of another movement we do, in coupe where our other leg is bent. ANYWAYS! (you can go to ABT.com in their dictionary if you really want to know what that is lol) so we ran it, and We were going over a correction he had told me in Clauser. He said to take my hips where I was going in my attitude turn. I didn't notice that I wasn't doing that. I did it a few times, fixing or changing something everytime. And then, I did it with my upper body spiraled like he said. It was a very beautiful, held, stay up on pointe kinda pirouette. Literally everyone in the room was like, "Oooooooh". It made me happy :) I did something that was really nice. Now I just have to keep it! Kaitlyn and Mara ran Classic, a pointe duet, and Tiffany and I, being understudies, marked it on the side. After that we were done! We found out that the theatre we are performing in tomorrow booked two shows, so, I'm not sure what exactly that means, but it was somewhat stressful even though they were booked at two different times, so bottom line is we still perform at 8:30 I think?? Clifton says don't ask questions, so we don't. We went to this pizzeria for lunch that we have eaten at twice before, once for lunch, another for dinner. I have written about it before, about two days ago for dinner. The department was paying for our meal! :) There are options for what you can have for each course. There are two main courses and two courses after that, if I remember correctly. I had the canneloni, which was very good. (stuffed, tube-like shells with spinach and ricotta cheese). We had the option of french fries or a mixed salad with olive oil and vinegar and I chose french fries because their french fries are amazing. Honestly. People in Italy have french fries too. I was supposed to get this pizza-like thing, with garlic and tomatos and I think meat on it? I never got it, I think they forgot about me. But I was curious to try that the most. Then, I had veal with marinara sauce, which was better without the sauce honestly, but by the time I got the veal I was getting full.
All of that food, plus to die for bread before hand and a coke for the first time this trip, and I was full. What a great way to work off your food than shop! we went shopping again today. There was a whole new street of stores we hadn't gone in the other day that Ashleigh and Heather had found, so we checked them out. We also visited a few of our favorites we had been in already, and ones we didn't make it in time to yesterday. I did really well again, and didn't buy much. We went to this outdoor market near the restaurant, and I got a very pretty, and unique necklace. Its like a glass shape with different colors and designs inside of it. I wore it tonight to get my panini, bellini, and cannoli. I also got a very cute white jacket and a beautiful scarf with teals and pinks and whites in it at the same store I bought a shirt at last year. Good store huh. I love what I bought, and they were all at moderate prices. After the shopping was done, we went back to the hotel. I was wiped out. But, I showered, and got dressed to go get drinks with a few of the dancers. It ended up being Kaitlyn, Kylene, Jessica, Mara, Heather, Ashleigh, and Andy. It was fun, and relaxing. I got un tommo y pomodoro y mayionese, tuna and tomato with mayonaise. Its one of my favorites there, and I needed some protein. I am always hungry because we are always dancing! Then, we walked outside to the outdoor bar right next to the gelateria we got our sandwiches, and ordered our drinks. We all only had one, we weren't trying to get crazy, just having a taste of the culture there. Most people got an Italian beer, Petroni. It tasted good, smooth and Mara told me it was a lighter ale. A few of us, including myself got the ever so delicious peach bellini. Peach schnopps, peach puree, and champagne. It was good, just like last year. After that, we walked back, a few of us got gelato, and I tried my first real, authentic, cannoli from Italy! I never had time last year to try one, and I finally got to! I was so excited to get to blog about it and tell my mom, because it is her favorite dessert :). I took pictures mom, don't worry, and it was SO good. Definitely worth another trip to Italy for. I found out that Cannoli is a sicilian dessert, so it is really only found in Sicily, unless there is a sicilian gelateria nearby. I was in luck. It was delicious. After I brought it back to the room and ate it all, a few of us hung out in my room again. Once things had quieted down to just myself, Ashleigh, Tiffany, Heather, and Andy, we head cars, fireworks, and cheering. We looked outside, and saw tons of cars lined up miles down the road in traffic. Italy had just won the European soccer championship against Madrid or Barcelona! It was so cool to see them all celebrating. A few people looked at us on our balcony from their cars, and cheered to us, we cheered back, and they cheered even louder. There was so much pride in their country in the people on the road. I took a video of the cars, and took in this crazy sight. It was really fun to see, and be here for a time like this. Last year we were in Rome the day before the world cup semifinals were to be played there. That was intense too. After we settled down a bit, Andy helped my Soaz muscle, the one on the lateral side of your thigh, and rubbed some knots out of it. It was really hurting, to the point where it hurt to walk too. Since you can't stretch that tendon/muscle, you have to rub on it. Well it helped, and then before we went to bed he helped me again, and I am now currently enjoying completely open sinuses thanks to the muscle rub I put on both my thighs. It has helped my leg too. Well, tomorrow is our performance. I am going to bed, earlier than I have this whole week. I am proud. I am looking forward to being in Tolfa tomorrow for the show. Goodnight all! I hear Louisville is having good weather! Ciao!
Friday, May 21, 2010
the REAL day four
Okay. So today was pretty much the same. We woke up, ate breakfast, and went to the studio at eleven. We took class with a few of the Italian dancers from the studio we dance at, Baleto de Civitavecchia in Clifton's ballet class. I felt better during class; I was performing better. Then we ran our routines. We ran all of the pointe pieces first, Clauser, Click, and Classic. Then we ate lunch at the studio again, leftovers from yesterday and then some. We then ran Michelle's piece for an hour and a half, then ran Britney and Spantango.
It was a long day, but that didn't stop us from shopping! We went back to the rooms and changed. Then it was shop time. We went to the street where a lot of the stores are, including where the big market they have is located. I also went to the hippy store that I bought a beautiful ring from last year. All in all I did not spend too much, which I am proud of. I bought a purse/bag from the hippie store, a purple (gorgeous) scarf also from the hippie store, and a pair of cream sandals that are so cute! (yes mom, I do know I have plenty of sandals, but these were really really cute, and it was just my luck that there was one more pair in my size left. They were cheap too). Halfway through our shopping extravaganza, we came accross this fort that had been buried under the city from hundreds of years ago. It had been dug up, so it was covered with thick glass plates. You could see straight down to it, and walk over top of it. We took plenty of pictures. No worries. I know I need to upload them. Anyways, We stopped in a coffee shop because some people needed refreshments and a snack, then continued on. We didn't find too much after that, and eventually headed back a little after 8:00, when the stores close. Some of us stopped at this little restaurant to eat. We ordered different things, from pizza to pasta, to paninis. I got the lasagna and was starving so it was really really good. And yes, we did try some drinks that we had never had. I had the jungle bug. It tasted good.
Off to the hotel we go. I changed, and decided not to go out with a few of the girls who wanted to go out. I went to get gelato with Jordan, and got cookies and Amareta (cherries). It was yummy. There was a little drama with the phones that Clifton gave us. One person went out to get gelato without a phone, and Clifton called. Since a person was without a phone, we had to stay in for the night. That was fine by me, I was already in. The girls that were out however had to be called and told to come back. Apparently there was some confusion with who didn't answer their phones when they were called. Needless to say, everyone was and is fine, and the people that went out (including the one getting gelato-who was a boy so it is a little safer in this small town of Civitavecchia)came back and are fine. No harm done. They were only twenty feet away, and in the required group number. After that, I showered, and talked to Bryce on Skype for a bit, as long as the internet let me. It is a little slow here, and skype sucks so it was freezing a lot. Oovoo is interesting, but still slow in Italy anyways.
Everyone just hung out in our room after that. Just spending time together, talking, reading magazines, and watching Italian tv. We have to rest for tomorrow. We have yet another long day rehearsing. I do have a point to bring up, that makes me smile. Ashleigh went to get gelato on the way back with the group from dance, and when she came back she told me that we were famous here. The Gelato worker asked her if she was English. She said American, and that she was with the dance company from Western. He knew the group of us, and said oh that group! Everyone knows you're here! It was funny to hear that we are known celebrities around here. I guess we just stick out. I am not sure why. Probably because we are on a coast where many tourists go, and there are not too many tourists this time, so less of us Americans. It is the same every year. We stand out. But I don't mind. Nothing comes of it.
That is all I have to say about today. Tomorrow, hopefully dance will go by quickly. We may finish our shopping :) Buona Noce everyone!
It was a long day, but that didn't stop us from shopping! We went back to the rooms and changed. Then it was shop time. We went to the street where a lot of the stores are, including where the big market they have is located. I also went to the hippy store that I bought a beautiful ring from last year. All in all I did not spend too much, which I am proud of. I bought a purse/bag from the hippie store, a purple (gorgeous) scarf also from the hippie store, and a pair of cream sandals that are so cute! (yes mom, I do know I have plenty of sandals, but these were really really cute, and it was just my luck that there was one more pair in my size left. They were cheap too). Halfway through our shopping extravaganza, we came accross this fort that had been buried under the city from hundreds of years ago. It had been dug up, so it was covered with thick glass plates. You could see straight down to it, and walk over top of it. We took plenty of pictures. No worries. I know I need to upload them. Anyways, We stopped in a coffee shop because some people needed refreshments and a snack, then continued on. We didn't find too much after that, and eventually headed back a little after 8:00, when the stores close. Some of us stopped at this little restaurant to eat. We ordered different things, from pizza to pasta, to paninis. I got the lasagna and was starving so it was really really good. And yes, we did try some drinks that we had never had. I had the jungle bug. It tasted good.
Off to the hotel we go. I changed, and decided not to go out with a few of the girls who wanted to go out. I went to get gelato with Jordan, and got cookies and Amareta (cherries). It was yummy. There was a little drama with the phones that Clifton gave us. One person went out to get gelato without a phone, and Clifton called. Since a person was without a phone, we had to stay in for the night. That was fine by me, I was already in. The girls that were out however had to be called and told to come back. Apparently there was some confusion with who didn't answer their phones when they were called. Needless to say, everyone was and is fine, and the people that went out (including the one getting gelato-who was a boy so it is a little safer in this small town of Civitavecchia)came back and are fine. No harm done. They were only twenty feet away, and in the required group number. After that, I showered, and talked to Bryce on Skype for a bit, as long as the internet let me. It is a little slow here, and skype sucks so it was freezing a lot. Oovoo is interesting, but still slow in Italy anyways.
Everyone just hung out in our room after that. Just spending time together, talking, reading magazines, and watching Italian tv. We have to rest for tomorrow. We have yet another long day rehearsing. I do have a point to bring up, that makes me smile. Ashleigh went to get gelato on the way back with the group from dance, and when she came back she told me that we were famous here. The Gelato worker asked her if she was English. She said American, and that she was with the dance company from Western. He knew the group of us, and said oh that group! Everyone knows you're here! It was funny to hear that we are known celebrities around here. I guess we just stick out. I am not sure why. Probably because we are on a coast where many tourists go, and there are not too many tourists this time, so less of us Americans. It is the same every year. We stand out. But I don't mind. Nothing comes of it.
That is all I have to say about today. Tomorrow, hopefully dance will go by quickly. We may finish our shopping :) Buona Noce everyone!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Day 4
So today was a long day. It started out slow, and not fun, but we ended the day in a fun way. We woke up at 9, when I wanted to wake up at like 8:15. It is hard to wake up at the right time when you don't have an alarm clock. anyway, we ate breakfast, then scrambled up into our room to watch videos of Britney (one of our dances) and then to go over another dance (Michelle's piece, Feelin' Good). It was hectic, and a lot of people had opinons, but it got done. It was stressful. We went to the studio where we did ballet warm up, then ran the routines. We were there from 11:00- 4:00 Clifton brought us lunch, which was nice. Just some prosciutto, mozzarella, chips, lots of fruit options, and tea (which was really good). He didn't give us much time to eat, but it was enough. We ran everything but spantango, and we ran everything many times. The worst part has to have been Britney and Feelin' Good. Those are the ones with the most to work on. A lot of us had to pull the weight of the pieces missing Natalie in them since she isn't here. I am doing her duet/trio in Clicks with Kaitlyn, and Kaitlyn is doing a lot of different things. I think everyone is just let down about it all. We have to pick up the pieces in a way. The whole team thing is the theme I think. But, we are still having fun.
We finally finished at 4:00, and were wiped out. BUT, Jessica had never bee to a beach, so why not the one in our front yard?? We went back to the hotel and changed. The beach was really fun. We took a lot of pictures. There are a lot of cute ones, a few that are super cute, of us in the water or just on the beach. It was a rock beach, so the pebbles or small stones were everywhere, but where we were walking in the water was a cove sort of thing, so it didn't really have waves. It was neat. I liked it last year too. We all sort of forgot about the stress we had had earlier that day at the dance studio, and were just hanging out. We walked around to the sand side, Jessica and me, so that she can say she has been to a rock beach and a sandy beach. It wasn't the best sandy beach to go to. It still had a few rocks, and where the waves met the sand it was not sand but bigger rocks. But bottom line, she has ben to a sandy and rocky beach. And in Italy of all places. We went back to the room and got gelato at one of the many places on the strip next to the sea. I got banana and Kinde? I am not sure what it is but it tastes like cream and vanilla and chocolate together. It was good. Then, we got ready for dinner and went out. We ate at the same place we ate at for lunch yesterday. We ate (or I did) pasta arrabiata, Proscioutto and mozzarella, and french fries :) yes french fries. It was an option and apparently they love french fries over here. They are good too. We got all of that food and it was only 9 euro a piece. :)
It has been cool every night since we have been here, and it is really disappointing. I just want to wear my dresses and not have to worry about wearing a cartigan back to the hotel, and huddling up for warmth. A large group of us huddled together to get warm while another person got money from the ATM. We went back to the hotel, and hung out in the room. It was fun to spend more time with everyone, just hanging out. tomorrow is another long day of dancing. I am kind of bummed we will be rehearsing more this time than last because I want to spend more time in Italy than rehearsing. Oh well. It is late, and I need to sleep. But goodnight all! Ciao!
We finally finished at 4:00, and were wiped out. BUT, Jessica had never bee to a beach, so why not the one in our front yard?? We went back to the hotel and changed. The beach was really fun. We took a lot of pictures. There are a lot of cute ones, a few that are super cute, of us in the water or just on the beach. It was a rock beach, so the pebbles or small stones were everywhere, but where we were walking in the water was a cove sort of thing, so it didn't really have waves. It was neat. I liked it last year too. We all sort of forgot about the stress we had had earlier that day at the dance studio, and were just hanging out. We walked around to the sand side, Jessica and me, so that she can say she has been to a rock beach and a sandy beach. It wasn't the best sandy beach to go to. It still had a few rocks, and where the waves met the sand it was not sand but bigger rocks. But bottom line, she has ben to a sandy and rocky beach. And in Italy of all places. We went back to the room and got gelato at one of the many places on the strip next to the sea. I got banana and Kinde? I am not sure what it is but it tastes like cream and vanilla and chocolate together. It was good. Then, we got ready for dinner and went out. We ate at the same place we ate at for lunch yesterday. We ate (or I did) pasta arrabiata, Proscioutto and mozzarella, and french fries :) yes french fries. It was an option and apparently they love french fries over here. They are good too. We got all of that food and it was only 9 euro a piece. :)
It has been cool every night since we have been here, and it is really disappointing. I just want to wear my dresses and not have to worry about wearing a cartigan back to the hotel, and huddling up for warmth. A large group of us huddled together to get warm while another person got money from the ATM. We went back to the hotel, and hung out in the room. It was fun to spend more time with everyone, just hanging out. tomorrow is another long day of dancing. I am kind of bummed we will be rehearsing more this time than last because I want to spend more time in Italy than rehearsing. Oh well. It is late, and I need to sleep. But goodnight all! Ciao!
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