Half way through the semester!!!

Hi everyone!

It is so hard to believe that I am half way though my semester! As much as I miss home, I am not ready to leave Italy! The girls are I are in the process of switching rooms right now. Bri and Jen will have the balcony and Brit and I will have the bigger bathroom! It's exciting but so sad!

This past week was amazing! Tuesday my practicum teacher took our class to Santa Croce where we had the opportunity to climb to the top and view the frescos! The frescos are restored ever 10 years and they are in the process of restoring them now. The detail in the paintings are absolutely amazing!

View from the top of the Duomo!

Wednesday, my Art History class climbed 463 stairs to the top of the Duomo! The climb wasn't as hard as I thought it'd be! I had a 360 degree view of the city! Stephen found our street from up there. hahaha. The pictures that I took don't even begin to explain how beautiful it was! Brit and Bri haven't climbed it yet, so I'm going to climb it again with them!!! It's just so beautiful! Later that night all of us went out for margaritas then headed to a talent show! Jen and I filmed the show for Flow N' the Go. The show was a lot of fun! Chris and Elyse performed Love the Way You Lie and it was AMAZING! They had the entire crowd on its feet singing and clapping!

Love them all!

Thursday, Jen, Chris and I spent the day editing our package for Flow N' the Go. I'll post the link as soon as I get it. Then Chris and I filmed some stuff for our next Flashes of Florence video and filmed the cover band of Dave Mathews Band at Red Garter.

Roomies!

 

                                              Friday, I spent WAYYYYYY to much money! The weather here changed a lot faster than I had anticipated. Therefore, I went out and bought a few sweaters, winter jacket, and a pair of boots!! The boots were half off though so I don't feel as bad! The four of us girls just chilled that night. I got to skype: Glenn, JJJ, Andrew Pulsen, Justin and Troy that night! Seeing all of my best guy friends made me realized how much I miss Kent! :(

My new boots! :)

Saturday was the most absolutely perfect day ever! We spent the day in San Gimangnano! It was so nice to get out of the city for a day and enjoy Tuscany for what it really is! San Gimangnano is a very quiet town with a million different types of wine and cheese! I've always liked wine but I'm starting to LOVE it!! I just wish Brit could enjoy it with me! :( We think she's allergic to it because every time she has a sip it makes her sick!!! We've tried to find one for her, but we've pretty much given up!!

View of the Countryside! :)

Also, seeing Tuscany makes me want to live in the country one day! Don't get me wrong, I love the city, but I LOVE the peace and quiet of the country!

This is for you Nonna! :) haha

 Well, It's my turn to move my stuff into my new bedroom so I will post pictures next week! I will also be traveling to Venie Friday and Saturday!!! SOOOOO EXCITED!!!!!

Love you all,
Monique, Mo, Moe Moe, Meek, Meeker (which ever you prefer.) :)

A trip to Milano!

Ciao Amici,

This past week was a roller coaster. Emotions and friendships were definitely tested. My practicum class had a huge miss understanding with the professor, which upset a lot of people. Without getting into specifics both the students and professor are to blame. We met with the director and as of right now I think everything is going to turn out ok! (keeping my fingers crossed.)

 As for the friendships, I absolutely LOVE everyone here! I couldn't ask for a better group of people to share this experience with, but it's been about two months and everyone's little quirks/true colors are beginning to show. It can be difficult living and working with the same people every day. Therefore, to get away I have been going for walks and writing everything in my journal to relieve the stress. So far it has really worked!

CCI and our wonderful director Fabio in Milano!

Okay, on to the positive side of things! Wednesday night my practicum group attended a dinner and theater place. We had the opportunity to meet with the Public Relations coordinator of the theatre. It is the only place of its kind in the world! A full course dinner is served (buffet style). They continuously brought out different foods, which were all homemade! Every time a new dish was served the owner/chief yelled out the window what it was and people flew like vultures to the table!!! (He looked like Santa Claus.) They of course had fish, which I hate, and my professor brought a piece over and just chopped its head off!!! I literally almost screamed! It was the most disgusting thing ever! Then of course Chris and Brett had to go get a piece! I sat with my hand infront of my face until they finished! I don't care how childish it was, a fish head just sitting on the table it NOT okay with me!! I must say though, I did try a baby clam and it wasn't bad!

Kinda fuzzy :(

After dinner all the tables were moved out of the hall and our chairs were moved towards the stage. We enjoyed an hour performance all in Italian! Even though I couldn't understand most of it, I could read the body language and it was very interesting! I can't wait to go back and interview the workers!

Thursday I helped another practicum group with their project. They are putting together a documentary about wine. We attended a wine exhibit that housed the top 200 out of 20,000 wines in Italy. I could taste any of them for FREE!!! It was so interesting because I don't really know a lot about wine, other than I don't like it dry! I also had the chance to interview two wine experts. One was a critic and the other made it. Both were very helpful and nice! I might go with Jen to the winery next weekend if no one in her group wants to go!

Bar Duomo!

Me in front of the second largest cathedral in the world!

Friday I spent the day in Milano! Even though a lot of people say they don't like it, I LOVED it! It may be because I'm a shopaholic, but it was a beautiful city! The CCI and business students had the opportunity to walk the halls of Corriere Della Sera, the most popular nationwide newspaper in Italy! The staff was very kind and had a lot to say about their company!

delicious peach tea!

After that we had an hour of free time! We passed all the designer stores. (It's probably a good thing I didn't have time to shop.) The girls and I enjoyed lunch at Bar Duomo. Our waiters were so cute! It was super windy that day so they stood and blocked the wind for us. hahaha.

Later in the afternoon we met with Business Press and Now!, both are Italian PR companies. The workers were absolutely AMAZING! They were so intriguing and passionate about their jobs! The company is the PR firm for Facebook, so it was very interesting to hear about what they do for them!

Although I wish I had more time to explore the city itself, I did have a great time in Milano and would suggest each and every one of you to travel there if you have the opportunity.

The rest of the weekend I spent around Firenze! Saturday Brit, Bri, Eric and I spent the day at the leather market. I accomplished a little Christmas shopping.  :) Oh, and I bought myself a dolphin ring and bracelet!!! Then, Sunday I just spent the afternoon working on Marcus' birthday present and studying for my Italian exam! Next weekend I am hoping to discover Tuscany and the following weekend I will be in Venice!!!

I hope everyone is having a great fall season! Only 2 and a half months til we're reunited!!! <3

More like home :)

Ciao Amici,

Florence is beginning to feel more like home every day, but the time is flying by! Only two and a half more months to enjoy this amazing place!!!

Brit and I before Church!

Exploring Firenze these past two weeks has been amazing! I’ve gone to church at the Duomo twice now. Once an English mass and the other an Italian mass. Both experiences were extremely different from the Catholic Church at home. Instead of singing songs they speak them and for communion people just hop in line with no order what so ever. Also, no wine with communion!!! Never the less, I am very glad I went and I hope to continue to go the weekends that I am in Firenze!

my beautiful home :)

Game night :)

                                                                       For those of you who know how much I was struggling to move forward in my life, I have officially let go of the past. There is no longer a heavy weight holding me down and I’m so excited to see what the future has in store for me. I finally realized that what happened, happened and it's over. I needed to stop worrying and focus on the positive! The friendships I have made here are absolutely amazing!!! These people are like family! Jen and I hosted a game night and I’ve never laughed so hard! We played this impossible game with so many rules no one could keep them straight, and of course the celebrity game!

We did get yelled at for being too loud, but when you get 10 people in one apartment drinking wine, it was bound to happen! We quieted down right away and everything was ok.  :)

Gucci Museum!

Monday night, Jen was told Jennifer Lopez and Madonna were in Firenze for the opening of the Gucci Museum! (J LO was not and Madonna had already left) So, the four of us dressed up and ran down there! On our way we ran into some boys from UNC. We started talking and one of the kids went to high school with my friend from college. HOW WEIRD!!! I’m in a different country! It is SUCH a small world! Anyways, we were standing as close as we could to the entrance and saw Anna Wintour! Even though she is extremely rude it was still cool to be so close to her!! The security guards instantly became our friends and we joked around with them the entire night!!  

Friday I met a very cute Italian boy! His name was Raphael and he bought me a red rose hahaha. Next step, a vespa ride from an Italian boy!

This weekend Brit, Chris and I took an adventure to IKEA. It was the first time I had ever been to one, and it was SO FUN! We literally tested out every single bed! The store is huge! I finally bought a comfortable pillow and another towel!  Hopefully my neck pains will go away!

As far as classes go, they are great! I am working with an Italian website called Flo’N The Go. The website is geared towards tourists visiting Firenze! I get to write articles and produce packages about food, on stage performances and lifestyle!  This opportunity is going to be absolutely amazing!!! The first package I want to do is about this WONDERFUL Panini shop right by our school! The sandwiches are HUGE!!! You can get anything you want on it for 3 euro!!! And the bread…. SO FRESH!! I am officially addicted to it! Brit and I have decided we can only go once a week! Therefore, since Wednesday is our busiest day, we head over on our break!

My art history class is beyond spectacular! Living in Firenze, I am emerged in the history everywhere I go, but having such a knowledgeable professor is really enhancing my experience! As I walk through the piazzas. I know how they came to be and what use to be there and why!  The artwork is also phenomenal! I am truly blessed to have this experience! I wish I could fly all of you over on a plane to experience it with me!

 

Chris and I are also in the process of filming our next Flashes of Florence: Nightlife.  It will discuss restaurants, dancing, and the street performers! I’ll post the link as soon as we’re finished!!!

I love and miss you all!

Ciao tutti!

Amalfi Coast!!

Ciao!!

View from our hotel room

 I just returned from a four day trip to the Amalfi Coast! It was absolutely amazing! We stayed in Sorrento and our view was GORGEOUS! we could hear the waves at night! :) The only thing I did not like about our hotel was the fact that we had an ant infestation and NO hot water to shower with! Other than that, it was cute!


Ok, so.. Friday we were up early and off to Capri. We took a boat around the island and got a chance to see many different caves and cliffs. We also got to go into the Blue Grotto. It was absolutely amazing! We had to lay completely flat on this tiny boat until we were completely in. The sun shines in and the water looks like it's glowing! It is unlike anything I've ever seen! We got to jump in for a split second! A little chilly, but SOOO worth it!

Blue Grotto

That night the tour guides had a party for us but I was so tired I passed out before it even started! Infact, when one of our tour guides came into our room to check on our ant problem, I heard her say, "Are you guys coming down tonight?" Then she looked at Brit and I and went, "oh well they're passed out!!" I wanted to respond but I was too tired to open my eyes! Oh.. and I'm sick again.. it sucks but I've pretty much accepted that I will be sick this entire trip due to all the second hand smoke I will be inhaling!

The beautiful beach!

Saturday was nice and relaxing! After breakfast, we went to Positano and laid on the beach the ENTIRE day! It was so relaxing! When I wasn't basking in the sun, I was floating around; relaxing in the water. It was funny because during swim camp at Michigan we did a relaxing exercise. We had to tighten each muscle for 10 seconds then release it. We then had to imagine ourselves on our dream vacation... I did that.. then I realized I didn't have to imagine it! I WAS THERE! For the first time in a very long time I can honestly say I did not have a care in the world!

Pompeii ancient ruins

View from Mt. Vesuvius!

Sunday was my favorite day of the the trip! We spent the day in Pompeii. The ancient city is so amazing! They have maintained the ancient ruins so well! After touring through the city we grabbed lunch and then climbed Mount Vesuvius! I was standing on top of a 4,190 foot mountain!!!! The view looking out was unbelievable! I could see sooooo much!

The trip back wasn't too bad! I slept part of the way home and they had movies playing on the bus for us.

This week Brit and Bri will be in Paris Tuesday to Sunday with the fashion school. I do not have Italian class all week either, so it will be quiet and relaxing!! I'm hoping to catch up on some sleep and do some running :)





Also, Jen, Chris and I finish our first episode of Flashes of Florence! Let me know what you think!!! Vicolo Dei Cerchi

And.. For those of you who know about mine, Brit, Bri, and Jen's Nutella addiction we are now up to 15 jars!!!

 Have a good week everyone!!!

Never a dull day in Italia :)

Ciao!
This week I was very sick! I could barely stand up one day and I now have Strep and a very bad cold. Luckily, my roommates have been taking care of me, but now they are getting sick!

 This week Florence celebrated the birth of the Virgin Mary. They opened the terrace on the Duomo. It was so amazing looking at the city from above! The inside of the church is absolutely beautiful!

They also had a lighting of the lanterns ceremony. People had a mickey mouse and other decorated lanterns. I found one with Tweety!! I was so happy! Apparently, it's also a tradition for kids to  pelt clay balls at people!

Thursday night was the same thing but on the river! It was really cool. While we were sitting listening to a band play two very cute Italian men walked up to Brit, Bri and I and asked us to get gelato. They seemed very respectable and we were with other people who knew where we were going, so we did. They ended up being police officers. They were very friendly!

Friday we had a fun family night with all the CCI kids. We played a bunch of games and drank some wine :)




Saturday, Bri, Brit and I spent the day in Pisa. Literally the only thing in Pisa is the Leaning Tower. We had so much fun taking goofy pictures! We decided to make a video pretending to report the Leaning Tower of Pisa was falling and the place was going into panic! I'll edit and upload it soon!


Tonight, we're going to an American bar where they will be playing the Browns game! Thursday, I leave for the Almafi Coast, Pompeii and Capri!! I can't wait!!! I'll have pictures coming!



Ciao everyone!
Love you all!

School Starts!

Ciao Family and Friends!


So not much happened this week. Classes were great!
Brianna and Brittany cooked dinner for us on Tuesday and Jen and I made dinner Wednesday! It actually turned out well!! We made breaded chicken with green beans and rice. Our apartment is still standing and we're all alive! haha.. 

my New bag :)

I purchased a leather purse!! I absolutely LOVE it! It was originally 95 euro and I got the guy down to 55 euro! I was very proud of myself haha. It's perfect for school!

I also bought a pair of oxfords. They were only 12 Euro. I just wanted another pair of comfy shoes to walk in!










It was my friend Elye's 21st birthday, so we went out Friday night! Absolutely great night! Night life here is very big! Every night the streets and bars are packed! I have met so many cool people from just walking around at night. (Not by myself. I promise!) We became friends with the DJ at Blob and he let us DJ. It was so fun!

Imma DJ! hahah

Elyse and I

Other than that it's been a pretty normal week. Brit, Bri, myself and a few other girls got American breakfast this morning... NOT the same as back home, but it was nice to have eggs, toast, and pancakes. (We can't find syrup anywhere and we don't have a toaster to make toast.) It also rained today for the first time since we've been here so we just stayed in and did some travel planning!! Hopefully Ireland for Thanksgiving and Greece in October!

I hope everyone is doing well! I miss everyone sooo much!!!

Exploring more of Italy!

Ciao!
I'm sorry I have not posted in a while! I am going to try to post atleast once a week. To recap everyone: Friday was Jen's 21st birthday. We went out with all the CCI kids along with Brit, Brianna and a few of their friends. It was a great time! The bar gave us a free bottle of Champagne to celebrate!

Some of the girls! :)

Saturday, the girls and I spent the day at Boboli Gardens! The Medici family lived here in the late 1500's. Cosimo I de' Medici was the second duke of Firenze and the first Grand Duke of Tuscany. Boboli Gardens is the last placed that this very powerful family lived. The place is never ending!! So many hills, fountains, sculptures, and paths to walk along! We could have spent all day just walking around and discovering new things.

The view!

Sunday, Brit, Brianna and I hiked through Cinque Terre. It is five different towns on the Mediterranean Sea! Absolutely BEAUTIFUL! It was about a 5.5 mile hike, and for all of you who are wondering yes I almost fell several times! It was so worth tripping over my feet though. Words cannot describe how beautiful these towns are!

380 stairs up!!! That was just the beginning!

One of the towns had a love bench and locks of love. Couples put a lock on a fence and throw away the key. This will keep their love there forever! I was told the locks are in different areas throughout Italy, but this is the only place I have seen them so far! Also, because these towns are built on hills and right on the ocean the people there live the longest out of all the other people in Italy! They are the healthiest from all the walking up hill and fresh fish.

School started this week, which most of you know. The professors are amazing and my courses are so hands-on and interesting!! I am taking an Art History course and 90% of the time we're in the museums and NOT in the classroom!!! I am also taking Elementary Italian II, which will be a little challenging but being here will definantly help! I am especially excited for my Comparative Media and Practicum courses. For Comparative Media we will be writing for an Italian travel website called Flow n' the go. Our practicum consists of putting together a documentary about Firenze!! I am also taking a Genius of Firenze course, which will be easy but very interesting! Each week we learn a different topic about Firenze. One week it is Religion, the next history and so on.

And I've already been asked if I'm related to Frank Zappa! haha. Also, unlike in the states, people know my first name is French. :)

I think that about sums everything up!! This weekend I don't have any plans to travel but I am looking to go to the Almafi Coast SOON! I am really trying to get some videos posted but I'm having issues with converting the clips to the right file to import!

I love and miss everyone so much!