I couldn't resist...

Here is a review of some of the places in "my city." 

Enjoy!

 

NYtimes

Sports Weekend

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This was a weekend of sports…and yes another weekend of no camera.  How did that happen?

{The no camera, not the sports.}  I got a little sunburned at the first event.  I knew I should have put more sunscreen on.  I now have a nice red triangle from my v-neck.  Thankfully it doesn’t hurt, but it looks painful!  I was watching my sister’s first soccer game of the season.  Unfortunately, they didn’t win…but that only means they can get better!

After the game we ran into some friends and had fun chatting on the sidelines.  I got some love from a girl I babysit.  It’s so nice to feel loved.

This weekend I also had the opportunity to go to my first professional baseball game.  I grew up an hour south of San Francisco and this was the first time I’d been to a game.  I know it's a little sad.  {It helps when you know someone that has season tickets.}  And boy did I go to a good game!  I know the Giants and Dogers have a rivalry {we joke about it at home…in the safety of our home} but I did not realize that it is the oldest rivalry in the history of baseball.  Thank you Giants for winning, you made it an enjoyable game and ride home!

On the way to the game {an hour or more in the car} we listened to the 49er game.  I didn’t realize that they would show the game on screens at AT&T park before the baseball game.  It never occurred to me that baseball fans might be football fans as well.  Silly me.  It was a great day to be a fan from the Bay, the 49ers beat the Packers.

Even though I wouldn't be considered a loyal sports fan it was fun to celebrate with those that are devoted to their team. 

Who were you rooting for this weekend? 

 

Happenings

Here’s what’s been going on {in no particular order}:

I moved…back home for the summer {don’t get too excited}

And rearranged my room in SLO; I moved many a bed let me tell you

My brother had prom

And then he graduated from high school {yikes!}

Awww aren't we cute

My other "brother" {so proud of you D}

I went through finals, but I think I came out ok

I learned how to operate a tractor…for class!

I made my way to the beach twice this week, which is impressive

I worked, don’t let the things above fool you!  One of the things I did was the event for the retired faculty and staff of the University; it went amazingly well

My two roommates graduated

I’m looking for a job at home

I’m really excited to make some changes around here and become a little more consistent!



And this is what you get when you tell us to look excited

Finish Well

Tomorrow is the day of exodus…well that’s what my nickname is for the 21st of December. Here in the land of study abroad students it is the day that most are getting on a plane and heading back to the States. I would be too, but to break the big news…I changed my flight. So I’m not leaving with the masses.
I just finished up school here in Italy. That’s right, that thing that I was coming here to do. It’s done. Over. Finished. The last paper turned in and the last tests taken. To be honest it means that I am exhausted from studying, my brain feels fried and I don’t really know what to do with myself.
I want to share a little more about this weekend before I forget…
Saturday was a day in Milan. Well for a few hours at least! We went and saw the duomo (the big cathedral). We ended up just walking through Milan and enjoying a different city. Milan is livable. It’s almost American-like which was odd for me. And the people! They are everywhere! I think I am now prepared for New York City.

Leonardo Da Vinci walking to the Duomo

I people watched. This cute kids was chasing pigeons.

I was waiting for the other girls at one point and went looking for a bathroom. I walked into the Burger King {yes they have fast food restaurants here…so odd for me!} and hit a wall of people. Then I had to walk down 3 flights of stairs. Yes down into the basement. The line was so long for the busy bathroom. There was a man that was there trying to clean the bathroom so he literally stood there and cleaned when space became available. And then I had to finds my way out! Who knew that finding a restroom could be so complicated?

We saw the castle in Milan, which was bigger than I was expecting. It was really funny because when you think of Milan it is usually because it is a fashion icon of the world, not for its medieval castle!

the arch out the back

There was a Christmas market going on at the train station. It was fun to walk and see what everyone was selling. Christmas markets while they sell items often sell food of the season as well. This one had an abundance of food items and not so many gift items.

We headed back to Torino and not too long after that I went to a potluck dinner at a friend’s place. Picture taking, foods of all origins were eaten, and good byes were avoided. Saturday was the day of student good byes, there was big get together at a club downtown. I went and hung out with friends and more pictures and avoiding goodbyes ensued.

the dinner group photo

Sunday I went to my last church service in Torino. It was such a joy! I spent time meeting new people and saying goodbye to new/old friends. I pray that I can come back and enjoy this community. I have some new friends that I can’t wait to write to and share life with. I walked away {2 hours after I thought I would leave!} feeling refreshed and so thankful!
I then headed to the local pub to watch the calico {soccer} game! We won!!! I didn’t realize how much I miss watching sports, and yes, I love watching soccer. Then it was time to do some studying, so my friend Vickie and I found a café that was extremely expensive {we were in classy part of town though…} and we studied away.
For dinner Robyn and I headed across the street to a pizzeria that is so yummy! We had delicious pizzas. I got the same pizza as I got the last time that we were there. There is just something about Italian ricotta on pizza!

those snow covered tops are the Alps!

There you have my last weekend in Torino. I was a little busy, could you tell?
This experience has been so truly unique. There are new discoveries around every corner {and on every bus as I found out Saturday night!} I can’t wait to share the rest of my adventures with you!

Putting the Study in Study Abroad

San Luis Obispo, California is home to numerous coffee shops. It’s a college town and students flock to the different places to study. Each shop has a unique feeling even if it is has expanded to multiple locations. One shop in particular is called Linnaea’s Café. I’ve been there a couple of times for some studying. They regularly have local musicians come and play. The place has a fun vibe.
A couple of weeks ago I went with a friend to her favorite coffee shop in Torino. She claimed that it was the “Linnaea’s of Torino”. And so it is. They serve breakfast and lunch, have an amazing cappuccino and the lady behind the counter is sure to welcome you with a smile. {It helps that they have free wifi!}

So today, even though I want to talk about my weekend, I’m studying. I have a final in a couple of hours and an important presentation tomorrow. Here are some pictures of the beautiful, bright and cheery café that I’ve spent my morning at. And yes, it’s true… you do have to study when you study abroad!

Take a walk with me?

Will you take a walk with me? We are going to head on over to Valentino Park. Today is a holiday so it’s a happening place!

Isn’t it beautiful? It gets dark here quite early, hence the shifting shadows and bright colored skies.
We have arrived at one entrance with the huge fountain. I haven’t spent much time in this park I love walking through when I have a chance. There is such a unique mix of flowers and plants.

It’s called a park but parts of it are more like a garden. There are paths all around like this one. It makes me feel like I’m in a storybook.

It’s the start of the Christmas season and there is an indoor carnival on part of the property. There is a mix of English carols and Italian carols playing through speakers. There are families everywhere. For me, this park is about capturing moments. The little girl picking up petals with her grandfather in the rose garden. The couple with their first child all bundled up and we watch as trying to take pictures of the little one smiling. The boys racing around the arches and over the bridges playing tag.

It’s starting to get dark so it’s time to walk back for some spaghetti, tea and some reading. Thanks for walking a part of the city with me!

This is a part of the list. Another one marked off.

Making it an Adventure

Sometimes even going out for lunch can be an adventure and that was what happened yesterday. I went out to lunch with my friend Vickie and immediately I declared we were going to have an adventure. Life is an adventure, so might as well call it what it is. It was also an adventure for these reasons
a) We were taking public transportation {the only transportation other transportation we can afford other than our lovely feet} Let just say you never know what’s going to happen when you step on the bus or metro.
b) I had been to this place before, but when you are going somewhere as a destination, even if its not the first time something is bound to happen
c) There are people in this world and walking the streets. People are different and make life interesting. Interesting usually translates to an adventure in my experience.

I went to this little place with my parents and a Torino friend. She highly recommended it and I have wanted to go back. This place makes the “before I leave” list. It is run by a couple that is Sardinian and German and they serve Sardinian dishes. {Sardinia is an island in the south of Italy, so you don’t have to look it up!}
So Vickie was a few minutes late. I saw the bus go by and knew another one would come by in 20 min. We made it onto bus number 2! We didn’t have to change buses; I had been to that side of town, {though not much} we were good to go…err yea, I messed up. We got off too early. But it was a nice day so we went for a walk along the river {gorgeous}. We reminisced about time in Italy. We talked about going home and what that would be like. I think we needed that time, so I didn’t feel bad.

I forgot, we saw this on our walk

I think they were doing repares

but it looks like they were repelling

for fun

look closely, very closely We arrived at the place and got a table for two. We stared at the menu. Yes, in fact stared. We usually can get by and figure out what things are. This was a handwritten menu which adds a nice touch {but makes it oh so hard to read}. Vickie who knows more Italian didn’t know what it said, and I was counting on her!

Then in walked a sweet Italian woman and after talking with the owner’s wife came and said she spoke English and talked to us a bit. She was so excited to learn we were from California and that I know the area where her nieces live. She explained the menu to us and this serving plate on the wall. It’s made of cork and is typical Sardinian. They use it to serve the pig after they have roasted it over a fire.

We ordered a pasta to share and then eat got a meat dish. We ended up getting the same thing and it was a Sardinian specialty. The pasta had ricotta from Sardinia, so it was shredded. And the meat was pork with roasted herb potatoes. It was so delicious. I cannot describe. We had thought about getting something sweet at the end but were both so full.

Some of my friend's art displayed Finding our way home proved to be more of an adventure. We took the correct bus and visualized which side of the street we needed to be on to go the correct direction. Why do buses have to turn? That proved to be the problem. We got on the correct numbered bus and promptly realized that the bus turned…the wrong direction. So we got off. But the stop across the street that we half ran to did not prove to be a stop for our number. So the bus passed us and we decided a detour was in order.
So it being a nice day, we walked into the downtown area and took our trusty bus that we knew would take us the same spot, no complications. We know the direction and sides of the street for this bus like locals. And we both arrived home, safe, and no worse for wear.

on our walk, the River Po Needless to say I enjoyed my day, my lunch, and detours. Every day is an adventure!

Adventures in the City

I am doing a whole lot better, and Sunday was the first day I got out of the apartment. It ended up being an adventurous day. Here is what happened…

I decided to go to church and to get there decided to get a ticket by taking the metro. Tabacchi {tobacco} stores are closed Sundays and they along with the metro are the only ones who sell bus tickets. So after taking the metro I walked to the bus and finally got church a few minutes late. This week I didn’t have anyone translating for me, but I got most of it. At least I hope!

I got to see so many of my new friends again and they all have such different backgrounds and stories. One is an American, but she is fluent in Italian. It is amazing to watch her in action. Then there is mother and daughter originally from Romania. The daughter is in high school and is leanring English so she practices on me. Then there is the young man who gave the message. He is originally from Albania and is also trying to learn English. He asked if he could converse with me and he did so well. He knows more English than I know Italian, but I was happy I got to say “in Italiano.” {That means I was going to translate it into English to help him!} My American friend, Albanian friend, Peruvian friend, and I decided to go for a walk downtown after hanging out at church and fellowshipping with everyone. After walking to the center of downtown, we were at Piazza Castello. I brought my parents here when they visited and I’ve been in all the buildings around it for my Interior design class. They have a huge advent calendar set up and a display of a nativity scene. It is interesting to say the least.

Notice the missing baby Jesus...

While I was soaking up the Italian chatter of my friends, one remarked that it looked like they were filming something. This is a very famous square and there seems to be something going on there all the time. I looked closer just to try and guess and saw this pretty picture…

Yep that’s right, The Amazing Race is coming to Torino!
I don’t know what season they are filming or anything. I don’t know what this means or what else they will have to do. All I know is that the Piazza is the “pit stop for this leg of the race.” Yes I heard the words come out of mouth of Phil Keoghran. And that guy is good, but he still did at least 2 takes while we were standing there. He was also helping the crew with lighting and such. Multi talented! I was surprised by how little equipment they had all together.

The funny part was trying to explain this television show to my friends. In Italian. Oh boy! It’s a race…yes it’s a course…no, not an actual course… * I think they got the gist of it, but I’m sure they think I’m crazy. I tried to tell them that it’s one of the few programs* that I watch. If you know me you know I don’t watch much TV.
They were obviously not as enthusiastic as I was...so we walked to the Christmas market.
The Christmas market is put on for most of the month of December and it is quite the little festive area. They had fresh funnel cake/donuts. If my stomach hadn’t been so tied up still I would have gotten one. I did however have bites of my first farina tanti cotta a legna. It’s made of chickpea flour and olive oil {and they added some spice that I can’t think of right now}. They bake it in wood oven fires. It felt like winter and Christmas just being there.

After all the excitement I had to come back and do homework. But I think the outing was worth it! What did you do that was adventurous this weekend?

They have been decorating while I've been sleeping!

*course= race
programma= plan/schedule/TV show

Mammoni

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There is this phenomenon in Italy. And every {young} person not from Italy seems to think it will be a problem. Before I came to Italy I got the usual jokes of how I would come back with an Italian boyfriend, “oh the guys are just so cute,” and “you aren’t ever going to want to leave. A boy would be a good reason to stay”. Well I must correct ‘you’ on that; a man would be a good reason to stay. A man that does not still live with his mother for that matter.
There is a word here “Mammoni” and it means ‘mama’s boy’. In America we have a negative connotation, and there is one here too but the men and their mama’s don’t seem to be embarrassed by it. These mama’s boys still live at home, and we are talking they are in their 30’s, 40’s and yes sometimes even 50’s. Sometimes the only reason that they move out is that death did them part.
To watch it, it is almost like a pact that the mom won’t ask her son to leave she likes having him there. And the son isn’t going to break off because life is just too sweet with mama. He lives like he is at a hotel; clothes are left wherever, bed is left unmade, laundry appears magically done and folded, every meal is homemade and can be ordered to room service style. The best part? No rent. Yep that’s right they don’t pay rent to their parents and they don’t pay for the meals. Sometimes they chip in I’m sure but there is not an expectation.
The kicker is that these are men that are financial stable. They have jobs, they even have other houses. They have girlfriends and yet they still choose to live at home. The Italian mamas seem to almost imagine that it would be bad for their healthy for their baby {or grown son} to move out.
When I arrived in Italy I learned that most children live at home until they get married and this was the explanation we got when we asked why there was so much PDA. Who wants to bring their boyfriend or girlfriend home if mom and dad are just going to be waiting? {And this fits with why Italians don’t have a word for privacy…}There is an Italian way of life that leads them to stay in one place. People hesitate to move and will often pass up a job opportunity in a different city, so children if they go to University go to the school in the city they live in. The Italian income is low so it doesn’t make sense and is often not a financial option to go away to school or live somewhere else just because. Italians look at you like you’re crazy when you tell them you live with your friends and that you go to school far from your parent’s house.
So in the aspect of financial options living with your parents makes sense, but these men well that isn’t their problem. They openly say that they probably won’t live at the home that they own, sometimes even in the instance of marriage. And some even still come to their mom for certain things after they are married. I guess I believe in the verse from the Bible saying “This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” {Genesis 2.24}

What do you think? Is this natural or unhealthy from your viewpoint? Would love to hear your thoughts!

Don’t worry there isn’t a man {or a boy} to stay for. I’ll let you know if things change but…let’s just say I’m a little weary and have my guard up.

TFF {Torino Film Festival}

I feel like a broken record when I talk about Torino, cars, movies…oh and coffee. Yep, that is what this city seems to be built on. Well I guess that’s not true as it was built on Roman ruins, but you know what I mean, right?
So this week is the Torino film festival. I spent Sunday watching 4 films. In a row. Yeah, it was kind of a lot. I am a saver, so I wanted to get my money’s worth and the best way to do that was to get a day pass and watch a lot of films in one day.
The first was an American film but one that I probably wouldn’t watch at home and it was entertaining. It also helped that it was 9 am and I didn’t have to read subtitles. Sorry Italian viewers {otherwise known as everyone else in the audience}. So after watching Win Win, I was one for 4.
The next film was the one that I planned my day around. It was intriguing to me. It is called 17 girls (17 filles) and is about the pact that a group of girls made in 2008 to get pregnant at the same time. I spent a whole school year doing a report in 2007 on unplanned pregnancy and I have a huge heart for adoption, single moms and most of all babies. There is a lot of controversy surrounding these events that took place, and there was some strong opinions voiced when the French film makers announced their project. The film did a good job of telling the story and showing the different viewpoints of the people involved without saying if there was a correct path or view point. I was now 2 for 4. {I did a little bit of research and found some news articles about the actual events. Authorities could not actually state that there was an official “pact”, as was portrayed in the movie.}
After this we {I went with my friend Megan, who had to go to the festival for class} watched two short films that were paired together. The first, I’m going to be honest was not my favorite. It was a documentary that seemed to stray from a plot or storyline. It seemed like the director didn’t have enough material so the scenes were long. From an artistic standpoint it was done beautifully. From an entertainment standpoint there are many things that they could have done better. The inspiration behind the film was from the stories that the producer heard from his Italian grandfather. The grandson wanted to preserve these memories and lives in NY {which I could tell from how he spoke Italian}. The director and the producer were both in the audience which was neat. I would have to say I was 2 for 4 still.
The director was also in the audience for the last film which was a documentary. It was done in an interesting way, but told the story well. The plot and the end goal of the movie were not apparent until the middle of the film. It was the story of the immigrants to Italy from Libya. This is a story that does not get told often, and it was fascinating. There was every view represented, the compassionate, the hardened hearted, the people caught between wanting to help and not being able to and the immigrants themselves. It stirred my passion for people. 3 for 4.

That seems like a good record to me, for not knowing what I was getting myself into! It made me want to be lazy for the rest of the day, but I was good and got some work done.
The festival goes the rest of this week until next Sunday. School has picked up, so I don’t think I will be able to go to another showing. Have you seen any good ‘films’ lately?

Barcelona {2}

Day 2 we got up and had the typical European hotel breakfast and then it was time to conquer Barcelona. We started out with heading to Montjuic Park not too far away. Just happens to be huge and had many of the buildings used when Barcelona hosted the Olympics. We did not venture to the stadium, because what do you see at a stadium once it’s not used. We kept laughing because there are escalators in the park.
After tromping around and seeing the fountains, the modern art museum and some other random statues and fountains throughout the park we headed into the town a little looking for a snack to take back to the park. We didn’t find anything but kept walking and found another park. From there you could see the bull ring and the kindergartners having a park day. I wish that we didn’t have so many liability issues so that American kids could have more park days in school. I think they are educational and healthy.
By this time it was afternoon and although we were enjoying the park we decided to go walking and look for the churro and hot chocolate place that we passed the day before. Usually we can’t find a place twice, but we were determined. The lady working the shop was so sweet and wanted to make sure that we enjoyed it. I could have sat there all day! She reminded us that we needed to watch our purses and cameras, which made us feel uneasy, but I appreciated the concern. {We got told a total of 3 times that we needed to watch our stuff…and most of the time there was no one around.} Churros and chocolate is a thing here, and from what I hear is most commonly eaten for breakfast. The churros were cold, but by dipping them in hot chocolate they get warmed right up {we did as we were instructed by the shop lady.}

After this we walked around the cathedral which was more like a village and then out to the port. We enjoyed the people passing by and the crisp air. We walked along the sea to the Columbus monument and then headed back to the hotel for a few minutes of rest.

This guy was making bubbles outside the cathedralWe changed are plans multiple time because we kept finding out new information. There is this light and fountain show that is supposed to be “magical” looking. We of course wanted to go see it, but the times are confusing because it is off season. We got there at the correct time, but the fountains were under construction and being cleaned. I was so disappointed! {especially because we had arranged plans around this site}. It was off to the Casa Batllo, and at this point I was just hoping the lights would be on. They were, but it didn’t look how I thought it would. That was ok, because it’s a weird structure in itself. Gaudi was a deranged man. Although he was brilliant in his designs, I’m glad I didn’t commission him to design anything for me…

At least they had some fun lights on at the non working fountains

We passed some more fountains on our jaunt down Las Ramblas so we of course took some pictures. As we continued on our way we looked for tapas and paies. The two local specialties that we wanted to try before we left. We accomplished both. I have to say that tapas were not what I was expecting, but all the food was good. After our meal we rambled and found some dessert. I split the Catalan cream with a friend. So delicious and not what we were expecting! It is lemony and similar to crème brulee.

It was perfect way to end our time in Barcelona.
The next day we went back to the Arc de Triumf while we waited for our bus back to the airport. And then we were on our way to Torino. We did so many things in Barcelona, but really tried to enjoy the time there and relax a bit. {There are lots of projects these next few weeks.}