Bologna

So things are settling down here and I am enjoying being back in Florence and seeing friends, students, etc.  And so excited that my luggage and all my warm clothes also eventually made their way here.  The weather has been pretty nice lately but I did hear rumor of snow tonight (but I'm thinking that means there might be one flake somewhere in the hills).  I forgot how much I enjoy some of my students so it's been great to be working again.  It took me a few days, but I have started to remember my italian, which always makes me feel better when I at least sort of know what is going on.  So that's about it - teaching, studying, enjoying the food and the scenery..
Saturday was a beautiful day, so we decided to go visit Bologna.  We had a good time, although it's not the most exciting of cities.  Of course, it is known for it's food and we spent over an hour trying to find someplace open but it was the wrong time of day (between lunch and dinner).  So we settled for some really good pizza.  I'm always amazed that each city is so distinct in its architecture - almost every sidewalk in Bologna was covered with columns and arches (we'll have to go there the next time it's a rainy day).

Meaghan - ready to go see the town

Bologna's Duomo is the 5th largest in the world - however it was never completely decorated or finished because of some pope that was jealous (or something like that)

One of the strangest fountains I have seen yet.

Wandering the streets in search of food..

We did find some really good pastries though..and Jelly Bellies!

This church was really cool inside.  There were multiple chapels with bones of old priests (always my favorite) and supposedly the basin where Pontius Pilate washed his hands after condemning Jesus to die.

Very cool sepulchre.  Do you see the ghost?

Well, have a great week!

Christmas and Home..

So I'm back in Italy already after a much too short vacation..although my luggage and my cell phone did not make it with me (I'm still crossing my fingers although it's been 3 days already).  I'm still trying to wrap my brain around the fact that this is home and I got back from vacation, not the other way around.  It's nice to be back and see the friends that I've made here and hear everyone's vacation stories.  And to see my students, of course, who haven't changed a bit and still talked throughout most of my lesson...

It was wonderful being home for three weeks, and enjoying all of the American comforts that I miss here in Italy (nice, warm house, comfortable bed, a bubble bath, measuring cups and lots of yummy treats, American food, mexican food, macaroni & cheese, sushi..etc..)  It was also really, really nice to see all of my family and friends.  I spent most of my time visiting with friends, hanging out with family, shopping and eating...  My family went down to San Diego for a week to enjoy some warmer weather and stayed in a nice little condo by the beach.  It was great to spend time with everyone and I already miss them.

The family at Disneyland - the look on Matthew's face makes me laugh every time!!

Dad trying to bail mom out of jail - again.

Mmmm..paper!

 

We toured the USS Midway - an aircraft carrier - and it was pretty cool.

MATT AND THE BEACH>>

Look at that pure joy!  Who knew that Marcus loved the water so much - I guess it comes with being a part of our family.

The cutest little nephew ever...tired from all that splashing and playing in the water

Good-bye warm sunny California...