inside Rhodes

Ciao ragazzi! Come stai??? (Chow ruh-got-see! Koh-may sti???)

Hi everyone! How are you doing? Me? Next week will be better, but that means there is a lot to talk about.

I’ve heard people complain about construction all of my life. But really guys, this is way worse than having to sit in your car for an extra ten minutes. About a week after I arrived, workers started tearing apart Via Faenza, a street that runs perpendicular to mine, approximately one American house down from my appartamento. I believe they are working on the sewer line, because there is an ungodly stench that reaches its fingers into my nose whenever I venture to class. Also because I have to try very hard not to step in suspiciously murky puddles and smears of poo. Sitting in your Ford sounds pretty good right now, doesn’t it? (By the way, Ford makes European cars, too! I had no idea…) The good news is that I think the poo is from people walking their dogs and the daily maintenance crew just can’t clean around the construction– every night at nine or so, fantastic trucks from heaven water and vacuum and sweep the cobblestones! Generally, Florence has got the trash thing under control.

I hate to continue, but it gets worse. My naps have been cancelled, indefinitely. If you have ever met me, you probably know how devastated my existence is without a nap regimen. Naps are why I have friends, etc. Let me get to my point: THE JACKHAMMER STARTS AT 8AM AND STOPS AT 5PM EVERY, EVERY DAY!!!

Headphones are too weak to cope with such a thing, don’t you think I thought of that? The only way I have managed to nap this entire time was to get a nasty cold! (Here you always say, “Yes, I’m a little bit sick.”) But who knows how long this solution will last– what will I do? The sign says it will last until April.

There’s the Jackhammer

Via Faenza Is Rubble

Right, so, classes are now in full swing at Scuola Lorenzo de’ Medici. The school is spread out across several blocks, meaning there is one tiny building on this street, another tiny building on that one; there’s no official campus. The students are mostly girls from the Northeast and from Marist, with a heavy Boston population. There is an occasional international student. I really can’t say the classes remind me of Rhodes. The stress seems to be on your overall experience as a student while in Florence, and not on the classes themselves. The dark horse class that has really captured my attention is opera. I’m surprised too! The opera buffa (comedy) has caught my attention, and next week we are going to see a production of Elektra (the Greek tragedy). I might be turning into more of a dork to you back home, but everyone here knows all the words to the top operas, it’s one of those things they just know.

Luckily for me, the school also offers clubs. I’ve joined the music club, where I’ll be playing my violin in some duets. We meet at a bar where the singers can get up on stage, it’s pretty relaxed. Also, I’m in the wine-tasting club, because that is one area that I know nothing about! It seems like the best time to get a little sophistication is now!

It’s Not a Little Statue, and It’s Not a Little Building Either

Flags of Florence Note the fleur-de-lis, the symbol of Florence and New Orleans, LA!

My Three Flatmates Plus One Neighbor We think they used alphabetical order of our last names to put us together, but we get along great! From left to right: Justine, Jenna, Carolyn, Joanna, and myself. Carolyn really has to watch herself with all of those J-names, but she’s up to the challenge.

Mystery Print I see this print everywhere! Mostly because it’s hanging in my bedroom.. To my Artsy People: what is it? Who is it by? Help me out!

Mime with Gnome and Child

Euro Sneaks!!! The details are all a bit off from American sneakers. Weird and yet endearing. Also, willing to go down the streets my boots can’t handle.

Public Notice: No Peeing on the Street Can’t you see me stopping to take this picture?

Hotel Astoria Posh hotel right across from one of my school buildings.

A presto!

Jenny