SO I was talking to my mom today and she told me I should write a little bit about school and not just about my adventures so I thought I could fill you all in.
So I am taking 5 classes and so far am really enjoying them. I actually am using the things I have learned and can apply them in my every day life. School is very different here than in the states. I have each class 1 day a week for 2.5 hours. Monday through Thursday, except my Italian class which is twice a week for 1 hour 15. We don’t really get homework, We have to write an individual paper or group paper or sometimes both, we have a midterm and a final. that’s it. So my study habits are so off its not funny. Those of you who know how crazy I am about school know that this kind of structure is not me. I don’t like not having something specific to be doing. But I am getting used to it and I am learning to let go of having that control.
I have learned a lot in my History class as well as my Art class. I feel like when I see things around Florence I know what is it, why it is there or even just some random fact about it. And I just love when i can say “DID YOU KNOW…”
ALso I started volunteering here, something to keep myself busy. I am helping a teacher for a kindergarten class teach the little kids how to speak English. It pretty much makes my Tuesdays. I only go for an hour each week but it is such a nice break from the crazy life in Florence. And the kids are just so cute.
So that is pretty much it. I love my teachers and I cant wait to learn even more than what I have already learned so far. Italy is turning out to be a buon idea.
Fun fact: The Medici Family who basically owned this town, politically and financially, had two homes. One in Piazza Vecchio and one in Piazza Pitti. The Medici wife wanted her houses to be connected so they built an office building, which housed the officers in the Medici government, to connect Piazza Vecchio to the Ponte Vecchio to Piazza Pitti so they would never have to have their feet touch the ground to get from one place to the other. Today the office building that connected the homes still exists and it has been turned into one of the most famous art galleries in the world. Galleria degli Uffizi.
Cool Fact. Uffizi means offices in Italian :]
Ciao for now!
You’re teaching kindergartners to speak English – that sounds like so much fun! Maybe you could make more observations about life in Italy/Europe versus life in Chicago/U.S. How are things different, how are they the same? A couple of big events happened there this week – elections and the Pope resigning. What is the reaction of the people there? I am loving your blogs! Love the fun facts! Love your stories about your adventures! Appreciate that you share your feelings and let us into your world and your experience. Wake up every morning and first thing I do is check to see if you have posted anything! Love you lots. You’re living the dream!