Italy = Leaky Gelato Cone

Ciao! Today I'll begin with another list of firsts-

First trip to the Friday morning market in Piazza Garibaldi- there were soo many vendors! Everything from fruit to clothes to toiletries and linens....and all at pretty good prices.

First cappuccino- at Bar 2000 in piazza Garibaldi. delicioso!

First train ride- to Arezzo! We got off the train and were immediately greated with a relatively modern city, at least by the train station. Our tour guide Giovani, who was more entertaining than the sights themselves, met us here. He told us that in order to blend in more with the locals, we needed to stop saying "grazie" (thank you) and "scusi" (excuse me) so much and also to never order cappuccino after morning. He then mentioned that the Italian economy was the same as a leaky gelato cone or the titanic...it's going down and fast! But apparently world gelato sales went up 40% last year, so he said his hopes were there...not. We went into our first church which had a fake facade and beautiful frescos inside. Giovani said he was married in this church (his now wife is from Texas) and his mom hired a cheap exorcist for the event. This didn't really work out since he got married anyway. He now speaks english with a southern twang. The rest of the day consisted of a fast paced tour of the city's other historical wonders. I plan on returning next weekend for an antique fair that happens the first weekend of every month...exciting!

Now for things I learned about Italian culture this weekend-

Both our tour guides this week, Lorella and Giovani, asked us if we knew anything about Prime Minister Berlusconi and his harem. Then they made sure that we knew he was  not representative of the Italian people. good to know. They also both informed us that Saint Frances of Assisi is the most beloved saint of Italy....oh and by the way, he's at least 55% French.

All drinks here have foam or fizz, including but not limited to- milk, coffee, juice, most water, mixed alchoholic beverages... but not hot chocolate. Instead they basically take a block of chocolate and melt it in a cup. the end. I think I have a cavity from looking at my roommates' hot cocoa this morning.

They listen to mostly American music. In the Velvet Underground I've heard "artists" who's songs I wished never followed me here- Nickelback, Rihanna, Green Day- bands I was glad to hear - Seether, Ozzy, and FINALLY an Italian band- Lacuna Coil. bout time they started listening to their own music!!!

oh, I'm pretty sure I actually have leg muscles now, which is a new thing. The shin splints, however, are not new or welcome....unlike the belly perpetually full of magic which is more than welcome. Ciao!