03/01/2014 -
Ciao tutti!
Oh my, I really think it just hit me now that I am actually
in Italy. The whole trip there was not an effect on me whatsoever until I just
started to write this post! Being on a plane all day yesterday and into this
morning really never got to me, just felt like I was flying in the states. We
landed bright and early at 6:30 am Italy time and 1:30 am US time. Jet lag is
not going to overcome me in any way. We immediately got off in Milan’s airport
and met our lovely Tour Guide, Rafaella. Boarded a coach bus, all to ourselves,
so naturally being the badasses that we are, we all crammed into the back of
the bus. We drove on their highway, passing businesses that we would never
expect to see, ex Johnson: a family company (that lady’s voice in now saying it
in your head). We arrived at the Sforza Castle and went across the street
towards a Café place that was remarkable. I enjoyed a refreshing cup of
espresso and an Italian pastry Sfgiollate, a pastry that I grew up loving, and
my brother to kill me over because they are just too good when my Nana makes
them. We tour the castle tomorrow but that as our meeting place, there was a
gentleman dressed as some man from the 1700s and approached one of our students
and we told him we were from America, he immediately thought Angelina Jolie. Go
figure. He continued to interact with another group from possibly Japan or China
and that man said “Oh, BRUCE LEE!” We continued the day to the San Siro Soccer
Team, home to A.C. Milan and F.C. Internationale. Very cool. Tomorrow we get to
witness a match there. We made it to the hotel, relaxed and then left, via
metro, to go see the magnificent painting by Leonardo Da Vinci, “The Last
Supper”. Actually physically being there was very VERY moving. Just looking at
the painting takes you back in time and feel the emotion that was poured into
this masterpiece was incredible. No photography. So unfortunately you just have
to take my word for it. We are now back in our rooms either napping, showering
or like me possibly doing work. Meeting for dinner and the nights ours.
Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!
-Julianna Sacco
03/05/14
Happy Ash Wednesday!
I’m pretty sure this trip to Venice was my favorite part!!
This part of Italy was so beautiful and I could definitely stay here for the
rest of my life and never stop finding intricate alleys and beautiful buildings.
I could never get tired of walking in and out of the streets and the bonus is
not having to worry about getting run over by a car…because there are no cars!
Just have to be aware that you don’t walk down an alley and end up right in a
canal! Robbie, Amanda, Kelly and I took a lovely gondola ride through the
canals of Venice with our gondolier, Jaccimo. We also attended a beautiful Ash
Wednesday Service in Saint Mark’s Cathedral in San Marco Square. It was such an
experience listening to the mass in Italian, even though I could translate it
because it’s just like a normal mass that I attend on Sundays with my parents
but it felt so different being in that kind of atmosphere. We went out last
night to get a taste of the Venice night life and celebrate Carnivale. I have
never seen such a huge celebration before. It was insane and crazy! Definitely
want to do that again!!
-Julianna Sacco
03/06/14
Arrivederci Italia!
Until we meet again oh dear Italy, we say our saddening
goodbyes as we leave your beautiful country. We sit on this 9 hour flight back
to the United States, I began to reminisce the wonderful memories we all made
when we were there. We a group became closer in friends and I even met people
on this trip who I have just seen around school but never really have talked to
before. It was amazing and truly beautiful to experience their culture and also
eat food that was just out-of-this-world! We were all completely full by the
end of the week! I am looking forward coming back and visiting your country and
uncovering more secrets that you hold and taste a different side of your food.
