Ok. Woah.

Dear Family and Friends.
HOLY COW! There is a lot to do here and I am pretty overwhelmed. Today was the first day of classes, and it was all blah blah I'm going to read you the syllabus. Yuck. It sounds like its going to be pretty intense. Lots of site visits and plenty of homework. I have yet to decide how I feel about this, but at least I know Bowdoin has prepared me for anything.

So, I guess I have some things to cover, since the last time I wrote was only my first night! So far, I've been to two monasteries, and I've been inside the Duomo, which is pictured at the top of my blog. To be quite honest, the church/monastery that I visited first-San Miniato-was much more of a spiritual experience for me. It was built in the 11th century, and restored in the 13th. BEFORE ANYONE EVEN KNEW ABOUT MY COUNTRY! WHAT???? It was so beautiful, and dim, with original sketches and frescoes on the walls and marble inlaid with gold laminate. So beautiful. I lit a candle and said a prayer for my loved ones, living and gone. It was kind of creepy actually because on the floor are countless names within the tiles because they are actually countless tombs. Eery. I almost cried inside this church it was just so alive with art and a feeling of peace and I was truly in awe. The duomo was much more grand, but had less of an impact on me. It had very simple, clean lines in marble inside, and I lit a candle there too. The third place I lit a candle (actually, these guys had little electronic ones you switch on after donating) was at a monastery on a mountain-Monte Senario- where nine monks...ONLY nine, live in the entire, colossal complex, and I MET one of them! He was really nice and shook my hand and said they have a community also on Jackson Blvd. in Chicago. Who would have thought? He had the bald head and everything. Inside this church, there were some reliquaries-pieces of saints and of the original seven holy founders. You could see their skulls and bodies through these clear coffins. Can you say way cool and heebie jeebies at the same time? Its been an interesting kind of pilgrimmage for me. And also, I had my first Italian capuccino in a bar built below the steps of the monastery (i know right?) Surprisingly...it was just okay. Apparently God doesn't bless a capuccino just because its closer to his most devout worshipers.

Driving up the mountain to that monastery was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. There were so many rolling hills and mountains, covered with groves of olive and cyprus trees and sprinkled with old stone farmhouses that people still occupy. Many of them have to be restored, and in fact my host mom has one that she is looking to sell. I told her I'd make a lot of money and move here one day, the view of florence is spectacular, and the air up in the mountains is much cleaner and fresher. Apparently in the summer when its super hot, they pack a dinner picnic and eat up there where the air is cool and refrehsing. What a life. It was actually a very gray and rainy day, but as we drove up, the clouds were slate, light gray, deep blue, purple blue, and white. The variation in the color made the sky look like a landscape, and there was a break in the middle, where the clouds turned white and the sun poured through and spilled all over Florence. The roofs sparkled, the fog swirled, I swear I have never seen such a beautiful thing before. As we drove higher we entered the woods, which were planted centuries ago, making the trees evenly spaced. The low dense fog curled around their bases and crawled along the forrest floor, Alberto, my host dad who speaks little to no English managed to say, "Magic".

Lastly, before I overwhelm you with information and you must forgive me because I myself am overwhelmed. I stopped at a museum with my roommate Liz, and we saw the David by Michelangelo. ONE OF THE GREATEST WORKS OF ALL TIME! I cannot even tell you. We turned a corner and there, towering at the end of the hall was the David. I always assumed he was the height of the average man, but this sculpture is absolutely grand. I stopped dead in my tracks, and spent the next hour desperately attempting to get a good sketch down because they allow no photos. My new friends, the illustrators, had no problem capturing his expression and beauty. I eventually got frazzled, frustrated and ashamed at my skills and gave up. Looking at the sketches now, I'm glad I have at least something and I will definitely have to go back.

Anyhow. Its been a long day and I have to start studying already! Tomorrow they'll be showing the Barack Inauguration in the evening, and I can't wait. I want to be done with all my errands by then. Last tid bit: One of the visiting lecturers is a thirty year old Italian artist who began as a writer, recorded some albums, and then made a successful career as a painter. I WANT THAT TO BE MEEEEEE!! Ahh! I better start trying harder.

ALSO FRIENDS! IF YOU COULD NOT CONTACT MY CELL PHONE! Apparently you have to dial a few numbers before the cell number. Try calling me this way: 01139 320 157 7666.

Grazie! I miss you all so very much. Staying busy is making it a little easier, but... know that I'm thinking of you, and love you so. I'm off to my authentic Italian dinner! Woot! Talk to you soon!

Love Em

P.S. Momma, thank you for the card and im sorry I keep forgetting to tell you that!! And I also lost one of your gray mittens at the first church...I'm sorry...I loved those so much and thats why i took them. Im way bummed and mad at myself. Ill find you an awesome Italian gift.
And Dad, still trying to figure out all my dates. Its way twisted so hang in there. I'm figuring it out.

And I can skype now! I found a lab with cameras. Let me know when you're free :-)