Ciao,
Well... here it is, the very last night I shall spend in Italy. To be honest I'm ready to go home again, and see all my family and friends. I'm ready to use a normal toilet, I'm ready to use a normal split check at a restaurant; though I'm not ready quite yet. Tomorrow (my time) I leave for Brussels to visit some family friends. It will be very interesting to see another side of Europe that isn't Italian or classical in architecture but more renaissance, baroque, and gothic. Italy was so wonderful, I've said all of this before but it can be said again. The gala last night was rather fun and enchanting in many ways. It was great to see everyone so happy, and so close together for one last night; though I was one of the few that didn't "party" I still had fun! I don't have much to say, other than I really appreciate the experience I've had here and all of those that have helped make this experience what it is. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for our wonderful professors that put forth the effort and dedication to make this work. I hope with utmost sincerity that future generations of kids at Rocky get to experience this, because what an amazing feat! To go across Europe like this is incredible to say the least. Sure it has its little difficulties here and there with traveling alone at times, making sure you have food you know how to order and a bed to sleep on. But in reality its a life skill we're learning here. A life skill we'll use for the rest of our lives. I know I've changed. I am much more mature than I was before, with a greater appreciation for life, and different lives lived in different places. I have a respect for the Earth that I didn't have before, and somewhat of an idea of my place within it; though I think it's an impossibility to say one knows one's full impact in life until their life is lived. I hope you are reading this with the same amount of content I have in writing it. This is the last chapter to a wonderful journey in a book I have written in my life. A book that I will reopen in times that I seem distant or lost and wondering in thought and confusion. I will remember this trip when I am old and grey, as I remember each and every day I've been here. It has been fun folks, telling you of my adventures in Europe, it has been fun indeed. I hope you've enjoyed the blog as much as I did I know it was a new concept that I will continue to progress with. Until we meet again readers. Thank you.
LS signing off...
Friday, November 14, 2014
Monday, November 10, 2014
Mon Nov 10 Journal
Ciao!
Today is Monday; ugh I hate Mondays... they are honestly the worst, I agree with Garfield. What a morning it was! Plenty of stress dumped in with the coffee today as we went over our Italian study guide for the test tomorrow. One day; too many verbs and conjugations, comprehensive paragraphs to prepare and translate... ugh it's like the entire work load of the year that wasn't really there has found its way into our lives and compensated with its absence. Photography is going to be interesting too! We have 25 photos to get ready for a slide show in two days, (edited and presentable) and the rest of the photography essays prepared for their deadline a little farther down the road. I know that I can do this... and I will! It's just a little overwhelming if you let yourself think about it too much (like I have) though, just blogging about it kind of makes me realize that this is even more doable and I will be just fine.
I leave Italy on Friday. I actually leave Italy on Friday! That's absolutely crazy to think about! I can't believe that this trip is almost to a conclusion. It has been definitely life changing, and I know that I say that almost every blog post but I have to... its that life changing. I've learned a lot to say the least. From going from no artistic historical knowledge whatsoever, to at least a traveler's knowledge of artistic archeological sites rather than the average bear. Watercolor was not a complete disaster, I was kind of worried that my artistic ability was not going to even come to par with the other students who are art majors. However my replication of a portrait of Chopin really turned out well I think; at least I'm proud of it. More pictures to come emphasizing the Catholic influence of some of the smaller villages of in Italy. I really enjoyed mixing mediums of watercolor painting and watercolor music... I feel that was my real strong suit. A man wisely told me to write about my impressions of Italy before I leave, while I'm there and when I return. I shall do so, and reflect on how I've grown. I've got a beard now for Pete's sake, of course I'm not the same person :D I definitely feel I've grown both intellectually and slightly around the waistline from all this amazing food. It's pretty damn hard not to have gelato daily. This is a habit I must abandon when I return :'( I will definitely hit the gym too, once the Doc. says it's safe for me to lift again, and though I've walked a lot while I've been here I will run even more when I return. Though I think adjusting back to the cold will be the biggest obstacle. It's so hot and humid here it's great...
Well folks thanks for reading. I've enjoyed this trip and everything it's taught me. If I can say one thing, it would be to get over here as fast as you can because it's worth it! No matter how long you stay, or how old you are.. it really matters not.
For all you middle aged guy's out there, know I'm pulling for you. We're all in this together... keep your stick on the ice.
Ciao,
LS
Today is Monday; ugh I hate Mondays... they are honestly the worst, I agree with Garfield. What a morning it was! Plenty of stress dumped in with the coffee today as we went over our Italian study guide for the test tomorrow. One day; too many verbs and conjugations, comprehensive paragraphs to prepare and translate... ugh it's like the entire work load of the year that wasn't really there has found its way into our lives and compensated with its absence. Photography is going to be interesting too! We have 25 photos to get ready for a slide show in two days, (edited and presentable) and the rest of the photography essays prepared for their deadline a little farther down the road. I know that I can do this... and I will! It's just a little overwhelming if you let yourself think about it too much (like I have) though, just blogging about it kind of makes me realize that this is even more doable and I will be just fine.
I leave Italy on Friday. I actually leave Italy on Friday! That's absolutely crazy to think about! I can't believe that this trip is almost to a conclusion. It has been definitely life changing, and I know that I say that almost every blog post but I have to... its that life changing. I've learned a lot to say the least. From going from no artistic historical knowledge whatsoever, to at least a traveler's knowledge of artistic archeological sites rather than the average bear. Watercolor was not a complete disaster, I was kind of worried that my artistic ability was not going to even come to par with the other students who are art majors. However my replication of a portrait of Chopin really turned out well I think; at least I'm proud of it. More pictures to come emphasizing the Catholic influence of some of the smaller villages of in Italy. I really enjoyed mixing mediums of watercolor painting and watercolor music... I feel that was my real strong suit. A man wisely told me to write about my impressions of Italy before I leave, while I'm there and when I return. I shall do so, and reflect on how I've grown. I've got a beard now for Pete's sake, of course I'm not the same person :D I definitely feel I've grown both intellectually and slightly around the waistline from all this amazing food. It's pretty damn hard not to have gelato daily. This is a habit I must abandon when I return :'( I will definitely hit the gym too, once the Doc. says it's safe for me to lift again, and though I've walked a lot while I've been here I will run even more when I return. Though I think adjusting back to the cold will be the biggest obstacle. It's so hot and humid here it's great...
Well folks thanks for reading. I've enjoyed this trip and everything it's taught me. If I can say one thing, it would be to get over here as fast as you can because it's worth it! No matter how long you stay, or how old you are.. it really matters not.
For all you middle aged guy's out there, know I'm pulling for you. We're all in this together... keep your stick on the ice.
Ciao,
LS
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Thu Nov 6 Journal
Ciao,
Today is Thursday, and what a wonderful feeling; because that translates to weekend. For once we're not having to travel very far this weekend either which is kind of nice honestly. Last weekend was hectic, and it feels like its been just so long since a well deserved sleep-in type of morning has seen my horizon. I will be spending this long weekend at the Villa shooting pics, and doing my best to get them well edited and uploaded quickly. Lots of rest is needed, as I fear I am getting sick. A gal in our group was sick this week, and the problem with living so close to infected people infections and sicknesses tend to spread. NOT to to mention it's not like we're in a foreign country or anything...
This trip is flying by, and it's catching up to me now. I feel like I've been gone 5 minutes and 5 years all at the same time. Europe is so different than anything I've experienced, it seems almost as though it wasn't just another country I traveled to but rather another life. I'm almost trilingual! As in I can squeeze by in three countries... so it's not like anyone should really look to me as a guide for their next safari or anything. It's not fun to be sick, so why not blog right? Italian is almost over, which is sort of relieving because it's a tough class! Conjugations have never been my friend and they're all over my life right now. I was not a fan of grammar when it was in English. Let alone Spanish.... now that it's in Italian it's no better at all. Study study study is all I can really do though right? We learned how to make tiramisu tonight, and though I'm really not a fan it was interesting. That's a good study break! I have my wits about me, and am ready to face the next and final challenges this trip throws at me. Classes are signed up for for next semester, and it will be kind of nice to get back to a normal life. For all those middle aged guys out there, you're not alone I'm pulling for you. We're in this together. Keep your stick on the ice!
Ciao folks.
LS
Today is Thursday, and what a wonderful feeling; because that translates to weekend. For once we're not having to travel very far this weekend either which is kind of nice honestly. Last weekend was hectic, and it feels like its been just so long since a well deserved sleep-in type of morning has seen my horizon. I will be spending this long weekend at the Villa shooting pics, and doing my best to get them well edited and uploaded quickly. Lots of rest is needed, as I fear I am getting sick. A gal in our group was sick this week, and the problem with living so close to infected people infections and sicknesses tend to spread. NOT to to mention it's not like we're in a foreign country or anything...
This trip is flying by, and it's catching up to me now. I feel like I've been gone 5 minutes and 5 years all at the same time. Europe is so different than anything I've experienced, it seems almost as though it wasn't just another country I traveled to but rather another life. I'm almost trilingual! As in I can squeeze by in three countries... so it's not like anyone should really look to me as a guide for their next safari or anything. It's not fun to be sick, so why not blog right? Italian is almost over, which is sort of relieving because it's a tough class! Conjugations have never been my friend and they're all over my life right now. I was not a fan of grammar when it was in English. Let alone Spanish.... now that it's in Italian it's no better at all. Study study study is all I can really do though right? We learned how to make tiramisu tonight, and though I'm really not a fan it was interesting. That's a good study break! I have my wits about me, and am ready to face the next and final challenges this trip throws at me. Classes are signed up for for next semester, and it will be kind of nice to get back to a normal life. For all those middle aged guys out there, you're not alone I'm pulling for you. We're in this together. Keep your stick on the ice!
Ciao folks.
LS
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Tue Nov 4 Journal
Ciao,
I know it has been a while since I posted anything, but I was traveling in Florence and was away from my computer. In a way that was rather refreshing, because it's truly nice to be completely unplugged sometimes. Florence was incredible! After an easy train ride there we were within a close walking distance from the train station to our hotel. From our hotel, the main attraction, the Florence Cathedral was also rather close in walking distance. Halloween was spent in Florence, and that was rather interesting too! Lot's of skeletons, from what I noticed. People got creative in their facial expressions too, which was pretty awesome. I personally didn't dress up as anything but had fun none the less. I enjoyed walking around the city, such a busy city at that. It amazed me at how quickly wealth engulfed you as you walked closer to the main square. Shopping and fashion is obviously a really big deal there, and it's super hard not to spend money out the wazoo.
I did however succumb to the pressure and ended up purchasing some leather items for some special people dear to me in the states. I really enjoyed my trip to Florence and I will indeed return as soon as possible. Being that it is November I have joined the "No Shave November Challenge" and challenge my friends back home to do so as well! I think I have an upper leg on you guys though, because my beard is already quite thick and fierce at about an inch in length. I've never had such a beard before, but we try new things in life right? That's what humans do.
As far as the academics go... the real reason I'm here: Italian is coming along, despite my struggles I will not give up on the overwhelming new territory and will try to make myself a part of the fabric instead of splitting from the weave. Watercolor is pretty much over, though I may continue on my own volition. Watercolor was quite fun, and I definitely miss the company of the professor that taught the class, Mr. Jim Baken. Jim's very easy going, and very welcoming to be around. His methods of discipline are different than I'm used to, yet I still feel like his encouragement and good advice will help me someday down the line regardless the venue. Photography is an interesting field. I'm really trying my hardest in this field, yet I apparently am seriously struggling with the concepts of color. I've made several mistakes judging color in my photography post-processing. This is something I obviously can't help because I can't see the mistakes I'm making that everyone else can see clearly when I bring out colors I don't intend to; due to my partial color blindness. This has been a major blow, but I will do my best to stay afloat and recover. After all this is a learning experience and an instructional time, not an antagonizing demeaning time. Constructive criticism is all over the art industry, I've learned this from many people including my Grandfather who's had a career in the field and knows first hand. I will continue to take photos to the best of my abilities, and hopefully you folks out there that read my blog and look at my photos aren't too discouraged by what I've posted so far.
I plan to have a classmate possibly stand over my shoulder and help me stop color correction before I go too far, because I cannot discern this by myself. Well despite the waves of the ocean, the path we forge is the path we've already set sail upon, and there's sometimes nothing we can do to stop the waves that rock the ship. The best we can do is hold on, and ride out the storm. Keeping a hopeful eye on our horizons in the spirit that calmer seas will come ahead and help us reach our destination safely. I know I'm learning from a very well credited source, and that definitely helps. I will hold out for the next horizon as long as they rise each day.
For now, that is all.
Ciao,
LS
I know it has been a while since I posted anything, but I was traveling in Florence and was away from my computer. In a way that was rather refreshing, because it's truly nice to be completely unplugged sometimes. Florence was incredible! After an easy train ride there we were within a close walking distance from the train station to our hotel. From our hotel, the main attraction, the Florence Cathedral was also rather close in walking distance. Halloween was spent in Florence, and that was rather interesting too! Lot's of skeletons, from what I noticed. People got creative in their facial expressions too, which was pretty awesome. I personally didn't dress up as anything but had fun none the less. I enjoyed walking around the city, such a busy city at that. It amazed me at how quickly wealth engulfed you as you walked closer to the main square. Shopping and fashion is obviously a really big deal there, and it's super hard not to spend money out the wazoo.
I did however succumb to the pressure and ended up purchasing some leather items for some special people dear to me in the states. I really enjoyed my trip to Florence and I will indeed return as soon as possible. Being that it is November I have joined the "No Shave November Challenge" and challenge my friends back home to do so as well! I think I have an upper leg on you guys though, because my beard is already quite thick and fierce at about an inch in length. I've never had such a beard before, but we try new things in life right? That's what humans do.
As far as the academics go... the real reason I'm here: Italian is coming along, despite my struggles I will not give up on the overwhelming new territory and will try to make myself a part of the fabric instead of splitting from the weave. Watercolor is pretty much over, though I may continue on my own volition. Watercolor was quite fun, and I definitely miss the company of the professor that taught the class, Mr. Jim Baken. Jim's very easy going, and very welcoming to be around. His methods of discipline are different than I'm used to, yet I still feel like his encouragement and good advice will help me someday down the line regardless the venue. Photography is an interesting field. I'm really trying my hardest in this field, yet I apparently am seriously struggling with the concepts of color. I've made several mistakes judging color in my photography post-processing. This is something I obviously can't help because I can't see the mistakes I'm making that everyone else can see clearly when I bring out colors I don't intend to; due to my partial color blindness. This has been a major blow, but I will do my best to stay afloat and recover. After all this is a learning experience and an instructional time, not an antagonizing demeaning time. Constructive criticism is all over the art industry, I've learned this from many people including my Grandfather who's had a career in the field and knows first hand. I will continue to take photos to the best of my abilities, and hopefully you folks out there that read my blog and look at my photos aren't too discouraged by what I've posted so far.
I plan to have a classmate possibly stand over my shoulder and help me stop color correction before I go too far, because I cannot discern this by myself. Well despite the waves of the ocean, the path we forge is the path we've already set sail upon, and there's sometimes nothing we can do to stop the waves that rock the ship. The best we can do is hold on, and ride out the storm. Keeping a hopeful eye on our horizons in the spirit that calmer seas will come ahead and help us reach our destination safely. I know I'm learning from a very well credited source, and that definitely helps. I will hold out for the next horizon as long as they rise each day.
For now, that is all.
Ciao,
LS
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