Monday our class was cancelled so Martin, the program coordinator, gave us another tour of Verona. We didn't leave the residence around 10:30 and walked to the Arena. It didn't open until 1:30 so he took us to the Duomo in Verona. A duomo is a Catholic Cathedral in a town with a Bishop. We've been learning about them in class which is cool. Anyways, this cathedral is dedicated to S. Maria Assunta and is absolutely gorgeous. Walking around the church, I was astounded by the incredible artwork. It just made me realize that growing up in America, I have little appreciation for things that are handmade. These pieces of art in the cathedral and that we have been studying in class are one of a kind. They're completely hand-made. There is nothing exactly like it. I feel like what I own is nothing special, nothing unique and for a second I felt like I had been missing out. Then it hit me that I, myself, am unique and am hand-made. This thought brought things back into perspective. We're all handmade and we're all unique and beautiful in our own way. To walk around this incredible church in Italy and realize this truth created a memorable moment for me. Another neat part about this Cathedral was that underneath the floor were remains from the first palaeo-christian basilica aka one of the first Christian churches after Christianity was legal. Verona has built up since 362 AD so in a seperate part of the church building, they had glass floors so you could see the old mosaic floor. That was pretty incredible too- knowing that something that old is still in such good condition and also trying to imagine what times were like back then. So after we walked all through the cathedral and surrounding buildings we ate pizza. Their pizza here is a bit different but still good. This time I tried a prisciutto i funghi pizza (ham and mushrooms). I almost ate the whole thing by myself I was so hungry, but I managed to save some for another meal. Once we were finished eatting, the arena was open. It was in great condition but it was hard to imagine what people watched inside. Once we took plenty of pictures, it was a perfect time for gelato. I had a scoop of hazelnut and a scoop of chocolate-chip again. Both were delicious. The rest of Monday was spent grocery shopping, running in the gym, talking to the rents and working on our homework assignment.
Tuesday and Wednesday have been very similar days. Both days have been cold and rainy so I haven't really left the residence. Class both days were fine, although Wednesday we had to stay later because of cancelled class on Monday. Tuesday we spent researching weekend trips and booking flights. Planning so far in advance with so many people can get me stressed out. Thankfully they offer aerobics classes in the gym, some of which are free, so a few girls took a tone up class on Tuesday. It was a hour long and it kicked our butts. The instructor only spoke Italian but after that class and the short class I took Wednesday night, I can almost count to 10 in Italian. So not only am I working out, I'm also learning Italian. Hopefully it'll be a good place to meet locals too.
Well, that brings me to Thursday. Today we leave for Salzburg, Austria. Its hard to believe that I'm packed again and ready to jump on another train but I am really excited about it! We're planning on going on the Sound of Music tour and we're staying in another well-known hostel- YoHo. The weather will be cold and possibly wet or snowy. I've brought plenty of things to layer up in though. Pray for safety and warmth. Oh, and apparently this is the period of the trip when people get sick, so some of the class is sneezing and coughing. I'm feeling fine and healthy right now and have been doubling up on my apple juice but please pray for good health for all 7 of us over the cold weekend.
Oh, and just a small update for those who are wondering: my braces are fine and haven't been too much of a bother. Its hard to eat hard bread though, which makes eatting sandwiches a little difficult. Otherwise, I think they are still moving and adjusting. I was told I'd get them off when I get back, but I think it'll be alittle later- like July. Either way, just wanted to let you know that "the grill" is working.
Also, I just wanted to show more pictures to you. Please enjoy! :)
Ciao,
Rebes
The inside of the church!
The inside of the Arena
The inside of my room!
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