Time flies when you're having Fun!

This marks 3 weeks in Italy/Europe!

Not much has happened this week. We didn't have class again on Monday but a few girls got up and walked around Verona. I finally got to see Juliet's balcony which was cool. I think that means I'll find my husband soon... but who knows!? Anyways, after the balcony we looked in some cool shops and then walked to the grocery store. Things are pretty cheap here so I get a lot for my money. Their candy is pretty good here though so I got some chocolate candy bars and nutella. For those who don't know, nutella is a chocolate-hazelnut spread that is great with bread or just plain on a spoon. Once we dropped groceries off and ate lunch, 5 of us hiked up a big hill to a Catholic Church. It was a gorgeous day and a great walk through another part of town. The view from the church was amazing. And there was a statue of Mary behind the church that apparently was in a church on that hill during World War II. The church was bombed by the Germans but the statue of Mary wasn't damaged. After we walked back down we stopped in a few more local stores but it got chilly pretty fast so we hoped on a bus back to the residence. The rest of Monday night was spent resting and catching up on school work.

Tuesday and Wednesday were spent reviewing and studying for our final. Our professor gave half of the final Wednesday afternoon and the essay portion this morning (Thursday). I think they both went fairly well. We were only in class for 10 days total but it was quite a bit of information. Its hard to believe that I'm already done with the first class. Two new classes start on Monday, which means I'm in class from 8-1:45 Monday-Thursday. I know this first class spoiled us so I'm not really excited about these next two classes. I'm sure they'll be interesting though!

Nothing else really happened this week, but there are still small things that I'm adjusting to that I didn't think about...

-Peanut butter. They don't sell peanut butter in the Italian grocery stores! I like peanut butter but I've never been a fanatic or anything. When we were in France some girls bought Skippy peanut butter for like 4 euro (over 5 american dollars for a minature jar). I didn't want it that bad but in a grocery store in Salzburg it was only 2 euro, so I got a jar. Now that I have it, though, I have to use it sparingly.

-Computer paper. I assumed that all paper was 8.5 x 11 but it isn't in Italy. I'm actually not sure of the exact dimensions but when I printed off my assignments for class, it came out looking pretty funny.

-No oven. We have a stove in our apartment, but no oven. I didn't think it would be much of a problem, but I've been craving cupcakes and I can't make any. Its just weird not having that function in the kitchen.

Well, its time to pack the bag and head out. This weekend we're going to Barcelona, Spain! This is the city that I have been the most excited about! Apparently its high for pocket-pickers so pray against that and pray for safety. We're training to Milan and flying from Milan to Barcelona. I am really excited though- it should be a great weekend with warm weather (mid 60s)!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend- enjoy more pictures of Verona!

With all my love,

Miss Rector

Me and Juliet's Balcony!

A gorgeous day in Verona