Tuesday Blues

Fresh pasta with grilled mushrooms and zucchini

For some strange reason I love and hate Tuesdays all at the same time. I hate them because I have to wake up early and then I have to go through such a long day of classes with random breaks. Not to mention I have two quizzes today, both of which I forgot about, but luckily I am learning so many things in all my classes that I think I did pretty well on both. On the other hand I love them because my classes are absolutely amazing. Also Kelsey and I hang out during both our breaks because we have the same schedule and always find entertaining or fun things t occupy our time.

To start this morning in my architecture class we went on a field trip. We took a bus that lasted about 20 minutes and ended up at Palazzo Michelangelo. Takes about the same time or less to walk it, which makes no sense. It seems like walking always takes less time than driving because the streets are so tiny and confusing. We went to San Miniato church, which has the most incredible view of the whole city. It is surrounded by an extremely old cemetery and built next to the church is a monastery. We stood outside listening to our teacher tell us the history, such an amazing story. She then went over every detail of the exterior of the church and its significance. To sum it all up in one sentence I would say that every single thing built or put in that church has a message to send. It is a “poor peoples bible”. If they could not afford a bible they could come to church and decipher the messages that were told to them either through the guilds on top of the churches, the frescos on the wall, or the etchings in the ceiling.

The inside of was probably the most unique church I have ever seen. I couldn’t take many pictures because I was taking notes, but I will go back again. There were three different levels of the church. One for regular mass on the main level, one for holy people, which was the upper level, and a level for the crypt of Saint Minius, the lower level. The detail of the church was impeccable. It was a Romanesque style church meaning it was really dark with only small windows (this was also partially due to the largeness of the church, so small windows were only possible in order for the church to be supported). The church has so much history that you could just feel it while you were standing in there. Then we went back outside and there was a live monk right in front of my eyes. There was also a beggar woman who was at the top of the steps just sitting there curled up with only her hand extended asking for money.

I have learned so much history in this class; it’s amazing. I could go on and on about how the city of Florence was created. I wont write it all down, but more than happy to tell anyone that wants to know!

Italian was actually quite fun today. We played a game where you split up in to two teams and a person from each team comes up to act out a word. Then the remaining players have to run to the board and write down the word. We all got so competitive. Sophia and I were literally racing to the board every time (we were on the same team). We all got so worked up over it and I think I actually learned a few words. Lets see magiare is to eat, scribire is to write, and telefonare is to talk on the telephone (so original).

Then another hour and a half break. Kelsey and I went to finish our permit of stay now we are no longer illegal citizens living in Italy! I also bought a pair of gorgeous leather flats made in Italy. They have a black patent toe and the rest is cream-colored leather. I paid 100 dollars less than the Chloe ones and they are something I can only buy here. I would say a much better deal. :)

Finally we have globalization and its oh so many consequences. We watched a documentary called The Corporation. I was moved, saddened, and angered to say the least. Here is just a little snippet about how I feel:

It is sad to realize that millions of people and animals are suffering everyday because of the corporations that use them without a care in the world. And in some small way I am a cause and a contributor to their misfortunes. It hurts that there is nothing I can really do about it. If I don’t buy a shirt, drink milk, or buy Starbucks, workers and animals will still be exploited and used for what they are good for and that is that they supply good to the populations that can afford them while they only get paid .17 cents for a shirt that retails for 14.99. I benefit from these things, but maybe its time to make some sort of change. Maybe my opinions and changes could influence someone else to do the same and at the end of it, we could all make the world a little bit better. For example don’t buy a meat that isn’t organic or that wasn’t raised right. Also don’t buy from a store that has sweatshops for their workers aka Nike. My dad is spot on with all this stuff, so we should all learn from him.

Homemade potatoes Kelsey made!

The strangest little dog Kelsey and I saw today. We walked s properly and his legs we extremely tall and skinny. He was even wearing a sweater with a rhinestones Fleur de Lys. Awkward.

S.