Thanks for the Inspirational Words Salinger!

"The best thing, though, in that museum was that everything always stayed right where it was. Nobody’d move. . . . Nobody’d be different. The only thing that would be different would be you."

However cliche, this has been one of my favorite quotes since I read this book. I no longer consider it my favorite book ( and rightfully so I might add), but these lines remain with me, usually when I return home to New England after being in the district for so long. Yesterday, Mel and I walked across the Tiber as we have done many times before, and I realized that although the surrondings changed, it's still the Tiber, with the same views, same crowds, same bus stops.

This is a picture I took on the first night in Rome:

In the summer months and into fall, the Tiber in Trastevere bursts with nightlife. Restaurents set up right againest the water, and there is music, dancing and shopping right along its banks. Now three months later this is how it looks:

Taken from almost the same angle, it now flows with desolate and deserted banks. Still kind of beautiful though ( That's the Vatican standing behind the bridge)

It's funny, how you don't notice things changing until they actually do.

This sounds philosophical which I hate, because I am not like that! I just pretty pictures okay?

xox

Molly( or Mole-y as my Italian teacher calls me)

Herman Hesse Finally Wins.

After a long battle with Herman Hesse, he is winning me over with his Journey to the East. I sat in this little cafe in Piazza Trilussa that Ricki introduced me too, sipping Italian hot chocolate ( the best ever) and reading it on this cold rainy day. I've had a fun last weekend in Rome and visited the Piazza Navona Christmas Market yesterday. It is crazy! They have the best donuts called ciambella and they serve them hot ( calda!) As Rachel Ray says, Yum-o!. I won't lie; I miss her a little bit. I miss my family and my bffs, and New England, but I realize I'm not ready to leave.

Pictures from my time Rome'n Around... God, I am clever :)

Ali and I on top of St. Peter's, the largest church in the world! I don't usually look like such a freak, but apparently scratching my forehead and making cuts are my new things whist having dreams about being attacked. COOL. Also, be proud of Ali... she is petrified of heights and look how happy she is here!

Hi Rome!! From the top of St. Peter's Basilica looking out at Vatican City. Yes, I am wearing a red and green headband to celebrate December 1st.

Col-Col and I being super religious.

You can't see it that well, but the small inner circle of the dome is where you stand and look out into the church. It's also still 320 steps away from the top!

On the Tiber in Winter :)

Home soooon. CRAZY!

Rome Conquers Me

Since Monday of this week, so three days ago I have done:

An Oral Presentation for Italian Media and Pop Culture on the Presence and Importance of Local Identities and their Role in Nationalism for Italy, specifically through a case-study on Frascati.

A 10 page paper on St. Francis' and St. Catherine of Siena's role as both spiritual and political communicators in Medieval Italy for Religion and Spirituality in Medieval Italian Literature

A 10 Page paper on the above Case Study for Italian Media and Pop Culture, more specifically outlining the history of villa culture and wine production and how they build local identity in the Castelli Romani region.

My final creative writing Notebook.

My Italian Oral Presentation.

and finally another 10 page paper for Art History discussing the relationship between artwork and architecture from St. Catherine's Monastery at Mt. Sinai and its significance in the Byzantine Empire.

and now I'm donee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Except for the four finals I have next week.

but I can sleep again!!


Christmas markets this weekend :)

and to clarify. I love that I have spent 3 months in Rome. I don't necessarily love it all the time slash my apartment. but oh wellllll!


x's and o's
Molly

Thanks for the pawn shops St. Francis!

Yes it's true. Good old Francis of Assisi created the idea behind pawn shops. He wanted even the very poor to be able to get money if they needed it without having to go into debt. Really, they should have made him a patron saint on that alone!

In all seriousness, I went to Assisi on Friday with my Religion and Spirituality in Medieval Italian Literature class. Thoughts are:

1) From its posistion on the hill, it is breathtaking. It was a little foggy so I'm not sure my pictures are the best, but go see it for yourself!

2) The basilica is amazing. Even the artwork alone ( pretty much all frescos of Francis' life by Giotto) are worth going to visit.

3) There is not much of a social life, so a daytrip ends up plenty of time and be prepared to walk all the hills! My legs are still hurting.

4) So many quaint shops to buy pressies for people! I found this really charming shop with special made pasta and olive oil because there are a lot of olive trees there! Another shop had speciality soaps that smelled divine and were all made there. I loved the white musk one and bought it for myself and they had soaps made from red wine.... MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

5) There is a beautiful castle to hike up too, which leads to this overlook on the mountain. I felt like I could see forever. Definitely worth it!

Go Francis. You Rock!

Molly

Because I Love Lists

Bloggings requires effort. Most of you who read this I keep in touch with anyway, and I write down things for myself in my little blackbook ( scandelous!) anyway. I don't like updating that much, and do so much writing for my other classes at school, that this seems to be more like work than fun.

Anyway, things from the past month:

1) I went to Dublin, Galway, and London for my fall break! Fun times full of relaxation, sightseeing, shopping, and airports. ( and crepes... if you ever go to Dublin you must go to this place called Lemon!)

2) On my way home from the above trip, I was slapped by an Italian women! Apparently, I bumped her on the bus with my duffle and after lots of screaming she wound up for a good old slap. Is that not considered assult anyone!?

3) I've had some really good pizza.

4) I have been to the Porta Portese Sunday market and got some great presents for people! Scarfs for 4 euros. and new fake pearls for one euro! woohooooo.

5) My sister and Patrick came to visit and it was a lot of fun. We went to the Hardrock cafe for thansgiving!

6) Many people think Campo di'fiori is overrated. Sometimes I would agree, but with 4 euro cocktails from 11-2am and heating lamps at Saby's, and the build your own panini place nearby, it's hard to stay away. AND contrary to popular belief, it is not all tourists! So there.

7) I dyed my hair blonde.

8) Just kidding.

9) I'm starting to like it better here. I go home 3 weeks from today! Yikes. I could never live here forever; it's much to crazy and the Italian ghetto isn't exactly my first choice of residence. Though I am starting to feel like a local when the store owners say ciao on my way to school.

10) Yes I am still walking to school. I like the exercise. I don't feel like I am losing weight ( too much pizza and gelato) but I can now take my jeans on and off without unbuttoning them. However, I think that may be the result of having no dryer.

11) Wehave heat now!! Thank gosh. I was freezing. All the time. Now it's toasty.


12) If you have not had suppli, you are missing out. They are little rice and mozzerella balls in a tomato sauce and then fried. Crochette Potato is like little fried balls of potato and are also divine. I eat like 10 a week!

13) I find myself speaking Spanish all the time. I should have gone to Spain or South America.

14) I'm dissapointed that I only made it to two other countries. But I've had class things on so many fridays and missed like 5 weekends of travel becacuse of people visiting! I have seen a lot of Italy though, which is nice! Places in Italy: Rome, Venice, Ischia, Naples, Pompeii, Capri, Sorrento, Frascati, and Assisi next weekend. I want to try to see Florence/Siena as they were on my list, but I don't know if that will happen.

15) Going abroad is not easy. I have a lot of work! Some students at my univeristy don't have their gpa transfer which is awesome for them and they just get credit. However, AU takes my GPA so slacking off is not an option! Lame Lame Lame.

Ok that is seems like enough!

pace
Molly

SO

apparently, something is wrong with my email. I have been getting some; others are not getting mine ( Thanks gmail you're awesome!)


Anyway, no matter. please comment here if you have emailed and I have not answered! I answer every one, so that is how you will know!! I'm not dissin!


ok that is that.
midterms are lame.
annnnd fallbreak was fun.

Nobody Knows the Truffles I've seen!!

Lame title? Possibly.

A 2 week long festival dedicated to European Chocolate? Coolest thing Ever.

This weekend, I headed to the town of Perugia for the annual European chocolate festival. Getting there was quite the process ( 2 coach buses for 2 hours- because one broke down; a 15 minute bus ride; a 15 minute train ride; walking up a large hill), but finally we arrived! Woo, Eurochoclate 2007.

The first part of the festival is held inside, and by inside, I mean in an old castle!! With the medieval atmosphere embracing me, I walked through what can only be described by a chocolate paradise. Room after room and every hallway in between was filled with chocolate of all kinds! Different experts set up their stands hoping to sell you their prized treats, all made with skill, delicacy, and pure deliciousness. The different regions of Italy and then other European countries group together, showing all visitors what they consider to be the finest chocolate around. After looking around the first few rooms, I ran back to a display that I could not get out of mind. Pieces of the thinnest wafer cookies ( they resembled potato chips!) dipped in swirls of white and milk chocolate. They packaged together in a clear gift back and tied with a beautiful cream ribbon, so clearly the 8 euro left my wallet faster than you can imagine. I am trying to savor every bite, but have a feeling they will go quickly!

Despite the beauty that was the town of Perugia; it's breathtaking really and the amazingness of being surrounded by chocolate, my next purchase was much needed. The weather was freezing that day, about 40 degrees! Up to the point, it has maintained a temperature of around 70 or 80 degrees, so I spent the entire day feeling like I was back in New England with my multiple layers. Hot chocolate was a must, and it was like nothing I have ever had here. Italians idea of hot chocolate is really just liquid chocolate. Picture a Hershey bar being melted right into your cup, ready to slide down your throat to warm you to the core and fill your taste buds every desire. Move over SwissMiss!

The next thing I bought was a present for someone else, but I am going to have a steal a bite when they open it. It was a cute little pie server, with a slice of chocolate on top! The best part was the chocolate looks like creamy milk chocolate, but apparently is its flavored like vanilla! Yummmmmm.

It was a great day of exploring and fabulous Italian pizza with chocolate tempting you with every footstep taken. Yes, I can eat a pizza by myself- don't judge! The weather was freezing, but luckily a band hit the streets walking up and down while blasting away on their saxophones, banging the drums, and blaring the tuba encouraging visitors like myself to follow their lead down the street. Once in a while they stop, and the crowd would gather around dancing and clapping to the music, truly just thankful for the joy they were bringing to the streets. At one point, a woman tried to drive her car down, but no one paid any attention as the band rocked on and the celebrations continued! I hope she wasn't in a rush, but really even without the band there is no way she could have maneuvered the crowds in her Smart Car

Ok so more pictures

Sampling our hot chocolate!

Sar and I re-enacting the boy and girl who are the advertisement for the festival... and you can kind of see the beautiful view!

Rocking out in the streets of Perugia! Do not, repeat not make fun of my hood. It was cold!

A little bit of fun after the end of a WONDERFUL DAY!

and peace.

Molly

Um guys.. who is Lui?

Ok Ok Ok! I've been really bad about this whole blog thing!! I am NOW updating about my trip to Ischia, even though it happened like the first weekend in October... yikes!

So that is Ischia! Hiiiii Ischia! It was a wonderful weekend. I've thought many many times the past year about what going abroad would be like and never did I imagine my time being spent on the beach. My roommates and I took the train to Naples( and somehow got put in first class woooohooo) after grabbing paninis from this wonderful place in Termini Station. Seriously, they are so good! The train was about a couple of hours and upon arriving we hunted down Tram #1 and where to find tickets, to take to the port. The tram delivered us the port, using its "ahooogaa" sounding horn to scream at the people that filled the busy streets of Napoli. The port was filled with huge cruise ships which was really fun to dream about, but we headed on a smaller ferry off the Isle of Ischia! The ferry took a little over an hour, and unfortunately for me I'm now apparently prone to boat sickness. I could not wait to get off. A short bus ride later and we arrived at the Forio port and main piazza in search of the The Ring Hostel.

Easily found, we immediately liked the staff ( and their mention of free Internet and breakfast) and we took off to the beach! A crazy photo shoot followed as we just acted silly enjoying the sun and the HUGE waves. The water was warm and the waves were wonderful. I enjoyed myself immensely. We later retired back to the hostel to prepare for dinner. The owners of the hostel also own a restaurant on the island and they offer rides there to the guests every night around 8pm. ( Pretty much they are guaranteed people to go to their place!) We met in the lobby and ran into a bunch of other students at AUR and all journeyed over together. And by "journeyed" I mean 16 people in a very small van! I should also point out that the streets in Ischia are more like alleys and rarely can a person even walk by a car in the middle. They are EXTREMELY narrow. Needless to say, no roller coaster will ever be thrilling after this ride. Our driver Lorenzo loved every second, especially when he exclaimed," Uh-oh the police! Duck!" Every twist and turn had me scared, but also laughing hysterically as I was thrown around in my place sitting on top and squished next to others. I don't think I have laughed that hard in months, which was very refreshing and much needed. The restaurant was absolutely amazing too. Every dish was home-made fresh and we lingered for about three hours getting to know one another. It was literally the best food I have had in Italy so far!

Ischia is a very relaxing, pay no attention to time type of place. The silliness continued with this "family pyramid" in the restaurant. ( I'm still not sure why it was called that) As you can see I am struggling to stay with the weight on my back and collapsed just a few moments after the photograph was taken bringing others down with me! Lorenzo then took us for death ride number 2 back to the hostel and we walked down to a bar inthe main piazza. We were a little hesitant with the lack of people there, but the piano man ( plus synthesizer) soon broke into some great hits including I will Survive, YMCA, All Night Long, and Frank Sinatra's My Way ( a karaoke hit around the world I hear!) so it ended up being great fun. We stumbled home tired and happy and ready for a full day in Ischia.

Unfortunately, the next morning I was not feeling well, I seem to have a virus every other week here! :( My roommates left for Negambo- a hot springs resort with natural and man made pools heated with the heat of the volcanic fluid that formed the island itself. I started to feel better in the late afternoon, and being very very brave and independent found my way there all on my own ( where to buy the ticket, where to get the bus, where to get off the bus, where the place was- it was such a process!) Anyway woo go me! It ended up being great fun and the quote of the day is when they were talking about "Lui"and I went along with acting like I knew him. I eventually asked Um guys, who is Lui again? and They stared at me dumbfounded as the reminded me that it is the pronoun for He. Clearly, my Italian is not fantastic. The night followed much like the evening before, minus no bar visits because we wanted to get up early to explore Ischia. The next morning, we shopped around the main piazza before boarding our hydrofoil boat back home( more expensive, but must faster and no seasickness=worth it!)

A Few final pictures for you:

All and All, it was a fun getaway and I'm really glad I went. Updates on my weekend in Pompeii, Capri, and Sorrento coming soon! :)

miss you all!

xoxo

Molly

Darling, don't you just love the rotunda?

Another week of classes gone by! With all the time I spend in class and doing work, I'm really starting to fret that I am never going to make it out of this country! Regardless, it was a good week, and I'm really finding some of the discussions interesting.
My literature class is very stimulating. I'm going to contact AU to see if I can get it approved for a higher class there, and therefore get credit for my minor. It was only approved for a 200 level class, and with the work and class discussion, it feels like much more!
Creative Writing is okay, but I'm still too shy to participate fully. I really enjoyed an exercise we did in class the other day though, so I am hoping to feel more comfortable. ( And by class, I mean sitting on the roof terrace of one building, which has the BEST view of Rome I have seen yet. Funny how at AU the terrace is the basement! Anyway, if any of ya'll from other European paradises come to Rome, remind me to take you there!)
Italian Media and Pop Culture has been very compelling. I'm not sure I like the idea of how to learn about Italian culture in these two areas, that American culture must be bashed. I'm not saying that from an ethnocentric point of view; there are definitely areas where American culture needs to improve. It is just very odd for me. Ironically, the students who steer the class discussion this way are students from America, but who have been residents students at AUR the past three or four years. Perhaps, because they have been here longer, they know what they are talking about!

Speaking of students, AUR has been very different than I imagined. The school is not involved in much, outside of academics. A part of me wishes I had chosen a more enclave type of program. Because it's a partner program, it really is like starting college over again. Making friends, meeting professors, finding your way around. Resident students are not very friendly. I spend most of my time with my roommates, ( 3 AU girls- two I had never met; and 2 GW girls who are great) With every one's apartments spread all over the city, it's hard to meet people in the conventional way. Last week, I got to see a bunch of people from JCU! AU threw a dinner for all students in Rome, so it was fun to see my other friends studying here. There are about 25 other AU kids at AUR as well, so it's nice to see familiar faces, even if I don't know names or have much in common with them.

No classes yesterday,! For me, anyway! With everyone else busy, I set out on my own to explore the Pantheon. I didn't want to sit around in the apartment all day getting lonely, so it was a mini-adventure. I also wandered by this church ( Santa Maria sopra Minerva). It didn't look like much from my viewpoint in the piazza outside, but with the crowd of people coming out and no where to go, I wandered in. It was absolutely beautiful! The art inside was stunning, covering the ceilings with swirling colors. There was also a bunch of smaller chapels, and St. Catherine of Sienna was buried under the main altar! Marvelous frescos scattered through out, and many different areas for prayer and reverence, where I solemnly lit a candle for Uncle Mark. It was nice to have that moment to myself, and a good reminder at how life is a gift. I really wish he could have been there to see it. Even better, about my time there- choir practice was in session! It enchanted me even more than the ornate decorations, and I'm really glad I wandered in.

This morning I went to the catacombs of San Callisto. The setting was unearthly, and I had chills the entire time. This is Rome's largest underground cemetery-- over 15 miles of labyrinth mazes of tombs! We were taken into the Pope's tomb too, where popes were buried during the 3rd Century. I'm still astounded how it is its own underground world; it's location never guesses unless you know of its existence. I didn't get claustrophobic while underground exploring, because I think I was too distracted by everything it stood for. It was dark and damp. I didn't expect to be cold, but I think my shivering was more because of the fact I was touring an underground haven where at least half a million people were laid to rest! ( PS. Obviously the tour would not be complete without a plug for Christianity at the end.) Oh! and Before the tour she was explaining different symbols that were on tombs or in fresco's and what their significance was. Not going to lie, a little bit of me was excited that I knew the anchor was the international symbol for hope ( thanks delta gamma! ha!)

Well tonight, off to enjoy some Roman nightlife. I'm hoping it will provide me with the distraction I need! Tomorrow, the beach! Next weekend, hopefully Ischia!


lots of x's and o's
me

keep in touch!

Venice, Please and Thank you!

I made my first venture out of Rome this weekend! From Friday morning until Sunday night, I spent my time exploring the lovely city of Venice and I do not even know where to begin to write about this experience. Each time I have thought my time abroad or heard others traveling tales, it always seem like a discovery and people have these moments that are unexpressable. Now, after a couple of weeks, I have finally had a moment like that in my life. Yes, I have been to wonderful places; and seen some great things in my life ( like OMG nantucket is SO the best place ever. just kidding) Anyway, this has been a singular experience that I will remember vividly forever.

We left Friday morning on a 4 hour train ride that actually ended up being closer to 6.5 hours! woo Italians and their attention to time ( Something that I am still getting used too) We decided to stay in Mestra, right outside the actual "floating city", so it was only about a 10 minute train ride away. Our hotel, if you can call it that, was something else. The bathroom consisted of a toilet and then a nozzle coming out of the wall for a shower. Surprisingly, I was pumped for it! I felt like adventurous traveler for the first time in my life. I was on my own, with some friends, ready to explore a city I know nothing about it.

By the time we stepped out of Santa Lucia station and glimpsed the Grand Canal for the first time, night had fallen and Venice was all lit up. I'm being totally cliche right now, but I am willing to risk it. I was literally awed. I have been searching for words to desribe it, and still cannot. It's actually quite frustrating, not being able to put beauty into words. After a dinner in San Marco Piazza, we wandered out to the main square. A few different small chamber orchestras set up there at night, with tables around them offering drinks and desserts. Sarah, Melanie, Colleen and I took a seat down and ordered some desserts and wine. When they brought it over, the display was just so beautiful. The orchestra had just began phantom of the opera, and the presentation combined with that was too much. Tears sprang to my eyes, and I have never been so greatful. I felt undeserving of this experience; at the same time, I have never felt so thankful or blessed. Not many people get to experience being abroad, and feeling like this put a lot of things about my life into perspective for me.

Later that night, we met Uncle George for the first time. Yes, that would be the owner of Hotel Giannovi. We came back around 1:45 am, and the hotel was completely shut down. Apparently, the afternoon attendent didn't tell us about the 1am curfew, so after panicking and ringing the bell, we met Uncle George for the first time. The stories that follow this man are incredible. IM me or email me for detials!

Saturday was spent with a morning walking tour of unknown Venice, followed by jewelry shopping. Venician glass is incredible!! We found this little shop and spent about 2 hours there! The girl who handmakes it was a sweetheart and picked up on our interest ( and the 500 dollars we collectively spent there) and offered to show us how she makes beads. It was SO cool. We are all in love now. Glassblowing may be my future, if global warming really does kill all the polar bears! ( sad thought :()

SUnday morning, we did the typical gondola ride, but it was every bit as amazing as I could imagine. GO to VENICE NOW! We were up early, after a night talking to Uncle George in the lobby ( Really, this man is too funny/crazy/ eccentric for words) At one point, he talked about how if anything happens at the "hotel", he has a friend behind the desk. I honestly thought the man was going to whip out a gun. Luckily, it was just a huge baseball bat. After hugging him to go bed( yes he makes you hug- violation of personal space anyone?!), I finally retired.

So this has been extremely long. My weekend was great and I came back to some great surprises in my inbox. ( Thanks for keeping in touch guys :) :)! ) It really means a lot to me to hear from people, especially when it comes from people I really miss! Ok, enough of that. ew.

No other trips planned yet, but I would to do Florence/Sienna soon. We will see!
xoxox
Molly

I'm still alive!

It's been almost a week since I have written, but yes I am still alive. ( Though I think Caroline may be the only person who reads this... thanks Caroline I LOVE YOU!) Anyway, I havn't written because everytime I go to write it feels really fake. I don't want to make it seem like I am writing for an auidence, but sometimes that can be kind of a challenge.

Anyway, last week was good. Sometimes I am positive that I am figuring out this place out, and then at other times I want to become that cliche tourist and whip out a map! I did some more sightseeing and the Forum is my favorite place! Being there was amazing. I just loved it, and was so enthralled by everything, but even that seems too shallow.

Classes started this week, which has been lovely, because it adds a much needed scheduale to my day. I really like a few of them; Creative Writing is one I'm not exactly looking forward to, but I'm hoping it won't be that bad. Everyone says that going abroad classes are so easy, and that will not be the case here! I already have lots of work and reading, but luckily the thrill of buying new school supplies is distracting me from that. ( I think notebooks over here are EVEN better)
So my classes are:

Intro to Italian Language and Culture ( loves it)
Religion and Spirituality in Medieval Italian Literature
Italian Media and Pop Culture
Creative Writing
Art of Antiquity( this one I get to go to museusms woo!)

The school trips opened up today, but filled up really fast. I am however going to go on the Pompei day trip and the Assissi Day Trip, which I'm pretty excited about. Not to mention Venice this weekend!

Ok, well not much else is new here... If I like you, you have been getting personal emails or will get one soon! :) or maybe letters, if I am feeling especially happy!


keep in touch.

xoxo
Molly

Well Im here!

First things first- I still cannot find the apostrophe on this keyboard so I apologize right now for any grammar mistakes caused by this! It is driving me crazy!

Well lets see.. It is now Wednesday night, and I arrived in Rome Monday morning. The whole experience is difficult to describe. I do not want to make it sound like I am complaining, but it has been extremely overwhelming. The first two days were very hard, and I felt like I was not making the most of it because I have not had the time of my life since the second I arrived. It is going to take some getting used too, but I think ( well hope) I am up for the challenge- encourgage me and help me from home please!

Upon arriving at the airport, I was brought to my apartment with another girl from AU who I did not know, was informed that the phone and internet were not working, quickly shown around the apartment, and then left on our own! It was almost too much for me to take, but then more people arrived within the hour and things became much much better! ps my apartment is beautiful! ( and now we have internet!)

ummm lets see, yesterday was spent on campus doing paperwork and what not. The campus is quaint and cute and there is a park nearby that I really want to explore!

My italian has not really improved; last night I was going to be brave and try ravioli alla noci. Luckily, I found out in time that noci= nuts!! I can only imagine the phone call home on that one to inform my parents that I was already down an epipen and in the hosptial because of eating nuts!

Today was more exploring around the Spanish steps earlier, and I started to have a little more fun. Seeing this area of the city really made me feel like I was in Rome. The past couple of days have felt like just being in a random town I do not know my way around. I plan on heading back to that area asap because I am dying to see the Keats musuem ( where he died!) It overlooks the steps and has a bunch of his manuscripts still there. so cool! ( yes yes, that is the literature minor side of me coming out!)

Well, as I write, my roommates are cooking dinner. I have warned them I am picky, but willing to try being adventerous. Not sure what is up for the rest of the week, but hoping that my nerves for being here for so long start to die down soon!

please please please keep in touch!

xoxo
me

ps. ciao!

My Sweet New Blog!

Hello Everyone!

Yes yes, I am joining the craze and using a blog while I'm abroad. I'm not good at sending out mass emails, and this way you can check up on me whenever you like! That, and let's be honest; a little piece of me died when livejournal was no longer cool in high school. ( The argument of whether it was ever cool will not be debated at this time.)

Anyway, on September 2nd, I leave for Rome for about three and a half months to study at the American University of Rome ( no affiliation to AU). I would love to hear from all of you because as some you know- going away by myself for this long is a very big deal for me! I have no address yet as I have only received an email from the school saying, " that your housing payment has been received and you will receive housing and find out its location when you arrive in Rome." Awesome! So for now, I only know I will be leaving in some type of apartment, in some area of Rome, with some people that I may or may know. Scary!

I'm also not sure if I will have Internet where I live, but will be able to use it at the school so once in a while take a break from reading this amazing blog and email me! Grant.Mollyann@gmail.com is my address ( yes I use Gmail now... woo!) My cellphone will also be international, but if you call me I probably won't answer ( Sorry Dad!) International calls are crazy expensive so you can just send me a lot of emails instead!

I'm getting very excited to leave, but am already missing some of you as I've been saying goodbyes all summer to some people that I will not see while abroad or even this whole year! I look forward to sharing my experiences with all of you and hope that you will keep in touch!

xoxo
Molly