The Last Supper

It took me 4 months but I finally went to see Da Vinci's Last Supper. Lots of frustration and begging to get in cause I missed my appointment time. But being alone has its advantages they can just bend the rules for one person when they probably could not get away with it for more people. It was overrated if you ask me though. So onward and forward. See you guys next week.

Illegal Alien

So, I have been joking about being an illegal alien since I got here and now they found me. The lady I was going to work for on the vineyard, wanted to report the situation to the "Italian Employment Office". I sent her my passport but I did not have a work visa. She went to talk to them and they told her there was nothing to be done. I needed to go back to the US and fix the documents before I come back or I could be deported with a significant fine. I never thought I would be an illegal or be threatened with deportation. Anyways so long story short I will be home Monday. I'm actually really excited and ready.

Back in Milan

Trying to remember what you guys missed... I saw the Leaning Tower which is pretty cool but a little worrisome when you think about the fact that its just falling over slowly. But I had a pretty low-key couple of days by the time I got to Florence I was pretty exhausted. But now I am back in Milan for a little while hoping I will get back to being healthy with some sleep.

P.S. Sorry no pics til I get my computer fixed. It will not start up. Oh well.

Too Busy

Sorry I haven't posted in a couple days, but I'm back and still alive. That light day I was going to do I ended up going to the Coloseum, ROman Forum and I do not even know where all. I ran into the most amazing exhibit of original Picasso's and spent hours looking at them. There was not anything well know but I think thats why I liked it so much. I got to see the progression of his art for about a 20 year span. It was amazing. Then I went Salsa dancing with some people and left for Florence the next day.

I am officially in love with the Lonely Planet books now. I took their advance on youth hostels in Florence and its amazing. For 20 euros a night I get a bed, breakfast, dinner, great public dining room, a walking tour and free internet. I really have considered finding a job here and just moving in. I have met lots of awesome people and its been real nice and laid back. Florence is so much smaller than Rome it was perfect to come here second. So, anyways since I have been here I have seen the original statue of David, Dante's church, the Duomo, campanile, ponte vecchio and I do not even know what else. It always amazes me how different each city in this country is. The people give off a different feeling and the appear so unique.

The Duomo here is made of 3 different colors of marble and less ornate than the Duomo I am used to in Milan. And the inside has a few tapestrie but nothing compared to St. Peter's. It is probably my favorite of the cathedrals I have seen. Then I walked all 414 steps up to the top of the campanile in my only waterproof shoes were my boots. It was amazing views but I definitely had to go outside in small doses cause it made me very dizzy. And I again had some Italian businessmen take me home. It has become a natural quirk of living in this country, though it just makes me want to tell them I do not cook or clean and then they will leave me alone. All in all there was a lot of wandering and seeing of whatever you ran into... Oh and the last thing I will mention before I leave you all for the day is the statue of David is unbelieveable. It is 5meters high and chiselled out of one solid piece of marble. The detail is amazing and I could not even imagine how amazing it truely is. The veins on his hands are even visible. I have a new job starting next week and I will give you an update on it when I get back to Milan. Love you guys.

My feet may never feel the same again

I love traveling by myself... I sleep til 10 then get up and go and nobody can tell me I am doing it wrong. Yesterday I went to the Vatican museum and Sistine chapel. I thought the Last Judgement was amazing. Then Castel Sant'Angelo and Ponte Sant'Angelo. The views were amazing and I was there at about sunset which was gorgeous. Then I met up with Heather and some others at Dublin's Rock Pub for a pub quiz in English, everybody there was British or English it was fabulous and then we went to Qube for an REM cover band and dancing and got home about 5 this morning. So I slept in and now I am going to see the church of the Capuchan Monks and who knows what else. Tomorrow I leave for Florence. Yeah random adventures.

15 minutes of free internet so a short blog

I am in Rome. I have been hanging out and playing bilingual Taboo. And been to the Spanish steps, Trevi Fountain, St. Peters Basilica, bought new red boots, ate a gelato, planning for when mom and dad come and just having a blast. I have again taken a million and one pictures and hopefully when I get back to Milan I can revive my computer and send them to you guys. Until then, Ciao.

IN TRANSIT- CALL MOM FOR UPDATES!!!

What's Up

So I am still working for Francesca and Andrea and living in their house right now. I have several other families who I am talking too. But it has snowed 9 inches (i heard) since Tuesday and I officially hate the snow. Alice and Jacopo are to small to play in it instead we are all stuck inside. The first day all 5 of us were stuck in the house together and then yesterday Francesca managed to get to work. That meant it was me, Andrea and the 2 kids, which was not so bad. But of course the whole thing is really weird still. Today the children finally could get to school and tomorrow I am going to my school too. Hopefully there will be sun and the snow will go away.

Snowing Again

It's snowing again... So we are all stuck inside in this uncomfortable situation.

My chaotic life

Last night after I posted Francesca explained that I was welcomed to stay until I found a new family. She was the one who I felt really wanted me out as soon as possible, so as of now it looks like I am staying here and working for a little longer. I will keep you guys posted as things change. I am talking to an English woman who lives in Italy and has a full-time housekeeper and just needs someone to help her with her baby when she goes out. We will see.

The Verdict

They decided that I am lazy and do not take initiative enough. I feel like I have worked hard for them but the line keeps moving. How can I do things their way when sometimes it is this way and sometimes it is that way? So I am catching a train to Rome tomorrow to stay with Heather and her family briefly while I find a new home. Francesca seems very happy that I am leaving and Andrea is being so sweet and is worried about me. Now I am packing and they are trying to figure out how to tell Alice that I am leaving for good. She just wants to play with me, so I wish them the best of luck with that. Either way I am not worried. I will land on my feet. Ciao. I love you guys.

New Years

Happy New Years everybody! I hope everyone is well. Just a quick note... I figure you have all heard already so here goes there was a big disagreement about how much I do for them. They feel like if Alice wakes up at night I help her and I think I am not her parent. Anyways so it was bad; there was alot more to it than that but I do not want to get into it. They informed me that I had the week off and I left the house. I did not feel welcomed so I have been living in a hotel. Its not ideal but kind of nice. Its the first time in months I feel like I can be myself. We are going to talk at the end of the week and see where we stand but when I left Francesca wanted me to leave and Andrea wanted to figure things out. I am not worried and you guys should not be either. If worse comes to worse I will travel for a while and then come home. I live in Europe right now and it will be an adventure either way.

But on a happier note I celebrated the arrival of the new year with my friend from class, Cara, her boyfriend and some their friends. We went shopping yesterday and I bought an adorable dress and then last night the girls I was with did my makeup and made me look like a girl. In total it was 5 French, 2 British and me (the token American). And everybody spoke English or tried at least. It was great fun; lots of alcohol and food. I swear in Europe they live to eat and its amazing. Across the street at a restaurant they set off fireworks and so we stood on our balcony and watched them go off above us. Oh and it snowed again yesterday, so there was a snowball fight and random wandering too. And now we are all sitting around playing Wii. Talk to you guys later. Love you all.