Ciao!
For those who do not know, I am currently in Perugia, Italy! I won a scholarship through the Grand Rapids Sister Cities program to study at the language institute for foreigners here in town. Just wanted to update all yall on the journey abroad. Left GR at 2:30 on Tuesday and arrived in Rome Wednesday morning at 7:30. Nothing much to report about the flight. The in-flight food was actually pretty good, but it did not make up for the impossibility of comfort. Did not walk around Rome too much because, well, I did not really know where to go... It seemed the only way to anything other than parking ramps and bus terminals was by getting on said buses or a taxi. So no Rome for me. Took a bus to Perugia and, regrettably, slept most of the way. The brief periods of consciousness were beautiful, though.
At last made it to Perugia. It is a lot bigger than I expected! I dragged my luggage to the hostel and did not do much exploring that night. I was a bit frazzled. The hostel is really nice, by hostel standards, and right near the middle of town. Yesterday, five roommates moved in. I have chatted a bit with a girl from Argentina, but the one does not speak English and the three Germans have other friends there so they keep to themselves. So I have been roaming around the city and trying to get my paperwork straight with the university, the housing service, and the police department. Much stress and drama, but everything seems to be going okay now. The biggest stress by far was the discovery that my credit card does not work in the ATMs here. No one at the bank spoke English so I was stuck with a useless card and only 50 Euros to my name. Finally stopped at a Western Union that, for a "small" service fee, took my card and gave me enough for my housing deposit. Whew.
Perugia is beautiful. Everything looks like a castle or fortress or something. Even on the inside, the walls are drywall, but the ceilings and the architecture are definitely not of this era. It is actually pretty interesting. It is very...European. Cafes outside, tiny cars, and a whole lot of walking. There will be lots of pictures, I promise. But for now, I must depart because my time is almost up. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers as I grow accostomed to life here in Italy. It has been a rough start but I start classes next week and I cannot wait to do some exploring in the surrounding area.
Oh, Michigan. How I miss thee.
Till next time...
Ciao!
At last made it to Perugia. It is a lot bigger than I expected! I dragged my luggage to the hostel and did not do much exploring that night. I was a bit frazzled. The hostel is really nice, by hostel standards, and right near the middle of town. Yesterday, five roommates moved in. I have chatted a bit with a girl from Argentina, but the one does not speak English and the three Germans have other friends there so they keep to themselves. So I have been roaming around the city and trying to get my paperwork straight with the university, the housing service, and the police department. Much stress and drama, but everything seems to be going okay now. The biggest stress by far was the discovery that my credit card does not work in the ATMs here. No one at the bank spoke English so I was stuck with a useless card and only 50 Euros to my name. Finally stopped at a Western Union that, for a "small" service fee, took my card and gave me enough for my housing deposit. Whew.
Perugia is beautiful. Everything looks like a castle or fortress or something. Even on the inside, the walls are drywall, but the ceilings and the architecture are definitely not of this era. It is actually pretty interesting. It is very...European. Cafes outside, tiny cars, and a whole lot of walking. There will be lots of pictures, I promise. But for now, I must depart because my time is almost up. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers as I grow accostomed to life here in Italy. It has been a rough start but I start classes next week and I cannot wait to do some exploring in the surrounding area.
Oh, Michigan. How I miss thee.
Till next time...
Ciao!