so on this day i went to the hotel astoria which is a fancy hotel that our delegation is being held at. it is about a 10 minute bus ride from where i am staying but i am a pro at public transportation now so that is not a problem. today was just meeting day, the delegation starts tomorrow but the study group wanted to meet before hand since everyone is coming from all over. all of the people in the study group are from different undiversities around the us. the largest groups are from UVM, a school in nebraska and a school from boulder colorado. it was sooo nice to meet up with my classmates from uvm and one of my professors is here as well. some of my classmates are also staying with other families and some are staying in the youth hostel. i went with some friends to the hostel during our lunch break and it was really nice. i could have stayed there but am having a better (and cheaper) experience with my family.
speaking of my family, i forgot to mention in my last story about the food. the stereotypes about italians and how they eat are REAL. last nighti had dinner with my family and the mom cooked a huge meal. we had spinach raviolis, like five differetn kinds of grilled vegetables, two different kinds of ham,loads of fresh bread and cheese and delecious dessert. the thing is though that you eeat each food as a different course. they explained to me that this way you get to sit at the table for a long time and enjoy each others company.
also the food that they have been providing at the hotel has been wonderful, today they gave us a welcoming lunch with really good sald and fresh fruit, lasagna and some other kind of pasta. they also provide snacks and everything during breaks and it is really good. i will probably gain atleast five pounds this week.
|
