June 22/23rd 2009? I am confused on dates now: Bologna:

My feet are not content with me. I would love to rock some cushy vans and call it a day, but it I cannot let Italy down in terms of fashion. I have consistently shoved my brutalized feet into some boots in order to stomp all about Bologna and flow alongside others in the streets.

I am currently laying in bed at about 1:00am, or 7pm Atlanta time. I FINALLY GOT THE INTERNET TODAY! That has been the only nonstop frustrating part of this journey. We all are trying to maintain contact with family members and friends back home, as well as journal/blog our experience, but we are unable! It’s a strange freedom I am experiencing though…no cellphone checking, no texting, no facebooking, no driving, no emailing…just wine, food, culture, walking, real conversations, etc. It’s a throwback to the old days. I read myself to sleep rather than watching mindless TV or sitting around on the internet. I find it invigorating…and FRUSTRATING! I am so used to my sidekick of assorted electronics and constant connection to the world outside of what is directly in front of me. This is good for me. Good for me. Yes.
G. o. o. d. I just have to remind myself.

I miss Tofu (the cat, not the food…although that too) so much there are no words. Who am I supposed to cuddle up with at night? Sleeping cuddleless without him is unfortunate. I miss my Soleil too.
From the amount of food we are eating, I could be full for the next five years. I paid only about 8 euros for my dinner tonight at this local spot and got a HUUUUUUGE homemade pizza. BAHHH. Heaven. I can honestly say I haven’t tasted one item of food that hasn’t blown my mind. I knew Bologna was known for its food, but seriously? It’s indescribable. I want to be able to ship some home so everyone can try it.

I thoroughly enjoyed class today. I would really like to take Angelo’s class on Hitchcock for my graduating semester. It’s so nice when he references theoretical concepts that I am beginning to grasp, or mentions an auteur I am familiar with. I have a lot still to learn...but I am starting to feel a hold upon a subject I am truly fascinated by. We were able to watch early cinema clips today and begin discussions of the concept of cinephilia. I took more pictures for my photo essay.

I need to find a way to work for National Geographic. Make documentaries on my giraffes and other creatures of that sort. Travel the world. Julie, I need that hookup! I also need to live in Italy. Can I just get those two things? Grazie.

The weather here is funny and fickle. When I arrived it was scorching hot to the point of pain, but now it’s pretty chilly out. I was in need of a sweater and scarf just to go down to the piazza tonight. Mandy and I ventured to a fantastic record store today. Pretty much any good music was available via CD or vinyl. We spent some time around there before lunching with folks and going to class.

Alex and Eva make me smile. I really like them a lot as people and can see a longstanding friendship in the future with them after all of this. We’ve definitely bonded. They have a positive and genuine energy about them. Gotta love ‘em!
Everyone on the trip is cool and we all seem to get along and enjoy adventuring together. What a cute little Italy family.

I miss my friends back home. Overseas shout out? I would say we are looking at the same stars but it’s only 7pm for most of them! But I miss ya’ll.

I have a funny McDonald’s story for later. I am in the mood to curl up and read right now, so maybe in tomorrow’s post. Anyways, there’s a McDonald’s in the city center of Bologna. Of course, it serves Prosciutto and shaved parmesan for 10 bucks. But moral of the story, they were so mean to me! I will protest McDonald’s forever. Now McDonald’s AND UPS are on my list of “Grr…”-inducing companies.

I did get to finish the night talking to my Mom. That made me SO happy. Just to hear my mom’s voice. I love this experience and value it beyond words, but there is nothing like the voice of your mom or dad. I was able to quickly make an overseas call to dad to wish him a happy father’s day. I also miss my sister a lot. I can’t wait to catch her on facebook or something one night in the piazza and talk to her as well! I love the Ramsey clan and am sending love to them over the ocean.

Cheesy lame stuff, right? I had a feeling this post would be anything but intellectual…instead I discussed food, the weather, and how cheesy I am.
Ciao! Love you all!





June 24, 2009: Bologna


Last night was the best meal of my life. I have never eaten a more delicious salad. Ever. It was an undressed, simple salad. Onions, cucumbers, and tomatoes. The most exquisite vegetables I have ever tasted. Fresh, hydrated, full of life and earth. Incredible bread.

I have become a resident of food heaven. Officially.

Another thing to look forward to is that Friday some of us are taking off to Modena on a train to go to a Balsamic Vinegar distillery for a tour of the history and a tasting. I am a vinegar fiend so this will be perfect, I imagine.

I am sitting in the piazza as children scurry towards a mass of balloons in hopes that their elders will purchase them one. They look at the balloons with the same adrenaline filled glee that I am looking at the city with.

I would love to share more, but I have scheduled my time poorly and need to rush back in order to make our Italian potluck dinner. I am going to attempt to recreate the five star salad I experienced last night. After this, I will write more and hopefully post it by tomorrow. I have hundreds of pictures. I ask for your patience, in due time, all will be revealed! I am under the command of the Communists as well as film aficionados. Neither of whom you ever want to piss off!

I hope everyone has a lovely day. Buona cera!