I forgot I had these - How Perugia Does Easter

I spent about 2 hours sampling everything in sight at this awesome open-air market that took over Perugia Easter weekend...I think my stomach expanded 4 times its normal size (already enormous) and it's still recovering..haha



CHEESE model of the fountain in Piazza Novembre - they really know how to live here *sigh*
I asked the guy for the smelliest, ooziest cheese there was - it was amazing.
Creeper moment #589204 for Gabrielle - couldn't help it.
This procession happened the week leading up to Easter; they rang the bells at the Duomo as everyone filed in



Okay, this has nothing to do with Easter, I just like it.

A few words because it's almost May (watch out..it's cheesy!)

Sooo, Marina deceived me about Skype times (just kidding..it was probably my fault, I was a tad over-zealous) and I want to get the most out of this internet cafe (and it's pouring out..and..my umbrella broke, I'm down 4 at this point; I refuse to buy another one!)

Anyway, I'm not really sure how much I'll be posting given that this is...get ready...my.last.week. WOW. I know. So I thought I'd write a little wrap-up entry and anything else I put on is just bonus prizes.

Where I'm at: Tuesday = exams, Thursday = Mom and Dad come for a week, after that I'll be in Rome with Tory and Zoe for a few days, then London with Zoe and the Dans, and then...wommmp wommmppp home. hahaha. :(

It feels so surreal to realize that I'll be off and out in just a "paio di giorni" - few days. I feel like I just got here, and at the same time, I feel that I've been in Perugia for years. I'm trying to hold onto everything, but that just makes time go by even faster.

At the end of it all though, I look back on what I wrote when I started this blog in January- the goals I made for my time here:

1. Become fluent
2. Lose myself in Italian culture
3. Find the answers to all of my questions
4. Have amazing adventures

I wish I could cross off with confidence each one (okay, I'll give myself #4, I've had a few); almost four months here has taught me one thing without a doubt: four months is not enough. I've learned that fluency - what is fluency? - is not a level that can be mastered or reached but a state that can take a lifetime or more to become. I'm proud of the improvements I've made, but I have a long way to go - and this accent, this stupid accent of mine..it's not going anywhere without a fight.

Getting lost in Italian culture? I got lost - that I know. Lost in a good way. The friends I've made from Italy and from all over the world have made me open to so many new and different perspectives, I am definitly changed by my experiences here.

And of answers to my questions - I'm missing a few, but I've learned a lot for the short time I've had here, and I think I'll find them eventually.

Okay, this entry is getting Lifetime movie-esque, so I'll spare you all and close with this:

Perugia, Italy, study abroad, has been everything and nothing of what I thought it would be. It has been one of my greatest challenges and most rewarding experiences, and I'm so blessed and happy to have been able to had it. It's not over - I have to keep reminding myself that, and I plan on making this week count. But looking back on my time here - it's been pretty good.

Italy, you haven't seen the last of me. Until the States!..:( <3Gabrielle

No particular theme here - more of volcanoes and horses

That's all for now..stay tuned.

One of the islands we passed..didn't get to explore it though, so that's on the list for the return trip..

Stromboli

Not the most flattering shot...but why not. haha :/

Our hotel was so beautiful. This little terrace doubled as both a spot to watch the volcano erupt at night AND a drying rack for my dog-poop-stained only pair of pants that I brought. yay! haha

Martina - my new best friend! ps - what a perfect people-pyramid we made, never noticed that before haha

just doesn't get old for me..

Thought I'd put up a few more pics I was too lazy too include from the last mass upload while I wait for Marina to get on skype (can't wait to talk to her!) -- also, I realize that the majority of these photos, again, are of just me. 1. I feel awkward posting pics of my friends without them knowing it 2. don't hate the playa hate the game..these are the photos I've chosen - enjoy! haha <3g

Here's our Easter dinner! (satisfied mom?) haha :), it was really good. ps, matt: nice face haha kidding...

Roman Easter

Thanks again Tory and Zoe - the one's who did pretty much all of the cooking..you guys are the best!

mmmmmm

"What do you mean he don't eat no meat? It's okay, I make lamb!"

I know what you're thinking - Gabby, those are the best sunglasses I have ever seen. It's okay. I know. (I don't know what zoe's pose is here..)

5 euro!! what a bargain! and i would have bought them too..if not for the mass amounts of leather boots to weigh down my suitcases on the return trip..

Thanks again, Dan. But best gelato! (except of course for Della Palma - mom and dad, get ready for the taste sensation of your life..)

At the Vatican! reunited and it feels so good... hahaa

horses!

This was a few weeks ago - I was itching for the outdoors so we hopped a train to tuscanyish regions and went trail riding for a few hours - it was hysterical bc the woman who gave us the lessons is british, and she speaks italian with the mooost british accent possible, it was everything i dreamed it would be hahah. It made me feel better about my lame american-italian accent.





Ignore the power lines, it was beautiful..

And one more time!

Because it's that cool - and those aren't clouds - it's smoke!