I apologize for the dilatory nature of this post and for its incohesiveness (in advance)…

The past couple of weeks have been filled with lots of ups and downs in many respects: I’ve started and almost finished a second painting, nearly completed two portrait drawings and ready to begin the next, developed several rolls of film and made some working prints (which goes to say that they are adequate but not great), completed my first art history paper (yes, I actually have to write papers here, too) and taken my first art history TEST (and you thought that art majors didn’t have to study…ha!). I have also acquired an annoying habit of speaking in parentheses…

But that only covers the academics — unbeknownst to many I do have a slight ability to maintain a social life… when necessary. I’ve been to the “discoteca” — ironically named Route 66 –approximately three times (danced only twice b/c I find techno music pretty distasteful); walked through several open-air markets; climbed this wretched mountain umpteen-million times (it’s really a blessing in disguise with all the pasta they serve us…notice the passive there, its not *my* fault I was taught to eat what I’m served ); been to a wine museum and a medieval paper-making press; visited the rather cosmopolitan city of Perugia on a quest (aka wild goose chase) to find a camera repair store; watched several episodes of Golden Girls (love it!); and cried over the movie In Her Shoes (it was my first time watching it… I miss my sisters ). All that being said, it is the small things here that continue to remind me of home and keep me counting down in the back of my head the days until my return.

I’ve caught the unfortunate illness that is making rounds through this drafty dormitory…which is also a funny story because for some reason or another the showers here have absolutely NO hot water, no matter how long you let it run or how hard you push the lever to the left, it simply refuses to produce heat. Thus, there is not a single hot shower to be had. Why is this funny? It’s more of an ironic cynicism… you just have to laugh at 50 students with dirty hair shuffling around in blankets and whatever other warmth they can get their hands on. We’re hoping that one of these days they will notice our blue lips and greasy hair and have some mercy. Consequently, it’s not surprising that the good old stuffynose-cough-fever-feeling-like-crapness has made its conquest, but we are well into the second week and as such it should be dying off fairly soon.

On a brighter note, the weather here has been absolutely gorgeous, so here’s a little picture for you to enjoy. 🙂

*EDIT*
5 Things I wish I had brought with me:
1. My Ugs (those fuzzy sheepskin boots…they would be perfect for this hot/cold weather)
2. Ramen Noodle Soup! In every flavour!
3. Another pair of flip-flops… the ones I have broke
4. A tube of Naples Yellow oil paint… it’s hard to paint a portrait w/out it
5. A blanket to shuffle around in