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Sunset from our terrace

Sorry I haven't updated in a while.  5 days without internet, the fun of living in Italy!  This weekend was beautiful which meant lots of time on the terrace.  I have midterms this week so it also meant lots of studying.  Robin and I went to one of the bridges where you can climb over and sit on the "points" as we call them.  It was really nice to read out there and enjoy the sun.  

Once midterms are over on Thursday I can focus on more exciting things like my favorite Mom and step dad coming to visit next Tuesday!  I can't wait to see them and for them to bring me lots of wonderful things like hair dye and peanut butter cups.  

Nothing gets things done like having a paper to write

I should be writing an essay but I'm procrastinating.  Next week I have midterms so this weekend is going to be spent doing homework.  Nothing much is going on.  Its been raining a lot.  Both my roommate and I are sick.  I started reading Watership Down yesterday.  I made my plans for coming home on May 30th.  I can't believe its coming up so fast.  Also my Mom and step dad are coming to visit in two weeks.  

I'm done with school on May 11th and my plans are tentatively to go to Berlin, Prague, Krakow and Budapest.  I'm also planning on coming back to Florence for a few days so I can spend my birthday here. ...ok I should probably go work on my paper now.  

I love this picture my friend Alex took of me. 

Halloween in February

A picture from one of the most famous mask stores in Venice.  This mask wasn't even one of the most elaborate and cost 160E or roughly $208.  
Casey with her face paint and me in my mask.  

A woman suspended by a hot air balloon.  
My friends and I covered in confetti in San Marco piazza
Some sweet costumes

Carnevale

Abby, Casey and I.  You can kinda tell I'm wearing a mask. 
Me standing on the beach at Lido with only a sweater!
Beautiful city
My friend Casey, who got her face painted and me.
The crowd outside the train station.

First of all I was happy that I enjoyed Venice this time more than my first visit.  The winter is definitely ideal for a visit.  Carnevale is a huge deal in Venice, but that being said there isn't really anything to do.  The city is packed and we spent most of our time just walking around looking at costumes and shopping.  It was a great atmosphere, everyone is just hanging out in the city.  Saturday there was a mini show in San Marco with a woman suspended by a hot air balloon danced. I also heard there was a clown marching band, but I didn't witness this firsthand.  We also stumbled upon a dj outside in one of the piazzas.  Sunday we went to Lido, one of the islands of Venice.  We walked over to the beach and enjoyed some surprisingly nice weather for February.  We picked up seashells and even found a crab.  It was really relaxing and made me excited for warm weather.  

There's more where that came from

In front of the steps at the Grand Arch.
One of my favorite pictures,  taken by my friend Alex who loves photography.
Alex and I jumping in the gardens at Versailles. 

Tomorrow morning I'm heading to Venice for two days to enjoy their famous winter festival, Carnivale.  I'm not sure what to expect, but I've been hearing great things.  Be back on Sunday.

Paris Pictures

The bag I bought (as requested)  However, mine is black.  Its hard to tell but its a fold over bag in patent leather. 
Rain on the Louvre pyramid 
My friends and I on a boat ride on the Seine. 
Fountain at Versailles
Hall of Mirrors

Paris part 2

So Friday we went to Premiere Vision.  It was huge.  I got to see all the trends for Spring 2010 and I had to interview a vendor for an assignment.  We found a nice guy that worked for a company from Lake Como that specialized in making 3-D fabrics.  You put on your little 3-D glasses and the image would pop out at you.  It was really different idea and cool to talk to the guy.  

Friday night the school trip ended so me and my friend who were staying for the weekend went over to our Hostel in the Montmatre area.  That night we just walked around, went up to Sacre Coeur and went out to eat.  

Saturday was my friend Abby's birthday and we went to Versailles.  It was definitely a priority for me since I've never seen it.  We even got a student discount which was awesome.  The palace was amazing, especially the hall of Mirrors.  Afterwards we walked around the gardens and then went to the smaller palaces on the grounds and the Queen's hamlet.  Marie Antoinette built a tiny village of cottages which were so cute.  There even is a farm there with cows, goats, ducks, chickens and a pig.  It was really beautiful to walk around even though it was February.

Saturday night we went out for Abby's birthday to a dive fondue place. There was no menu, only a choice of red or white wine and cheese and/or meat fondue.  The wine was served in baby bottles and I probably ate a pound of cheese.  The place was packed and at one point a girl decided to get up and sing.  It was a really fun night.

Sunday we went to the Eiffel Tower in the morning but didn't go to the top because the line was huge.  After that my friends wanted to go to the catacombs which I have already been to so I went off by myself.  I walked over to the Hotel des l'Invalides which was built by Louis XIV for veterans and wounded soldiers.  Now it is a museum.  I went to the exhibit on WWI and WWII which was really well done and made me feel more educated.  After that I walked up the the Champs Elysees, had lunch and then went back to the hostel to get my stuff.  Then we just headed the the airport and came home.