Ciao!
Right now I am in my parent's armory and hunting shopping using the internet to start my battle of finding an apartment in Bologna. First I will take a little bit of time to talk about the New Years!

For New Years in Italy it is a tradition for the girls and guys to wear red underwear and bras. I don't understand why exactly but I think it brings you good luck in your sex life. I didn't wear either because they didn't go with my outfit....hahah oops, but either did my sister and so I think I will be fine.

We started out the evening at Emax cafè. We had this huuuuuuuge dinner. First was the apertivi which was a plate with 6-10 different types of apetizers. Then we had our first plate which was Gnocchi and ravioli. Then the second plate which was 2 different kinds of meat. During this we drank wine and ate bread. At midnight we also had spumante (sweet fizzy wine) and Panentone with chocolate sauce. It was all very good but filling so to burn some calories I recruited the other girls at the table to dance.

For the holiday they had a band playing music from the 60s 70s and 80s and almost all of it was american. We danced like goons and took breaks to relax and allow the others to smoke.

Afterwards (around 1am) we went to a local bar/disco called Stragalò. It was really big and new since I had left. It was pretty fun just to hang out and drink and because I was American, I got some of the local guys to buy me drinks. Haha it was great!

I have been seeing all of my friends from when I was here 3 years ago and it is soooo strange. When I first came to Italy I didn't speak any of the language, and when I left I spoke ok but my grammar was horrible. Now, after working at Italian Camp and studying at University, I am soooooo much better. Really. I can actually understand everyone and respond! It is amazing how much easier everything is now that I can speak well enough. After these 6 months I think my Italian will be amazing.

The night was great just hanging out with friends and showing off my ability to swear in Italian. Elo and I returned home around 430, which is early for new years. With our dinner at Emax we also paid for breakfast, but we decided we would rather sleep. We went home and slept until 1.

New years day nothing is open at all. ZERO. So we all stayed home and lazed about. Weh ad veal for lunch and pastry type things for dessert. It was so nice just lazing around and I even watched the Sex and the City movie in Italian.

That night our friend Longo (his name is Daniele but his last name is Longo) had us over for dinner.

Everyone always talks about the cultural difference in Italy and how women have more defined roles in Italian culture as housewives and cooks. I think it is interesting though that Italian men usually know how to cook.

Longo made us Whiskey Pasta (penne pasta with ragu and cream and meat and a bit of whiskey), then this pork dish, and finally he Made Tiramisù. WOW it was all delicious and accompanied by beer and wine it was great.

After dinner we played playstation. See Italy isn't that different! First we played a racing game on Play station 1 and then the boys played a soccer game on playstation 2. It was nice just hanging out and we were all so tired from the celebrations the night before.

Today was another lazy day for me. This is a nice vaction for me but Elo still has exams coming up so she has to study. We went shopping today to take advantage of all of the sales. I got a skirt and a small cover up. The fashion here is a bit different and it is hard getting used to. Uggs are actually starting to become popular here too! haha

I finally have a working cell phone so if any of you out there feel the need to call my number is (from america)

011 39 334 852 4900

Remember I am 7 hours ahead...but we do stay up later here so just call before midnight! haha.

Well I cannot post photos for a while because it takes too long and I don't really have the access or time yet. Sorry you will just have to immagine.

Happy new year!