The entire week went by very quietly. It was like a calm before a storm, the storm being metaphorical for the chaos that would be this weekend. I tried to do my homework as I should, and I did for the most part. I was distracted by many things, most of them happening in the far future. I was also slightly horrified at the fact that we had a term paper and two finals coming in the next week. I feel like a huge, freak wave just smashed into me. I’ll be able to breathe once this is all over. On Friday, after class, the girls and I spent the morning, before lunch, preparing the Palazzo. By then we were all feeling the stress that comes with being a historic college student abroad. After lunch, Nicole, Samantha, Vi and I got on a bus and went to Arezzo to do some shopping and relax before the trauma started. Upon returning we set off to work on our term papers, which was a disaster looming over our heads from the beginning. We were supposed to write an eight to ten page paper about our topics in Art History. I had chosen Cosimo Medici and his contributions to the art world through paintings. It didn’t work out so well in my opinion. Even later than that, we decided to go out and relieve our stress even more. That did work out very well.
This past weekend has been one of the most horribly busy weekends I have been forced to endure, although it was also enjoyable. The next day, I woke up and got ready. This was the day that everyone would arrive. At around 1:30 pm we set off for our respective bus stops and met the people that we would be escorting. I ended up escorting the Swabb’s to the Palazzo. The Swabb’s are a very funny couple that will be teaching the Science and Society Class that begins next week. They wouldn’t let me carry their bags and I felt kind of useless. Once we reached the Palazzo, Chelsea and I showed them to their room and gave them a tour of the building. Later that afternoon everyone gathered in the dining room and, after distribution of refreshments and talking, we all introduced ourselves to each other. My favorite two ladies are the two oldest, double trouble as they called themselves. They graduated in 1943 and 1946. That shocked me. Later that evening we, the students, were able to relax, which we needed for the day that was to come. According to Vi I repeatedly woke up in the middle of the night and looked at her many times. Then I screamed, “What time is it?”
The next day was to be the busiest we have experienced this semester. Coupled with the fact that we had a term paper that many of us still needed more research for, it was regarded with dread. We dressed up for the occasion and went with everyone to lunch. I sat across from the adorable old lady, one whom is called Miss Jean. She told me that I looked just like her granddaughter, Alex. Lunch lasted for nearly three hours and afterwards I escorted Miss Jean back to the Palazzo for the grand opening. For the grand opening many of us felt it was necessary to change clothes again, well we’re women, it’s to be expected. We helped set up all of the many refreshments that would serve everyone who walked through our doors. We decorated with napkins and plates. When we were finished we stood in the main lounge and waited for the crowd that would come upon us. The whole thing frightened me I won’t lie. I am not a fan of crowds. At first the crowd of people was more like a trickle. At first we saw the familiar faces of the Meredith friends, then larger numbers came through the door. By the time it was 6:00 pm the Palazzo was crowded. There was no room to move and there were still things for us to do. I had heard that there were supposed to be flag throwers. I can honestly say that I did not believe that it would actually happen. Boy, was I surprised. I was doing something downstairs, I can’t remember what it was, and was told to go to the front to see the flag throwers. I’m glad I did. While outside, I managed to get a picture of John Rose pointing at the camera. I’m going to turn it into a poster that says “John Rose wants you to study abroad in Sansepolcro.” It is my marketing technique to recruit students for the program. Back to the flag throwers, I do believe my future Italian husband was among them. After the show, Vi and I were running up the stairs. We didn’t realize the troop of performers were ahead of us. We rounded a corner and Vi yells out, “Whoo!” The last two in line looked at her and I couldn’t stop laughing. I felt bad afterwards; I hope they didn’t think I was laughing at them. Personally, I was delighted when they decided to stay for a while and eat, drink and socialize. We met two of the performers. Their names were Lorenzo and Giulio. Giulio was my favorite. We got their information and they left. Afterwards, I tried to get into my room only to find that the door was locked. I was worried because, earlier, I had walked into my room and walked back out because an odd woman was sitting on my bed, and it looked like she was meditating. I was worried because I thought she might have locked herself in my room. I ran to get Bekka. It turns out that Vi, Chelsea and our friend Francesco had locked the door to do Chelsea’s hair in private. I was slightly angry at first. Then I decided that I would do Chelsea’s makeup. I think I did beautifully with her makeup. Francesco left to eat dinner; he would meet up with us later. By this time, nearly everyone was gone and we could relax. Everyone’s nerves were a little high. Jackie and I left to take the flower arrangement to the Santa Chiara. I didn’t eat dinner, but I did eat gelato. Any hunger that I had disappeared as I sat in the chapel and the choir began to sing. It was absolutely beautiful. Those words really don’t do it justice. My favorite songs that were sung were “Oh Waly, Waly” and “No John”. Afterwards, it was time for Chelsea to perform with her instructor. They played beautifully. I enjoy watching hands when people play the piano, so my eyes were riveted to their hands. Afterwards it was time for Andrea and his wife, Stella, to sing. They are both opera singers and it was amusing to watch them and wonderful to hear them. Afterwards we went home. I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.
Today was Monday and we all suffered the repercussions of yesterday. I was so exhausted. I was so thankful that we were given an extended deadline on the paper. I worked on it every chance I got. We ate lunch, and we went to class. There was a jewelry showcase here and I bought a ring and a pair of earrings. All of her work was very beautiful. After that I worked on the paper some more. There was a wine-tasting event, so I retreated to the classroom for some peace and quiet. We were supposed to get gelato with Jean Jackson, but everywhere was closed, even the Goblin! We came home chagrined by the traditions of Italia.
0 Lovely Thoughts:
Post a Comment