Thursday, April 28, 2011

Italy Part Two: Verona

Our second day trip was on the Monday after our visit to the butterfly garden, & was to the beautiful Verona. We had to take a train to Padua and then after that catch the connection to Verona. Unfortunately, when catching our connection, we got a little bit confused... The train was going to Verona, which was a plus, but unfortunately was a "fast train" instead of the standard "regional" ones, and because of this the ticket taker wasn't too pleased with us! We had to pay eight extra euros per person or get off at the next stop and catch another train... We chose to pay up.

Upon our arrival in Verona, we decided to stop at a cafe for a quick drink of coffee and a bite of lunch. It seems to be a bit of a Bennett (and maybe Urs now?) tradition to stop for coffee first thing once arriving at one's destination. We had some lovely drinks and sandwiches, took some precious pictures of Stanley, and set out to find Juliet's Balcony. A nice little nun pointed us in the right direction (my Aunts and Grandma insist she was trying to get money out of us, but I have confidence in human decency and a love for Shakespeare) and there it was. Through a little tunnel.

The little tunnel we went through was covered with writing - mostly names in hearts and such - and I truly wish that I had gotten a picture. Unfortunately, I had a mission, and looked over that part. I did get Scotty a postcard with a picture of it though. Through the tunnel was a little courtyard, and directly in front of us was a statue of Juliet. You may not know this, but apparently it is some sort of tradition to place one's hand on Juliet's right bosom and have a photograph taken. Apparently, it gives one good luck in love. Apparently, my love life is doomed.

To the right, was her balcony (and a cool little museum that I got a student discount on, heck yes). I went through the museum, posed on the balcony for the fam, and read all the Shakespeare quotes before our tour was done. And before I took my turn in vandalising the tunnel by writing mine and Scotty boy's name in a heart. Yes, I am that tacky.

Following, we looked at the arena where my Aunt Nicky had planned to go to a concert years before, until her plans were thwarted by a bomb threat at Heathrow. It was pretty cool. And then it was time to go home. Our return journey was much calmer too (though my family always seems to be anxious and in a hurry when we are travelling...), we rode the correct train and saved ourselves many euros. Fun times. Here are the photos :)














Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Italy Part One: Montegrotto Terme

Since it has been a week since my last update, I thought maybe I should get around to filling you all in on my Easter trip... I am currently enjoying a relaxing evening with my beloved Aunt Ruth where there is internet & television aplenty, which makes it feel like a good blog writing time. So here goes, day trip one in Italy, our little town of Montegrotto Terme :)

We arrived in Italy on Saturday the 9th of April and enjoyed a couple of relaxing days in the town before venturing off on any intense day trips (i.e. Verona, Venice, & Padua). Our first adventure occurred only a few short minutes away from the home base (pictures of which will be included as well, wow this post is unorganized) at the butterfly garden. It was beautiful. Lots of cute butterflies. I was in love. & during part of our little butterfly walk, one butterfly decided to land on my arm & stay there for a couple days (well, until Grandma forced him off). It was the best. I think I met my best friend.

But oh no, butterflies were not all we saw. There was also an outdoor garden with lots of pictures of fairies and goblins. It reminded me a great deal of Pan's Labyrinth. I was overjoyed. I even got a keychain. Here are pictures of the day's events. Enjoy.


























Too many pictures? I know.

Things are falling together... :)

I am so relieved! Everything is beginning to fall into place. I have finally gotten a roommate figured out for next semester & confirmed it with housing (my first year living on my sorority floor & I am so excited!), dance team tryouts are over & I am dancing again for EKU in the autumn, my schedule is finished & won't overwhelm me too much (I hope), everything seems to be going great! Only one more paper (which I am beginning work on tomorrow) & a couple more wonderful weeks in my second home before it is time to head back to the US :) this has been such an amazing trip & such an amazing experience, & has really shown me that there is so much I want to do in my life :)

Only summer work (babysitting schedules & applying for other jobs if I can't get in touch with Moms) left to figure out & I am set. World, here I come ♥

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Updates...

So, life has been a little crazy recently! I have had a lot going on, but fortunately it has all been good things! First of all, my family (Aunt Sarah, Aunt Nicky, & Grandma J) & I all went to Italy last week :) We stayed in a town called Montegrotto Terme, it was forty minutes from Venice & Verona & only ten from Padua! It was an absolutely fabulous trip - one that I have been wanting to take ever since I was fourteen and read City of Masks by Mary Hoffman (yeahhh, I know, real cool). The only part that wasn't absolutely amazing was that my Mom didn't get to come with, but next time she will! There was way too much to talk about in only one post, so I'll do one for each trip (with pictures). Needless to say, it was awesome.

This weekend there is a lot going on here too! I have to complete my dance team tryout video by tomorrow (if I can get the studio, ugh). Today I was supposed to go in at four and finish up taping, but unfortunately I thought it was five so I missed my appointment & now have to wake up at 8:30 to call the events office & try to book it for nine... yay! Oh well. I am super stressed out about this tape & have had numerous nightmares, but hopefully it will go well. & if I don't make it, I will survive. I think.

Easter is coming up too! I am headed to go stay with my Grandma for Easter, which is nice and I am pretty happy about that. I am also attending a church near her house on Easter Sunday, which I am super thrilled about, but she refuses to attend with me so it will be a lone venture... I'm a bit distraught that I won't be home for Easter & will miss out on Mom's super cool annual Easter egg hunt, but what can you do? My loverly Aunt Ruthie Ruth got me a tasty chocolate egg from Marks and Spencers, but as a result of the lack of air conditioning/giant window combination going on in my room... It melted. Here is a picture, I know you care.



Poor chap.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Weddings! :)

I had a wonderful time this weekend getting to spend time with my family, especially the ever fantastic Alex & Momma! My Aunt's wedding was lovely, it was so good to be there for it :) Only Daddy being here could have made it any better! Term ends on Thursday, & I have a lot of work to do before then, but I will leave you will some pictures from the wedding!

Baby brother :)
Baby brother & Momma!
My Momma is my best friend :)
Aunt Nicky & Jo
Aunt Nicky & Grandma
Momma & Aunt Nicky
Finally a flower girl!
Aunt Nicky & Poppa
The cake! 
I love my Momma!
Aunt Nicky & Uncle Mark cutting the cake
My beautiful family (minus Daddy) ♥