Live, Louvre, Laugh

My adventures in Paris were spent in a great city with even better people. Giggles and pastries trumped any tribulations of my travels, which consisted of many more transfers than I had originally considered myself capable. My days in the beautiful city were spent with my best friend, Krista Veikos, and many more people that made the experience so incredible.

Our first destination was the signature landmark- the Eiffel Tower. The 301 meter masterpiece was well worth the glory it had received. Winding through the intricate pathways of the tower brought excitement, more giggles of course and also appreciation- for this unique experience I have been afforded. In the midst of these adventuresome days, I am still in a stupor of disbelief that this opportunity has been one I have been able to seize. I am literally with my best friend, prancing up the Eiffel Tower, with my cheeks glowing from either the cocoa covered cappuccino I just drank or the consistent bouts of laughter that emerge from me being with my best friend. Atop the tower, the view of Paris was simply magnificent. The sprawling buildings had an eloquence I haven’t encountered throughout my other travels. I was overwhelmingly impressed, to say the least.

To the Louvre we continued. Gaining free admission with my Dante Alighieri student status, I entered what is one of the most famous galleries in the world, with the objective of seeing the Mona Lisa. Selfies with the Mona Lisa? Sounds good to me.

I will admit that in the span of this Parisian weekend I did make moves to get Chipotle and Starbucks, as unauthentic as those undertakings may be. No regrets. No disappointments. Simply more giggles.

Saturday’s agenda was centered around Versailles. The Chateau was exquisite and  irreplaceable. The gold gated palace was one of a kind, as were the many fountains in the vicinity. The crepes beforehand set the scene for a wonderful adventure. There is arguably no better place in the world to have a first crepe experience. My gorgonzola, ham, walnut and arugula masterpiece fully supports that statement. Supplemental supporting evidence would most certainly be my chestnut and crème infused, cinnamon ice cream topped second attempt at crepe consumption.

What a wonderful world.

Outpost; Originating Experiences, Opening Opportunities

Last weekend was an intermediary step in my abroad experience that proved to be an invaluable tool for reflection, excellent weekend amongst new friends and incredible introduction to Dublin, Ireland. I served as a leader on the retreat Outpost, during which I contemplated the relevance of my abroad experience, how to take ownership of my future endeavors and the method by which I would like to continue approaching the remainder of the semester. Amidst thoughtful conversation, I was surrounded by an outstanding group of individuals with whom I am proud to share the privilege of attending Boston College. The precipitous atmosphere of comfort that descended upon the group was unlike that which I have experienced previously. I was wholeheartedly comfortable being myself and providing a platform for others to do the same.

This trip began with my first stay in a hostel. I have never travelled in this manner, and to be honest, I was slightly frightened upon my arrival. Winding through the streets of Dublin near midnight, I was (forcibly) greeted by many interesting individuals. Continuing on to the hostel, I entered a room where the other Boston College students were already resting for the weekends events, only to find a stranger who thought it would be a good idea to store ham in her room temperature suitcase. Pleasant. When I did awake the next morning, I was able to dine with my fellow leads and enjoy an amazing piece of goat cheese-vegetable quiche. One thing I miss from America is eggs in the morning. That void was most definitely filled by my Irish breakfast. Plus, I needed a jumpstart for the days events ahead. I officially began the retreat activities at Boston College Ireland around noontime, where I gave the polished version of my Expectations speech. Enveloped by a sea of red (maroon) colored carpets and walls, while in the company of many BC banners and flags, I felt an instant sense of belonging in this alternate home away from home.

Onward to the retreat destination, Kippure Estate. The beautiful grounds of Kippure Estate are located approximately one hour outside of Dublin, allowing the retreat participants to move beyond the chaos of a city environment and be at peace with their surroundings in the gorgeous countryside. Mingling and mixing amongst group members, faculty and staff proceeded, until around 8:00 when I delivered my talk. To kick of the lecture series, I described my experience with expectations abroad, from the apprehensions, to the bouts of excitement, disappointment and uncertainty. Elucidating how the most formative parts of my experience where not those that I had anticipated prior to hopping on a plane at Logan Airport, I demonstrated how my preconceived notions were altered when I allowed impressions to be formed based on the happenings around me rather than the archives of my friends facebook pages or another recommendation on Trip Advisor. Getting shot at by nerf guns, sharing conversation over a lovely Italian dinner and hearing another rendition of Macklemore’s Thrift Shop by my little brother Lorenzo proved to be the most memorable moments thus far, far above the swaying of a crowd at Octoberfest or temporary stay in an airport for a layover.

In addition to the organic memories interspersed throughout my everyday experiences, the intentional conversations that took place over the weekend were throughout provoking and transformation. Conversation spurred form the various talks given, which ranged in topic from relationships to personal insights. Many of the participants were willing to be vulnerable, honest and authentic which made the experience more meaningful, deep and personable. The struggles encountered by some of my peers in their abroad experience and otherwise have helped me to retain perspective, considering the difficulties we all face and carry with us throughout our journey. I was also highly impressed with the faculty “sweeps” who volunteered personal information, moments of discernment and acquired insights, which prompted further conversation, reflection and sharing.

Although many moments pertained to more serious topics, we certainly had our fun as well. Thursday afternoon we were able to put on our wellies (rainboots) and hike through a stream in the mountains. As a group, we trekked up the mountain and stood in the gusting Irish winds for about an hour. Being atop the mountain was truly breathtaking. My world was paused, even though the continuum of time kept going. Moments like these are irreplaceable. They aren’t crafted by a detailed agenda, or pre-planned itinerary. They arise when one is willing to be open, receptive and spontaneous. I am perfectly aware that I did not choose to create this seemingly perfect moment on the mountain, but I did elect to subject myself to the possibility of encountering new situations, people and conversations. This mentality  was embraced throughout the weekend. Outpost beckoned the question of how to navigate these opportunities, embrace unknown possibilities, and take ownership of this unique experience. 

Rendezvous in Rome, Visiting the Vatican, Passing through the Pantheon, experiencing Faith and Papa Francesco

A Roman holiday is quite the precise definition for the series of happenings over this past weekend. Although this holiday was preceded by the challenges and struggles of an overnight train, the efforts and exertions were well worth the experiences I was fortunate to have in the capital city of Italy. Departing the train station and taking a taxi to the Trevi Fountain, I gathered my first glimpses of Rome at around 7:00 Friday morning. The infrastructure and personage that spanned the city were unlike that which I had seen in the surrounding Italian towns of Florence, Parma, Pisa, Sienna or Cinque Terre. There was a precipitous change in surroundings, from graffiti covered concrete to that of ancient Roman style.

A whirlwind of an entry was nothing in comparison to walking next to ruins, entering the ancient forums, or standing in front of the Coliseum, which occurred later that afternoon. Venturing into the center of the city, I entered into a zone characterized by a blend of ancient history and modernity, which was sharply distinct from any experience I had encountered previously. Crowds of people poured from the direction of the ancient ruins. Buildings, ruins and structures belonging to cascade of historical periods spanning the greatest and weakest moments of humankind. The privilege of walking amongst the center of the greatest empire of all time was incredibly moving, inconceivable and overwhelming.

The focus of the following morning was visiting the Vatican. The artwork, history and religious prominence of this location was evident in the artwork, structural composition and humanitarian fascination that was omnipresent within the confines of the defining walls. I travelled through museums and halls of artwork, moving towards the Cysteine Chapel. Words are ineffective indicators of the impressiveness, magnificence and empowerment of this experience. Correspondingly, my entrance into St. Peter’s Basilica evoked the same response.  Beyond the normal realm of impressively, I also witnessed the ordination of two priests. The scene was incredibly moving; standing amongst strangers yet feeling unified through the fascination with the religious and architectural significance of arguably the most beautiful church in the world was incomprehensible. Ensconced by the brilliance of the moment, I contemplated, absorbed and enjoyed my surroundings.

The destination of the next morning was not originally intended on our agenda, yet it proved to be the most highly anticipated activity of the entire weekend. Waking at 5:40 and staring a pot of coffee for my friends, I prepared to return to St. Peter’s for mass with Papa Francesco, the celebrated Jesuit pope. Entry to mass was permitted through tickets we had received the previous day, in a serendipitous fashion. With the advice from a woman operating one of the gift stores, we found Swiss guards, protectors of the Pope. Exiting the storefront, we turned towards an exterior archway under which three guards stood. They issued us tickets for mass, in a sly and covert fashion. Our elation was not concealed for long, as we erupted with joy, excitement and broad smiles. This continuum of excitement did not fade between that moment and the moment in which lined up for mass. During mass, one portion of the readings was done in five different languages, embodying the universality of the Catholic church and resonating with Pope Francis’s appeal to the masses. The ceremonial ongoing of the mass were absolutely incredible, especially the offerings of peace between individuals prior to communion. The symbolism of the moments captured by that frame of time, as well as the relative significance of my entire weekend, made it not only one of the best times of being abroad, but also within my livelihood thus far.

Carbonara in Cooking Class

The excitement for 19:00 Monday evening was insurmountable. I had grand expectations for cooking class with the legendary Anna Buonomi, admired friend of Boston College for many years and excellent chef for many years longer. I had elected to come to Parma with the knowledge that a cooking class would comprise part of my schedule. I did not realize that the cooking class was taught by Anna, a kind hearted, passionate woman of about 5’2”. When first arriving to Anna’s house, we were welcomed to her kitchen, seated around the stove, and subject to a wide range of aromas that were responsible for l'acquolina in bocca, (mouth watering). Crowded around her little stove, we learned how to prepare Spaghetti alla Carbonara, a delicate mix of crisped bacon, oil, cheese, egg, salt and pepper. A surplus of pecorino romano and one kilogram of pasta was more than enough to kick off our wonderful meal. After finishing my portion of one of the most incredible pasta dishes I have ever tasted, I was offered a platter of meats and cheeses, in typical Parma fashion. This was only the beginning. Anna had prepared a six course meal, also consisting of ricotta with cinnamon, bread, salad and a chocolate torte. Delectable. A feast to remember. The best part, knowing that I would be back soon again next Monday.

Bicycles, Brunch and Beginnings

Throughout the duration of my first week in Parma, I have felt warmly welcomed, continually curious and indisputably impressed. The enthusiasm and adoration I have for this city has continued since the evening of the welcome dinner. Complete with my Parma experience was a bicycle rental. Pedaling across cobblestone streets, weaving in and out of buses and seeing classmates from across the Ponte Mezzo, I have enjoyed my cyclist experience so far in Parma. Interestingly, Parma has the third highest bicycle per person ratio in the world, following Beijing and Amsterdam. Here, the bikes rule the road. Traffic lights give way to bicycle crossings, rather than simply automobile routes. Green painted bike paths span the city streets. Parking spots for bikes are harder to find than spaces for cars. And don’t forget the bike bell- it’s a signature sound that precedes your appearance and marks your departure.

Besides the wonders of pedaling through Parma,  I have begun to explore the city. Passing by the Annunziata Church, I am located in the relative center of the city, near Villa Farini and Piazza Garibaldi. Saturday served as an opportunity to explore the city market, mingle with the people of Parma and ascertain a better sense for the character of the city. Sunday beckoned a family breakfast affair, American style. Again, I found myself helping to prepare the typical American breakfast enterprises- bacon eggs, and pancakes- but no complaints. My little brother, Leonardo, even said that the pancakes were the best pancakes he ever had, which made my heart melt faster than the butter pats on our toast. I am finding another home away from home. 

Primi di Parma

Primi di Parma. First Impressions. The initial moments of being a Parmesan have been exhilarating, surprising, and full of family tradition. Upon first meeting my host mother, Elisa, I had apprehension about joining a new family, acclimating to a new home, and being able to surpass the barriers of communication to form the bonds of a relationship. Elisa’s high heels, quick refrain and dangling cigarette comprised part of my introduction to life with the Serpini Fornari family, which I imagine will have bouts of excitement and plentiful surprises in the upcoming months.

Upon our arrival, Caroline, my roommate, and I, passed through the closed gates of an apartment complex to enter what would be our new home for the next two months. We were delighted to find a comfortable and adorable accommodation on the first floor of the complex, the rest of which is occupied by primarily the extended family of our host mother. A bit of unpacking was followed by a lengthier session of information on our stay- everything from how we separate the recyclables to what we enjoy eating for breakfast.

Our introduction was cut short by the way of the welcome to Parma dinner, a delectable six course meal held in a former candle shop. Antipasto was followed by two primi- tortellini and gnocchi, then glazed ham and warm salad. We had a baby bed of strawberries surrounded by a crib of chocolate and blanket of cream for dessert. 

The first night in Parma was only a glimpse to what the city has in store. Already, further adventures have unfolded and impressions have been formed. Gliding through the city streets by way of a bicycle, traveling to the Cathedral or stopping in for lunch, I feel comfortable, relaxed and welcome. While I enjoyed my time in Florence, I am happy to have arrived in the authentic Italian city of Parma. My intuition tells me that the nature of life in the city is analogous to the aging of its cheese- it only gets better with time, even if it is already incredible.