Alli S

Last Thursday our professors took us to a nearby town for a formal dinner...in a genuine castle! We were required to take etiquette lessons beforehand and to follow all the rules. Many of us felt a little silly, but we really did enjoy having a nice dinner all together. It was a good time, and the view was beautiful. Afterward, nearly all the students headed to Epoca for the evening where we had lessons in the international versions of "If you're happy and you know it" and where we sang "Country Roads," which, if you know me well, is mandatory. Update on the weekend in France coming soon! I'll just let the photos speak for themselves for now.... read more

This past weekend I went to Roma with four other people in my program (Liz, Brian, Lenny and Carl). Even though I've been before, it was still amazing! After a 5+ hour train ride, we found our hotel around 9 p.m. It was a very nice 2-star hotel very close to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. We had airconditioning, a minibar, a large bathroom, big fluffy towels, a balcony, etc. Outstanding! If you're ever in Rome, I recommend the Hotel Paba. However, the second night was booked, so we had to move to the hotel across the hall--a big down grade. The funniest part was the "bathroom." It was the size of a very small closet with a tiny sink, a toilet, AND a shower head over top. So basically you get everything wet when ... read more

Buon giorno! I survived the ropes course. Although I do have a few nasty bruises as momentos. Asolo is beautiful! For my class Tuesday afternoon, the professor walked us around the town to learn about the culture and the history. A few famous people, including the writer Robert Browning and Napolean, have frequented the town. We checked out the local castle and fort which was pretty interesting. My favorite part was the villa on the hill across the village. From where we stood, it looked like two beautiful villas, one on each side of the hill. BUT in fact, it was actually one villa that went through the giant hill! How cool is that? Apparently a lot of the residents here are well off. Many corporate CEO's live in the area--the owner of AplineStars (a Formula ... read more

Ok, so technically I'm not in Venice (I'm in Asolo), but I did depart a plane, ride a bus and catch a train there. It was beautiful to see the mountains as I flew in. I could even see the Alps from the Milan aeroport (oops, Italian is already rubbing off)! Lots of water and people out on boats from what I could see. Didn't see any of the famed gondolas, but there were lots of motor boats just like in the states (reminded me of going out on Cheat Lake with my WV friends!). The castle in which I am staying is beautiful and modernized (minus A/C). I'll send pictures when I have time. Right now we are off to an orientation meeting and then a dinner in the village. Here's some funny news: tomorrow ... read more

Hello all! In about four days I leave West Virginia to spend a month studying and traveling in Italy. I will be staying in a small university town called Asolo, located about 45 minutes northeast of Venice. I'll be taking a couple of graduate international management courses and traveling on long weekends. The purpose of this travel journal is to share with you all my experiences, adventures and pictures (I hope to take lots). Take care, and if you'd like to get a postcard, send me your mailing address! Allison... read more