ErinnR

Sorry it has taken so long to update my blog, after moving on to Austria and starting my summer school class life became very hectic. Though I have already left Europe I want to recap some of the highlights of my last week in Italy and then finally the rest of my trip. My last week in Italy (which was the last week in July) I met up with my roommate from Sacramento and one of our friends, together we saw the last two places I had yet to tackle in Italy: Roma and Florence. I loved Roma; it was exactly how I pictured it to be. Though it was extremely hot the entire time we were there, the lines were not too bad and we were truly able to see most of everything that we ... read more

Well I just finished my last week in Parma and I could not have asked for anything better. On Wednesday the professor that I have been interning for could not take the Parma heat anymore and decided to take Jackie and I to the sea side. We drove 2 hours (in his Porsche) to cooler weather and had a great night and day there. For dinner we ate along the canal which was designed by Leonardo, the canal goes right through the city and is lined with sail boats along its edges. We had this traditional fish dinner which instead of being fried fish like I thought it was really more like fried "everything you can find in the ocean".... Not so great but at least I was branching out. We had a delicious dessert which ... read more

Before going into my weekend trip I wanted to tell you about a wonderful dinner Jackie and I attended on Thursday to celebrate Saint Giovani which is a traditional celebration that takes place in Parma. A woman from work invited us over to her friends house to celebrate this day. The house was located out in the Parma countryside on a farm was it was great to get out of the city (especially since it has been 90-100 degrees everyday). Our hosts mom made 250 tortelli for the 20 guests to eat. Tortelli is like a large ravioli but its stuffing changes depending on the city you are in. For example, Parma's tortelli is made with ricotta cheese and spinach, but in Reggio theres' is stuffed with pumpkin. The homemade tortelli was TO DIE FOR. OMG ... read more

Well despite a weekend full of transportation issues I still love Venice! We left for Venice on Friday and unfortunately we were forced to delay our train ticket because of a work phone call that we had to take. Then we missed the train because of some confusion with the time. Lucky the train lady took pity on us and let us change our ticket again despite a rule against that and on top of that we had to go into Mestre instead of Venice which was perfect since that is where Lena and I were staying anyway. That night we ventured into Venice for dinner and the city was truly breath-taking. Right when you leave the train station you are next to the Grand Canal which was beautiful. I have heard some stories about how ... read more

Last week I started my seminars where I teach Italian law students American Real Estate and Property Law. It is very difficult to not only explain in simple terms legal concepts but on top of that english is a second language to all of the students so I must speak very slowly and clearly since they are not used to American english. Our first class was in Parma and went very well, one man in particular asked tons of questions about escrow and title companys which showed his understanding of our lesson. The second class took place in Milan and took place on the same day that Lena flew into Milan so the timing was perfect. I was able to take an early train up to Milan and meet Lena and take her over to the ... read more

Spent a wonderful weekend in Tuscana! It takes only about 3-4 hours to get to this area from Parma. Jackie and I stayed at a camp ground in mobile homes, it was great. Unfortunately we got in so late on Friday that we were forced to stay at the camp ground and pertake in happy hour specials and pizza. The next day we were finally able to get out into Siena. This is an old medieval city which has very small cobblestone streets, which somehow the buses manage to drive through. The main square is the scene of the city's famous bareback horserace which happens in July and August. Literally thousands and thousands of people crowd into the city center to watch this race. I would love to go back when it takes place on July ... read more

Spent a wonderful weekend in Tuscana! It takes only about 3-4 hours to get to this area from Parma. Jackie and I stayed at a camp ground in mobile homes, it was great. Unfortunately we got in so late on Friday that we were forced to stay at the camp ground and pertake in happy hour specials and pizza. The next day we were finally able to get out into Siena. This is an old medieval city which has very small cobblestone streets, which somehow the buses manage to drive through. The main square is the scene of the city's famous bareback horserace which happens in July and August. Literally thousands and thousands of people crowd into the city center to watch this race. I would love to go back when it takes place on July ... read more

Ciao! I have arrived in Italy and despite the heat I am loving it! However when I first walked off the plane in Milan I have never been more scared. No one spoke any English and to make matters worse my flight had been delayed so it was 10:30pm by the time I arrived. I nervously made my way to the train station, mangaged to buy a ticket from a man who spoke no English and began my journey. In a very smart decision I decided to take a cap to the hostel and there I began my trip. The hostel (Hotel Galla) was very nice and I met two awesome girls. We went to a local bar that night with an Italian and a Canadian so I learned about local Italian culture right away. We ... read more

Before starting with my wonderful time in London I have to mention my flight from h*l*!! Having no problems mentioning the airline, Virgin Atlantic, I want to make sure all those who are looking into their flights to Austria think twice about booking a flight with them. First the entertainment system was broken for half of the flight!!! I know it’s not really their fault but come on, who brings stuff to do on an international flight when the movies airlines offer are so good?!?!?! Then during the last ¼ the plumbing broke. Ya. Now that’s a serious problem! Finally when being to land something was going on with the runway (I know not really their fault) but we were forced to circle above the airport for 45 minutes – with no toilets – until the ... read more

Our 6 hour bus ride from Airlie Beach took us to Townsville, from there we took a 20 minute boat ride to the Magnetic Islands. When the islands were first discovered the explorers compass didn't work so that is why the islands were called Magnetic, now however longer trips showed the islands were in fact not magnetic but the name stayed. Now the locals say it is called Magnetic Island because people can't resist it. The island is covered in lush green forests and was truly breathtaking. I was so shocked when I stepped off the boat into a tropical paradise. Unfortunately though the beaches aren’t that nice, the sand is very rocky and dark and the water appears very dirty because the currents kick up a lot of sand, also jellyfish prohibit anyone from getting ... read more