Day 5: The Students Are Here

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All I can say is, “What a day!” It was a flurry of activity from sun-up to sun-down. I suppose it didn’t help much that I only got about four hours of sleep last night. And then I forgot to eat breakfast. Not a good way to start the first day of the semester. But it wasn’t long before my enthusiasm took over for my lack of energy.

The day started with faculty orientation. I made a pit stop at the tabacchi shop, hoping to find a single serving bottle of OJ and one of those big, cello-wrapped muffins that are in every gas station/convenience store/vending machine in the U.S. But I was clearly wrong again in my assumptions. The closest thing to a single serving of OJ was a pesca drink (not too bad of a substitute). And the only appetizing-looking pastry was a whole loaf of this yummy looking cinnamon bread. I disappointingly bypassed the bread (too hard to eat) and went with a package of individually wrapped bun-like things with chocolate chips. I think I was drawn to the ease of “open and eat” that’s so ingrained in my head. Of course, this experience got me thinking about the “McDonaldization” of society, which I’ll be teaching in my course. But that’s a rant for another day.

Then it was faculty orientation, followed by lunch in the cafeteria, followed by some computer support, followed by some paperwork, followed by some lesson planning, followed by another orientation event, followed by some more paperwork, followed by dinner (again in the cafeteria), followed by working out some logistics for data collection with Cristina.

Throughout this whole experience three busloads of American students—about 200 of them in all—arrived on campus. They, too, participated in orientation sessions and ate meals in the cafeteria. I met a few of them throughout the day. And following the advice we’re giving to our students, I called home. In fact, I set up a call plan via Skype (thanks, Chris, for the advice!). It’s only $5.95 per month for unlimited calls to U.S. landline or cell phones. The first person I talked to was my Grandpa Richard… because everyone else let me roll to voicemail. (Oh, you know who you are.) But eventually I talked with all the loved ones. Hearing the voices of my favorite people was a nice way to end the day.

So now I’m now in my PJs writing for my blog, resting my weary toes, and winding down for what I hope will be a good night’s sleep.

Zzzzzz...

p.s. I do have a happy accomplishment to report: I got gas for my car. After a brief conversation and an exchange of €34,00, I have about three-quarters of a tank of gas AND windshield wiper fluid, which I requested in Italian. How’s that for impressive?

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Photos

Istituto Filippin
This is main building on the campus where the CIMBA program is located. Both the cafeteria and my classroom are in this building.

Good Advice
Students were greeted with this message at their check-in station. I figured it was time for me to talk to my parents, too.

Comments

[Elena Gabor]

Thanks for your blog, Kristen. I saw it on Facebook and now I am hooked. I went to Italy in 2002 on a study abroad program and now I enjoy reminiscing through your blog. As for the frozen clams, octopus and shrimp, try frying them with some frozen vegetables. They ain't so bad. Best of luck and enjoy the experience! I'll keep reading.