Random ranting and raving and a new cell phone

The mayor speaking to the town. Check out the man in the blue coat standing by the pillar. That is Mario, our leader, who is so proud to be with "studenti americani" after this photo, we were brought up to the front of that loggia.
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Hello Everyone!

It has been so great hearing from all of you!  I'm surprised how far this is reaching, from my college buddies and even to Grandma Margaret!  Thanks for all your responses!  :)

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Anyways, this week has gone by so fast!  We went hiking up to a town called Cercina on Sunday.  It was the feast day of Saint Anthony, which apparently,is the patron saint of Animals,  or so they say...So we hiked up 7k, and caught a ceremony they were having at the church.  Everyone brings their animals and they get blessed.  It was real odd, but I was glad I had woken up for it.  There was a local man, Mario, who led us.  He's 73 and loving the mountain.  He's so interested in practicing english, and he's just a genuine soul.  So he is standing up with mayor (shown in picture), and gives us a shout out on the microphone, then he brings us all up, introduces us to the mayor, and in front of the whole entire town, has the mayor introduce us to the city.  It was so much fun.  Then, they had a small gathering with garlic bread and wine (of course).  Then we hiked home, it was such a fun day!

The crew! :) From left to right: Karen (1 of 4 of my roommates), Molly (1 of 10 suite mates), Mario (guide), Clare (she knows Tim, through Edlebeck!), Me, other guide, Dana (a U-Mich), Kate (from U-Mich as well), Andy (from Mich, one of my faves!), Chris (our housefellow). Favorite part of this picture: Chris holding the medal...dork
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Day after the guided hike, I figure I'm smart enough to hike out on my own.  So I left, got completely lost and ended up on top of some quarry.  I have no idea how I got there, nor could I lead anyone back there.  (I know you're shaking your head grandpa, but I'm still young! )  It wasn't really that big of a deal however, it was like noon, and I was looking out over the city, so I had plenty of daylight and my bearings.  I made it!

Much to my (and my gene's) dismay, I am in an art class, where we actually make art.  I'm taking ceramics.  Surprisingly, I, and my professor, was pleasantly surprised by the progress of my first piece.  We're making biconical urns.  Yeah, sounds exciting eh?  I'll post a picture when I have it finally made.  We did a small scale version and now we are making one that is about a foot tall, and 8-12 inches wide.  Yikes.  that's a big piece of clay.  Do I hear "handmade christmas gifts" ringing in my ears?  Yes, yes I do.

Mario, our fearless leader. He is adorable!
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I finally did it.  I gave in.  I went shopping.  We went into Florence and went shopping.  Somehow we walked down the street where all the designer shops are.  It was SO weird.   We turn the corner, and WA-BAM, there's Salvatore Ferragamo (I thought of you, Mom), then Pucci, Versace, Gucci, Roberto Cavalli, Fendi.  Ummm, I didn't actually think these brands existed.  I wasn't even dressed remotely decent enough to stick my head up to the window.  So we found a 'department' store.  I ended up buying a purse, and some shoes.  A purse and shoes for 30 euro.  I'm such a product of my family...bargain shopper!  :)

me. always in fashion, always.
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On Sundays, there is an open air leather market.  A complete market dedicated to leather? Don't mind if I do...I'm not too big of a fan of leather, but I feel it could grow on me.

We're going hiking tomorrow, doing laundry, and the sort.

I AM SO EXCITED!  I have an internship in a grade school!  I will be teaching English to 5th graders here in Sesto every Wednesday for an hour.  I am very excited to be able to be getting out in the community and giving back.      Also, I have a conversation partner.  His name is Michele (italian for michael).  I don't really know anything about him other than that he wants to improve his english and I want to improve my italian.  Should be an awkward battle of the mother tongues.

I'm not sure if I've ever seen a pig that big. This pic does not do it justice. -And I'm from the midwest!
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I have been slightly preoccupied with finding a job next summer.  It's not really a worry, more of an obsession.  I actually enjoy creating scenarios in my head of what/where I could be.  Here are my best options currently:  a)work at a lodge in Alaska   b) work somewhere in Monterey   c) Apply with BUNAC, an overseas program, and live and work in Dublin, Ireland  d) live at home and work at Merchants.   Some say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one.

Too cute. People bring all their animals!
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Also, The glamour of being in a foreign country has worn off.  I'm starting to miss the familiarity of everything, which is normal and expected.  So needless to say, I am very excited for when the family will come visit me.  I am sure it will be just what I am needing at that moment!  Also, my sweet sweet Mollee told me that she is pretty sure she is coming out to see me.  This all makes me SO excited!  I would love it if any of you are thinking of coming as well.  ;) hint hint!

Animals get a medal!
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Oh, I know this has dragged on forever, and if you are still reading, then bless you.  I am in possession of a European cell phone!  :)  It is free for me to receive calls, I'm not sure how much it will cost you guys to call - I might recommend an international calling card if you want to call me!  Keep in mind, my time zone is 7 hours ahead of central time back in the states!  I'm not sure if I have voicemail, or how to do it, but I'm good with numbers, I'll probably recognize yours.    Anyways, here's what you dial to get through to me:  011-39-328-174-5453

The sestese band. This is a big deal.
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I love you all, I miss you all so much.

Baccios,

Leah