first day of classes

today was our first day of classes or class i should say. one of our instructors got a heat stroke and was out of commission for the day. our first class the History of Democracy is actually pretty interesing. History of Trade - we will see...i gather that since i'm a business major it will have some major relevance.

im trying to post as much about this experience as i can but finding the time has been a bit challenging. still working on getting photos uploaded and hoping that tomorrow at the university, i'll be able to do that. Its the University of Verona, by the way. We've pretty much gotten a feel for the town and our little area surrounding where we're staying. Apts! nice...

I had the most delicious pizza and while in Bologna had my first Kebab not like the meat on a stick kind. as in shaved meat in a pita bread kind. i had my second one today and they were both delicious. so yes i'm trying new things and being patient about all the challenges we are facing. trust me there have been plenty. like today at the university when we couldnt figure out how to access the computer labs or the canteen as they call it (cafeteria).

its an adjustment for sure but im trying to embrace every moment of it. its been hot as in west texas hot with a bit of humidity...maybe more like san antonio hot. either way, we're expecting a cold front to roll in and for the next few days to be cooler.

i also have to say that there are convenciences in America that i will never take for granted. like my car or drive thru windows! or even being able to drive to the supermarket (supermercarti) as they say here...

spanish is helping me lots to communicate and even to understand. that in iteself is just amazing.

we went to the supermercarti this afternoon (it was my first visit). Eating out is super expensive here. A slice of pizza with a coke (fanta) and not the super size we're used to can cost as much as $8.00 when you figure the conversion rate of Euro's which gets worse and worse each day. before i left or really during finals the rate was 1.21 american dollars to every euro...its now up to a market rate of 1.40 and higher when you use a conversion store. ish...

so i.m trying to make every dollar count. plus going out equates spending money. so we're tryign to eat at our apt during the week and save our money for the weekends. i've yet to visit venice though i think we may be making a visit something this week or next. trying to figure out what we're doing during our free weekend. would like to take a trip to florence/pisa.

so the experience so far has had some really great moments and some really crazy ones. but i
m glad to be here. glad for the experience. i.ve gotten to meet some really great people. i dont know what Rome will be like but that.s still two weeks away! hard to believe. we.re now into day 5 of being gone. ive been able to talk with my parents via Skype...so if you have it let me know...

also i can't access my suddenlink account. has to do with the security here. going to try at the University but you can email me at loudaleyva@yahoo.com.

miss you all much, but having a great time!
louda