The Veneto
My wonderful weekend is winding down. My friend Rachel and I decided to tag along with another girl from Wash U named Teresa to the Veneto. We ended up staying in Padova thanks to Dad who helped me finagle reservations over the phone because of our lack of Internet. I really enjoy Padova. The Scrovegni Chapel is beautiful and the city is charming. It has a cafe atmosphere that I never felt in Florence.
Yesterday we took the train into Venice and had a wonderful day of wandering through tiny back alleyways that criscrossed tiny canals and opened up onto sweeping views. Teresa left before lunch to go meet up with an old friend. Rachel and I visited San Marco, which took my breath away yet again. The sheer beauty of the mosaics along with the knowledge of all of the effort that it takes to create them is awe inspiring. We took the vaporetto to Murano, the island famous for it's glass. We were able to watch a glass blowing demonstration as well as a demonstration of the 'scissors' technique, where they push and pull the molten glass into a scultpure. Their facility with glass is extremely impressive. Knowing the process made window shopping even more exciting.
Today we are going to see the last few sights in Padova and then head back to Vescovado. We plan on stopping for lunch in Bologna, the perfect way to revisit the city!
A doppo!
B.
The Adventure Continues...
This weekend I was supposed to return to Florence where the director of the dig was going to give us a tour of the Archaeological museum, but it didn't pan out, so I am back in Siena for a relaxing day.
The staff photographer couldn't restrain himself and has taken the liberty of recording our daily life as well as the artifacts and has generously posted his photos so that everyone can view them. I have included the website on my bookmarked sites to in the right hand column of this web page. (www.thomaslingner.com/pogg2009) I haven't been able to upload my photos because of time restraints and slow internet aceess, so these will have to do for now. The surrounding area is beautiful. The best thing about the 6:00 am hike up to the hill is the sun rising overy the misty hills in the distance.
I wanted to give a more detailed depiction of the Palio. The day of the Palio was preceeded by a devastating thunderstorm which meant we got the day off from digging. I knew the race would be crowded, but the throngs of people were completely overwhelming. When we arrived, the condrtrade or neighborhoods were already oon parade. Each contrada selects a pair of flag bearers/flag throwers to march along with a knight and guards. They all wear traditional rennaicance clothing and march through the city to the beat of a drum, pausing occasionally to allow the flag bearers to preform. All seventeen condrade then lead the horse into the central chapel to be blessed by the priest and proceed to parade around the central square to show off thier flag throwing ablities and their colors.
The locals pack into the center of the square, along with tourists, and are penned in for the duration of the race, which is around the perimeter of the square. We were penned in for a total of five hours! The race is entirely dirty. The horses are drugged, the riders are outsiders, the starting and ending positions rigged, the works. Yet, the Sienese maintain that the level of foul play makes it fair, because if only one contrada cheated, they would clearly have the advantage! All of the locals wear scarves that are replicas of the flags aroung thier necks and are fiercely loyal to thier contrada. It becomes dangerous around the Palio to wear the scarves into the wrong neighborhood.
The race itself was short, but the mob afterwards was more than memorable. The Tortoise contrada won (slow and steady?) They promptly led the drugged up horse to the local chapel to be blessed and paraded the banner (Palio) of the Madonna around the city. We left shortly after that to avoid the madness that was guaranteed to ensue.
It was a worthwile advedture, but I'm not sure I would repeat it.
I found 'special finds' this week!
I found a small piece of Attic Pottery, imported from Greece, which will date the layer of the trech within 100 years (fairly specific for this area). It had beautiful slip on it, which is a type of decoration. I also helped find stamped piece of buccero (another type of pottery) with little griffens and horse riders. It was very exciting.
Things have been picking up! We have hit layers that we call 'Lucky Charms' because they are magically delicious, full of pottery and bronze. This means there are more things to find, more things to clean and restore and more things to draw. I have been recruited to begin drawing artifacts starting Monday. My week will now have more drawing and restoration than digging, which suits me perfectly.
This week we had a wine tasting of Brunellos and Rossos. The wines were excellent, but unsurprisingly I think I appreciated the food served with the wines even more. There was a pecorino fresca, a Parmigiano Reggiano and sevveral types of olive and crackers. The brunellos we wonderful too, of course.
I am using this weekend to recuperate before the long weekend. Thank you again for all of the notes! I love them and I love hearing from all of you.
Miss you bunches! Baci!
B.
Palio
Wow. The Palio was absolutely intense! The ritual, pagentry and incredible passion that the Sienese have for this event is incredible. We arrived and were packed into the center of the square with the entire population of Siena and the other stray tourists. The race was a record breaking one, as it took the longest time in recorded history to line up the horses for the race.
This weekend I returned to Florence with a group of friends from the dig and we explored the city. I served as thier surprisingly well oriented guide - I didn't get lost even once! I was able to see some of my favorites artworks again. It was like seeing an old friend.
The work is getting harder on the dig. We are sunbunred, windburned, sore and cramped, but the work is interesting (I found an inscribed roof tile yesterday!) and the company entertaining. However, they are short on artists to do drawings of artifacts, and so I'm being pulled - very willingly - from hill work to do illustration once or twice a week starting Friday.
Yesterday the local soccer tournament began, and in keeping with tradition the entire dig came out to witness the massacre of the frew brave souls from the scavi who formed a team. The defeat was brutal and swift, but entertaining none the less.
As usual, the internet is in high demand, and I feel cut short and short changed. Thank you for all of your notes! I miss you!
B.
My Address
In case you want to send me letters...
Brittany Royal
c/o Scavi Americani
Vescovado di Murlo
Prov. di Siena, 53016
Italia
Ciao!
Lavoro
The work here is so interesting, but utterly exhayusting. Ourr excavations are well under way, but strange weather has been wreaking havoc with our work patterns. Instead of the dry heat that was expected, we have cool misty mornings that are burnt off by noon only to result in a huge thunderstorm around 4:00 pm.
Today we got the day off because of a combination of the worst thunderstorm yet and a huge event in Siena called the Palio. It is a huge horse race in honor of the Virgin Mary with the different naighborhoods (contrade) competing against eachother. It is like Sports and Religion are combined into one be-all-end-all event, and the locals are deepply invested. We are advised to wear neutral colors so we aren't accidentally supporting one contrada or another. I'm very excited and can't wait to fill you in after I've seen everything!
The work has become less back breaking on the hill (less pppick axing and shovinling, bore trowling and crubling dirt in the hands) but it is still tiring and makes your joints sore from crouching all day in the sun. I get to go to the restoration and conservation lab tomorrow, wwhich I think is going to be my favorite day. Restoration duty is combined with cooking - what more could a girl want!
Last weekend I made it into Siena to se the preparationsfor the Palio and to see some of the art work again. This weekend Iàm headed into Florence to show some other kids on the dig around.
As usual, there is a massive line for the computers, so that's all for now.
Thanks for all your notes! I love hearing from you!
B.
Poggio Civitate
I have arrived in one piece!
I must say, the most difficult day of traveling, aside from my disasterous return from my first time in Italy, had to be my trip from Rome to Vescavado di Murlo, the village closest to my dig site. There was an animal transport train that was derailed and caused most of the trains in Italy to be rerouted, wreaking havoc on everyone's itineraries. I helped this very sweet American couple on thier second wedding anniversary trip get to Siena and in return the husband carried my backpack and I had his rolling suitcase. Honestly, I felt like he got the short end of the stick.
So now the real adventure begins. I am Vescavado, a small town on a high hill with only three streets and 400 people maximum. We are living in quite posh conditions because the old dig houseì's plumming failed so we are being housed in a hotel. however, we have quite meagre food as a result because they had to cut the budget somewhere... I suppose I can get protien on the weekends.
The dig is hard work. It is located on a higher hill, which is currently a 45 min hike away (apparently by the end of the season it will merely be 20 min) and to get to the site on time we wake up at the unholy hour of 5.30 am. I must say the sunrises are amazing. I truly live in a postcard.
We broke ground today, which was exciting, and the weather hasn't been too hot, so I have nothingto complain about yet.
As usual, my time on the computer is limited, and I must go, so.... More late!
b.
Roma
oma
Rome is exhausting in a way that the other two cities never were.
It is hot with no relief, which would be exhausting even if there weren't twenty thousand things to do.
Rome has a visible ancient history that beckons to you at every turn of a corner. Then there are the museums, hidden inside buildings, but your mind is still nagging you about them. Then there is the longer transit time that is required to get from place to place, the incredible amount of tourists who all seem to be even more oblivious about the way things work than I am.
I am currently taking a respite from the madness in my wonderful hostel. It is a converted convent with fantastically high ceilings and massive windows that allow cool breezes into the un-air conditioned rooms. It is an All Women's Guest House, and it is full of women who are traveling alone, which is perfect because everyone is looking for sightseeing and dinner buddies.
There have certainly been some caracters here though. One Irish woman gave me her wholle life story, unsolicited, over the course of three hours as I was trying to go to sleep. An Italian woman battled her on whether or not it would be freezing in thew morning, necessatating closed windows. I assure you it was quite a plkeasant temperature even though we "risked death by frost" by sleeping with the windows wide open. There was also a Welsh dancer in her sixties who wore a see through pèoncho dress and insisted on dancing merrily throguh the halways to express her joy. I have also made friends with a wonderful German woman who is extremely interesting to talk with.
I have been trying to lots of sites here, but I know I won't be able to see everything. I went to the National Museum of Rome and the Museum of Baths and the adjoining church (which was once part of the baths) yesterday. Today I saw the Colosseum, which was unimaginably huge for something built without modern cranes, and the Roman Forum and the Palatine hill. I happened to run into two people I had traveled with in Berlin, which was a huge coincidence and had lunch with them, and then on my way home managed to pick the only bus line that didn't come, and so had to piece together a different route home.
All in all it has been nice in Rome. I like understanding things more easily and I forgot how much I like Italian food.
That's it for now...
Miss you all!
B
There is a Reason Why Some Call Paris The City of Flowers
My fist impression of Paris was that it was the perfect neutral background to showoff all of the flowers that are throughout the city. The city is a sea of beige, pale yellow, white and cream houses with slate colored roofs and black iron details. However, the variety is in the form of flowers, with brilliant color combinations spilling from window boxes and arranged into pretty patterns in neighborhood parks and gardens.
I arrived in Paris promptly, after a pleasant train ride. I was on a first class carriage because the first class was less than half the price of the second class! I made them repeat it because I thought I had misunderstood, but thankfully, there was a special going on and I had a luxurious train ride with funny meals such as jellied salmon molded into rounded triangles, and orange chicken with a sort of Waldorf salad that were served and an attendant who kindly narrated sites we passed in German, French and English.
In Paris, I stayed in a beautiful little hotel in the 15th arrondismont, out of the way of all of the tourist sights, which means that all of the food was wonderful and not too pricey. I decided the theme of the room was "blue" with everything from the carpet to the towels being some shade of blue. Navy, royal, periwinkle, cornflower, baby, indigo, you name it, my hotel room featured that color blue! I had a nice balcony window which overlooked a courtyard, and the weather was generally nice, so I was able to sleep with the window open. Surprisingly, the concern was it being to cold, as opposed the threat that I expected. Unfortunately, there was no Internet, which is why I was out of touch for so long.
I spent my days jumping from art to park to more art.
The first day I saw Notre Dame, Ste. Chapelle, most sights in the Latin quarter, several churches, a nice walk that incorporated the Cluny Museum (the Medieval Art Museum). Then everything runs together - the Musee D.Orsay, the Louvre (for 6 hours), the Eiffel Tower, the Arc D.Triomphe, a boat cruise on the Seine River, Sarce Cour, so many parks...
I can.t wait until I can upload my pictures!
The people in Paris were very interesting. They dress in the same neutral color from head to toe! If they pick beige that day, everything from hairpiece to shoes is beige. And they lounge all day. Shops close and people flood cafes and Parks and stay for ages then work a bit more and then retreat to the parks again!
Though I enjoyed the ambiance of Paris, I am glad to be in Italy again, where people aren't afraid of smiling and I am quicker with the language. I must go because there is high demand for the single computer here. More soon!
B.
German Would Have Been Really Helpful Today
Today was a bit of a traveler's nightmare. The weather has been chilly to cold all week, and my warmest outfit was a tee shirt with a light sweater and jeans. Well, today it was was the coldest yet at 52-52 degrees and raining. I had to break down and buy a rain jacket and light scarf before i would stop shivering. My shoes (yes, the shoes I was counting on for the dig) have started to fall apart. I am seriously regretting my decision not buying the tennis shoes at Target!
The restaurant that the girls in my room recommended was closed, the church i went to early in the morning changed hours a few months ago and was closed as well. I broke the hostel clothes dryer and dropped my toothbrush on the hostel floor - I have obviously purchased another one, don't worry. I found out that my hostel in Paris has no record of my booking, so after some phone calls, I was able to have my booking deposit returned, and then set to the task of finding somewhere to stay in Paris with less than 48 hours until my arrival. Needless to say, places were booked solid and I am now at a new hotel that has a prime location but no reviews and no potential for meeting people. I suppose it just means there will be nothing to distract me from an early bedtime to recharge for all of the sightseeing.
Even with all of the challenges, it was still a nice day, which i essentially divided between the German History Museum and the German Painting Gallery. It is so interesting to see how the Germans present their own history.
Everyone will be shocked and proud to learn I haven't been lost once. Careful studying of the map and writing out the specific directions I decide on before I set out takes a while, but in the end minimizes my travel time because I'm not trying 17 routes!
I will be traveling all day tomorrow by train to Paris and I'm looking forward to planning out more specifics for Paris and seeing the beautiful German countryside!
More to come from Paris soon!
B.
I Wish I Knew German
I made it to Berlin without a hitch! I flew in Monday morning and Orr Ganel and Chris DeVilliers picked me up at the airport, which was probably the best thing that could have happened. I was able to familiarize myself with the (what I find to be confusing) public transportation system. I went sight seeing right away, determined not to let the jetlag get to me. We went to the Reichstag, the central government building in Berlin. After the building burned down, nothing but the majestic stone facade was left. It was restored, but the original dome was replaced by an a contemporary dome that is innovative in both function and symbolism.
The new dome is glass, and overlooks the central room where the parliament gathers. There is a spiral ramp that winds up to the top of the dome to allow visitors both to oversee the workings of Parliament and the city of Berlin itself. The transparent dome symbolizes the need for the government to be transparent to the people. The center of the dome has a cone of mirrors to reflect natural light into the building, and the interior of the cone is lined with solar panels, so that the building produces a large amount of the energy it consumes. It was an excellent introduction to Berlin.
Over the past few days I have seen all 5 of the museums on Museum Island (that's right - they have an island of museums!!!) as well as the Berliner Dom, the Jewish Holocaust Memorial, the Brandenberg Gate,Checkpoint Charlie's and done a walking Architecture and Berlin Wall tour. It has all been exciting, but the highlights were seeing the Bust of Nefertiti, everything we saw at the Pergammon museum (we were kicked out at closing and missed about half, bummer), particularly the Gate of Ishtar, and the Berliner Dom.
I've met some interesting people along the way, with fascinating backgrounds and varied reasons for traveling. In theory, I know that not everyone travels to see art and revel in the history of the place, but it was particularly evident when I discovered that most people I have talked to at the hostel didn't know that there was more than one art museum in Berlin.
There have been several hilarious moments already. For example, another tourist and I were trying to communicate in broken German from our phrase books, and it turns out we were both from Texas. And, my new phone is half in German half in English, making text messages impossible. Also, these German key boards are very difficult to type on.
I can't figure out how to upload pictures for now....
I'm very tired, so I'm off to bed to prepare for another full day tomorrow!
B.
Departure
Tomorrow morning I head off to Berlin, bright and early. Look out for updates!
The Preparation Continues
I finally made it back to Houston! Now I'm able to prepare for all of the exciting aspects of my travels. I have my backpack ready, and I've started packing. I've decided to take only one backpack and a small shoulder bag, which should be ample room for everything I need. And, now that I have internet access again, I can plan out my itinerary and the hostels I will using in each city.
I'll be meeting up with two friends in Berlin, my first stop. After Berlin, I might be visiting Aunt Tammy's host sister on the French-German border before going to France. I have had so many recommendations about France! I have been told to go to the Loire Valley, Provence, Paris, Versailles, and Mont-Saint Michelle, all of which sound wonderful. I am currently trying to work out the details of how to do all of it in the time that I have. After France I will go to Rome. Shockingly, I have never been to Rome.
I am muddling through guidebooks right now, but I would love any suggestions that people have! Thanks! B.
Step One: Preparation
My departure for Europe feels imminent, but at this point in time I have to focus on getting to Houston. I am in the midst of moving out of my apartment in St. Louis, sitting with boxes and clothes piled up around me as I write this, but my mind couldn't be further from this room. I have spent the last few hours taking a break from packing and started making detailed plans for my two and a half week long trip from Berlin to Rome before I settle down in Vascovado di Murlo for six weeks.
I am so excited about this trip. The whole point is to participate in an archaeological field school in Tuscany where I will be working on an Etruscan dig site. I'm trying to setup this blog so people from home can follow my progress. But for now, back to packing...
8/2/2009 3:42:11 PM - 002081731772
also, i need your help decorating my apartment. i feel like i live in a mental institution with all the white walls
8/2/2009 3:41:20 PM - 002081731772
I've just caught myself up on your trip and it's really cool to be able to see what you've been up to! i can't wait to hear about all your adventures in person. things are getting a bit better here, but i really really miss getting to talk to you!! hope you continue having a great time!
love elaine
ps there's a great article in the wall street journal last week you should check out about art restoration and the knowledge gap that is about to arise as the main practicioners retire and pass away.
7/29/2009 1:33:35 PM - 001098898072
Dear Brittany,
Again I admit my memory is so bad...when do you get back in the U.S.? Will you call me and let me know when you are back? And of course if you need anything...I love you and miss you...
Love, Gma
7/29/2009 12:34:05 AM - 002080969684
Britt! How much longer will you be in Italia? I will send you mail. You sound like you're having an amazing experience (and you're amazing as well)! Molto Bene! Have fun and have a glass of vino (or two) for me. We'll have to get caught up when you get back to the states.
Much Love, Sarah
7/28/2009 3:53:16 PM - 002080361334
Hi Gma!!!
Your trip sounds so incredibly exciting! I am super jealous, but can't wait to see you when you get back and look at all of your pictures. (you are taking pictures, I presume... :)
Life in StL has been slow without my DGs - I miss you bunches!! I'm so excited to hear all about your trip in person. Though I'm sure you will be quite tired of recounting it after awhile. I call (close to) first in line. haha
Arrivederci!
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE (and itb :)
-Tricia (Gbaby)
(p.s. I'm taking Italian in the fall!!)
7/24/2009 10:17:35 PM - 001098898072
Hello Brittany...While you were seeing people blowing glass I was in Branson watching pig races at the Dolly Parton Dixie Stampede..Yahoo...We also saw the Spirit of the Dance which was somewhat like RiverDance...and the 12 Irish Tenors and some Broadway show Tunes...I had quite a good time with my friends from gradeschool and highschool...We told each other "stories" and since all of us have such bad memories we really couldn't challenge each other as to the truth...
Hopefully I will be home for a while...
Love, Grandma
7/21/2009 1:05:08 PM - 002046520766
I would have loved to seen the blown glass. How beautiful! I keep saying this, but I am so glad you are able to have all these adventures. Keep digging chick!
love you,
Mom
7/20/2009 1:45:25 PM - 000086935423
Wow, Britt. I continue to feel so envious of your time in Italy. The pics from Thomas were great and really gave me a sense of the fun you're having over there. Thanks for keeping us updated on this site. I look forward to receiving the weekly emails. What a great adventure! Love and hugs, Uncle Michael
7/14/2009 9:37:15 PM - 002046520766
britt, any artwork done should be done for your mom first! love the pic's Thomas took. would like him to focus more on you next time. looks like a dirty job you all are doing. sounds like you're managing to get some fun in along with the work.
it is still extremely hot here. jake and kaitlin are here and leaving tomorrow. we've had fun.
love you
mom
7/14/2009 1:54:53 PM - 002075614455
Britt:
So cool! Unbelievable experience. Ok, now down to business.
1. The first picture of the Thomas Lingner photos is the next painting I want you to do:).
2. I did see a few photos of a young man with a Red Sox shirt/ballcap on. I want you to know that should any romance arise between you two, Uncle Tim and I approve. I'm sure he is a fine upstanding young man:).
NEWS: It has been so chaotic here between swim meets and baseball games we are quite overwhelmed. Uncle Tim and I went to the home run derby last night and he and Jack are going to the All-Star game tonight. It has been quite the fun celebration! No drugged horses of course, but more than a few drunk Cardinals fans...does that count? You would be amazed at how they've cleaned up the city for the All-Star game. It looks great and I must say I was quite proud of St. Louis as we walked around downtown last night. That's it for now. Can't wait to hear more. Love you--Aunt Tammy
7/12/2009 8:00:04 PM - 001098898072
Hi Brittany,
I just got back last nigiht from my trip to Tunica...Mississippi the gambling capitalof the south where I am proud to say I won a little over 400.00...Had a great time. My summer is not nearly as exciting as yours, but I did get to enjoy most of my gang over the 4th in Houston...Love you tons...Let's see if this goes through..
Grandma
7/12/2009 1:50:50 PM - 001021792380
Britt,
You are a real "Indiana Jones". How exciting to actually find little pieces of history. What a unique opportunity you have discovered for yourself.
I love seeing the pictures (especially the ones with you in them). It is all so beautiful. I'm so anxious to see your photos when you get home. The summer is passing so quickly, I can hardly believe it is mid July. We didn't go to Michigan like we usually do, so we were here when everyone came in over the 4th. Grandma and grandpa were in and Uncle Timmy brought his five kids. That's when Joey and grandpa went skydiving! Wait until you see the DVD. If you have access to Joey's facebook, I know he has some pictures on there.
As always, I look forward to your next adventure. I love you,
Aunt Patty
7/9/2009 11:01:13 PM - 002046520766
britt,
i can't believe you didn't get lost once! now that is something to journal about. still working on the house. it's like dominoes. i've been painting and moving furniture non-stop. driving your dad crazy. can't wait for you to see it all. so glad you're enjoying yourself.
love you!
7/9/2009 3:57:56 PM - 001025555412
Britt, the whole experience sounds so enriching ! I am so impressed by the range of your experiences. To go back to Fiorenza and re-visit your art experience, see a local horse race and watch local soccer all while moving around the site and documenting a small but interesting history is so unique and cool. Love you. Dad
7/6/2009 6:57:14 PM - 002075614455
WOW! I just can't say anything else but "WOW"! Sounds Amazing Britt. You spent Independence Day digging through ancient ruins, and I spent mine at the farm digging for worms so we could fish in the rain! Since worms really aren't that interesting, I am anxious to hear what you've found. Can't wait to hear from you again. LUV Ya--Aunt Tammy
7/6/2009 4:23:15 PM - 001098898072
Yea,,,it worked this time...but I don't know why...oh well, I love you have a great time
Love,Gma
7/6/2009 4:22:03 PM - 001098898072
Britt, I am having so much trouble trying to send messages to you...I wrote this great letter about Gpa's and Joe's skydiving adventure but I don't know what happened..I will try this again..Love,GMA
7/6/2009 4:19:13 PM - 001098898072
hello
7/6/2009 4:17:45 PM - 001098898072
hello
7/6/2009 4:13:47 PM - 001025555412
Britt - Hope it's not too hot there - it's 100 Deg F here. Dad
6/30/2009 7:19:48 PM - 001025555412
Hey Britt, just pulled up Vascovado di Murlo, Italy on Google, what street/where are you living ? Love Dad
6/29/2009 1:10:51 AM - 001021792380
Wow! I hope you are getting pictures. This really has all the makings of a novel...I'm glad you arrived safely. Happy digging. Love, Aunt Patty
6/26/2009 2:07:34 AM - 002046520766
britt,
so glad you are getting to have all these experiences. you're a brave, talented chick! dad and i are so proud of you. no matter what comes next for you, you will be able to say you've done all this! i love your adventurous spirit! be safe, have fun, try everything! i love you!
mom
6/25/2009 12:22:45 PM - 001021792380
Britt,
I'm sitting here enjoying my coffee and living vicariously through you and your travels. Your mom told me that you have reached the digging site, so I'm sure you are extremely busy and probably exhausted. However, when you get a moment, if you could add to your journal, I would appreciate it...it's like a good book that you can't wait to pick up again, only better!
My summer adventures are pretty close to yours...I spent yesterday afternoon helping your mom move the dining room to the living room and the living room to the dining room...Your mom is on a mission; she has the paint out and has been painting and rearranging like a fiend. It looks awesome though. Your dad has been in Canada all week, so he will get quite the surprise when he walks in the house! Something he's used to after 25 years, I'm sure!
My travels today will take me to Brenham and back, but fortunately, I've been there a thousand times, so I know the way and I know the language...should be pretty routine! I love you and happy digging!
Aunt Patty
6/23/2009 4:14:53 PM - 000099884266
WOW - what a great adventure for the summer! I wish I had the spirit and confidence to have done the same when I graduated (a million years ago!). Enjoy the adventures, drink in the culture, create lifetime experiences and memories!! Be careful, but ENJOY!! love, Uncle Bob
6/22/2009 2:21:15 PM - 002075614455
Boy, do I wish I had your organizational skills when I traveled abroad. What an amazing journey your having and a record of it will come in handy when you get old like your Aunt Tammy. I am so proud of you Boo. Even the simplest set-backs take on a different level of complexity when you are traveling; let alone in a different country by yourself. The one thing I am certain of is that no matter what field of work you choose to pursue, these days and experiences are something that you will draw on for the rest of your life. Not only will they make you a more interesting person (as if that's possible), it will broaden your perspectives and make you think in ways you hadn't before.... an invaluable trait in any line of employment. I love you girl. I only wish I was there with you.
P.S. I ran into the parents of one of the boys I went to grade school with. It turns out he is living in Australia and is a professor of Sociological Architecture?? or something like that. Clearly in your field though. He too is traveling Europe and will be doing some digging in Italy as well. I've written his parents to get his contact information for you so that you might contact him on your return. HIs name is Greg Downey if you "happen" to run into him.
6/19/2009 5:32:54 PM - 002069885607
Thanks for all of the kind notes! Keep them coming, I love hearing from everyone. And please, any suggestions for travel sites are welcome!
Britt
6/17/2009 12:14:12 PM - 001021792380
Brittany,
You continue to amaze me! I think if all of those things happened to me on the same day, I would be crying in my hostel, clicking my heels together and saying, "There's no place like home!" On the positive side, surely that won't happen again! I am so impressed that you are able to travel virtually on your own in a foreign country. I don't think I could do it, even at my age. Things here are moving at a steady pace. Your mom and I have been working diligently on the inservice, which is tomorrow (6/18) and we both will be glad when it's over! My family will be glad as well, since our cabinets resemble those of Old Mother Hubbard's. I love reading about your adventures. Stay safe. I love you, Aunt Patty
6/11/2009 1:27:20 PM - 001098898072
Hi Brittany,
We got back from San Diago last night...Grampa and Sam had 3 days of learning to surf...Sam got up right away, but grampa only got up once...I took pictures and shopped. We are happy to know you are safe and already enjoying your trip. We love you.
Grandma
5/24/2009 2:18:16 PM - 002070562891
Britt, we are all very excited for you!
And by the way, those cookies you made were AMAZING. Much fussing in the house on who got them, when. Thanks for thinking of us. Take care, and travel well. What an astonishing summer you will have! I didn't realize it would be 8.5 weeks. WoW!
Enjoy! Liz Childs