Today, believe it or not, was a business-casual sort of day. Being unprepared, because I somehow managed to pack more creams for my skin than clothes, I had to be creative. We were invited to attend a conference in La Spezia, the nearby port town. It’s a nice city, but a lot bigger and busier than Portovenere. So essentially, the people holding this conference were part of a bank that had given each of us students 200 euro in scholarships. It was only acceptable for us to give them our undivided attention and time. I didn’t think to bring anything business-casual so I opted for a baby doll print dress by La Rok. With the right heels and accessories, this dress was easily taken to the next level. Jewelry and makeup go a long way in making your look whatever you want it to be.

I arrived to some people in suits and business skirts, but most remained in their beach and summer attire. We sat for two hours (a seemingly endless amount of time when they are speaking only in Italian) as 20 professors read 10-page papers they had written about the region of Liguria. Needless to say, even I, who find the smallest things interesting, was bored out of my mind. I practically had to prop my eyes open.

An Italian-Canadian next to me promised to speak some English when he took his turn at the mic. He also complimented me by saying, “Now just because you’re beautiful doesn’t mean you’re from California, but are you from California?” Yes. Haha. Yes, I am.

The good news is, that at the break (after 10 professors had finished), a lunch buffet was made available. IT TASTED SO GOOD. Pizza bread, keish, cookies, coffee cakes, sandwiches, etc. I was in heaven to say the least. Then, thankfully, our professors gave us permission to sneak out. So we did. FREEDOM!

I was a little sad to leave because there was a gorgeous and well-dressed, young, twenty-something Italian boy. Oh well…there’s plenty of those here!

Matt sent me an email to check in with me. It was very sweet, but I am just going to relax and not worry about things until I get back.

I’ve already made some friends! They are all 21-years-old and they are all cooks! Che perfetto! Maybe I can get some free meals here and there. I’ve been living the student life and not eating much, but it’s actually turned out really well. I only eat when I’m hungry and when I do eat, the quality of ingredients is so good here that it’s very healthy and satisfying. I can’t cook because I’m without a kitchen, but I manage Caprese (tomato, mozzarella, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper) salad due to our tiny refrigerator in our dorm.

Right now, I’m listening to some Italian children sing downstairs at the daycare! SO CUTE! I’m going to take a little nap then head out to watch the sunset and get drinks with my roommates and new Italian friends. Tomorrow we’re going to Pisa! Leaning tower, here I come!

I like that the Internet comes on whenever it pleases. It’s so…Italian. The class I’m taking is really interesting. I almost forgot that this is the reason why I am here. The professor is so laid back, because we’re in Italy, that I am actually learning because there is nearly no pressure. The class is called “Contemporary Europe” and we’re learning all about the European Union and the historical occurrences that influenced its creation. Well, it’s very interesting to me! 

Yesterday evening, before our welcome dinner, I sat with some of the other American students and talked to them about the Italian culture they have to look forward to. Weekend trips came up and I offered to show them around Florence because my roommates and I booked a room in the famous Academy Hostel for the last weekend of June. I figured I’ll show everyone around that weekend and then have the following weekend to myself with the apartment I rented.  

Some of them mentioned that they were heading to Roma this weekend. I told them some things to make sure they saw and NONE of them KNEW WHAT THE COLISEUM WAS! WHAT THE *&^%%#!!!!!!

I laughed it off, but vented about it to my roommates later. SERIOUSLY? I don’t get it at all. 

Right now, I’m wearing a purple bikini with gold embroidery, a high waisted yellow vintage skirt, and a white crocheted beach cover. The locals are starting to recognize me, because I stand out with my blond hair. It’s kind of nice to walk around and have everyone notice you—even if it’s just for your hair color. I feel so much more beautiful here. I don’t know what it is. Something must be in the water.  

My favorite time of day here in Portovenere is definitely the evening. The bathing suits are put away and the women and men dress up in crisp linen, cotton, satin, or other heat-friendly materials. I’ve seen a woman in a wedding dress descending from the long stone stairs that lead to the town’s cathedral everyday I’ve been here so far. The first woman I saw wore the most beautiful dress. It was a vanilla cream-colored gown. It was strapless, with beaded accents around the detailing on the skirt. It flattered her olive tan skin and brown hair that was French-braided into a loose bun. The perfect summer wedding attire.  

After what I can assume was the ceremony, they did as any Italian wedding party does—they marched throughout the entire city. An opera singer of sort leads, followed by the newlyweds, the family, and the friends trail the end. They show the whole city their love in celebration. It’s a beautiful tradition, really. If you have ever seen The Godfather, you understand what I’m talking about. The scene when Al Pacino’s character marries the Italian woman in Sicilia? Ring a bell? 

This place is paradise. The fashion. The food. The weather. The ocean. The men. Though they all seem to have girlfriends…boo! At least I have Filippo to look forward to in Firenze!

So, this morning, I’m sitting on the rocks, by the water, in this adorable purple bikini, when this Italian man approaches me. I see him out of the corner of my eye and he looks familiar. Lana! That means wool in Italian, and I don’t know why it is his nickname, but it is. He’s not the gorgeous Italian you might imagine, but he’s handsomer than I thought and he is a trained cook in a pizzeria and a pastry chef. Che bravissimo. Can you imagine being married to someone like that? I’d be so fat. And happy. Fat and happy! So I know him off of Facebook. He’s friends with a friend of mine who lived here last summer. She connected us so that I would know someone in the area. He lives in Le Grazie, which is the city next to Florence.

We spoke solely in Italian because he doesn’t speak English. I didn’t mind, since it gave me a chance to practice my Italian. He said that he waited all day Saturday on the beach for me, but never saw me. He then said he had been looking for me all day today. We talked a little and he took my phone number before jetting off to work. He seems really nice, but he also seems like he’s really trying to pursue something romantic and I’m not interested. The more I see the men around here, the more I realize how handsome Filippo truly is. I can’t wait to see him!!! Ah, I really can’t wait!

Anyways, Lana wants to take me out on his boat next Monday because he doesn’t work Mondays. He was trying to figure out our schedules and he was counting how many hours he needed for this boat ride. He counted 6 hours! What exactly will we be doing? And where exactly are we going? I’m probably too trustworthy, but I’ve never had a bad experience with an Italian and I can judge people very well. That doesn’t mean I recommend everyone take such chances.

Tonight is the group dinner. I’m opting for a dark brown dress, that feels Grecian inspired to me. It goes well with the scenery and it’s dressy without overdoing it.

Here’s an interesting tidbit: I walked around today without my sunglasses on and got more attention than ever from the locals and tourists. Then I remembered my friend Eugenio who advertised for clubs on the streets of Firenze. He would always take my sunglasses off and ask why I hid my “beautiful eyes.” So sweet, right? Maybe eyes are really important to Italians. They don’t want to flirt with you unless they know you have two eyes. I wonder if any of them think I’m Italian. I really want them to ask me so I can at least tell them I am Italian by heritage! Maybe they’ll treat me even better! Don’t get me started on how embarrassing most of the American students I’m with are….SO embarrassing. Where’s the fashion? C’mon Americans. Please. Just try.

Ok, so, last night the welcome dinner never happened because my professor, who is in his 70s, was not feeling well. It’s rescheduled for Wednesday, which I’m totally okay with. I was, however, all dressed up, so instead I walked the city in my DKNY dress and discovered that the city is much bigger than I thought! There are two other beaches in Portovenere and there seem to be many more attractive men sprawled on them. Ci sono molti begli uomini. I hope that’s right. It means, “There are many beautiful men.”

I’m trying to speak as much Italian as possible. It’s a little frustrating not being able to speak it fluently, but I feel good because I am the only one out of the American students that I’m traveling with who speaks it halfway decently. I speak more than I understand. It’s very strange.

For dinner last night, my roommates and I headed to a restaurant called “Lord Byron.” From what I understand,  the actual Lord Byron has some grottos nearby, and it was one of his favorite places. Grottos are natural seashore “caves” and are common in Italy. I don’t know if the food tasted so good because it was my first real meal or if it was actually good. First, let me tell you, I not only spoke to the waiter and restaurant owner in Italiano, but I translated everything for my roommates as well. I got lasagna sughi. SO GOOD. Then, because we’re students, we get some sort of discount at particular restaurants. At this particular one, we got water, our lasagna, and a delicious dessert for 8 euro! That’s a great deal for a semi-touristy town that hikes up prices for foreigners. For dessert, I had mixed fruit cocktail with a slice of gelato on top of it and, OH MY GOODNESS! Words cannot explain. The fruit tastes so much better here! What is wrong with the produce at home? Why doesn’t it taste this good and this healthy?

Today is a busy day. We’re touring La Spezia, the nearby port city. It’s a bigger city with more shops and people, so it should be interesting. Portovenere is growing on me. I feel so relaxed. This morning I sat with my roommates on the rocky shore and talked for hours as the sun grew warmer. Tonight we’re going out for drinks. We’re finally past the jet-lag and able to stay up late to enjoy the Italian cocktail hour that begins around 11 p.m…and ends…well, 5 a.m.? I don’t know yet. That’s how it was in Firenze. It’s too hot to do anything but sleep during the day, so people go out all night.

My lovely roommates keep commenting on how fashionable everyone is. I tried to explain how much more iconic Florence and Rome are to the world of fashion, but they can hardly imagine Italy getting any more fashionable. I assured them: it does. So, we’re trying to plan a trip to Florence for a few nights. I think they’re just happy I can translate most things for them. It does help, I suppose. A presto, tutti!

I had my first decent night’s sleep last night. I’m not sure if it was because I was comfortable or if it was because I was just so exhausted. The bed is completely hard as a rock. I’m used to my queen-sized bed at home, so this twin is also going to take some getting used to. I kept kicking my leg into the wall. I’m sure my roommates loved the loud bangs every other hour from my shifting legs. 

I woke up early to the sounds of church bells that rung in no particular pattern. Just an explosion of sounds. It was quite beautiful, though not very welcomed at 7:30 a.m. At least it woke us up in time for breakfast at 8 a.m.; croissants with Nutella and orange juice. I really craved something fresh and healthy after all that bad airplane food.  

Today should be an interesting day. I’m looking forward to the day when the locals know that we’re here to stay and not come-and-go tourists. Then, maybe they’ll be a little nicer. Italians, often times, get sick of struggling with language barriers with tourists from around the world. 

I got a lot of men looking at me when I walked along la strada (the street) to the beach, but they just looked. No one tried to talk to me. We’ll see how today goes. In Florence the men are much more forward than they are here. It’ll almost take some getting used to. I have all the confidence in the world because I’m the exotic girl from California (with Italian heritage no less!), but they don’t run after me like they did in Florence. Sounds cheesy, but it REALLY boosts your confidence. Those Florentines don’t quit. 
 
Right now I’m wearing a black and white polka dot bikini with a high-waisted black skirt and my favorite bright yellow cardigan tied at the waist. It’s a beach town, so I can get away with this as a day’s outfit.  
 
I’m looking forward to later today. We have a meeting with our professors to get organized and get our bus passes. Then we have a welcome dinner. I have this great empire waist dress by DKNY. Its ivory, with a purple and black flower print, that accentuates my waist really nicely. I think it will make the perfect first impression that I’m looking for.

I just want my Italian professor to tell me the good things that are to come: the welcome dinner, with the hopefully cute waiters, the trip to a medieval city for dinner, a conference with Umberto Ecco (a famous Italian author), a wine tasting field trip, the trip to Florence, and best of  all: SHOPPING! I’m dying to hit up the open air markets in Florence as I’ve written a million times. They are really that good!! 

I’ve got my outfit together for tonight, I’m feeling relaxed, and it’s still mid-morning. I’m going to take my leather bound journal and headphones and go people watch and write in my journal! People watching here is a sport. No joke.

Full body shines in this dress made of lights. This look is sexy yet classic. Grab attention in dim lights from everyone around you.

I forgot to tell you about the dinner with Matt! I guess I was so caught up with the adrenaline of traveling yesterday. The night before I left he took me out to a nice dinner. He kept it friendlier and it was less romantic than usual, but it was fine because it kept it from being very awkward with me leaving and all. And, that’s all I have to say about that. He kissed me good night, gave me a mixed CD to listen to on the plane, which was pretty cute, and then he told me to have a safe trip and that he couldn’t wait to hear my stories when I got back. I don’t really know, but the reality is that I am young, not in a serious relationship and now in Italy. Hello! Filippo is here and so are the Italian boys I have yet to meet. I’m going to have a good summer.

My BCBG dress held up really well throughout my three flights and bus ride. I’ve been through four airports in the last 24 hours. I am so tired, but somehow still functioning. The bus ride was nice. The Italians drive a little crazy, which is a little nerve-wracking when you’re driving along winding cliffs, but I managed to stay relaxed. When we arrived to the town, we had to drag our luggage up six flights of ancient stone stairs to the hostel/dorm. GOOD TIMES.

I share a room with four other girls. There are two bunk beds and one single bed and I somehow managed to talk my way into the single bed. SO HAPPY! I would not be sleeping well if I had to sleep on a bunk bed for the next month. The beds are solid rocks and the rooms are pretty warm. I guess it’ll just motivate us to leave the room and explore our surroundings, so I guess that’s good. I cleaned myself up as soon as I claimed my space and organized my things a little bit. My roommate Halie and I went in search of a gelateria. At the gelateria, I managed to order in Italiano. I got Pistacchio, Banana, and Raspberry Cream. DELICIOUS.

The people in this town seem to think we’re just tourists and they aren’t very friendly, but I hear once they figure out we are the students they are expecting to be staying in the area, they will treat us like family. I can’t wait for that. I’m homesick for Florence. It’s seriously where I belong in this world. I feel at home in Italy, but slightly out of place in this particular city. Oh well, I’m sure it will grow on me. Everyone is beautiful and has a perfect body so it’s a little intimidating, but I’m humbled and happy just to be here in the beautiful Italia. Now to get some much needed sleep!

Who doesn’t love a 4:00 a.m. alarm? I DON’T! What a hectic day. I’m currently on the second of third flights, but let me tell you how this all went down early, early, this morning.

I got up early and was dressed and ready in 20 minutes. I opted for an adorable geometric print, BCBG Max Azria dress. It’s comfortable and perfect for the plane and the weather in Italy when I finally do arrive. Like I’ve said before, Italians—even amidst 13-hour flights—look unbelievably fashionable. It’s important to blend in a little.

I got to LAX around 5 a.m., after parking and getting my luggage out of the trunk. After receiving wrong information after wrong information, I finally made it to the correct check-in line. I was late and they rushed me through security checks and other unnecessary lines. Most of the Americans traveling were wearing Ohio University sweatshirts and baggy jeans. Oh, typical Americans. So classy!

Then they tell me that my reservation was lost and that the travel agency our school used to organize our group flight was somehow done semi-illegally. Suddenly, I was flying standby! To another country! There were about 10 of us waiting for the flight. Only a few seats opened up. Two people made it on. I wasn’t one of them. They closed the gate and ushered us back to the Continental Airlines desk. The next thing I know they’re yelling my name.

“MATTINA, GABRIELLA! LET’S GO!”

I quickly grabbed my carry-on and followed them back to the gate. Apparently there had been one empty seat on the flight. They literally brought the plane back to the gate, re-opened the hatch and let me on. I couldn’t believe it. I felt like I was in a movie. Such drama and way too much adrenaline to be had that early in the morning.

Unfortunately, about six kids got left behind. Two got on the next flight and the others are leaving later tonight. I got really lucky. Had I not made it on the first flight, I would have missed the connection in Newark to Rome that I am sitting on right now. I’m sitting next to my future roommate. Her name is Halie and she is a little soft spoken, but really, really, nice and she laughs at all my jokes!

Can I just tell you that the flight attendants on this Italian airline are all ridiculously good looking? Their uniforms are so stylish! Crisp and well-fitting, they look like they were made by hand by Armani. Hell, they probably were. I have a good 7 hours left on this flight and then we have to catch a connection in Rome to Genova/Genoa. From Genoa we take a bus for about 2 hours to Portovenere. Quite the journey, don’t you think?

At least my dress is holding up. I’m so comfortable and a few Italian women on the flight actually complimented my dress. “Che bel vestito!” Thank you all! Grazie tutti!

I just want a bed…this chair is so uncomfortable.

It’s my last day in the States and I’m stressed, excited, nervous, tired, but…I’m ready. I feel a little better, now that I’ve packed for Italy, but there’s still a lot of pressure with all of my friends wanting to see me before I leave. It doesn’t help that I have a 7 a.m. flight, which means I have to be at the LAX airport by 4:30 or 5 a.m.

Planning the perfect outfit for the plane ride was on my mind. Italians take fashion very seriously. In my previous experiences in Italian airports, everyone is dressed to the nines in everything from Gucci and Prada to Ralph Lauren and Marc Jacobs. Designer clothes are everything to Italians. That and shoes. They notice your shoes before they care to acknowledge you as a human being. Granted, that doesn’t go for ALL Italians, but it is true for most.

Matt is taking me out to a lovely (and early, given my flight time) dinner this evening: a goodbye dinner of sorts. I’ve imagined a romantic goodbye, but unfortunately I can’t dress the part. I had on a plum top and comfortable stretchy black pants that I’d been running around in all day, and I didn’t have time to change into a sexy dress. I’m nervous to say goodbye to him. What kind of goodbye is it? Is it “you’re kind of my boyfriend, I’ll miss you endlessly.” Or, is it more of a “we had a good thing and we’ll see where we are at when I get back.” I don’t know.

I do know, however, that this Italian man I met awhile back named Oscar—yes, his name is really Oscar—found me on facebook. He was my very first kiss! He’s so kind and I liked him a lot. We’re going to see each other when I visit Firenze (Florence).

That reminds me….I had a dream about my very first boyfriend from middle school, Kevin. It’s really strange that I haven’t seen him in nearly five years, but that doesn’t stop him from infiltrating my dreams. Maybe he was my first love. I haven’t had enough experience in relationships and love to know what real love is, but Kevin could have been it.

This summer is going to be another summer of firsts. A new city, a new experience, maybe a new Italian boy, and best of all: some new fashion. I can’t go to Italy and come back empty handed!!

I’m pretty sure Matt’s draw dropped when I entered the restaurant yesterday. Maybe that sounds cocky, but I’m confident in saying this, because my outfit was AMAZING. I channeled that confidence when I packed my outfits for Italy today. 
 
It’s only 2 days until I leave for Italy!

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I started my day by watching Under the Tuscan Sun. It’s my secret love. Oh my gosh, and that scene where Diane Lane goes to Positano to find the man she met in Rome, and she walks onto that pier in that long white dress with the black belt? Ah! Che bella! Plus, that Italian man in the movie was totally gorgeous. That probably helped me love the movie a little. He kind of looks like a friend of mine in Italy. Brown hair, tall, great jaw line, and bright blue eyes!

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Last night was amazing. First of all, Matt’s grandparents were absolutely adorable. Secondly, Matt’s mother showed up looking a little stronger than the last time I saw her. She shined in a floor length, cream-colored, Ralph Lauren dress. She looked like an angel. Thirdly, THERE WAS ITALIAN FOOD. Need I say more?

The live jazz band kept the evening alive and Matt and I enjoyed a little dancing. I literally met his entire family: Cousins, uncles, aunts, second cousins—everyone was there.

Matt wore a crisp black Armani suit with a white dress shirt and skinny black tie. Always a good look for him! His family seemed to think that the two of us looked like an old-fashioned classic Hollywood couple. They kept making us pose near the pool, dance floor, or rose garden and snapping a million pictures. I guess I can say my dress was a success?

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Today I’m essentially meeting Matt’s entire family because he invited me to his grandparent’s 50th anniversary party. No pressure. I leave in less than two weeks and I’m off meeting the in-laws. Ok, that’s a joke, but this is still a fairly serious situation.

I know myself well enough to know that once I’m in Italy, Filippo or Roberto or Sal or some new Italian man is going to sweep me off my feet (they are very good at the whole romance thing if you have not figured it out yet). So I have to dig through my bottomless wardrobe and find something that is perfect for this event. It has to be tasteful; yet still appealing to Matt, because of course I want him to be thinking solely of me.

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I got an email from my friend in Mexico this morning. His name is Roberto and we met in Italia last summer. I went to go meet some friends in a piazza before a night of clubbing and he was a friend of theirs that had just arrived in Florence. I can remember walking through the dimly lit streets of Firenze in my black cocktail dress. It was cotton and had beading in a V down the front of it. It was beautiful and it made me feel beautiful.

Now, Italians are generally pretty forward when they think you look good, but this particular evening a man actually ran after me. It was kind of ridiculous, but hey—that’s what good fashion can do.

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You know that moment when you feel like everyone is noticing how beautiful you feel? It happened to me last night. I walked into that party with total confidence. I had on an unbelievably stunning Tahari dress with a date on my arm who looked like he was straight out of GQ.

Matt greeted me at the door with a sunflower. After putting it in some water and grabbing some flip-flops—we departed. Yes, flip-flops. Remember, no shoes allowed at the party! Alas, I needed something to protect my feet in case I needed to go inside a store or anything.

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