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!