I’m writing from the car! We’re somewhere on the 5 freeway and while usually I’d be excited to watch the scenery out the window…I’ve seen these hills, farms, and cattle ranches a million times.

Now, when traveling (with guys), my main concern is always to look my best. I know, I know. Who cares?! My friends always make fun of me, calling me high maintenance. To not give them the satisfaction, I packed smart. One pair of jeans, one pair of shorts, sandals (that can work for night as well), a few tops, a swim suit, a pair of converse for mild-hiking (I know, not real hiking shoes), two dresses that won’t wrinkle, a light sweater, and my black leather jacket from Italy. It sounds like a lot but it all fit into my L.A.M.B overnight bag.

We’re planning on crashing on the floor at our friend Hallie’s dorm room. I’m not sure I’m confident there will be enough room for three bodies in sleeping bags on the floor. We’ll see.

The weather report said it would be a high of 70 up there. It’s hard to go from 85 and sunny in LA to the unpredictable Northern California weather. To compensate for the gamble of the weather report, I’m wearing my vintage Levi’s shorts, a white cotton Calvin Klein T-shirt, and  a red Alice + Olivia sweater.

I had an amazingly fun time at the awards dinner last night! My dress was quite the hit. I got people I had never even seen before asking me where I got it. That’s always a good way to start an evening!

I sat with my favorite professor and a friend from one of my non-Italian classes that also studies Italian. My professor told great stories of his youth in Italy and gave advice on all the places I should visit in Italy while I am there this summer. He’s actually leading the class I’m taking in Portovenere, Liguria, Italia. It’s a class on Contemporary Europe and it should be really fascinating!

I was enjoying my dessert when they announced that they would begin to give the awards. I wasn’t expecting anything, but when I looked over on the program my professor was holding I saw my name listed! Ok…for what?

Half a dozen names and anecdotes later, they announced my name. I got an “Outstanding Student in Italian” certificate and a $500 scholarship for my study abroad class in Portovenere this summer! Working hard does pay off.

When I walked up there, there were lots of camera flashes going off and I’m pretty sure most of them were from girls who had been previously admiring my dress.

After the award ceremony, I revisited with another professor of mine who had nominated me for this award. She wore this beautiful BCBG purple silk shift dress with black peep-toe pumps and a beautiful strand of lavender beads. She looked amazing, but most Italians look amazing…always!

We’re almost to Berkeley. Let me start by saying that gas station fashions are not so good. I’ll let you know how Berkeley goes…