"Chillin' on a dirt road." Lost in Assissi

Ciao everyone,


     These last two days have been quite an adventure.  When Kelly got up yesterday, she said, "You know what song has been stuck in my head?  Dirt Road Anthem.  Keep this in mind as you read this blog entry.  I should have known it was an omen.  Yesterday, we got on a bus to Perugia and Assissi.  We were going to a Montessori Program, Casa Di Bambini (Children's House) and we got lost.  We almost took out every car on the street.  If you could imagine a one lane road with cars parked all on the side and a large bus..well, on second thought...don't picture it.  We were lost for about 20 minutes before arriving at the school..and this was only the beginning.  We clapped when we finally arrived...and observed at the Montessori School.  It was an awesome experience.  The way they teach the children is truly amazing.  I got some great ideas of things I want to incorporate into my classroom one day.
      After leaving the Montessori School, we went to Assissi.  We were told it was a long, long walk and everything was uphill.  This was the understatement of the century.  Luckily, Meredith girls always come prepared with t-shirts.  We dressed comfortably for the journey.  We visited the most beautiful cathedrals that gave you chill bumps as soon as you walked in the door.  It's amazing how detailed everything here is.  I was so thankful for the experience.  I was able to see St. Francis's tomb and churches I've only seen in pictures.  Seeing it with your own two eyes is totally worth the visit to Italy.
      After the cathedral visits, we had time to shop.  Kelly and I ventured out into Assissi and were having so much fun looking around.  I should have known with Kelly and I together, an adventure was just around the corner...literally.  We were walking along and we thought we would take a shortcut to street with a man hand drawing pictures.  We wanted one for the townhouse...but ended up lost in Assissi.  We walked and walked and finally had to take a little rest.  We were sitting on private property (someone's house was right behind us) and we were in the road.  We had found PEPSI'S (the best part of the visit) so we were enjoying sitting down and drinking the Pepsi.  We began walking again..and saw an elevator.  Well, we were very high up on the mountain, and we figured there had to be more than one way down...so we assumed the elevator would get us back.  WRONG!  The locals asked us which floor and we said, 0.  Well, we got off the elevator and we were in a parking deck.  We fell to the floor laughing and all of a sudden...the lights went off.  We scedattled out of there.  We saw a sign that said, "Thank you for visiting Assissi," so we figured we were heading out of the city...on PAT AND CHARLIE.  We began hiking again...and ended up at a dirt road.  Kelly had been thinking of the song, "Dirt Road Anthem" and now we were at a dirt road.  We hiked up yet another hill and finally managed to find our way back.  We were SO thankful to see the bottom...although, it will be a story to tell the rest of our lives.  Our group found it hilarious and entertaining...but they weren't surprised.  On the way home, our bus went over a speed bump and went air born. It was such an adventurous day.
     Today, we went to another school.  We actually got to see children today and it was so much fun.  They were precious and the school was very neat.  After we left the school, we had lunch and class.  We had the opportunity to talk with an older man who moved to Italy from Australia.  It was another good experience.  After that, Kelly, Kayla, and I decided to be adventurous and get on a bus to Arezzo, a nearby town.  We got on the bus and surprisingly made it to Arezzo (which was a big deal for us.)  What an accomplishment.  Kelly informed me there was a McDonald's and we made it a mission to get there.  We stopped at some shops along the way and I got a cute pair of black flats.  I can't wait to wear them!  We started walking to McDonald's...but of course, we got lost.  Little did we know, it was only the beginning.  We walked for SEVEN miles (at least) to get our food.  Kelly asked everyone, "McDonald's" and they looked at us like we were crazy.  We laughed so hard..but finally, we found some nice Italian girls to guide us in the right direction. Kelly said, "You know, we mix Italian, Spanish, English, and French to talk to these folks."  We really do.
     We finally arrived at McDonald's and I think my eyes filled up with tears.  I've never been so happy to see American food.    We ate our food and let me mention we all had 8 nuggets and a cheeseburger.  We ate like men and we were so proud.  We surprisingly got back easily to the center of town.  We shopped around and got back on the bus without a problem.  The trip was successful...shoes and MCDONALD'S!  My two favorite things...shoes and food!  It was a nice trip with my two wonderful friends.  Tomorrow, (or I should say today since I have to be up at 5 am and that is in a few hours) we are going to FLORENCE.  I'm very excited.  We are taking a bus and train.  I am excited about seeing the city and shopping of course.  I'm sure we aren't getting any sleep tonight because theres a group of old people sitting at the bar singing to the top of their lungs right now.  I've yelled "Silencio" out the window and they only get louder.  Fools.  Anyways, goodnight America!  

Yep, told ya'll we were lost.  North Carolina meets Assissi.  One thing is for certain, Kelly and I never have a dull moment, ever.

<3 Brittany 

"Yeah, Nicole Kidman stayed here."

Hey everybody!

     Today was a super busy day.  We woke up early and met our groups downstairs.  We got on a bus and headed for Anghiari.  I posted pictures on my Facebook..but those could not even do it justice.  It was beautiful. The view was amazing and I was so happy to be walking in the warm sunshine surrounded by the beauty of Italy.
     We toured the Bussati looms today and that was extremely exciting.  It's a textile place and I had no idea the fun we were in for.  Mr. Bussati himself invited the Meredith group up to his house and office for a drink of wine and a snack. The view on his balcony was breathtaking. We drank wine with the whole group of Interior Design students and Child Development ladies. It was amazing. We had the best time.  He shared with us that the author of Under the Tuscan Sun was a frequent customer and friend.  He also told us that Nicole Kidman stayed at his house and we got to see the room where she stayed. We thought that was pretty awesome.  He was so sweet and we enjoyed our visit.  Kelly and I also climbed to the top of the huge hill and went to the cathedral.  It was beautiful. Kelly and I lit candles, which was an awesome experience. I wish everyone could have seen the view today. Truly amazing.
       I had some FRENCH FRIES at dinner tonight and I was so excited.  All the Child Development girls went to dinner together and it was hilarious. We were talking about all our school experiences and I've not laughed so hard since I've been here. I'm really starting to miss my American food.  I had Ravioli tonight at dinner (it had spinach in there.)  
     I was able to talk to Brooke (my cousin) tonight and that made me smile. I also skyped with Eric today which made me smile from ear to ear. The smallest things like skype and Facebook messaging mean so much when you're away from everyone you love. Tomorrow promises to be extremely busy...we're going to Perugia and Assissi.  I'll update then.


<3 Brittany

"The biggest challenge is getting out of the Palazzo."

Hey everybody!


      It's 6:18 p.m. here.  We are all about to shower and go out to dinner and go to Happy Bar.  (We decided it was 4th of July in America and a drink was in order!  The last 24 hours have been so interesting and entertaining.  Last night, we decided we would go out to dinner and "stroll" the streets like the locals do every evening.  We tried to get out of the Palazzo for a good ten minutes last night.  Kelly, Kayla, Paige, and I could not figure out how to open the doors (they are more complicated over here.)  Paige said, "The biggest challenge is going to be getting out of the palazzo."  When we finally made it out, there was a festival going on in Sansepolcro.  People were out and about in the town and we looked around until we found somewhere to eat.
      We did not know how complicated and hilarious dinner would be.  People spend a great deal of time outside, so we decided since it felt so nice, we would eat outside too.  We stood at this table for a long time (we didn't know if we should just sit down) so finally we sat down.  The waiter came and pointed and instructed us we had to sit at the table in the back.  We did not know we were supposed to make reservations there.  We had no idea how difficult ordering would be.  I asked for a Coca Cola and to my delight they had this. Kelly and I decided to order a pizza and the waiter spoke no English.  We looked at the menu and decided we wanted cheese pizza which was Margarita Pizze.  Who knew?  That was so comical and I'm sure we provided some serious entertainment for the locals.
     After dinner, we strolled through the town.  We noticed some guys sitting on a bench and they started playing "Firework" by Katy Perry.  I busted out laughing and Paige said, "Maybe they know tomorrow is Fourth of July." We decided they probably just wanted some attention, so we laughed, and kept walking.  After our stroll, we were all very tired and went to sleep.
     Today has been busy but very good.  We went to a Catholic Elementary School this morning which was great.  Although we're in another country, we saw many similarities in the school.  I got extremely hot in the school and had to step outside towards the end.  We came back to the Palazzo and had a delicious lunch.  I ate some pasta, zucchini, potatoes, a few bites of chicken, and some ice cream.  It was very good!  We had class for about an hour and that was fun.  We talked about our visit to the school and we all shared our favorite childhood memories.  Then, we went to the Italian grocery store.  Kelly and I were happy Americans to find Pringles, Coca Cola, chocolate, and yogurt.  We purchased our little American items and checking out was comical.  Kelly and I set the alarm off in the store...and the cashier spoke no English.  We finally figured out that it was our baskets setting the alarm off. Again, another comical adventure to add to the list.
       Tomorrow, we're going to the looms in the morning.  We have class in the afternoon and a teacher coming to speak with us at 5 p.m.  We're going to Perugia, Assisi, and Florence this week.  We are going to be very busy but it's better to be busy.  Today made me miss home  because it's Fourth of July and I've always spent time at the beach with family and friends.  Although I won't be seeing fireworks, Italy is amazing with so much to see.  It is truly another world over here and I can't wait to share all my adventures and stories with everyone when I get home.

Ciao,


Brittany <3

"We're outsiders now!"

Ciao,

     
     I finally made it to Sansepolcro, Italy.  Yesterday, Saturday, was a long day of airports and traveling.  Kelly and I arrived at RDU about 10:30 AM.  We met our group and went through security, grabbed lunch, and waited for our flight to Charlotte.  I have never been on such a fast flight before.  The first five minutes I spent laughing a great deal with Kelly because turbulance was so bad.  Everyone's faces were priceless.  It didn't take 30 minutes before we landed in Charlotte.  We then found our gate for our international flight to Rome, had Pinkberry Frozen Yogurt, and grabbed dinner to take on the plane with us.
         I'm not sure what I was envisioning, (don't get me wrong) the plane was huge.  There were two seats, four seats, then two more.  Luckily, I had an aisle seat and could still see very clearly out the window.  I ate my dinner and was asleep before the passengers on the plane were served dinner.  After about a two hour nap, I woke up and watched, Just Go With It.  I love that movie.  I watched the entire movie and tried to sleep.  I got about 3 hours of sleep total..trying to sleep on a plane=epic fail/miserable.  The seats were close together and the flight was completely full.  I especially loved when they started speaking Italian and I had no idea what was being said.  The plane ride was approximately 8 hours.  We then arrived in Rome.  We went to baggage claim, and of course, I was the last one to get my luggage.  Murray luck? Even in Italy? Making my parents proud.  Once we were navigating through the airport, Kelly looked at me and said, "I don't like being the outsider."  It is very obvious we are not from here; but that is okay with me.  People enjoyed watching our group struggle with all our luggage I think.  After providing the locals some entertainment as we trudged on with our bags, we had a 3 hour bus ride to Sansepolcro, where Meredith College has the Palazzo, where I'm staying.
       Kelly and I enjoyed the scenery as we drove along.  We took a few pictures, listened to our ipods, and fell asleep.  I was so thankful for a little rest.  Our professors woke us up when we got to Sansepolcro, and we got off the bus and headed for the Palazzo.  Luckily, the walk was not far and there's an elevator.  If not, I would have died with my suitcase.  I'm not even sure how it was under 50 pounds.  I'm staying in a bedroom with Kelly, Paige, and Kayla.  Our bedroom is gorgeous (I love the natural light.)  It feels AMAZING outside (it's probably in the low eighties right now.)  We have the windows open.  Our view is amazing.  People in Italy believe in being outside.  When we arrived, it was afternoon siesta time.  However, things quickly changed as people are out roaming the streets now.  We are unpacked, settled in, and now everyone is taking showers.  
     Saying goodbye to my Mom and Eric was so heartbreaking.  They were both so encouraging and I've talked to Mom since I've been here.  I called her to say I was safe and here.  Eric I've texted!  He sent me the sweetest message last night; I'm so lucky to have such an amazing boyfriend.  I love you all so much and thanks for all the prayers.


<3 Brittany

"There are no goodbyes, just see you laters!"

I leave for Italy TOMORROW.  While I am super excited, goodbyes totally suck.  I am so close with my family, friends, and boyfriend.  I've tried to soak up all my fun times this week with everyone I could possibly see.  I was able to spend time with my cousin Brooke, who is always full of encouraging words.  She always makes me smile and I'm so grateful I have her. It's pretty awesome we go to the same school.  I was also able to eat dinner with Brittany and Morgan, two of my close friends from Meredith.  I am going to miss them all so much...but I can't wait to see everyone when I get back.
     I should probably be concerned that I have not packed a single thing...luckily, my mom is coming up to Raleigh today to help with all the trip preparations.  Kelly and her mom are also on the way to Raleigh so we're all going to get our nails done and go to our last dinner in America.  There are so many things to pack..and RDU must not know what is about to hit them. I've never attempted to pack my life for three weeks...but I can tell you the fifty pound weight limit and I are not going to be friends.  It'll be a struggle, but somehow, it will all work. 
     I spent as much time with Eric and Packer as I possibly could.  Poor Eric, he's had to deal with tears a lot this week.  Everyone knows I'm a sucker!  It's hard leaving the people that mean the most to you.  Knowing you can't just pick up a phone and call them and text them whenever you want is not easy. Eric has been such a blessing to me for almost five months.  He's my shoulder to cry on, he always makes me laugh, and he gives the best hugs!  Being away from him will be difficult, but I know he'll be waiting to see me when I get off the plane in three weeks.
      Now, being away from my Mom and Dad will be a challenge.  I'm an only child so, we're all extremely close.  My parents have been so encouraging and supportive of this study abroad experience, and I'm so grateful they've given me this opportunity. My mom called me last night and was telling me how I should take in every moment because some people never get to experience or see what I'm about to have at my fingertips.  She is so right and I intend on enjoying every minute.  I have the best family for allowing me to take such a trip.
     Yesterday, I went to RDU to exchange my money for Euros.  As I walked into the airport, I felt the nervous feeling I felt before leaving home for college.  It was a happy, yet scared feeling.  My cousin Amanda said it best yesterday in a text..."Change is always good for a period of time."  She's always there to give me good advice.  How lucky am I to have such a supporting group of family and friends.  I have to mention my church family.  They have been nothing but supportive and encouraging since I told them of the trip.  Last Sunday, they said a special prayer that I would have safe travels and enjoy my time in Italy.  I know the power of prayer is so powerful and my church family no doubt is praying for me and my group as we travel.
     Now that I've had my little meltdown, I better get to packing.  My mom and I have lots of errands to run before I'm ready to go to RDU.  I'll update my blog over there!  I can't wait to see what this trip has in store for me!  I hope God does great things for me while I'm there!  It promises to be the trip of a lifetime!


‎"Sometimes you have to be apart from people you love, but that doesn't make you love them any less. Sometimes you love them more." -The Last Song ♥


<3 Brittany

Italy, You're Only a Week Away!

Sometimes, I wish there was a pause button in life.  So many wonderful things are happening in my life right now and I wish I had a button to freeze time.  Since there is no magical button, I just have to soak in every minute.  

Eric and me! I seriously could not ask for a better boyfriend. If there ever was a definition of the perfect person for me, Eric meets every criteria.  We have so much fun together.  Meeting Eric was one of those "A-Ha!" moments.  He's the type of boyfriend every girl deserves.  He treats me like a princess and I love him so much! He can make me laugh like nobody else and is the most thoughtful guy I've ever met. He's smart and he is so hardworking. He's working on getting into medical school and there is not a doubt in my mind he can have his pick of schools. Did I mention we have the same middle name? Eric Jordan Pierce and Brittany Jordan Murray. I think it's rather catchy!

Meet Packer Pierce.  He is a 10 and a half week old Peek A Poo.  My sweet boyfriend Eric gave him to me.  I told you all he was thoughtful! 

We obviously chose the name Packer for a reason.  Eric goes to NC State.  Although, I am a Carolina fan, along with my family, Packer was a very fitting name.  He likes to chew on these Carolina slippers.  Given the choice of any shoe, he'd pick these to chew on. Nothing makes Eric more proud.

Finally, I'm leaving for Italy next Saturday.  In fact, at this time next Saturday, I'll be in RDU waiting to board a plane.  I'll be gone for three weeks to study play in Italy.  It is such an amazing opportunity and I'm so grateful my parents were willing to send me.  Kelly Griffin, my roommate will also be going.  We've been planning on going since fall semester of our Sophomore year.  I can not believe it is finally here.  I'm very excited but I'm also quite nervous.  There is no doubt I'll miss home.  I also dread the long flight...but I'll get through it.  I wish I could take all the people I care about over there!  Although I can still skype and call my family and Eric a little, it is not the same as being in the same country.  In the long run, I'll be so glad I went and had the experience, I know I will.  I'm a little addicted to this song right now.

Mind on a permenant vacation
The ocean is my only medication
Wishin' my condition ain't ever gonna go away

Now I'm knee deep in the water somewhere
Got the blue sky breeze blowin' wind thru my hair
Only worry in the world
is the tide gonna reach my chair
Sunrise, there's a fire in the sky
never been so happy
never felt so high
and I think I might've found me my own kind of paradise
-ZBB

"There’s so many beautiful reasons I have to be happy"

Hello again outside world.  I will get better at updating this blog.  I'll be updating it while I'm gone to Italy.  I leave in 24 days. Crazy!  I finished my sophomore year of college...doesn't even sound right.  I've been doing summer school and so far I've taken History and tennis.  Now I'm in yoga and I love it.  It is the best stress relief.  My PE classes have been so much fun.  Even though I've had class and some observations to do, I'm still trying to enjoy a little bit of summer.  Luckily, we have a pool to enjoy so I've been taking advantage of that.  I've always been enjoying the fact I live on Lake Johnson..so Eric and I enjoy walking around the lake.
     Everything has been going great.  I finished up my hardest semester of college and made the Dean's List.  I've been busy with student advising and getting ready for our lil sis class to arrive. 2013 can you believe we're about to be bigs?  We get our ONYX rings so soon.  Where is the time going?  I have three semesters left of school before I student teach.  I can't believe it.  I met the sweetest girl, Mariah, at several Meredith events and she will be one of my lils.  I'm so excited to get to know her better.  She is so sweet and she is going to love Meredith!
     Eric and I are doing great.  Sunday will be four months that we've been together.  He's the best boyfriend I could ever ask for.  We have so much fun together.  We've had a lot of good times since school ended even though we're both crazy busy.  We make time for our dinner outings, walks around the lake, and playing tennis.  We have so much fun together and I couldn't be more thankful that he is in my life.  God is so good to have placed me with such an amazing person.
      I have a lot to look forward to coming up and I'm so excited.  Junior year promises to be busy--but I wouldn't have it any other way.  Now, it's time to relax and go to yoga.