Roma, Firenze, Venicia

I am writing this entry while alternating between applying aloe to my destroyed skin and throwing away one of the 10 pizza boxes that are sitting on my balcony. I love Italy.

So apparently the blog train got delayed at the station despite the conductors best efforts to get it rolling. Everytime I come home I'm either too tired, too excited or have had too many Peroni's to write an entry.  I would like to commend my faithful followers for the fantastic feedback (hows that for alliteration?). It makes me feel slightly guilty for not blogging (I'm not sure if it's because of the fact you check my blog so regularly and I don't, or because I am in Italy, while you are not).

On with the blog.

We (our study abroad group) are all currently hanging out on our balconies yelling (obscenities?) at each other.  Great times in Italy.  However, the fun, believe or not, does not end here.  It started when we arrived last Monday.  A few of the high points from Rome for the first few days were pizza, pizza, pizza, lasagna, gelado and pizza. Did I mention pizza? My body is going to completely reject all other food groups besides the aforementioned when I am back because it knows nothing else. I guess beer, but whether I can count drinks as a food group is a debate for another time.  We also made our innovation project presentations, learned about Italian culture from a few speakers, took a walking tour of the city ending at the Pantheon, and went to see the Pope. This lead us to Thursday, where we all struggled on to the bus at 7:20 am and headed up to the Banfi Winery and Inn in beautiful Tuscany.  We toured the immaculate facilities, reviewed the fermentation processes, and even were able to taste some of their finer selections.  We arrived in Florence, took the tour of the city, had an outstanding group dinner.  Sidebar: Not writing about what happens each day really makes you lose the emotion and consequently I feel as though as if my writing is suffering because of it. My bad yo.  So after the dinner, we all decided to roll out to the COOLEST bar in the world, Twice.  After numerous dance offs BK entertainment, dice rolls by Casey, Max and Tim and spins by Marianna, the night rollin' like Fred Durst.  Coincidentally, and amazingly, my good friend Jess Kushler showed up at the same bar! We shared a drink and heart-to-hearted.  The night ended on top of our residence where a devious plot to thank our brilliant professor was born to Brian Troutman and quickly blessed by all other rooftop visitors.  The plot cannot be discussed due to privacy issues. Any inquiries will be quickly be shut down.  Friday meant a tour of Ferraguamo shoes (sooooo boring) and purchases totaling 400 Euro (by Brian and Savir).  It also meant a train ride to Venice.  After some confusion with the hotel that left 7 people in one room, we took a gondala ride and shopped around the city for Friday night and Saturday.  Another train ride brought us back to Roma, where we spent all of Sunday on the beach.  

I'm struggling to right this blog right now because everyone is chatting it up on our balcony, and I can't turn down time with this group.

Sorry for the lack of funny in this blog but it was more an update than anything I guess.

Probably not many blogs left seeing as I will be home Friday. People will be lining up for miles to see me so make sure you make a reservation soon.

Thanks,

Management

My Hiatus and Glorious Return

So everyone, Breezy couldn't find himself for a couple days in Europe (due to some internet/personal issues) and therefore did not blog, however I'm back on the lines for a quick update tonight.

Paris is over and done and I'll miss it, but Roma is my home.  On that note, I would like to inform my family that I will not be returning on the 19th, or ever again. Sorry *turns off computer and walks away.*

Just kidding, but I've already had two entire pizzas and two helpings of gelado.  I'm not sure that I'll ever really look at ice cream or Domino's the same.

_______________*FLATLINE*__________________

This entry was abrutly interrupted by skype, youtube videos, and mass hilarity. Shouts to the fam, the new roomies Ken, Ishaan, and Max. And Casey, for laughing harder than anyone else this entire trip.

Also shouts to Unforgivable. Still being viewed "FO' FREE!"

Blog locomotive picking up steam for tomorrow. Let's go.

Seeing Paris from the Clouds

I'm running out of jokes. I only wrote down like 50 on the plane over here and I had hoped they would last me the whole time. Anways, here's another attempt at being funny/creative/informative.  

Today was THE LONGEST DAY of class ever. 6 hours at Negocia, broken up only by bad fish lunches and power naps takes a toll on the body.  We learned about our personalities in class today and I found that I am an ESTJ, which means that I am best equipped for an administrative position at some point in my life.  The fact that people might actually listen to me is somewhat frightening yet at the same time very empowering.  Fast forward through a metro ride home. Actually. Pause. Rewind. Play.  Before the day was over we were put into groups to design an advertisement for MSU. Big Daddy Joe, Angela, JAHHHHH-nelle and I came up with what was voted by the class as the best commercial.  Basically, it was the day in the life of Sparty, if he were a college student. <>

We were on our way to Sacre Ceur for what we thought would be another fun night together, but really had no idea how outstanding the night was going to be.  At this point, I'm sure everyone is probably irritated by the fact that every night I have is 10000 times better than the previous one and probably is getting a slight bit jealous. That's to be expected. I'm in Paris, you're not. Anyways, we walked up 2 million stairs and just as I was about to collapse, I turned and swooped in one magnificent motion and caught a look at the city of Paris from the beautiful vantage point of Montmarte and Sacre Ceur.  A-MAZING. The moment your eyes lay upon the intertwined mix of shadows and sunlight dancing through each other on the rooftops, there is a culmination and understanding of what the city really is all about. I'm thankful for having that opportunity. Dinner was provided by MSU tonight.  The wine kept flowing, the Escargot and Roast Duck were to die for, and the entertainment was priceless, again thanks to Anna.  Also, Brian and Allison brought a fire to the group by their re-enactment of "The Macarena." Truly magnificent. 

After dinner, we browsed some shops. I picked up a pair of hot shades and purchased matching France jerseys with my boy Kenny. Decided to skip Moulin Rouge tonight, but did not pass up a most awkward visit in my first European (or American for that matter) adult store.  I couldn't walk out fast enough. Never again. On to the randoms.

Quick Notes:

Becoming a wine drinker is tough. I'm slowly adapting.

Dausmenile showers aren't as bad as everyone says. I'll fit just fine.

Escargot is now not only exclusive to the last name of Keenan Thompson's best character ever.  It is also a declicous dish.

Anyone who ever comes to Paris doesn't see the best part of the city until they go to Montremarte (or however you spell it).

Things I don't fit into in France:

Added:

XXL soccer jerseys. This country makes me look like a whale.

Another successful blog entry over and out.

Bruce Leech and Pareeeee

Breezy back on the blog lines ya'll.  I've heard a little interest has sparked in my blog amongst my peers. I guess the pressures on but guess who ain't gon' crack *starts singing diamonds from sierra leone.*  Pretty stoked/a little nervous about the quality of my writing.  Also, if you really want to be mentioned in the blog just hit me up in any way possible.

 The day was very, very chill.  We heard some speakers today, Bruce Leech and Bill Mengebier, and both presented great points about being abroad and being in Paris. Sidebar: this might be the lamest blog yet because of my level of exhaustion. Also Brian is whining about how his laptop won't charge. It's more than distracting. I silently just gave him 3 minutes.  Comon Brian.

Anyways, after class today, we found this panini shop (thanks to Anna) and for only 3.5 Euro, we enjyoed delicous Tex Mex and Curry Poulet (chicken) on bread while finding the nearest grocery for a little thirst quenching beverage.  Stella Artois was purchased for 1.07 Euro each, and after a nap by all parties involved, the guys started getting Casey-ed on Savir and Dunn's porch. Bonding ensued.  After the girls finally arrived (only 1.5 hours late), we dipped to the Bastille to try and find Barrio Latino, suposedly the finest salsa club in Paris. Some of our early birds headed to Barrio first and were denied entrance based upon apparel.  Obviously, they were unaware of the circumstances that had brought us there, because had they have known we were from MSU, I'm sure there would have been no problem.  N E Wayz, Ryan and I totally negotied(Ne-go-shhh-ed) a price for shots from 3.8 to 3 Euro and our group went back to the Irish Bar for the third time in 7 nights. Things start getting hazy here so I will look for group input tomorrow if anyone really cares what went down.  Regardless, Tuesday in Paris was yet another terrific evening characterized by high society individuals and first class comraderie.  

Sorry for the little (blog) guy tonight, but at 2:45, it's the best I could do. Be thankful for no typos.

Also, don't forget about quick facts:

I can't tell you all how stoked (yea I rock hard) I am for any of the group to be reading this blog. Rome group rocks.

I'm pretty sure I'll be writing a wrap up to submit to Meghan's blog ( the girl who presented today), because after she has the "biggest blog in America," I want to feel like I contribued; despite the fact that I know my blog draws more laughs.

I'd like to thank Emily for waking me up during the speakers today.  Please poke me(in real life, not facebook) tomorrow during my feeble attempts to stay awake during class. You won't be forgotten.

Daumenaisle calls tomorrow. Looking forward to standing outside the shower to get clean. Pieces. 

Breeze.

The City Scavenger Hunt

Today was our first day of class, and we were presented a theme for the day; "Be present amongst yourself."  Essentially what this means is to stop, smell the roses, and appreciate every little thing about where you are. From sipping coffee on a side street cafe to meandering about one of the greatest cities in the world, enjoy it. It goes without saying that it was a great start to the day.  

Class flew by, we are so lucky to have Professor Harrell.  His insight of not only marketing, but life in general are always spot on and thought provoking. After class, we headed over and had a little sandwich and got ready for our big scavenger hunt.  I don't really know why, but everyone was running late today, so in order to make it to Notre Dame on time we had to pull our best Prefontaine and break the 4 minute mile.  Looking like a bottle of water had been dumped all over me, we arrived at THE Notre Dame (No-Truh Dahm) and were split into teams.  The rules were simple, locate and take a picture of the group at each of the named locales within a four-hour time limit without use of a computer, phone or GPS.  The person with the most places hit, wins.  At first glance, it was seemingly an obvious pick for team 5, consisting of Alex, Cecilia, Becca, Courtney, Tommy and myself, to be the winners.  However, some lollygagging around the stores and dissention between the ranks caused us to be the only team in Study Abroad history to be DQ'ed due to late arrival.  Regardless of our shortcomings as a unit, I think we all learned quite a bit about each other today, and I for one was impressed by all of the members of our team.  We hit spots such as Saint Michael Cathedral and the Louvre.  We witnessed couples in love displaying romantic affection for each other. We casually dined on a street corner. All things that you could really step outside of yourself and say, "Wow, how terrific that we are here in Paris enjoying *blank*."  Our scavenger hunt ended with a picnic at the Eiffel Tower, put together by our wonderful PA's and Susie, Professor Harrell's wife (who I am somewhat terrified to introduce myself to because I don't know whether to call her Mrs. Harrell or Susie). Dinner was delicious sandwiches on french baguettes (the bread is WONDERFUL here), chips and cookies, and to me, was a very satisfying meal.  However, after four days in a row eating a sandwich, I have realized that the French don't use any condiments except mayonnaise, and it is extremely frustrating.  If I ever come back, I'll have a bottle of Hidden Valley in tow (Ryan Ley you know what I'm talking about). After the dinner, the group split up.  Some climbed the steps of the Eiffel Tower, while others, including myself, headed back home for a little rest.  After what seemed like 20 miles of walking today, an hour and a half climb up to the top did not seem too appealing to me.  Hopefully we'll hit it on Saturday, our next free day.  Post metro ride, Savir and I hit the grocery store for some beer and water, though we opted for the safe rode tonight, and did a little research on local bars to try and coordinate a little somethin somethin for later in the week. *Do best Borat voice* GREAT SUCCESS! It seems like we did more today, but I guess not. On to the Quick Notes.

Quick Notes:

The city of Paris never ceases to pull out hidden surprises; musicians were out in full force today gracing the airwaves with home grown material all the way to Bob Marley and Macy Gray.

I have currently consumed one Clif Bar to date. I feel as though I have made a huge mistake in bringing 4,000.

I never expected to have 6 followers, or more importantly for Mom and Dad to figure out how to sign up for a google account.  I'm impressed with both and again thankful for your support!

Things I don't fit into in France:

The train to Brussls.

The bus home from Brussels.

Roland-Garros Stadium Seats.

Most sizes of shirts.

No additional cramped areas discovered today.

Hope everything is well with everyone back in the states and a big shout out to the homie Ian Stonebrook chasin the dream in Austin starting today I believe. 517 stand UP! Catch everyone tomorrow.