It's been a week since I got back from my travels around Germany and the Czech Republic, and already I'm ready to go out and explore some more! It's hard to believe that next weekend we have a 3 day travel break, and I'm off to Slovenia. Crazy, huh?

So let me fill you in on a few things that happened during this past week. First of all, let me start off by saying that I had such a great time on my travel break. You read most of my stories, I know, but it's nothing compared to the actual experience. It was near to impossible for me to even write down all of my stories...because each day was an adventure of its own. Halfway through the trip I realized that within my travel group there were different dynamics going on. Jess, Katy, Kristen and Jared were all about going out every night and partying a lot, and John, Heidi, and I were kind of the more "hey let's just chill" type of group. I felt like there were many times where the other group brought a lot of attention to themselves, and they were easily referred to as the ignorant Americans. It was kind of embarassing. So I guess I learned that although I can hang around them, I don't know about becoming close with them. I grew closer to Heidi during the trip because we are very similar in many aspects, and I feel the most comfortable with her.

I also think it was good for my relationship with John. At the beginning of the trip I was apprehensive of what was to come, but it turned out great. I thought that maybe he would think that I did nice things for him or acted a certain way just because I liked him...when in reality it was because I just wanted to. I think this trip really helped us establish a great friendship, and made me feel so comfortable around him in the sense that I could joke around and act stupid without worrying about anything. It was as if we were great friends again, and nothing else mattered.

OKay so anyways, about this past week. Let's see...what stories do I have. OH okay I got one. On Tuesday I went down to Venice for the last night of Carnivale, which is like a famous festival where everyone dresses up in masks and costumes and stuff. It's like going to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. It was so much fun, and definitley an experience.

Then it was Ash Wednesday...and I went and got my ashes at the church here on campus. It was interesting because it was in a small room, and there were probably 20 American students and 20 Italian men. I didn't understand one thing that was going on, because the Italian men would like chant and sing and all this stuff. For a second I thought I was in some sort of cult, but it didn't matter as soon as I got my ashes. It was all good. Oh and I decided to give up getting drunk for lent. I know, sounds stupid. BUT, I haven't been particularly proud of myself in that area since I got here, and it's something that I really need to get a hold on. At school I rarely EVER get/got drunk...and since I've gotten here it's like the norm amongst everyone. It makes me really upset too because it's not me. I've messed up a few times, and I just need to start acting like myself again. I don't know if it's because I'm so far away from my support group at school or if it's because I just want to fit in...or even a combination of both...but I think this whole lent season is gonna be a good one.

On Thursday we had our advisory night, which is where a group of like 11 students go with a faculty member and go out to dinner. My group ended up going to an Indian restaurant, and it was quite the experience. When we got there and showed up with 28 people, the man working was completley overwhelmed even though we had made a reservation. He ended up being the ONLY one working...which means he was the waiter, host, manager, bus boy, and I wouldn't be surprised if he was the cook as well. ANYWAYS, the food was pretty gross. I ordered curry chicken, and it came in a bowl the size of my fist...and didnt even have any rice or anything. Sounds appetizing, right? And to make it worse a couple people never even got their dinners brought to them. All in all, quite the experience.

OH and another little thing I'll fill you in on. I just found out that a couple days ago in the cafeteria I was served cow tounge...and I ate it thinking it was beef. I guess I didn't notice the tastebuds on it. Gross, I know. I think I threw up in my mouth a little bit when I found out two days later.

I was supposed to go to Florence this weekend, and I'm sick. I'm so upset! I was looking forward to going, and I woke up this morning with my tonsils the size of Montana and all white with puss. Ewww...

Well, hopefully I'll feel better. I'm gonna go study for all my tests next week. Ciao!