When Latin Gives You Lemons

So right now let me just tell you how pumped I am. I wake up superrrr lateee from pure exhaustion. My host parents and I went to a violin concert last night and it lasted supperrr late so I barely got much sleep. I practically want to bang my head against the wall, not kidding. SO I wake up and rush through my routine knowing school is going to kill me today. I am praying that the day goes fast and I can just go home and sleep. I get to school, already wanting to jump out the window... I hate Italian school. Luckily I had English first period. I love my English teacher so I wasn't complaining. Then after Latin.... boo. I hate it. But I found out that they were taking a TWO HOUR TEST! If I had to sit through that class for two hours I was going to jump out the window. Don't doubt it. But thanks to my lovely English teacher they sent me to the computer lab to screw around and get on facebook while the class took their test!!! :) So currently I am in the computer lab, loving life :) So I figured I would give a few more updates and pictures since recently I have been slacking a little bit.... :) Sorry 'bout it. I am a busy girl! But here goes nothing.

Let's talk food, shall we? American's have a veryyyyy wrong idea on Italian food. We always assume that what we eat at Olive Garden is the real deal. But let me tell ya, it definitely is not. Of course there is pizza, and pasta, and gelato. That is all very true. But there isn't Alfredo, which I was actually pretty dissapointed about. And there isn't spaghetti and meatballs like we know and love. The pasta is different, but so much better. And the pizza is 20 times better. Pepperoni here means peppers... so don't order that. And the only cheese they use is Mozzerella. So no three cheese or 15 meats or all that crazy stuff. but here there are at least 50 kinds of different pizza at every pizzeria you go to. And it is all SO good! The other day I wanted a change, so us exchange students decided to take Connor's word that this Turkish place was amazing. Turkish food... something I have never tried. So we went and had sandwiches. The place is called Kebob and the meat is literally a massive Kabob that they shave off of. I asked what the meat was and Connor refused to tell us until after we ate. So being the daring person that I am... I ate it. Turns out it was 80 percent lamb.... I almost cried. I felt really bad. But let me tell you, it was the best sandwich I have ever had. And that is no lie.
So here is a lovely picture of me eating this sandwich....  I look suppperrrr cute. I know ;) The creepy looking guy in the background is the Turkish guy and he was AWESOME. Although he was disappointed we didn't speak Italian or Turkish... Lol.  This is the sandwich we ate. Courtesy of Tessa's AMAZING photography. But it seriously was sooooo good!  And a lovely picture of Kayleigh chowing down. She will kill me for this. I think it's a cute picture ;)




Moving on, because I knowing seeing that sandwich made you all soooooo jealous ;) Uhmm... I feel like I haven't posted a picture of all the exchangers yet, so here is one from some supppperrrr boring dinner we were forced to go to ;)
 From left to right, Tianmai-Oregon, Connor-Missouri, DeWayne-Arkansas, Josiane-Canada, Regan-Minnesota, ME!-KANSAS <3, Tessa-North Carolina, Esther-Germany, Lenny-New York, Kayleigh- New York, and Ilsa-Texas. That is all of us that live in or around Cremona! :) I love all of these people, as I have said many times.


Okay, now I want to be serious. As an exchange student, everyone says you have that moment when you are like, oh my gosh, this is where I am supposed to be. Like this is the point when they realize that all of this is real and it is their life. Although I haven't had that EXACT moment yet, last night I had that feeling that what I was doing and where I am is exactly where I need to be. I finally realized that i could not be more lucky. I complaing soooo much about how hard the language is and how hard school is, but I realized... I could not be more lucky and God has blessed me beyond belief. Many people don't get this experience to travel. they don't get to see the world simply because they aren't given the opportunity. And the fact that the opportunity was laid at my feet blows me away. Before this I never would have said, I am going to travel, I want to be different. but now I know that being different and traveling is something I should feel privileged to be able to do. I cannot thank everyone enough for everything they have done to get me to this point. Any person who has made this a possibility will forever be in my heart. Rotary Youth Exchange is something I wish everyone could experience and I am so glad that I am a person who gets to be apart of this. I am truly blessed.

Here are a few pictures of the people that made this a possiblity <3 Thank you guys so much. And to people not pictured, just know that I am equally as thankful for your support as well.
 My friends and my boyfriend gave me more support than I could have ever asked for. They sacraficed seeing me for a year, so that I could live my dream and I thank them so much for that. I am truly blessed to have such great people in my life. Thank you guys and I love and miss you more than anything.

 This little girl right here helped me so much to get to this point. From countless hours of sitting outside stores fundraising, to her just telling me how much she loved me and how she was so excited for me... She was such a big help in making this a possibilty. I love you Kell and I miss you <3 And everyone tell her congrats on finishing her cross country races, that is a sport many people can't do and this little girl is a pretty good runner ;)

 My big sissy <3 I love and miss her almost more than anyone else, no offense ;) She is my rocka dn this girl is the one who told me that no matter what I could do it. She constantly told people to help me fundraise, she told me when I was doubting it, that it was what I needed to do. She has been there for me when I didn't think I could make it this far. I lvoe her so much. Thank you Molly so much <3

 The man who made this a dream for me. Along with Stephen Wheatley who I don't have a picture of! Don't think I am forgetting you Stephen! :) These two men did everything they could to get me here. And I am so thankful for everything they did. Rotarians truly are the nicest people I have ever met.
 My parents. They did everything in their power to get me to this point. From fundraising to countless hours of telling me I could do it. If I doubted it they told me that I could and I love them so much for that. Thank you guys, so much.

 My aunt and grandma. They gave me more support than I could ever ask for and I am so grateful for that. Thank you guys so much and I love you and miss you like crazy! <3

So there are just a few people who made this dream a possibility. I have to go now, but thank you all so much for your constant support and love. <3 Best wishes, Kari <3

"Can we like walk on the grass?"

Ahhhhhhhhhh! Okay sorry, i'm hyper. My family sent me some candy.... and lets just say, I ate a little too much already :) I really miss American candy.... Here the candy is not as good. :(
  This is my candy stash.... It's really sad that I hide this in my closet.... but hey, I'm American. It's socially acceptable to have a candy addiction in America :)

Other than candy, I eat a gazillion pounds of gelato a week. I don't have a picture but I will post one soon. It literally is the most delicious thing EVER created. I usually go with the other exchange students, who I happen to LOVE! I know I talk about them alot, but if you met them... you woould understand. We walk around town laughing at everything, like the annoying Americans we are, and I LOVE it sooooo much! Here are some pictures of the coolest people in Italy ;)
 This is Tessa, who is the most amazing singer I know, like no joke. She sang at a concert at church club and I was blown away. She is a very unique person and I have grown to love her. It's amazing the different people you meet from all over. And the guy is DeWayne. He is easily the ditziest (spelled wrong) guy I know, but in a completely good way. He kills me. I laugh so hard at the things he says. One day we are making a video of all the things he says... then you will understand.
 Gosh, I love this picture SO much! It seriously is this beautiful.... Not edited.... No joke. It still takes my breath away. But anyways, these three girls are also equally amazing. Abbey, on the left, does'nt live in Cremona, but the one day we got to hang out showed me how awesome of a person she is. She seriously is so easy going and totally up for anything and I love that about her. She is super pretty too. Sorry if that was creepy ;) lol. The girl on my right is Kayleigh. She is the one I spend most of my time with and is easily the funniest girl I have met yet. She never stops cracking jokes and I die everytime I am with her. She is the person i go to when i am homesick because she can literally make me laugh histerically, no matter the situation. The girl on the far right is Regan. I love Regan. She is my age and super easy to get along with. She understands me so well and I love that about her. We are superrrr weird together and it is awesome. I can already tell we are gonna be superrrr close.
 This picture describes our relationship.... and now you can see their faces :) Far left, Regan, Middle, Kayleigh, Right Abbey :) LOVE THEM!

And now for a few funny pictures.... To show you how Americans act in Italy... :)
 Self- Explanitory I think... :) Yes we do this often...to many statues....
 When DeWayne saw the moon for the first time since being here... And it was only like 6pm.... But yes, he was really this excited.... LOL.

I don't really have anymore funny pictures at the moment, maybe because I am too lazy to search... :) Oh well. You will get more later I am sure :) I really don't have much else to say except I love it so much here, and I thank God every single day for this incredible opportunity.... I could really not be more lucky. Thanl you for reading and come back soon :) Love you all and miss you always! <3
With love and the best wishes, Kari, your Italian amica <3

Short and Sweet :)

Okay, I am bored so I am gonna post... I just wanted to make a short blog about all the friends I have made! My main group of friends is the exchange students! I love them so much! They are so funny and I literally am never bored when I am with them! The other day, me and three other foreigns ;) went to the city center and literally just sat there and laughed for an hour! It was awesome and by far the best time I have had here yet. They understand what I am going through and it makes me feel so close to them! Tomorrow we are going shopping :) We always drag the only two guys with us too, which I am sure they LOVE! They always do girly stuff with us because otherwise they would do nothing.

Other than exchangers, I have made some Italian friends. The ones in my class are super sweet and help me out alot. Which I greatly appreciate. And my host sisters friends always invite me to do things. So I am never really bored after school. I love going out and exploring and it is so much easier with Italians! Lol! Well It is Skype time. So that was my short and sweet post. Ciao and Grazie <3

Better late than never :)

Okay guys, I am doing it. I am finally posting a blog with PICTURES! I may not put descriptions for everyone and if you have questions, ask... I will post a lot, but Facebook has even more, so go crazy! I am currently sitting on my balcony. I love being out here. It is so nice to chill and be outside. I guess now would be a good time for some pictures... So here are some of my house :)  This is my closet! I share it, but I love it :)


 This is my bed and I share my room with my host sister, so it is her bed too!

And these are the doors from the balcony into my room :)

I don't have a ton of the house and I don't want to bore you with a ton of details. But I love my house and I feel at home with my host family! In my host family I have a host sister, Veronica, who is my age and is currently in Atchison, Kansas on exchange :) I ave a younger host sister Irene, she is 11. I also have three host brothers! One is 12, Corrado, one is 15, Damiano, and Stefano is 4 months old :) I LOVE having a baby in the house. He is so cute and I love to play with him! I also have two host parents! Simonetta and Roberto Vitali!

This first picture is baby Stefano :) He is currently crying... lol. :)

Here is the rest of the family, minus my host dad! From left to right, Damiano, Corrado, Simonetta, Irene, me and baby Stefano :) They are super sweet and these last two weeks getting to know them, have been awesome! :)



Okay, moving on! I have made quite a few friends since I have been here also! A lot of my host sister, Veronica's friends have been coming over to hang out with me and it is really nice to know some Italians! I also have met all the other exchange students and I love them so much! We have done alot of Rotary stuff since we hve been here, and although it isn't always the most exciting thing, I always have fun with them! I feel so close to all of them, even after only two short weeks. Yesterday the exchange students went to Salo, Italy for our orintation meeting and it was so much fun! I have never been to a more beautiful place! It is on Lake Garda, which you have to google! Because words cannot describe just how breathtaking it is. I count my blessings everyday knowing I get to wake up in one of the most beautiful places on earth! But anyways, at this orientation meeting we walked around Salo and visited some dead poets house... I don't know who he is because I have the attention span of a peanut. So if you are super interested I am sure you can like google it ;) I apologize for the little info I can give! The meeting was fun and I got to speak English all day which was a plus! So now I will post some pictures of yesterday and a few with my friends! <3


All the girl exchange students! In beautiful Salo! :)



The view. It looks like a painting.

When exchange students see a naked statue... :)


Some of the Italian girls! :)




Alright, I have to go because I have been on WAY too long! I will update soon! See you later ;) CIAO!


 

Rotary Meetings, Italian Style!

Rotary meetings are meetings I am required to go to as an exchange student in their program... they are typically a bunch of older men and women discussing business and lets just say they aren't much fun, (sorry Robert and Stephen) :) But the meetings in Italy are actually pretty cool. The one I went to last night was some kind of party, so I wore a dress and got all cute :) It was supeerrrr cool. I met the other exchange students, some of which I love! I met one girl, Regan, who is super awesome and my age. It was sooooo nice to speak English at a normal pace, to people who actually understand me! Lol. But anyways, the food at this meeting was weird, so I tried it and realized I hate Italian appetizers... lol. I had some really good fruity drink though! Non-alcoholic of course! It was orange juice with berries or something? WHO KNOWS! Anyways, at these events in Italy... there is always a band. No one listens to them, and half the time they sit around smoking and drinking the alcohol provided.. so I am not sure how they make any money... But anyways, when they actually do play, it is obnoxiously loud and no one can hear eachother! The first song they played was in English and they were actually really good, but after that I stopped listening like everyone else.... Hahahah. I am becoming a true Italian ;)


As you may know it is only noon here, and most of you are all asleep in America :) I am doing something today, but I don't have any clue what it is... Typically that happens, I sign myself up to do something I never really planned on... but it is always exciting! :) SO I can't tell you much about what I am going to do! However, last night I went to the movies with my brothers after the meeting! I love being with my brothers! They are hilarious and actually understand at least half of what I say, so we have good conversations! We saw Shark 3D which was disgusting to say the least.... and I didn't understand a word.... but oh well, I had fun :) They bought me dinner and ice cream too! Such gentlemen :) My brothers are 12 and 15, so I relate to them and I love that. The 12 year old is so funny, and tries his best to speak English, which is really adorable! After the movie... it took 2 hours for our host dad to come get us... and they live 2 minutes from the theater... soooo it was interesting. But we had a good conversation and went in the book store lol. We saw books on the U.S which started a conversation. I also learned that the movie Taken, has just come out in theaters here... which is funny cause I brought it on DVD to Italy with me. My host family thought that was awesome! Lol.

Right now, my Italian Nonna is here... (grandmother) So I really should go! I will post pictures when I figure out where the hell the library with Wi-Fi is.... Lol. Until then, Ciao Bellos <3 :) I love and miss you all! With Love, Kari <3

HERE I AM ITALIA!

I arriveeeeeddddd! I have been waiting for this moment for a year... And no one could have prepared me for the beauty of this country. I love Italy so much! I cannot post pictures right now because I am not using my own computer at the moment. But I do have a ton so don't be mad ;) The internet here, is just not very good!


Anyways! I arrived on the 3rd at 8:00 am their time. Right now it is 7:00 on September 5th! I still have major jet lag, but I am fighting through it. We have been to the center of the city many times and I have had gelatto twice :) Gelatto is amazing! In the center of the town, there is the tallest bell tower in Europe and it is beautiful! It rings every 15 minutes, it actually just rang. You can see it off my balcony... yes I have a balcony and yes it is beautiful! There is even balconies in every room! I stand on them often to look at the sky. It has rained alot here, but it is cool and like Fall, I LOVE IT! Kansas is ssooooo hot, so this is a nice change! There are also many stores in the town and they are right down the road from where I live! I am on a mission to explore the whole town! And also try every single gelatto shop here.... there are sooo many it may take all year!!!!


Tomorrow is the first Rotary meeting... YAYAYYYY! I get to meet my counselor and all the other students and I am so excited! Everytime I hear an English song I get SO excited, so speaking English with people who understand every word will be nice! Dont get me wrong, I love the Italian language! It is just very hard sometimes! I only know a few words, which kinda sucks... :p


As for the food, because I know you all are wondering! It is FABULOUS! I have Nutella, bread, and cookies (yes the good kind) every morning for breakfast, lunch we eat pasta and sometimes meat along with it, dinners are often pizza or pasta of some kind, but last night we had omlettes... with sandwiches! :) I have eaten so much food here it is insane! I am gonna get so fat! The coffee is really good! But cups of coffee here are the size of shot glasses... i kid you not. So you like get one flavor in 10 seconds... I miss my massive Starbucks coffees... :( But Starbucks is no where near as good as the coffee here. I haven't ate at a resturaunt yet. Which means my host mom has cooked homemade meals everyday :) They are sooooo good!

I need to get off the computer now but I will write soon, with pictures! Until then, Ciao! I miss you all and I love you! :) <3