It's Been Awhile....

Hey guys,
I've been putting this post off for awhile because I didn't really know what to write. These past two weeks have been filled with every emotion possible. I have known great joy and experienced wonderful things, but it has been overshadowed by a tragedy that I will never forget. This will probably be a very long post, so bear with me. I'll start with the sad and try to end with the happy.
On Thursday, October 8th, a friend of mine in the Arcadia program was struck by a motorcycle as she crossed the street. The motorcyclist was going full speed and did not see her. She sustained massive injuries. On Saturday night, she was pronounced clinically dead. Her mother and brother were able to fly over to say their goodbyes. Shalinda Toney was from Virginia, she was in her junior year at college, and she had a strong faith in God. Her parents are incredibly strong and most of their strength comes from their faith that Shalinda is where she was meant to be. It is hard to type this even now, as it does not seem to be real. It was a terrible accident that never should have happened and it will stay with me forever. Shalinda was an incredible person and an incredible friend. I feel very privileged for having known her, even if it was for such a short time. Shalinda saved six lives with her passing. She was willing to donate her organs, and ultimately saved six stranger's lives. The transplant doctor came to the service that Arcadia held for her and told Shalinda's mother that all six patients were doing well. With this death, I want everyone to know how much I love them and how much they mean to me. Life is fragile and hard, but it is also beautiful and full of strong people and love. I will miss Shalinda.

It is awkward now to type of the wonderful things I have been experiencing, but Shalinda's mom told us not to be afraid because of this death and that we need to use our study abroad experience to the fullest as her daughter had been doing.

Two weekends ago, I went to Abruzzo National Park. Abruzzo is to the east of Rome and is a hidden gem in Italy. Very few people go there, I only heard about it because I was scouring the country looking for good places to hike. I went for the day with my friend, Tia. It took a very long train ride and beautiful bus ride to get up into the hills, but it was well worth it. The trees are all turning colors and the pastures are full of bright green grass and white limestone. We strolled through the country, following old pasture roads. It wasn't an arduous hike because, unfortunately, our time alotted didn't leave us with much room to explore. I would go back there in an instant and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good hike, bike, or ski. The trails are very very extensive and really well maintained.
The next day I went on a school trip to Sorrento and Pompei. Sorrento left a little to the imagination. Unfortunately, it was a cloudy day and there were two cruise ships docked at the harbor. Therefore, it was crowded and definitely catered towards the tourists. We got to shop around a little, but I seem to be getting a little snobby about my locations, for I have seen places much more beautiful.
Pompei, however, was a Classic's major's dream. The ruins are amazing! This city is perfectly preserved, frescoes and all. We had about 4 hours to explore the hidden shops and alleyways. It was so amazing to see this city, that had been completely demolished in 79 AD. If anyone, ever, wants to know about Pompei or Mt.Vesuvius, please ask me....I love talking about it.
Last week was long and hard, but it brought the group together and I learned a lot about the people here. I have become very close with some of the people, it's nice to have this support.
Last weekend was very good. On Friday, we went to Ostia and checked out the ruins. This city is almost as cool as Pompei. It wasn't excavated until the late 1900's, so it is also preserved very well. the day was beautiful and my professor was full of information. If you don't have time to go to Pompei, definitely go to Ostia, it's smaller, but still insightful into the Roman world.
On Saturday, I did every girl's dream....I went to the Eurochocolate festival in Perugia. I ate my weight in chocolate, not even kidding. Every producer of chocolate in Europe was at this festival, with every type of chocolate. Let's see, a list of what I sampled: several chocolate bars, the best hot chocolate I ever had, a chocolate covered banana, chocolate crepes, truffles, chocolate covered fruit, Milka chocolate, nutella in fried dough(best thing ever!), chocolate covered apple, lavender chocolate, etc.....don't worry, I shared it with a bunch of my friends. I don't think I've ever seen so many happy people in one place. I would go every year if I could :-)
Finally, we've arrived at this week. Mid-terms are next week, so I'm busy studying. This weekend I leave for Spain to meet my best friend in San Sebastian. Life is rough as always....Ciao ragazzi!