Update

Today has been fresh with new adventures- my first nearly 4 hour Italian class (for beginners) made me remember how much I love studying languages. Also the fact that I can immediately put what I learn into practice is very inspiring for attending class @ 9am. *yawn*

In attempt to become a regular (Italiana) domestic goddess, I have exhausted myself. Somehow, I was free from voice lessons, Italian coachings or opera rehearsal, at least for today so my roommate Naomi and I ventured to the supermarket called Conad (no Kroger here, kids) and carried all of our groceries and fresh produce from the fruit shop, back to our flat...nearly a mile...up a hill. Whew!

When we got home, I realized I was out of clean clothes (since my luggage has STILL not arrived) I washed everything I had worn for the last several days- by hand. Somehow I managed to make myself a sandwich before I collapsed to write this! :-)

Probably the most exciting news of the day is that I finally have an Italian SIM card in my phone! If you feel like making international calls or sending me texts, I'll gladly email the # to you. FYI- Novafeltria is 6 hours ahead of EDT (that's 7 ahead of CDT). I will answer at all hours! :-D

I feel very different here. Very liberated, but also confused at the same time. Since I'm very accustomed to working constantly and singing only when I have the time, it feels like the world has been turned upside down. Everyone in the program is always talking about opera! I realize more and more how much I have yet to learn, and I'm trying to be more excited than intimidated.

Also, Italian culture is so laid back in contrast to America. Almost all of the businesses here close for 4 hours every afternoon because people go home and take a nap! We have been instructed to be very quiet during this time (especially with our singing) to avoid angry, sleepy Italians! I was thinking about it...and I bet if everyone in America got a 4 hour nap in the afternoon, we'd all be in a better mood! I'll have to run that one past my boss, heehee.

I found out that my voice teacher while I'm here will be Brian Leeper (I believe he teaches at Florida State University). I'm hoping for a fun first lesson tomorrow...more very soon!!!

Love,

A