I am pulling my hair out with the video editing software. It seems to have ruined my whole computer, as it regularly crashes now. The blue screen of death is now a hated enemy. I am working to include a slide show of pictures instead, but it isn't the same. Hopefully I will be able to fix it.
To top that the internet didn't display text boxes yesterday, so I did not even get a chance to type on the blog. To make up for this lapse in blogging I will attempt two different topics.
First, traffic on the streets of Florence. Most of us are used to walking down the street or even through a crosswalk and feeling relatively safe while doing so. That concept has not traversed across the Atlantic. I am not sure what it is about drivers over here. Most Italians seem to be laid back and go through their day with a laissez-faire attitude, but the minute they control a vehicle they become Mario Andretti during his prime (only not as skilled). All the cars are small and most of the vehicles you see on the road are mopeds. I think this adds to the idea that if they do hit someone it will not hurt as bad as a suburban would? At least that is the only thing I can think of, because the street are so skinny they clip a lot of people with side mirrors. It must be common as no one ever stops to check to see if they have injured an innocent walker. I am getting used to using my ears to "see" around corners and behind me for when I might need to dodge out of the way. It is almost like a game now.
Riding in the vehicle is a different story. A story that is not for the faint of heart or the backseat drivers of the world. I have had the opportunity to take 3 exciting rides on taxis in the area. It is like a Disney ride only the chance of jumping a track is much more of a reality as the whole thing is operated by a human who may or may not be on a cell phone. Let us leave this topic by saying I have literally come within a half an inch of getting in 5 or more fender benders in each of my rides.
The next topic for this makeup blog is the budget situation. I have been making many of my own meals with the help of the local grocery store (which at best guess is maybe 2000 square feet). In doing so I have been able to eat pretty cheap and most trips I have taken have not been over 12€ round trip. All of this is to say my budget is holding to this point. The knick-knacks are more expensive than I thought, but I don't think that is the end of the world. I only know a couple things that I NEED to bring home and one of them is a cookie. I might get to that in a different blog.
One last note to answer a question from a loyal blog fan, Megan writes " Who are Scott and Ellen". That is a good question Megan, thank you for asking. Scott Bozman is the man in charge of my directed study and teaching Intro to Marketing for the summer in Florence. Ellen is another teacher here at Gonzaga in Florence. She teaches philosophy. Well that will wrap it up for today. Thanks for all your comments. Talk to you soon.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
Jeff,
It has been fun reading about your time abroad and checking out the cool pics! Sounds like you need to watch your little patooty around there or it just might get knocked off. :) It's a good thing old aunt Tam has been praying for guardian Angels cuz it sounds like you need some seriously buff ones! Keep having fun, exploring, and taking in the sights,sounds and tastes of Italy. We'll try not to be too jealous.
It has been so crazy here I didn't check for a couple of days! Glad that you are doing good and did you see that I signed up for the phone thing...I am forgetting what it is called off the top of my head right now but I am all signed up so just let me know how that works the rest of the way! We put the offer in on the house last night and should hear something tomorrow... I will let you know. Had a great weather day here, a garage sale all afternoon and continued cleaning the yard to get the house ready to list...wahoo!! It is kind of crazy! I am so glad you are having great adventures and doing great budget wise! Love ya!
I'm not worried about you because Jesus is watching over you. I know it's true because I saw the picture from the bapistery. :)
I'm really enjoying your adventure. Take care.
Jeff,
What up dude?? This blog deal is a cool thing to follow. Its been fun following your adventures through Europe!!! Post more pictures because there fun to look at and help to give a better understanding of what your describing. Well, have fun bud. ttyl.
Post a Comment