VICENZA: CIAO ITALIA- 'Til we meet again!

Emme and I woke up before 6am. We both had our routine of going to the bathroom and then breakfast. However, today was different. We just grabbed our bag of pastries to go, made sure that our room was clean, and headed out. Right there and then, I felt like I showed a bit of the American attitude of multi-tasking... yet I still paused for a while and realized that I was still in Italy. I used the elevator for the final time. I met up with the other girls at the front of the dorm, and just around 7am, our mini bus to Marco Polo, Venice Airport arrived (we paid €20 each, thanks to Señora Janet's husband). I hugged Señora Janet and said thanks. She also appreciated the personalized bookmark that I gave her yesterday. I hugged the rest of the girls, who were staying for a couple more hours. However, I could not see Je anywhere. I called out his name for the last time but no answer. Just before I got in the bus, he suddenly showed up with Nick, his roomie. I hugged Je, and he got into the bus to hug everyone that was already inside. We finally left Vicenza and took the Italian highway to the airport. 7 others and I in the shuttle were all quiet... Heads turned to the left and the right, while taking in the view of the Italian countryside. It was bittersweet indeed. It finally hit me that we're leaving Italy...

I'm so glad to have emerged myself into another culture that's rich in its history, art, food, and of course, the beautiful Italian people. I learned to relax, go with the flow, and not stress too much on one thing, which I will bring back to the states.

"We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are." - Mark Depree

Surely, I will not forget the memories created with my new-found friends: Je, Emme, Lenda, Helen, Maylena, Heidi, Yen, Anu, Chris, Nick, Tammy, Mandana, Sarah, Tolle, Kristen, Kiarra, and Lola. I enjoyed our late-night singing and dancing sessions as well as our mini potlucks. Amongst our cooking sessions, Emme and I frequently made bruschetta with sliced, fresh mozzarella balls (bochaccini), butter, red cherry tomatoes, Italian salami, and lastly, pesto for each other.. We also experimented with various pastas (stuffed with asparagus and mushrooms) and different flavors such as adding sage with butter and tomato sauce as well as some Ricotta cheese... We even got creative one time, as we toasted regular Italian wheat bread, spread some fig jam, and added the Italian small cherries... We will definitely have reunions!

[Last Day at Vicenza, Italy. Pic by Je]

[Group Pic in Barga, Italy]

About a year from now, I would like to look back and say, yes, I lived the Italian way- enjoyed every moment, took each obstacle a day at a time, and experienced as well as appreciated God's gift of life and love with the special people in my life. La bela vita!

Promoting Cardiovascular Health in the Elderly: Living the Italian Way





Imagine getting up early to visit the local market on a sunny, Saturday morning with the thought of buying fresh fruits and vegetables. Would it not be healthier to walk or perhaps ride a bike to the nearby marketplace instead of driving a car? After obtaining the daily groceries, what about considering getting a blood pressure check near the fruit and vegetable stands or the local pharmacy? On the way back home, why not drop by and support the local bakery, wherein the friendly owners know the customers personally? This is the typical life of an Italian. Italians live active lifestyles compared to the average American. If lifestyle changes are related to cardiovascular or heart health, then promoting an active lifestyle will result in improved heart health.



        Heart disease and stroke combined are amongst the contributing, costly health factors in our nation today. In 2006, cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of mortality in most of the OECD countries with about 36% of all deaths recorded (OECD, 2009). United States was among the countries with the highest rates. In contrast, Italy ranked amongst four other southern European countries that have the lowest heart attack mortality rates (OECD, 2009). The hypothesis is that underlying risk factors, which include diet and physical activity, may have contributed to the differences in heart disease mortality rates across the countries. In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of increasing mortality rates (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS], 2011). Presently, greater than 1 in 3 adults, about 81.1 million have cardiovascular disease (HHS, 2011). In 2010, the U.S. spent greater than $500 billion in health care expenses alone (HHS, 2011). Like heart attacks, reduction in stroke mortality may have attributed partly to a reduction in risk factors. Medical treatments for cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke, may have increased survival rates.



[Bikes near "The Wall" in Lucca, Italy]

            The American definition of “physical activity” is not quite the same as that in Italy. Some Americans think of physical activity as going to the gym. However, our native-born Italian professor, Angela Migliorati, mentioned that Italians love to stay active, and they stay healthy in various ways (personal communication, 2011). In fact, during our brief two-week stay in Lucca, it was prevalent that instead of driving, older adults enjoyed riding their bicycles. At any time of the day, the so-called “The Wall” that surrounded the area where we lived always had people walking with their dogs, children in their strollers, or even biking by themselves, doubles, and even in quads. During one morning, as a friend and I strolled down “The Wall,” we saw a group of five adult males in their 60’s jogging and motivating each other. In Vicenza, asides from riding their bicycles, elderly adults enjoyed walking around their neighborhood and visiting the local markets. In addition, community parks surrounded by a lake, fountain, tall, green trees, and beautiful Renaissance figures are within walking distance of the Italian homes and other shopping areas. Just the other day, we also saw a group of students jogging together for what it seems like their physical education class. Italians know how to use their local resources in order to live active lives.

            During our last night in Lucca, we ran across our professor’s Italian friend named Fabio, who was an emergency (hotline) nurse. In our brief talk, he mentioned that in Lucca, about two Italians per day call their local department to seek help regarding their heart conditions (personal communication, 2011). This, he thought, was a big deal. However, as Americans, we think of this as a small percentage, since in the emergency room, elderly patients frequently come in with symptoms regarding their heart health. We also pondered if Italians are aware of cardiovascular disease symptoms and the treatments available, and Fabio agreed. He added that Italians are quick to respond if such cases occur. This supports the fact that early treatment is crucial for the successful intervention in any cardiovascular accident.



[Blood pressure stand at a
local pharmacy in Lucca, Italy]



            In the United States, places such as the local pharmacies provide Americans with electronic blood pressure screenings. Other organizations give citizens free blood glucose and cholesterol readings as well. Are there readily available places like those seen in America where Italians can regularly check their blood pressures, blood glucose levels, and cholesterol? In Lucca and Vicenza, most pharmacies have blood pressure stands, wherein local Italians interact with the pharmacist and have their blood pressures checked. In Vicenza, free blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose checks are provided to the locals about two times per week near the local marketplace. The bi-weekly market enables the elderly not only to walk around and get their daily dose of exercise but also to keep their health status in check.

            Engaging in physical activity is not the only factor in order to have a healthy heart. Dr. Massimo Ranconi, an Italian physician, and Dr. Francesca Baggio, an Italian psychologist, stated that participating in the intake of a Mediterranean diet at a young age would help decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases in the long run (personal communication, 2011). A healthy, Italian diet consists of eating fruits, vegetables, olive oil, cereals, grains, fish, and minimal intake of dairy as well as meat. Moreover, it is common to have cereal, home-baked cookies and milk for breakfast. For lunch, many Italians come home and eat their meals, such as pasta with fresh tomatoes, bread, fruit, and water. Also, Italians enjoy their breaks, which include eating cookies, fruits, and drinking tea. Lastly, for dinner, soup with protein, such as fish is served along with fruit, water, and a glass of wine.





[Italian owner of a palazzo in Lucca
shares his grandmother's cookbook.]

 

            Food not only brings Italians together, but it is also an extension of their culture. It is common for the elderly to teach the younger generation about the texture and taste of various Italian dishes. This, in a sense, drives the young ones to appreciate local ingredients as well as the traditional way of making Italian cuisine. In addition, Italians tend to eat their meals in a slow-paced manner, while socializing with others. Portions are also a lot smaller than those given in the United States. Therefore, not only do Italians eat healthy, but they also enjoy the company of their family members and close friends.        

            Asides from eating a healthy diet and engaging in physical activities, educating patients early at home and through interactions with their healthcare provider are keys in preventing chronic heart problems in the future. According to Dr. Ranconi, it is essential for healthcare professionals to form a good rapport with their patients, including their families (personal communication, 2011). He stressed the importance of personalizing his patient’s health regimen. Dr. Ranconi added that Italians bring their family members during their visits, thus they actively participate in the care of their loved ones, especially the elderly. Families and even some close friends help ensure that the elderly would comply with their hypertension medications and other non-pharmacological ways of staying healthy.  

[Italian woman with her badante in Lucca, Italy]

            Italians also have badantes, who come from neighboring countries and help the elderly with their activities of daily living. In Lucca, an elderly woman in her 80’s held on to her African, female badante’s hand as they walked one afternoon. This elderly woman had a somewhat unstable gate and looked like she needed a cane and even a wheelchair, but her motivation and trust in her badante enabled her to engage in her preferred physical activity for nearly an hour. In Vicenza, another elderly woman in her 70’s walked with her female badante, as they strolled through the local marketplace. These are hardly ever seen in the United States, as the elderly are often placed in nursing homes. Some even struggle with attaining their much-deserved independence, as many elderly men and women are placed in wheelchairs. Indeed, Italians expressed the importance of having a strong support circle, which enables elderly Italians to live active, strong lives.

         Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of mortality rates in the United States. In order to help prevent this, Americans should embrace a healthier lifestyle, such as those practiced by the Italians. However, this is not a simple task. Due to economic hardships, it is common and most often affordable for families to eat at fast-food places. Many are also single parents who try to make ends meet, thus those with chronic illnesses often times do not attain the necessary healthcare that they deserve.

In 2007, OECD countries dedicated 8.9% of their GDP to health spending. Moreover, public and private expenditure on health as a percentage of GDP in the United States was approximately 16% compared to that of Italy’s, which was 8.7% (OECD, 2009). Equitable access to health care is a fundamental objective of the Italian health care system, which should be introduced to the United States. In Italy, the Local Health Unit (LHU) is an organization that promotes health education, especially for those with hypertension. Asides from local organizations, Italians are given free check-ups and additional health information by their general practitioner. If extra exams are needed such as an X-ray, Italians only provide a minute co-payment amount. Moreover, prescription medications are very affordable. Italians therefore do not worry much about the costs of healthcare. Rather, they focus more on the education and prevention of chronic illnesses. The down side of this is that general practitioners have a limited number of patients, and healthcare providers get paid depending on the number of patients they have, rather than the number of patient visits. Nevertheless, Italian physicians such as Dr. Ranconi expressed that the main role of Italian healthcare providers is to form solid rapports with their patients, so that they too can become active participants in their health.

Asides from medical interventions, Italians expressed various ways of preventing heart disease. According to the CDC (2009), eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly are non-pharmaceutical ways to prevent chronic diseases. True enough, promoting an active lifestyle starts at home through the local foods grown and cooked. Moreover, the sense of family and the community play a vital role in preventing chronic illnesses.

Though some health education and prevention is given to those with chronic conditions

such as hypertension in the United States, Americans still lack the support of their family, their local community, and the government. In addition, since many Americans have hectic schedules, they often times eat unhealthy foods, live inactive lifestyles, and depend on medications alone. The government should take part in providing more education and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, especially in the elderly population by encouraging policies which limit the intake of unhealthy foods, having more frequent and affordable check-ups, as well as encouraging healthcare professionals to integrate the patients and their families in their care. If these recommendations are done with the active cooperation of the individual concerned and the community, only then will Americans be able to appreciate the beauty of living active lives with healthy hearts, just like the Italians do.

         

References

A. Migliorati, personal communication, August- September 2011.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010). Division for Heart Disease and Stroke

Prevention. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/maps/social_determinants_maps.htm

Fabio, personal communication, September 2011.

F. Baggio, personal communication, September 2011.

M. Ranconi, personal communication, September 2011.

OECD. (2009). Health at a Glance 2009: OECD Indicators, OECD Publishing.

            doi: 10.1787/health_glance-2009-en

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2011). Healthy People 2020: Heart

Disease and Stroke. Retrieved from

http://healthypeople.gov/2020/topicobjectives2020/overview.aspx?topicid=21#

VICENZA: AMAZING VIEW and LAST MOMENTS

We had our last class earlier today.. We went up this hill earlier not knowing that we'll see a view of Vicenza. It was a beautiful morning! I also got some Italian butter fingers (the real deal-- I'm excited to make Tiramisu for Bri's Bday!)

We cleaned our room earlier and had an inspection by the manager of the dorm. We also said goodbye to Señora Angela.. She stayed in our living area/ kitchen for an hour or so, before the inspection started. We offered her water and pomelo with salt. She liked the combo and enjoyed our company... Je was once again called as Señora's "pet cat." In most Italian works, cats in painted artworks often times had their heads tilted to one side, just like what Je often did in most of our pictures.

We had biscotti flavored gelato earlier... Gelato is healthier than regular ice cream for it contains less fat, creamier with healthy milk, and is always made fresh. Trivia: the first gelato was made in Florence, Italy (birthplace of the Renaissance).

During our free time, I roamed around for the final time. I've noticed lots of locals interacting with each other. As always, when I entered the shops, Italians greeted me with a smile- this I won't forget.

On my way back, I dropped by the family-run bakery shop. The smell of sweet, Italian pastry with chocolate Nutella permeated the air. As I stepped in, I heard chit-chattering of people on the second floor-it seemed like some sort of gathering or get-together was taking place. This did not hinder the bakers to stop selling their goodies. Near the counter were a variety of pastries. The couple before me requested for the Apricot pie to be weighed.. They took home half of the whole thing as their "take-away" goodie. When it was my turn, I had to ask what everything was. The baker smiled and as I pointed to one, she stated cherry pie, followed by pecorino cheese cake. As all of these dishes sounded good, I asked for a slice of each. It was 10 minutes to 7pm, and I hurried back with my bag of goodies. I came back just in time to share a portion of these slices with some friends, especially Lenda and Heidi, who were leaving for Paris tonight.

[Last group gelato by the piazza steps]

Emme, Je, and I heard mass for the final time at the same basilica. For the peace part, we all exchanged the Italian kissing of the cheeks. We could not help but smile. Once again, the mass ended early. We headed back to the dorm and accompanied Lenda and Heidi for they have a 12-hour train ride to Paris from Vicenza. We then had a group dinner at another restaurant near the Galla Caffe, where I get my free wifi. I ordered a black truffled pizza, but it was not even close to the one we ate at the other restaurant. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the company. For the final time, we visited the Gelateria, where I combined pistachios with dark chocolate.. Molto bene (very good)!

We're hours away from leaving Italy.. I can't believe it! I learned so much and enjoyed every bit of my stay here. I will definitely visit again someday.

MOSSANO and VICENZA: NEANDERTHALS, ROMAN PRISON RUINS, and THE BEST GROUP DINNER

Yes, just a day and a half left, and I'll be home soon.

[Atop the entrance of the Neanderthal Cave]

[In the Cave of the Neanderthals]

[Roman Prison Ruins]

[Mossano's Water Wheel]

We went to Mossano earlier today (3-hour) hike, wherein we went into a cool cave covered with rocks and sand from years ago. There, Neanderthals used to live. It was interesting to see the dark coloration of the rocks, which was evidence that fire was used at the time. The area where we hiked up used to be joined in with Africa... I saw some fossils as well for there were coral reefs there years ago. During our next hike, we saw some Roman, prison ruins up this hill. It was such a picturesque view from above! We later went in this circular chamber, which we later learned as the place where a "special moment" took place. For our last stop, visited where water wheels were commonly-used. It was a nice hike down the path where fresh water freely passed the moss-covered rocks. After much walking and hiking, we headed back to the dorm and took our siesta.

Earlier, we had our last group dinner with a four-course meal. I enjoyed the sweet balsamic vinegar, and the best dish was the tortellini pasta with truffles (oh yes--it was amazing!)!!

2nd Vicenza Dinner:

Course 1: green pasta with bread dipped in balsamic vinegar and olive oil

[Course 2: best tortellini pasta with truffle oil and creamy, Italian butter]

[mixed salad with sweet aceto (balsamic vinegar) and olive oil
plus porcini mushrooms with pork on top of mashed corn]

 [mint gelato with sweet, drizzled chocolate syrup]

It was the best four-course meal yet here in Vicenza! I can't wait to make truffle pasta at home!

[What better way to enjoy a group dinner than with wonderful friends?!]

VICENZA: 1st CAFFE FREDO and ITALIAN PARK

Emme and and I went to the caffe recommended by Señora Janet. I finally had a caffe fredo for only €1! It's practically iced coffee. Ice cubes were mixed with the local coffee in what looks like a Margherita shaker. I added some milk and sugar. It was perfecto! We then went around the local marketplace and park. The park was near Pam, the grocery store, where Emme and I frequently buy our groceries. The park was called Commune di Vicenza... It was given to the community by a couple. Going in, one can outrightly see statue replicas of some Renaissance artists. Some of which are: Trissino, an Italian Renaissance poet, humanist, dramatist, diplomat, the mentor of the painter, Palladio. Another was Ercole Ferrarese, a Renaissance painter and wine- lover, who also had works at the Griffoni Chapel. Unlike the parks in the U.S., this particular park has bigger green spaces, great aesthetic appeal (fountain nearby), more bike racks, elderly people gathering and socializing after lunch, free wifi (for those that have Italian cellular phones), greater connection with nature, open for all community members, even moms with their strollers, promote greater physical activity, closing times, and promotes relaxation.

VICENZA: ITALIAN MD GUEST, LA ROTONDA by PALLADIO, and an ITALIAN NEWSPAPER FEATURED our SALAMI GROUP PIC

We heard a lecture today from an Italian pediatrician called Massimo, and I asked  him a little bit about the Italian cardiovascular health. He mentioned the importance of family and education, wherein the latter should start at a young age. He's very passionate about his job.

Just a while ago, my roomie, Emme and another friend, Maylena and I went to a park to see what we can talk about for our presentation tomorrow about a Vicenza location. We thought about discussing similarities and differences in the parks here versus those in the U.S. Majority of the parks in Italy have statues, have easy walkways for all populations-- the elderly, pregnant women, families with kids, and even lovers! They are also a lot more welcoming than those in America.. you may either be surrounded by water or fresh flowers and different trees. It's serene as well, despite the fact that once you go out of the park gates (yes, they have set times) you'll outrightly see the shops and cars. Also, playgrounds are not as common. Often times, one can spot elderly people chatting near the central fountain, others reading their book, while thoseof our age seem to meet there for a friendly group discussion.

Señora Angela accompanied the whole class on a 30-minute walk to the La Rotonda Villa by Palladio. From the outside, the villa resembled that of the White House. Inside, colorful frescoes covered the walls and ceilings of the main entrance hall as well as the neighboring rooms. Stepping further inside, the dome was decorated with more frescoes, and looking up, the first layer, statues can be seen, further up, there used to be an opening where rain water used to enter the house and fall straight down this round area on the first floor. The walls were covered with painted Roman gods... I spotted Mercury on one side. After touring the villa, we went to a small caffe, which served a variety of sweet goodies and an amazing caffe latte. I had a chocolate mini cake, and it was delizioso!

Our group picture at the Salami shop was published at the local newspaper, "Il Giornale di Vicenza."

PADOVA: OLDEST ITALIAN CITY RICH IN HISTORY

[A Warm Welcome to Padua]

[Anatomico Theatre at the 
University of Padua]

[Huge posters at various blocks
encouraging Italians to stay active]

[Traversing through the streets of Padua]

We visited Padua, acclaimed to be the oldest city here in Italy. As seen in the photos below, it seems to be cleaner than the other places we've visited. In addition, we saw a couple of posters that encouraged Italians to engage in physical activities. Like Lucca, the locals' main mode of transportation was their bicycle. Others simply walked.

The University of Padua is renowned for its medical school-- it's where Galileo Galilei used to lecture. We first dropped by the Anatomico Theatre, where cadavers during the Renaissance period were secretly dissected and studied.

Afterwards, we visited an old botanical garden called Orto Botanico. It was filled with various unique plants, beautiful flowers, small ponds with lilies, and also about herbs. I learned that if someone had a cough, boiling water and adding thyme would help.
We also went around the marketplace. It was a bit bigger than the one in Lucca, and it had more salami shops and bakeries. Since it was already lunch time, I ordered pizza with tomatoes and olives for €1.24 as well as sweet, grapes for €2. The grapes were super sweet and refreshing-'twas a perfect finger food on the go during the warm weather.
A little later, we had a tour of the Scrovegni Chapel by Giotto, which was completed in 1305. It's considered as one of the most symbolic masterpieces of Western art. It houses fresco style stories about the life of the Virgin Mary and her interaction with Jesus. The chapel's known to have been built for Enrico Scrovegni wanted to have his sins forgiven and for his father to sail through the afterlife with ease. Moreover, the chapel's built on land that was used to be a Roman Arena. I also learned that by being a part of Unesco, prevents outsiders from ruining the preserved artworks.
Our last stop was at St. Anthony's Basilica, which was extremely decorated for this was done before the Renaissance.. Mainly during the medieval times. The basilica's decorated ornately in Gothic style. Inside, I saw the Black Madonna (black coz the hair of Mary and Jesus were dark). I also was able to pray and touch the tomb of St. Anthony. Padua's such a beautiful city with a rich history! I would love to come back again to visit sometime!

[I savoured the smell and taste of freshly-baked goodies!]

[Botanical garden with fresh herbs, plants, flowers, and a pond]

[St. Anthony's Basilica]

1ST SOCCER GAME: VICENZA vs. TORINO

[UW Huskies supporting Team Vicenza]

We met with Lorenzo from the Salami shop we visited earlier in the week, as well as Señora Janet's husband before watching the match. The Vicenza's team color was red, so Emme, myself, and two others wore our red shirts to support Team Vicenza. We all carried our passports and were each given tickets that had our full names printed on the side. A couple of students, plus the two adults, and I walked for about 15 minutes to the stadium. We sat at the sides-- we felt like we were given VIP seats, as we had a view of the fans from both teams. The game started at around 8:45 (pretty odd time to start a game), and it lasted for 45minutes, followed by a half time (15 minutes), and lastly, another 45 minutes. It was an interesting feeling cheering for the Vicenza Team, as well as booing when the referees gave the ball to the other. Some girls picked their soccer guy... calling out the numbers, once they have the soccer ball. For the first 45 minutes, the soccer was just passed from one teammate to the next, at times hitting the metal upper part of the goal... It was also intriguing to see the Vicenza fans chanting in unison (their head cheerleaders was a watermelon-tummied guy without a shirt) same could be observed by the Torino fans, which were about five times less than the Vicenza crowd. Though none of the teams made a goal for the first 45 minutes, the match became more intense during the second half. The Torino team hit the bar while later, the Vicenza team stole the ball. There was less than 2 minutes in the clock... one Torino player almost hit the basket but the Vicenza goalie caught it in a minute's notice! After he tossed it back in the playing field, a brave Torino player kicked the ball, and in just a blink of an eye, the crowd grew wild.. Torino scored a point, and the game was over. Though the Vicenza team lost, TEAM UW had a blast!

[Supporting Team Vicenza]

VICENZA: CELEBRATING MY 24th IN ITALIA

I heard the 9am mass with Jerald and my roommate, Emme at the Vicenza Basilica (15-minute walk from the San Lorenzo Dorm). It was beautiful inside. There were stained glasses at the front of the church, while the stairs near the altar led to a beautiful half dome structure. Though we could not understand the homily as it was in Italian, it was interesting to participate and hear the Italians actively participate during the responses and short songs. The mass ended about ten minutes before 10am, which we believe was due to the fact that Italians do not sing songs that are too long... The three of us went to the back of the church were we made some offerings.

I took a siesta in the afternoon, after Emme and I did our laundry together.I had dinner at the local pizzaria (3-minute walk away from our dorm) with Emme, Je, Helen, Lenda, Maylena, and Nick. Got seafood (calamari) pasta. Before the night ended, the head waiter brought me a tiramisu cake with 6 lighted candles, while my friends and even some Italians sang for me; it was such an amazing experience! The owner gave us all a lemoncello (lemon with liquor) shot as our toast. We also went to the carnival (present only until the end of September) for the first time.. We all bought a token each for the bumper cars. It was a crazy set-up, and it took a while for Emme and I to participate.. most of the youth got more than 2 coins, thus they stayed in the field longer. I was the first to drive, and there were no set rules nor direction--nor seat belts available! We were  hit intentionally from all directions! No wonder Italians have a high car crash rate! Je and Maylena rode together... Every time they were hit, Je went after the couple that hit them. Maylena felt like she could have been thrown off of the car! It was so disorganized, and yet we all had fun. When we were just about to ride "The King," wherein the riders would be tossed in all directions, they turned down the lights and the carnival was closed for the night at 11:30pm. Overall, it was a fun-filled birthday that was celebrated with a great group of friends.

[Salute! Friends celebrating my 24th Bday]

VERONA: VISITING ROMEO and JULIET's ABODES

[Verona Colosseum]

[Italian Good Luck]

A group and I took an hour train ride from Vicenza to Verona for the afternoon. When we arrived in Verona, we walked for about ten minutes in another burning sun, and decided to stop by and order iced drinks. For the first time, I finished my cherry iced large drink! Walking further, we saw another colosseum from the outside, but this seemed smaller than the one in Rome. As we walked passed this colosseum, on the way to Juliet's house, we passed by some brand-named shops and gelaterias, which brought us back to a piece if Lucca... We followed the directions, which pointed to Juliet's house. Before entering the main walkway, we saw the walls covered with graffiti and bubble gums. The place was crowded with tourists yet again! After getting through the crowd, I saw the beautiful, red, bricked veranda and Juliet's house where the movie "Letters to Juliet" was taken. I had a picture with Juliet's statue, as I placed my right hand underneath her right breast. They said it was good luck... The guys, most especially, were all excited to do this... Then, we went inside which looked like an apron shop, but further inside was a stairway which led to a small place, where anyone interested in writing to Juliet could do so... I wrote a letter to Juliet about my special someone and myself. I wonder if I'll get a reply in the mail anytime soon. Afterwards, we visited Romeo's house, which is presently a private residential area. Both near the entrance of Juliet and Romeo's houses were written quotes taken from Shakespeare's tragedy novel. After much walking, we decided to rest near this forum, where we took some jumping group pics. We ended our visit with a caffe gelato and amazing experience!

  

[Juliet's Abode]

[Dearest Juliet...]

[Sending my personal letter to Juliet]

[Romeo's Abode]

[What a way to end our day in Verona! (Photos by Lenda and Jerald)]

MURANO ISLE: BEAUTIFUL GLASS ART EVERYWHERE

Emme, Jerald, Maylena, Lenda, Helen, and I rode the train from Vicenza to Venice, followed by a 15-minute boat ride to the Murano Island (€16 for the day trip). The island was filled with shops, which sold various types of Murano glass--from earrings to bracelets, plates, and even vaces! For lunch, we ate at a pizzeria, where I tried their spaghetti. As we spent almost the whole afternoon from one shop to another, little did we know it was already nearly 6pm. Sadly, we did not get to visit the Lace Isle. Nevertheless, we enjoyed marveling at each uniquely-made glass masterpiece.

[Murano Isle]