My weekend was relaxing. I went to Assisi on Friday with some girlfriends, as I explained in my last post. Saturday I slept in, which was so needed. I went to the gym and had one of the best stress release workouts I've had in a while. I rode my bike around town a little bit. My bike makes me feel more like a local, haha. When I got back I skyped with my family for a while as they got ready to go to my Nana's house for the events preceding that day. I had a nice long chat with my dad and updated him on my adventures. I even told him the story about the crazy guy asking to buy me a drink then informing me he didn't expect sex. That was pretty funny, I reassured him my friends were literally right there because I could hear the worry stirring in his brain...haha.
After taking a shower I went on the rooftop terrace and hung out. I figured out I have full service internet connection up there so I immediately skyped my family one time before they left for Nana's. I had to show them the view I get to enjoy everyday. They loved it. I stayed up there and took a few pictures. Hence the picture of me touching the Duomo, haha!
I made an incense holder out of a glass cup with soil in it and burnt some incense while hanging out up there. It's probably my favorite spot in Florence. It's private, safe, and gives you a birds eye view of the whole city. Plus, the sun is right there so I plan to sunbath very soon too! When my roomie, Holly, got back from the library we got ready and headed to meet others for dinner. We didn't find a restaurant until an hour later. My mood was very short tempered the whole day yesterday but I just am masked in mourning right now. Things that wouldn't usually bother me, or would usually be funny to me just aren't. Although, I insist I enjoy everyday here and really take it in because time is going to fly. The restaurant we found was amazing, so it was well worth the wait. The restaurant was all home cooking. I had roasted chicken and rabbit accompanied by roasted potatoes. It was one of the best meals I've had here. The season of the meats were to die for. After dinner I took a taxi home so I could be apart of Poppa's funeral services. While I waited to call my mom for the services, I watched the Life Aquatic. Which I actually need to finish tonight because I got probably 3/4 of the way through. It's pretty unique but hilarious, my roommate gave it to me ( She's awesome).
At 1 am my time, (7pm their time) I was put (by phone) near the podium of Uncle Bill (Poppa's brother) and was able to hear the whole service. Uncle Bill is a priest which made the whole thing very personal and so much better. Uncle Bill was able to tell us actual stories from when they were young and growing up. He mentioned me and how his voice was being heard all the way in Italy. This made me cry, wishing I could be there but SO happy technology allowed this. I couldn't see Poppa but I was told that Nana baked him an apple pie to put in his casket. I think that is so perfect. I was also told he was wearing one of his favorite red suit jackets. I imagined him looking very dapper all dressed up.
The services were an hour long, my sister and my cousin Nick spoke...it was really beautiful. During it I could hear laughter as everyone remembered good memories they've had with Poppa. I could hear Aunt Katie, my dad, Gobbie, and a little bit of Nana. It made me feel more connected, but also made me wish I could see them, hug them.
Uncle Bill read a poem called The Dash, it was perfect. It spoke about the year you were born and then there is the year you pass on. The most important thing though is the dash, the dash in between those years. That's what really matters. It questioned, What will you do with that dash? I plan the answer that and make what some people may call a bucket list. Spontaneity is my main way of living with trying new things and putting myself out there in challenging situations but I would like to compile things that I really want to make sure I do before it's my time to pass on. Even though I may have a while before that happens, life is fragile and you have to enjoy everyday. A lot of people, including myself forget that sometimes. I don't care if that sounds cheesy, it's really true.
Before the service started, I was afraid I might fall asleep because it was so late here but I stayed awake for the whole thing. After it was over I wanted more than anything to be with the family...I guess I was still there in spirit. I always will be there in spirit.
I slept in again today (lovin' it). After I woke up I went to the rooftop again. It gave me time alone to think, do homework, burn incense, and enjoy the beauties of Florence. I left the house around 2pm and headed to Piazza Signoria, where I went to look at sculptures. My art history class homework was to look at one specific statue and they asked a bunch of questions on it. They even made us draw it which was a disaster but I did my best, lol. I rode my bike around after and enjoyed the weather. I found a cute little restaurant for lunch and had a spinach/cheese fritta (Omelet) with some rosso vino ;-) It was soooo good to have eggs, and these eggs were 'bitchin' as my friend Chloe would say. I had some chocolate gelato afterwards from a chocolate shop...I will only get chocolate gelato from there now. Grom is my main gelato place but I usually get raspberry and hazelnut there. So it's all a balance, ahah.
On my way home I had this one guy drive past me on a moped, check me out as he drove past, and then adjust his mirror to look behind him, ahhaha. I couldn't help but literally laugh out loud!
I took the best nap when I got back. Holly went to dinner with her grandma who is visiting so I had dinner with Laura & Baldo & Laura's sister by myself. It was great as usual, haven't had a bad meal yet here. Rice for the first course, Thin slices of beef with fresh cheese and basil along with cooked cabbage for second course, and this traditional Florentine dessert which was like a sponge cake on the outside with soft mousse ice cream inside and soaked in rum, sooooo yummy. They spoke more Italian tonight and I am figuring out words. I'm able to figure out their questions and answer them. I can't go into much detail in my answers but I can speak some basic things. Kind of exciting!
Another week of classes begin tomorrow and Thursday I leave for the Almafi Coast with two of my girlfriends! I CAN'T WAIT!
Also, a brief service announcement...lol
Alexandra Leigh Waterbury
c/o Syracuse University in Florence
Piazza Savonarola, 15
50132 Firenze
Italia
Send me a letter! :-)
<3 Alex
P.S. I miss Indie so so so much...<3
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