Hmmm

The wireless internet is not working, so actually only a total of 3 computers in our lab have internet..... grawr. I want to upload pictures, but I guess I'll have to wait.

At least we almost never have to sign in, so I guess getting 100 hours doesn't count.
Last night the group met for a program-organized fish dinner. We met at a hotel and were treated to a small presentation about fishing in Sicily. The first course - appetizer - was broiled anchovies with breadcrumbs, olive oil, lemon, and parsley. Then the first pasta dish followed, spaghetti with fresh tuna. Then we had spaghetti with mackerel caviar, followed by the next course, the entire mackarel (yes, we had to chop off the head, remove the spine, etc...) next to a piece of Tuna and a 'marmalade' of red onion - somewhat sweet but delicious with the pesce! The next course (yes, at that point I regretted the second helping of the first pasta dish) was another fish (don't remember the kind) stuffed with pecans, raisins, and breadcrumbs..... then - lo and behold - we finally had desert, lemon custard!


The dinner lasted 3 hours, and was very filling.
I decided to eat more fruit and veggies and less Kinder chocolate. Let's see how long I can hold up.

We also had a 'living in Syracuse' workshop, accompanied by 5 Italian students from the University of Catania, who filled us in on what to do and not to do - not to do: The lesbian bar 'Atrium', where most of the group got drunk the other night. A sketch place, apparently. I agree.

Tonight is the 'Women's Workshop' hahahaha. Yeah, do we need this? We will see. It is mandatory, and it cuts half an hour out of my ecosystems class, so I guess I'll go!

Speaking off, this is the verdict of the academic part of this program:

Art and Arch. in Sicily: Slide-tests? damn, I'm in Art History. The lectures are looong and friday fieldtrips take away from travel time.... but oh well. Susie is from Scotland.

Sicily Lit + Cult: Giovanna is really nice and I will learn interesting things.... nothing agains a good portion of liberal arts every once in a while!

Italian: I'm in advanced, with Brie (Garbriella) , Rachel (Raquelina), and Amanda (Amanducco). I'm Giulietta. Go figure. Together we're the Ragazzine, and Mario is our Professore. Good times, and many Italian hang man games. Hopefully, I'll improve my Italian conversation skillzz.

Ecosystems: with Ricardo, who has traveled the world and beyond. I'm not too sciency, but I guess it's useful stuff to know, if anyone ever needs ecological news about the mediterranean basin, I'll be your gal for that.

Greek Myth and Religion: very history-ish, and Michael likes to hear himself talk, which he does without taking breaks/breaths/etc. We also like to hear him talk in his smooth British accent, however. We'll see.

In any case, I won't worry about grades too much here, I decided, because they really don't count as long as I pass, and I'd rather have some local interactions and international affairs (kiddinggg) with the locals instead of being a study freak. Such as.... the soccer training Brie, Stefania and I are having with our neighborly new boyfriend, Manuele, who is 15.

Go us! Tomorrow is a day off (or wait... fieldtrip whaaat?) In anycase, we're going to th archaeological Park AGAIN (this time by bus, so it's not a 1 hour walk!) Going back, I might want to check out that shoe store with the SALDI, where I saw nice boots.... And walking hasn't killed anyone yet. I hate when people complain about anything here that's unamerican.... grawr... losers!

Saturday is the optional Catania fieldtrip (historical tour) where I will be onboard. The ladies and I booked a hostel to stay there for the night, since Catania is where the nightlife is at. That's right, people, no dancing in Siracusa.... bahh. Also, the Catania Soccer team is playing on Sunday, and we'll try to get tickets and immerse ourselves in the culture... Then we'll take the Bus back, on Sunday. This will be a good practice, because to fly out of the citta, we'll need to make it to Catania anyways.

I decided to not spend much money on weekend trips (we have a lot of activities that are program inclusive on weekends, fieldtrips, etc) and save money for spring break... Don't know yet where to, but it should be a city, somewhere I haven't been.... I have a few ideas.

Anyways, that's it for now, pictures will be up when the wireless is fixed!
Ciao a tutti!