Thursday June 2nd

This morning we had orientation at CAPA. They talked to us about classes. And then we went on a walking tour. We saw mostly everything we'd already seen before but got more information about it and I was able to figure out where everything was in relation to each other. Today was a national holiday, so there was A LOT of people out. Once our tour was over, we were free to do what we wanted, so I went back to CAPA to eat my packed lunch and check my email. Then, I went to see if the cellphone place was open today but it wasn't. So, then I went to Hani's restaurant and sat and talked with him on his lunch break. Then, we went and got gelato (ice cream) and it was fantastic! Hani got tirimisu and I had tirimisu gelato. I tried some of Hani's tirimisu to see what it's supposed to taste like and it's a lot different than the tirimisu in the U.S. but much better, of course. My gelato was awesome! I can already tell my Italian skills are improving from talking with Hani. But it will even more when we start our Italian classes which will involve NO english. They told us today that they will teach us ENTIRELY in Italian. I left after gelato and headed back to the apartment. Only to shortly head back out with Valerie and Mary Ellen for dinner and pick up some things at the Standa (grocery store much like Dillons). This morning, I realized that I love the sound of the sirens in Europe. It's an audible reminder as to where you are. And they're so different than the U.S. that they become exotic in a sense.
As I was writing this entry tonight, my room was filled with sounds of celebration for the holiday and then filled with sounds of a different celebration. I began to hear sounds of a very loud moaning that I thought someone in the apartment was goofing off. Oh no, I soon realized that I was hearing how the Italians make love, very loudly. Everyone's windows are open because there is no air conditioning. So this woman's husky voice boomed throughout our courtyard. Just thought I'd share!!! Hahaha! Ciao!