Bologna!

Red. That's the first word anyone thinks upon entering its gates. It is completely as it's been for centuries, within the old city walls there is no new infrastructure, however this does not reflect the people, who can't help but change with the times. Graffiti plagues parts of the city while other parts boast beautiful little shops, bakeries, cafes, and flats. All businesses and apartments are located in the old red buildings, and because there are so many big strings of them lining every street, it's impossible to see any part of the city from where you are standing. If you find a new place to eat, it's because you literally bumped into it!

It is a University town as well with Europe's oldest university (which sits smack next to SAIS) so students from around the world are starting to move in, as classes start in about 4 weeks for European students.

Yes, there are vespas everywhere and bicycles. It is reportedly a sport for the locals to steal bikes. I leanred today my Italian instructor has had hers stolen 29 times in her life! The cars and drivers are small and nuts. Pedestrians beware.


I am finally settled into an apartment, after three days at a very nice hotel. I will recommend anyone visiting stay at this establishment. Friendly staff, good recommendations, great room, and a superb breakfast each morning!

My apartment is about a two minute walk from the big park outside the city walls, on the southeast side of town. I can walk to school in about 15 minutes if I go quickly... but I like the sights too much so it's been taking closer to 25. My room overlooks the street, Via San Stefano, which has a reputation for being one of the more beautiful ones in the city. It has a big window and makes me choose between opening it to sleep in a decent temperature or sweating to get quiet for my slumber as the miles- long buildings reflect all sound. My friends and I who planned on living together unfortunately had a rather traumatic few days trying to find a place to rest our heads for the next nine months, and unfortunately had to split up. I am living with an Uzbek girl who will eventually be very useful when I switch my language instruction to Russian next month and an American whose Russian girlfriend is supposed to move in in a few weeks. I am fortunate though, two of the girls are still living in a hotel.

More about other topics of interest soon. Just to allay any worries, there is plenty of cappuccino, gelato, and cured meats everywhere and it is all wonderful. While Bologna isn't a paradise, it's certainly full of personality and most importantly, it's miles away from D.C.

Ciao for now!