Every day that I leave my apartment, I am loaded down with books, my computer, purse, and a huge bottle of frizzante water to get me through my long day of studying Italian. When there is trash to throw away, I have to finagle my way through lifting the giant dumpster's lid and chucking a bag up and over the rim while now disposing of my own possessions...

Yes, I have been living here almost 4 weeks and just yesterday did I discover that there is a foot pedal at the base of said dumpster... Foot pedals! Brilliant!

Living in a new land is always a humbling experience. I have learned prettymuch every lesson the hard way or vicariously through friends. Look down when you run, they don't curb dogs here. Shop around for your soda/water/panini- the same thing costs something different even 20 meters apart on the same street. The list goes on and is far from complete!