Maybe this concept already exists, but if it does the company does not do a good job promoting it.

So on my way back from Austria I thought of an organization I would like to start. Basically, I want to start a travel group that helps a young traveller or any traveller for that matter, if they run into any big problems in a country were they know noone. A group would be in each major city in Europe and possibly throughout the world. I would want  the group to be comprised of some natives of the country along with other seasoned travellers. The group is kind of based on an insurance policy. For example, if you would like to use our services you pay a certain fee along with money you would like to put down for insurance. To explain further here is a scenerio...

Two backpackers through Europe decide to go to Germany. Unfortuately, a pickpocketer took both of their wallets. Luckily they were smart enough to keep their travel documents hidden somewhere in their massive backpacks. But what do they do with no money and therefore no place to stay? What if their parents are not supportive and wont send money? Plus wiring money can take a considerable amount of time. Neither of them speak German, and its around 9 p.m....
Well this is where my travel group would come in. If they pre-arranged to use my travel group they would have already put down money as an insurance type plan which they can use at any of the travel group sites. Not only can they use the money but we help find a place for them to stay or help with transportation at any time of night.

Basically its non-profit, the insurance money will be returned once their trip is over. Its just to help travellers out with any problems so as if they feel they have a friend wherever they visit to rely on. As I travel more and more I like the assurance of knowing someone in the country in case anything goes wrong. Some people can handle travel problems with ease, while others (like myself) get frantic.

I might not have explained this thoroughly. This concept would benefit people would just dont want to feel alone in a country. The travel group would provide honest help with efficiency.

Melissa, Im sorry to hear about your friend. As for advice about Neil, I think you should stop thinking about whats right to do and do what you want. If you want to hang out with Neil and possibly get back together with him then you should do it. If you feel as if your being used (not exactly the right word but you know what I mean) because he doesnt want to be in a relationship yet then enjoy being at BC single. Remember I will always think Neil is "that guy" for you, so I understand any decision that you choose.

Callie, I agree with you about change. I am so excited to go back to school although I am sad to leave Italy. I love the "back to school" period. The weather, the smells, new classes and of course this year I can go to the bars which is a whole new life for me at URI. It is sad that this is my last "back to school" feeling since it is our last year.

I loved Austria. It took us around a day and a half to travel there but it was worth it. My cousin lives in Gaming which is a college town about 2 hours away from Vienna. It is a beautiful town and once your in it you get this overwhelming sense of peace. Gaming is surrounded by mountains. He lived about a 10 minute walk away from the main square. Austria is so clean and everyone in the town was very friendly. Then the next day we went bike riding in a town near Melk. We biked through all the Austrian Vineyards to a ruined castle. Then on our last day we went to Vienna. Vienna reminded me of Brussels. Obviously, it has its main square with St. Stephens Cathedral. The main square is filled with shopping and all the trashy tourist shops which all sell Mozart and Princess Sisi inspired items. Vienna is very, very expensive. About a 10 minute walk away from the main square is a beautiful park in front of Princess Sisi apartments. Honestly, I had more fun in Melk and Gaming then I did in Vienna.

To answer your question callie, it is my mom would found it appauling that I would go out with Figaro. I think Francescos mom was fine with the idea, considering I know Figaro and he is closer to my age then Francescos other friends. The reason why this situation bothered me so much to the point that I seeked the advice of my friends was because the way my mom was carrying on about the ordeal.

Honestly, my goal of this trip was to try to attempt to establish somewhat of a life here. I really wanted to try and make friends while establishing good relations with his family members. The girlfriends of Francescos friends are not as friendly as I hoped. They all say "ciao" but the conversation stops there. Most Italian girls have an attitude about them. None of them joke like the way we do. They maintain a serious disposition that is hard for me to abide by. They dont drink beer or anything else for that matter. Is female drunkness taboo here?

Even though Francescos guy friends know my Italian is not very advanced they still talk to me as if I knew what they were talking about. They attempt to talk to me in the limited English they know . Once I tell them to talk to me in Italian so I can learn, they feel very relieved. I believe they truly enjoy my company and teaching me different words and sayings.

The majority of Francescos friends are in their mid to late twenties. Most of them do not have serious jobs, they still live at home with their parents and have no  intention of marrying their girlfriends (if they have them) any time soon. This basially contradicts everything we Americans strive for in our mid to late twenties. In America that time period forces us to find real jobs and possibly start a family. The latter applies to those in their late twenties (like 27 to 29 years old). In Italy, since the pressure of finding real jobs and starting a family is postponed to their thirties it seems their youth is extended another decade. Maybe this helps keep the divorce rate so low in Italy (but this could also be attributed to their strict Catholic faith or a combination of the two). Of course my observation is only limited to the Italians of Acri.

Mow was so ill behaved at the groomers this afternoon that they told him he couldnt come back. He was very distraught over the new because he believes everybody loves him. Its not his fault that hes scared of the blow dryers.

Tonight was the Madonna night. Everyone is his town marched behind a statue of the Madonna while holding candles surrounded by colored tissue paper. The majority of people accidently lit their paper on fire and proceeded to throw them on the ground with no regard as to the consequences this may lead too.

I am "adapting" to their culture...but I feel they should respect mine as well. Personally, I think its rude to expect someone to fully assimilate without any regard as to the visitors beliefs. While being here, I have sacraficed my freedom.I can no longer get in a car and drive to any destination I please. I dont have my own friends or my own life. I went from being an independent 21 year old woman, to feeling as if I am 14 years old all over again.  Bear in mind this is a vacation for me, so shouldnt I have some freedom as to do what I want without it being considerent inpolite?

I am coming across as if I am not having fun. I am having fun but this trip is different then what I thought it would be. I naively assumed this would be a continuation of last summer. I thought I would be going to be the beach and then going out at night. The 6 girls in the apartment have been replaced by Frans mom who is basically my best friend here. Instead of going to the local pubs I go to church. This time around the "studying" has been replaced by simply living abroad.

Meg I agree with your post about traveling. Your right, its not about the places but how you experience those places.

I have a question and I would like everyones opinion. I already know ahead of time that Mer is going to disagree with me...but here it goes.

So, as all of you know Francesco has been working everynight. I have been going for walks or to the local festivals with his mother, his cousin and his cousins daughter (she is 10). Although it has been fun being with them, Francescos friends keep asking if they can take me out. The other night his friend Angelo made an attempt to take me out with everyone. Francesco and his mom didnt think I would feel comfortable, so I didnt go. I agreed with them on that. I told my mom that his friends wanted to take me out and she flipped. She thought it was a horrible idea that would ultimately lead to my death. Ok I overexaggerated the last part.

Anyways...the other night Fran had a party at his house after he finished work. Figaro was there (he is my friend from last year). We made plans to go out last night but the plans fell through. Once again, when I told my mom about this, she said it would be "piggish" of me to go out alone with Figaro and that it would look horrible. She was yelling and she kept going on and on about it. She thought that if I went out with Figaro it would not have been a "mature" decision. Thats why I am raising this question now...If you were visiting your boyfriend in Europe and a mutual friend wanted to take you out, is it apporiate to go?

I do believe a double standard does exist but I do not agree that my reputation would be ruined for going to get a gelato and an un caffe with Figaro. If I was going out with him to get totally wasted, then most likely that would not look good on my part. I know Figaro and I was looking forward on catching up with him. My Italian has progressed within the time frame I have been living here, so I could carry on a conversation.If anything we probably would have gone to visit Fran at work and then that would be the end of it.

While I have been here, I have been going out of my way to be very courteous and polite. Therefore, I feel it would be apporiate to go out with Figaro while maintaining a good repuation if I acted in an honorable way. I feel as if my mom has an ignorance about where I am living right now. I believe she has a 1950s opinion about this matter.

Then again I could be wrong . What would you do?

Obviously Meredith will agree with you because its disagreeing with me.

First I would like to state that a tourist should see all the major cities and attractions before venturing off into paths less taken. Exploring big cities allows a traveler to gain experience into the "art of traveling". It can also increase the desire to travel more.

 To some big cities may be enough to say they experienced a country. But for me I feel like I experienced Italy more being here and studying in San DeMetrio then I did when I was in Rome or Florence. Acri will never be a major tourist attraction, nor does it want to be. But if anyone was traveling to Italy, I would suggest making it down here if they wanted to relax, go to the beach, or sit out on a balcony for hours and be adopted by everyone in the town. It is just a different type of traveling.

Before going to Italy, I thought Italy was just Italy. I didnt realize it was broken up into 21 regions. I was naive. Now that I realize each part of Italy has a different aspect to offer, I want to go to all of them. The same thing applies to other countries in Europe.

We make fun of American tourists, but in our major cities like New York and Boston, there are also very annoying tourists from all over the world. Being a tourists allows you to be somewhat obnoxious because your on vacation. But from what I witnessed being here, I think American tourists are somewhat cruel. For example, in Rome I saw a woman, feel entitiled to yell at a staff member of the airport to get her way. Ive seen other examples but I dont feel like explaining them at this moment.

Anyways! I do like Francescos mom a lot. We go for walks everynight and she has been teaching me how to cook all her recipes. She is very kind and at times she reminds me of my mom.

One thing I dont like is the kinds of questions people ask me. Some people ask me if I am going to get married here, or move here, or how much money I am going to make being a dietetian. I pretend to not understand them. Their culture is very honest and blunt.



 

In America, Lazy Afternoons are strictly reserved for Sundays. But in Italy a lazy afternoon is an everday occurence. I dont know how I am going to adjust being back at school, especially since I cant move into my house until Sept. 6th and classes start the 3rd. Callie, this means I may have to live with you for a few days and commute (is that ok?). I fly home Aug. 28th.

Callie, if you and Ali decide to go to Austrailia I will definately visit. It is possible that I could move there and do my dietetic internship in the land down under but I had my heart set on trying to do it in London or Califronia. All I know is that I dont want to live in America for a few years. For some reason the United Kingdom has always interested me (Henry VIII), so I would like to live there for a few years and then move back.

Another thing I am interested in. Traveling places that have not been affected by the tourist industry (no offense melissa). Being in Francescos town made me realize that, Rome and Florence are not Italy. Ok they are "Italy", but I mean as an American if you go there, everyone will speak English to you. A Mcdonalds is around every corner. Prices are marked up higher then they should be, and every stand sells the same things.

If I were writing a travel book, I would want to travel to a bunch of places like Francescos town. This area has a lot to offer without the staggering prices of big cities. It has beautiful historian landmarks, its close to the beach, and it has the rolling farmlands that Italy is known for. This type of traveling can only be accomplished by those that are brave enough to do it. Its hard to be in a place that doesnt speak the same language as you, or even know what english sounds like for that matter. In Acri, you have to fully immerse yourself in their culture or else its impossible to have fun.

His town is at times boring. But boring here means something completely different then boring in America. When I say Im bored it, its a term that means utter relaxtion. Its hard to describe in words.

By the way Im fat.

Today Francesco took me on a drive through his town. There are so many mountains and valleys. People in America spend so much money to get these views. I asked Francesco how much it would cost to live in a nice, freestanding house. He said it would most likely cost around 100,000 euros. Even if that is converted in dollars its still not alot for what you can get. But its harder to make money here. Everyone owns a bar, restaurant, small little market, or an autobody shop. I dont think these stores make very much money. His town is free of franchises, everything is a mom n pop type store.

I have a love/hate relationships with siestas this time around. If I was here and actually doing something like school or work, I would love them. But since I am taking a siesta all day, everyday I am starting to find them an inconvience. Since Francesco works at night the only time we can go out is during the siesta time. No places are open and I cant sit with an un caffe, un cornetto and an un libro and sit for hours while I creepily people watch. That is all I want to do! The last time I was here we would sit for hours at a caffe or restaurant.

The movie theater is closed during the summer. I find that so weird because the summer is when all the big blockbusters come out. I want to see Pineapple Express, I think it looks really funny.
Do you remember when Will Ferrell use to be the reigning king of comedy? I think he is so talented but he has typecasted himself into the same type of comedy movies. Anchorman set the standard and since then his movies have fallen short. I watched stepbrothers online and didnt laugh because I feel like he is repeating the same type of random humor in every movie. Right now its all about Judd Aptow and Seth Rogen.

I would like to debunk the myth of eggs which the Times created in the 80s. Current research shows that saturated fats are more of a threat to high cholesterol then cholesterol. Eggs are actually very healthy for you. They are a good source of protein and contain an antioxidant called luetin. Other studies show that eating an egg in the morning will keep you fuller longer then ceral. Like all foods eggs should be eatin in moderation. It is ok to have eggs everyday. If you already have high cholesterol then egg consumption should be more monitored then someone who does not have high cholesterol (but it would be like that with any food with fat).

Melissa did you hang out with Rob? I also agree that these livejournals should be kept between us.

I might go to Austria from Aug. 17 to the 22nd but we are unsure because it is rather expensive to travel from Southern Italy. I want to go regardless. My cousin works there so we wouldnt have to pay for food or a hotel which saves us a lot of money.

Everyone is really nice here. Francesco is learning what its like to be the host (finally) and I am understanding what its like to be the guest. Everything is at such a slow pace down here. I was able to adapt easily because its vacation but it might be another story if I were to move here permantly. I am tired of constantly trying to translate Italian in my head. I actually understand about 1/3 of what people say to me! I wish I could talk because I have so much to say and ask. I would really like to continue learning italian when I am back in the states. People do not understand how I dont understand them. They just keep repeating the word as if saying it mutiple times will magically help me. When I dont understand I just say Si.

I havent been doing too much, just walking around and exploring his town. Yesterday we went to Consenza which is like the Providence of Calabria. I will keep everyone updated.

Actually, I really like this idea of reviving livejournal.

Like Callie, I also do not have my own friends in Italia. It is strange to depend so much on one person when your use to being indepent. Francesco has been working everynight, so his mom has been taking me on walks with his cousin and his cousins daughter.

Italian life is pretty sweet. It is all about doing nothing and living simply. Everyone lives the same way here. Houses are all equal in stature. Cars all look the same. Its refreshing. Francescos house has all the essentials you need to live a wonderful life without over doing it. For instance, the other day my mom wanted to buy a new George Foreman Grill. Did she actually need a new one? No, she didnt. I tried to talk her out of it. What is the point of having 2 George Foreman Grills if you only need one.

When I come back to America I want to try and adopt their lifestyle of just living simply. It seems so easy but its not. Whenever I go shopping I always convince myself I need more then I actually do. If I lived simply I could afford to work less and enjoy more. Im not trying to bash America (which seems to be quite popular here). I just want to adopt some Italian techniques into my everyday life.

Here I am talking about living simply while Melissa is visiting a place of the ultimate extravagance.

Miss you all!!!!!!!!!