Snow!

Based on the facebook updates, the weather is beautiful at home! Here, on the other hand, it is snowing like crazy. While I was walking (or should I say "trekking") to school today, I couldn't help but feel like I had somehow been transported back to Boston! The only difference was that I was facing the brutal weather without my greatest asset: the L.L. Bean. It's absence was painfully obvious this morning...

While the 35 minute trek to school was cold, wet, slippery, and unstable (marble is NOT a good material for sidewalks, Europe...) it was actually rather beautiful. The ancient buildings that are already so magnificent are even more incredible when covered with snow! My complaining and griping was constantly interrupted by a breathtaking scene---the domes of the churches peeking out from the wind-blown snow, the shutters on each house lightly sprinkled with pure white, and the statues of the Prato della Valle standing regally, completely unaware of the treacherous weather. The snow gave me a fresh perspective on my wonderful surroundings, and I have even more appreciation for their splendor. Even as I sit typing this, the snow is falling on a steeple next to my school building, and it's absolutely lovely!

I hope that I can transfer this pleasant attitude to the states when I return home! It's easy to see the beauty in Europe, but there is so much to enjoy everywhere, including Amish Country and the great city of Boston. I think I just stopped paying attention to it...hopefully this semester will cement a new mentally in me!

In other news, tomorrow I'm meeting with an italian student who attends the University of Padova. We are both in the "Tandem Learning" program, which means that we'll get together so that I can practice my italian and she can practice her english. I cannot wait! More on that to follow...