VIVA RIVA!

I've waited so long to use that as a title post. 

Now, for the down-low:

I made it to Riva all in one piece, and feeling good to be here.

I only once was offered chocolate by a strange man in the Geneva airport.

(I'm so travel-savvy I said no)

I was the second student (of about 50 total that are living in Riva) to arrive at the Villa, and I just want to say, that I want to live in a large, old villa somewhere with maybe three other people total. Because it was so peaceful. I read out in the garden a little bit, and then walked the grounds, and I met a lot of the other students as they arrived, so I know a lot of the people that are here, even the business students!

So let me tell you a little bit about the program: there are 32 business students and 15 architecture students. Everyone always says it's a little segregated; that the architecture students don't really talk to the business students.

This distresses me a little bit. I'd like to know the people who are worth knowing!

I guess however it shakes down though, will be fine. I mean, we spend time together because we take our classes together (which start TOMORROW!) so of course, that's who we would know. 

Also, our schedule is a lot more firm then theirs is: we have specific things we do and places we do- theirs has a little more freedom and choice to it. 

So when they are doing one thing: we are doing another. Doesn't allow for much mixing, eh?

Other than that, the Villa is gorgeous! I love living in a 200+ year old house!! (just the front DOORS are 200 years old!)

I will post a few pictures with each post in a little while, I just have to take them first!

Also, throughout the semester, I may put up some sketches or project work that I'm doing so you can get a feel for it all. 

A little logistics + housekeeping:

If you would like my address here in Riva, or any information such as public phone numbers (and you actually know me aka family and friends) give me a quick email and I will send it to you. You should be able to find it through the blog, but if not- just post me your email address and I will shoot you all of that info back!

So for now, Arrivederci! 

Airport Security

So the first leg of the journey is coming to a close!

Just one more flight until I'm in switzerland and approximately 5 minutes from Riva San Vitale. 

Dulles was easy as pie-- that's my home turf and I knew where I was going. It also helped that I happened to be on the same flight as a fellow classmate headed to Riva! Though we split up in London Heathrow, it was reassuring to have someone to help me through the first connection. 

I'm not going to lie, I'm one ball of stress doing this alone, and by the end of it my shoulders are going to give me hell. 

I think I've been lucky enough to get through unscathed. Though with one more flight to go, I probably shouldn't speak so soon!

Geneva was a little confusing, as I didn't have a boarding pass yet and had to find my way through the airport to the check-in. (It's ok, I had a good 5 hours to do it, and I've still got about 4 left!)

Really glad that I took so many years of French in High School, because while everyone in Geneva seems to speak english, French is their first language, so they always start talking in rapid French. 

La Bas, s'il vous plait, La Bas!

So I'm trying not to look the dumb American, but if the shoe fits....

Just Kidding. 

Well, my pre-paid, outrageously overpriced internet is drawing to an end, so I'll leave you with only one observation from my journey thus far: The Alps look pretty damn cool from here.

OK- and GO!

It's finally here!!

I am about to leave the U.S. in approximately 7 hours. 2 of which will be spent in going to the airport, 3 of which will be spent at the airport, and the other two will be spent waiting and waiting and then some more waiting. 

Don't worry, I've got a couple books. 

I have to admit, I wasn't nervous until last night- when I suffered a "holyshitIleavetomorrowandIhaven'tdoneanyhtingyet" 

I got home from my cousin's wedding late last night. You know, partying with the family. (it was crazy-awesome btw.) Realized a couple things: 1. my luggage was still 10 pounds overweight (what? I absolutely needed 22 pairs of socks)  2. I still had some portfolio work to do (because let's face it, I have a life)

What did I do when I got home? Sleep.

So this morning, my dad woke me up at 8 (by request) and made me an egg sandwich. He told me to breathe, and then I began. 

I'm packed. 47lbs, ohhhh yea, kool-aid style. 

So here's the skinny: tonight I'll be flying into Heathrow (I see London... you're right, no need to continue that one)

By ten AM tomorrow morning I will be there, and then proceed to Geneva, Switzerland, where I will await my shuttle to Lugano, I'll crash at the hostel, full of jet lag I'm sure, and then proceed to Riva San Vitale at any time over the course of the morning. 

Those are the plans. I will let everyone know how they work out...

So Ciao all of my beautiful friends, family, and fellow explorers!! Wish me luck, speedy flights, in tact luggage, and fortune!!

Until next time!!