1st Semester Wrap Up

My first semester of graduate school in a foreign country, speaking a language that I only half know, feeling like I'm wandering around like a headless chicken, is just about wrapped up. I really can't believe it.

I know you're all probably wondering why I'm starting this blog now, and well to be honest, I think I'll be better at writing entries than emailing HUGE novels home to everyone (obviously- considering I would get an 'F' in this department, as I've sent 0 emails home...sorry about that btw).

So how is life in Switzerland? I don't even know where to begin.
1) I was an illegal alien for the first month and half I lived here and didn't know it, which then resulted in a secret trip to Italy so I could mail a fake letter saying I was on a month holiday. This made it possible for me to get my visa in Milan. I am such a rebel.

2) I found out in graduate school they expect you to know EVERYTHING ever written about art conservation in history right off the top of your head...and in Italian. This has resulted in a list of books that has grown to around 20 'must reads' half of which I must have a dictionary to look up words like "sbriciolavano" and "cocciopesto" that may or may not translate into English like "malta" or "battescopa"-this word literally means "beat broom" and refers to the very bottom trim of the baseboard. The similarities of this and beatbroom are so obvious....Seriously?! Everyday in class is an adventure.

3) I have met the most amazing people here. That is a definite. We're an eclectic bunch, fondly calling our group "La Lanchetta" after the disco that is conveniently located just beneath my friends' apartment, thus creating our very own private dance party EVERY night of the week. It's so exclusive we don't even get to choose whether or not we hear it-amazing when you have 8:30 am class the next day. Our group holds- 2 Portuguese, 2 Italians, 1 Spanish, 1 German, 1 Argentinian, & myself, the lone American. I have slyly convinced my friends to have both a Halloween party and Thanksgiving. At Thanksgiving, I was kindly DEMANDED to sing the National Anthem, (complete with accompaniment of pan lid cymbal-Thank you Edoardo & Andre). Our next shindig-Secret Santa Christmas party. I love explaining these concepts. :)

4) I recently found out (as in last week), that along with my 5 Master's exams, I must also take the 4 science exams from the first module in the 3 year Bachelor program. AWESOME. I have none of this material. January will be interesting.

5) I am moving apartments already. Looking forward to it too. My new roommates with again be men-two Italians. Communicating should be interesting.

Those are just highlights really. I could be here for hours telling you some of the stories that have happened along the way. But like I said, I don't want to send you novels. So, I guess if you'd like to hear some, then just ask. We're always doing something silly...But for now, this is where we're starting. I'll try to post more often and be more detailed about things happening here. If you're on facebook I have 5 or 6? albums from here already. You can get a better idea there. :)