The life here is truly unique. Every day you learn more and more about how to be italian. For example, it would not be out of the ordinary to wear a really nice pair of straightleg jeans and a really nice coat (all dark colors) thrown together with a flashy pair of purple pumas. It is all about the tiny bright standouts. Yet, that is not the only way the italians (most of them) allow themselves to be noticed. Rarely, and i really do mean rarely, do you hear "m'escusi" or are greeted with a smile on the street. In fact, in order to blend in it is best to not talk too loud, better yet not talk at all and make absolutely no eye contact with anyone while on the street. Unless however you are one of the few men who attempt to sell you flowers (which some say come straight from the graveyard), in which case you should approach everyone asking them if they want to buy flowers, and even after they say no you continue to ask them as they walk away from you. 

Still at the same time, there is such a feeling of respect. Even though american students do not always have the best reputation among the locals (some store owners especailly), there are still those who truly make you feel welcome and at home. They wave to you from the inside of their shops and yell ciao out the door, or even laugh with you as you attempt to use your italian, and then correct you if they know you are doing your best to be polite. The people are not the only ones who are polite; the dogs here are SO well trained. You may think that I am joking, but i can honestly say that all the dogs here do not need to be on a leash. They sit outside the shops waiting for their owners, and follow right behind their owners as they stroll along the cobble stone roads. It has been about a week and I have yet to hear a barking dog. However sometimes you do need to watch where you step as there is "doggie accidents" on the street, and for some reason the owner decides not to pick it up. Still, with that small acception the streets are SO clean. It makes the big cities of the states seem flithy; i rather walk barefoot in the streets of Perugia than walk with slightly decent shoes in any other city. The food is so much better. Everyone shops for the fresh ingredients (apples and oranges are one of a kind) everyday, gathering that nights dinner. Like every other store here, the markets are small and there are no carts for you to tow around through the aisles... if there are even aisles. There is no need to stock up on food because odds are you have no where to put it. You would never be able to hold more than two baskets in the small market nor would you be able to cary all your food up the hill to your apartment. And even if you did, your fridge is only going to hold so much and your stove/oven is only so big. Sometimes it feels as though you are in a doll house, but then again it all feels so right at the same time. It feels simple, easy, comfortbale, and practical. Italians only need the essentials. No dryer for your clothes, no food that comes in bulk or needs to be kept frozen (your freezer is tiny anyway), no need for the heat to be on all day (you get about 7-8 hours of heat max, so you choose when to turn it on), and of course no need for extra rooms: bedroom, bathroom, kitchen...what else do you need?The medieval feel of Perugia allows for your creative side to jump out and seize your thoughts. From the Etruscan arches to the cobble stone paths that cars and pedestrians share equally (at least in the heart of Perugia), every turn seems to have an unwritten story. It seems as though you could meet anyone in Piazza 4 Novembre on the steps before the church, a common gathering spot for american and italian students, bringing new meaning to the phrase "we'll meet you at the fountain". The landscape is a contstant reminder of the natural beauty of the world. Everything about Perugia contains history from the beginning to the present. It has only been a week and i feel as though i have been here for much longer. I love my apartment and all 6 of my roommates. We have dinner every night and I feel as though I know more about them than some of my friends back home. We all agree with one thing: make the best of this experience while it lasts. On Friday we are making our first adventure of many. We will travel to Assisi by bus and walk the 4 km to the top of the town (this region is full of hills). Travel plans have already been discussed and destinations have already been agreed upon. I couldn't have asked to be living with better people. The other friends I have made here are just as amazing. I wish I could pack them in my suitcase (and have it still be 50 pounds) and take them back to my home in Maine so they could meet my other friends. Even though i said it feels as though I have been here longer than a week I am already sad to know that I have one week less to spend in this majestic part of the world. I don't want to have to say ciao...However I will not fret about the end and I continue to look forward to the future. All classes start next week (this week was intensive italian) and I greatly look forward to my other classes. Another adventure to begin! Ciao!