i feel like i'm finally starting to fall into this italian groove. this morning i shopped in a couple of the open-air markets speaking with the locals, then ordered a cappuccino with cocoa powder at the bar like a pro, then managed to get to school without almost getting hit by a bike/car/motorcycle (a harder feat than you might think).
yesterday the ladies from the residence hall and i went to a local bar for spritz night. a spritz is THE drink in the veneto area, consisting of seltzer water, flavored liquor (your choice), and prosecco white wine (which is EXCELLENT, if you find it, BUY IT). at most of the bars here you have to drink standing outside, which is definitely different than in the states. wednesday nights are the biggest "party" nights, and absolutely everyone is in the streets until late.

in other news, i am STILL SICK and it's driving me insane.

i also have a new italian cell phone! if anything i can text everybody obsessively, because my first text of the day is 19 cents and the rest are free.

the plan for the weekend (which starts now by the way) is to go to venice tonight to meet some friends, chill out in padova friday, maybe verona saturday, and the beach again on sunday.

how awesome is my life?