Oh those things make me want to dance...

Gelato... good laughs... champagne... and gorgeous scenery.

Definitely a good day..

 

Today, a bunch of us went to San Gimignano to try their 3 year-in-a-row world champion’s gelato. Before we left in the afternoon, we went to the local post office to send our residency permit (I think I said it right..?) There was a mini bookstore in the post office. Those who know me too well will say, “Oh dear. What did you get now?” I got an awesome pop-out book, Il Piccolo Principe (The Little Prince) by Antoine De Saint-Exupery. I need to have a children’s book in Italian language. I have like.. um 4-5 months left to look for some more books! I’m a children’s book frenzy. After that… A friend and I went to check some stores, and I’m literally drooling over the idea of owning a SLR camera. I once had a wonderful deal with a friend to purchase his SLR camera, but I thought that I wouldn’t be using it as much as I should… Heck, I was wrong! Now, I’m actually wishing that I bought the canon SLR camera from him for an amazing deal.  I love taking photos now! Below are some photos I recently took today.

My beloved readers… I have a favor to ask you- please let me know the pros and cons of having SLR camera and what’s the true difference between Canon and Nikon? Which kind I should consider buying…. (Just in case if I EVER buy one… they’re costly!)

The trip to San Gimignano… turned to be purposeless but FUN! Why did I say, “purposeless”? This gelato shop was closed. :( It won’t be opened until March… so we got the “second” best gelato. I had strawberry and lemon gelato. Oh my gosh…. It was sooo delicious! I’m actually still full from it! I had so much fun overall today with my wonderful friends, by walking around, eating some gelato, drink some champagne and continuing to be enthralled by the Tuscany's landscapes.

I had a chance to chat with two Deaf elders in San Gimignano, and due to my continuously learning LIS (Italian Sign Language), I was not able to catch some of their signs… or they had their own sign language? Austin and I began to wonder if regional variation in LIS were that STRONG in Italia, since they might do not interact with the other Deaf communities around in Italy. Correct me if I’m wrong? Also, I’m so excited- I was invited go to Castelfiorention for some Orienteering race with my LIS professor tomorrow. There will be more Deaf people there! Yipee! I feel like I’m very desperate to be around more Deaf people like a dehydrated person crying out for water.  More opportunity for me to practice my LIS skill! I believe that I will be able to pick up Italian language much easier, once I interact with the Deaf Italians. A friend had recently informed about a Deaf Comedy Entertainment in the south of Italy that will be held later in March. I AM GOING! But, I need to learn much much more LIS by March, so I can understand and enjoy the jokes, instead just sitting and being clueless as I attempt to understand their signs.

For a week, I was somehow lazy, trying to get myself comfortable in a new place- i've decided, "Enough of that," hence, I made a few goals for this week:

1.     Spend 30- 60 minutes to write (for children’s book) everyday

2.     Do 5+ sketches

3.     Run at least 3 times (there are a fortress nearby to run around)

4.     30 minutes extra practicing my Italian literacy (aside from my compiti… homework.)

I’ve been thinking about my plans for the summer- I really need to do an art internship and take some classes to be able to graduate on time in May 2012. I applied at several museums and art studios. I recently heard from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC… I’ve been selected as one of the semifinalists for their Mentoring Program for College Juniors (only six finalists are selected).

                                                                                                SQUEALS!

I’m excited!!!  I should hear from them about their final decision by April 1. Meaning while… I have some time to consider about my options for this summer. I’m somehow tempted to stay here for a few more weeks during the summer, to take more art classes at Siena School for Liberal Arts and do an internship with them (to create more children’s books for the Deaf Italian children). I don't know yet...

                                                          ...It’s all up to Him. We’ll see what happens.

Here’s some photos!