Quick Overview

First I was going to need my birth certificate, obtained via place of birth Vandallia, Illinois. What's that, "two copies, for ten bucks? Deal!" Then the passport, one quick call to Liz...what year was mom born again? Picture taken at the post office, "no...don't smile." Application complete. Three payments over the course of five months. The countdown began. 90 days, then 21, then 12, and now I leave at 9:15 Monday morning. Board flight at 12:30, NY to Frankfurt, Germany, then Florence. Before I fully unpack I'll be on a train heading to Rome, May 14-16.

I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to visit another part of this world. Art 111, ah, I was defiantly the only one awake during those fifty minutes of slides. Not only was I awake, but I was sketching the image, taking note of the artist and the medium. I didn't think that I would ever get to see the art in person. At the time I was content with the simulation, with the education. Within hours (though still several) I will visit Florence, Italy where there are more works of art than a person could ever see in their lifetime...I have three weeks.

I also have nine credit hours to complete! Carol Frick is the head of the History department at SIUE. She frequents Italy and has already been twice in the last three months...I am in good hands. From 9-11 a.m. we (my nine classmates, Frick and I) meet and tour the cobble stone streets of Italy. When I return, my assignment is to compose a ten page paper comparing and contrasting two sites I visit and their significance to Western Civilization.

I am also taking two independent studies classes. I will be comparing the women in art I see to women in today's media. There are more similarities then you think... This research gets me closer to my Women Studies Minor.

I am so excited about this last project, grab your napkins, friends. When I return from Italy, I will compose a cookbook for children which will be inspired by crisp Mediterranean flavors and the fresh produce of Florence's open air markets.

I know...there is so much to do! Wish me luck!