finally got my modem

i finally got my modem - even though it's SUPER slow... but at least i finally get internet at my house. i'm over at liz's right now though. they're having a tribute to michael jackson at the school, but i'm pretty schooled-out. i've been really frustrated lately because things just don't seem to be working out. all of our fans have broken or are crusted over so no air comes through... the italian way is that things get done REALLY, REALLY slowly (as i've learned through numerous occasions) which is even more frustrating in the extremely hot weather. so anyway, i spoke with the program director today because no one was available to talk to in the office about it and i embarassingly had a breakdown. i hate crying in front of people like that... it was really awkward, but i couldn't hold it back. i've just been upset with teh string of unfortunate events: my flights being late, taxi driver yelling at me, being moved to a less nice apartment than most students have here (even though i'm paying the same thing...), losing my luggage, not getting my modem until about 4-5 days after i thought i'd have it, our fans not working, etc etc... i don't mean to complain, but it's been difficult dealing with all of this while being tired and hot and adjusting to a completely different culture and environment. i jsut keep thinking about how i'm going to be here for the next 4 and a half weeks or so and it's kinda unnerving. since syracuse is a small island, it's kinda hard to get anywhere from here... anywhere you travel requires a flight through Rome which is NOTORIOUS for losing luggage and a HUGE airport.

i do enjoy class for the most part though. my teacher is really patient with us, but he doesnt speak any english which can be difficult sometimes. our class is pretty big - about 15 people now. more than half are from baylor. learnign the language is fun here because it is carried outside the classroom into everyday situations. however, i will be glad when i return home and can politely ask for things using more than the small vocabulary i have now.

well liz and i are going to watch a tv show on teh computer and i think i'll prob hit the hay early. last night we through a sci fi bday party for one of liz's roommates so i'll hopefully upload some of those pics sometime soon. the internet is quite slow here, so it'll prob only be a couple. ciao per adesso!