Cinco de Mayo; The Real Story

So this past Thursday I went out and I saw people celebrating Cinco de Mayo. The celebrants sported sombreros, bottles of tequila and said ARIBA ARIBA. The funny thing is most people so not know why it is actually celebrated, Contrary to popular belief it is not the true day of Mexican independence. Mexico gained their independence on September 16, 1810 and is called Grito de Dolores. This true date is months after the day that is stereotypically celebrated as Mexico's "Fourth of July". The real reason it is stated that we celebrate this day is to celebrate Mexican heritage and pride in the United States. So basically the day people think they are celebrating independence is just historically a day for Mexicans to celebrate their culture. In modern times it has been placed in the same category as St. Patrick's day. A celebration accompanied with massive amounts of alcohol and special costumery. Next year I will think of this as a more important day and not just one to party on.

Am I ready to go abroad?

Just today I submitted all my paperwork, my passport and basically my soul to the Marist International Program office in order receive my Italian visa. Yup that is right I am taking the plunge and studying abroad. After weighing all my options as to whether I can leave this beautiful campus for a whole semester I decided it needed to (it probably helped that seven of my closest girlfriends are going too). The entire process of going abroad has been to say the least time consuming. All the meetings, paperwork, signatures and there is no telling as to whether I will ever be truly prepared to go. My parents are ready for me to go and think it is the greatest thing a college student can do. I am already nervous about all the packing, living expenses and whether I will be able to balance everything. No matter how many worries I have or actual problems I have when I'm there this will be the most amazing experience I will have in my life. Since I have already been to Italy and to many various countries in my travels I don't think my culture shock will be too sever. Of course there are differences between visiting a place and living in a place. The only think I am sure of is that I will eat and live as if there is no tomorrow! : )

My First Wine

My first taste of wine came way before I was of the legal United States drinking age. It was when I was thirteen... a little young right? Not the case because I was in Italy in the countryside in an adorable little inn. My family and I were at dinner eating delicious homemade pasta and sauces. Some of the best I have ever had on my trip and in my entire life. Right when we sat down I was given a wine glass and my mom skeptically looked at the waiter, then my father and finally myself. When my father ordered us a few bottles my mother had no intention of letting me drink. The waiter came over and with no hesitation poured all five of us a glass. Let me tell you that I clearly did not look of age. I was thirteen, gangly and clearly a "baby". My mom looked and me and said"you cannot have that" followed by my father saying "of course she can it's part of traveling abroad, when in Siena do as the Sienans do". This was my first experience with wine and it was casual and social and I felt very mature. It was also a time where I realized that the United States has avery different view on drinking than most other countries. Culture is different for every country and when traveling you should immerse yourself and try, at least for a day, to see it from a locals view.