Sono Finalmente Arrivato

After what seemed like ages, I have finally arrived at my final destination: Trieste! I must say that from what I've seen, I'm really going to love it. It is beautiful and much bigger than I pictured it in my head. It's also a city on a hill, which makes for some amazing views. It took some time to get here, though.

I started from SFO and had a very pleasant plane ride with British Airways. Great movie selections so I spent most of my time watching them instead of trying to sleep. I ended up getting an hour of sleep, BUT, I was able to watch Fargo and see the famous wood chipper scene; the highlight of my plane ride. I also sat next to this nice, young couple from Lille, France. I arrived in London and things continued to flow smoothly. I changed airports with little hassle and before I knew it, I was waiting...and waiting...and waiting at the Gatwick airport for my flight to Venice. There is nothing like sitting around and doing nothing to add weight to the eyelids. After a 3 hour wait, I got on my plane and went onward to Venezia. As soon as that plane took off, the eyelids dropped and I was snoozing for most of the plane ride. It was definitely an uncomfortable snooze, but I needed it. Once I arrived in Venice, I was able it easily find my bus to the hostel. I really enjoyed my stay there. It was outside the city so I wasn't able to see anything, but the hostel was very self-contained. I didn't get to enjoy any of it, however, because my body craved rest. I finally fell asleep around ten p.m.

I'm not sure what it was,  but it hadn't fully dawned on me that I was actually in Europe. I enjoyed seeing the countryside while switching airports in London, but it still seemed unreal. Plus, my lack of energy made me too tired to feel emotions or think. It wasn't until this morning that I realized: "Wow, I'm in Italy and beginning an incredible new phase in my life." It all came rushing into me as soon as I caught a glimpse of Venice. Its beautiful silhouette as the bus drove closer was like a splash of cold water to the face. I could do nothing but smile. I am happy. I am in Italy...I really wish I could have explored the city, but I had to go straight to the stazione Santa Lucia. There, I bought a ticket to Trieste. I was very fortunate, since the train departed only minutes after I bought the ticket. I was on my way to my final destination.

There is something truly magical about trains. It stirs the soul in ways other modes of transportation can't. It must be the hypnotic rhythm of the wheels hitting the tracks mixed with the possibility of discovery. It is definitely my preferred mode of transportation and I hope to take many more train rides as time unfolds. (I'm growing tired once more, so I will end this quickly). I arrived in Trieste, ate, and began looking for the university. I felt adventurous (for some strange reason) walking around the city and trying to find my way around this foreign land, all the while dragging two heavy pieces of luggage. That sense of adventure soon turned into a feeling of malcontent, as I realized I was not acting in the most efficient way. Although I did enjoy seeing more of the city, I could have easily bypassed the sweat and fatigue. I caught a bus that took me directly to the school. That was when the fun started...I spent about two hours going up and down hills, asking people for help and all to no avail. All the while dragging these suitcases that seemed to get heavier as the minutes passed. I felt so pathetic. I can only laugh at it now, but I was feeling a little frustrated, and VERY tired. I finally found my dorm (on my own, since everyone I asked didn't know where I could find it). It was fitting that I had to make one final push to reach it. I had to drag my two suitcases down four or five flights of stairs. I'm sure I made a great impression on the lady at the front desk who gave me my keys. Picture a VERY handsome man, literally dripping with sweat, and out of breath. Once that was over, I got a quick shower and went out to run some errands. I met the other American here and we're getting along well. She's from Vermont.