(Currently checking Facebook, Twitter updates, hmmm, ESPN article on why Lebron & Co. are going to crush all opponents with a business-like demeanor in route to a NBA Championship, NICE!!!)

………………..Shoot! Already off to a bad start.  For college students I believe there is no greater love/hate relationship then the art of Procrastination.  It poses the epic question of, “to do or not to do?” Well something along those lines.  Personally, my motto is to begin every semester with the determination to keep a well balanced lifestyle of work and play. 

Upon receiving my syllabi from each class that first week I start off on fire.  Grand proclamations are made that research on my paper assignments will begin right away.  Heck, for tests I may even make flash cards and study two, dare I say three days in advance!  For me, where does this wonderful agenda begin to fall apart? Do I get caught up in partying and live a life Jersey Shore members would envy?  It may not be that drastic, but what’s wrong with a night out with a few friends every now and then? 

Yes remedying your knack for procrastinating would relieve stress and create the ideal student, but who needs a perfect world. I don’t know about you but I’d rather keep living mine wonderfully chaotic.  Finals week is approaching and beautiful summer days are on the horizon. Whether your technique is all night, last minute cramming or doing diligent work throughout the semester, I’d like to wish you good luck on your upcoming finals. 

Canton Maddog Rugby Team

Our Rugby players here at Walsh joined up with the Canton Maddogs, a local men’s Rugby team that has been around since 1976.  Joining up with them has brought together a great mix of experience and youth which has made us a very formidable team.  Together we have already begun practice for this upcoming spring season.  Right now we practice Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. in the gym here at Walsh and beginning in mid February we will be practicing one day a week at the Canton Hall of Fame indoor facility.  As you can see meeting twice a week for practice, which is fun and flexible isn’t much of a commitment.  If you are interested in playing leave a comment here on the blog and I’ll get back to you, or stop by the gym during one of our Wednesday practices and we’ll be happy to fill you in. 

Some of the Walsh  guys and girls enjoying the Rugby Banquet

***On another not if you like to play cards and various Casino type games such as  Texas Hold-Em, Blackjack, or Wheel Poker; then come to the Canton Rugby sponsored MONTE CARLO NIGHT AND TEXAS HOLD-EM TOURNAMENT  being held Saturday, February 20, 2010 @ Canton Police Hall- 430 Walnut Ave N.E. starting at 5:00 P.M. There is a $3 entry free.  Many of your friends from Walsh will be there, so come out and support Canton Rugby, and most importantly join us for a unforgettable night of good times.***

Wow! For me this semester has started with a lot of surprises.  I last talked to you while studying abroad during the Fall in Rome.  Now I’m back at Walsh after being mostly MIA since last Spring. It’s definitely odd being back after such a long hiatus, nevertheless I’m glad to be back, and yes you read that last part right I am glad to be back in school at Walsh.  Don’t get me wrong doing the Rome experience is a must I recommend to all, but after a long break at home in the YO I’m excited to continue my overall Walsh experience.

Walsh U has made some pretty impressive additions since my absence such as the trendy new look cafeteria, as well as the great additions to the overall sporting complex.  I also noticed the game room is fully operational serving food and drinks while you enjoy a game of billiards with friends.  Well I wish I had more, but like you I am still very busy getting back in the swing of things, so until next time, stay warm, work hard to play hard, and good luck!

Since October 26, and for the next month I am enrolled in Kaplan’s Law School Admission Test preparation course.  It is a intensive course that meets three times a week in either a physical or virtual classroom with instructors and students from across the world.  So far it has been quite grueling, but if you dont mind a challenge and could use some extra help getting into Law school then I highly recommend this program.  The sad truth about applying to Law school is that your undergraduate GPA, however high doesnt do you very good, in fact youre GPA can really only hurt you!  This test is THE deciding factor on whether or not you get into a law school, your desired law school, and most importantly is the difference between extravagant tuition fees or scholarships to keep you from having loans until you’re 100 years old.  To find out more about this course, which I have found very helpful so far, you can check it out at Kaptest.com or call 1800-kaptest. 

Wow, I didnt want to just focus mainly on the LSAT and advocate my savior Kaplan, but to tell you the truth it is the only thing on my mind right now.  If anyone is interested, or can help me with preparing for the LSAT and law school after that, please let me know and I’ll keep updating my progress throughout this long journey.  Anyway, it’s nice to be home and back at the daily grind that is working towards your future.  Good luck with all your endeavours throughout the rest of the fall semester. Remember, Christmas break isnt that far away!

Sorry for the lapse between my last update, but like I said earlier this trip is quite fast paced and it’s easy to get caught up in the experience.  I want to start off by talking about our last group trip to historical Florence.  We visited three major sites in Florence: the Uffizi Museum, the Academy, and the massive Florence cathedral which is better known as the “Duomo.”  Of the three, for me the most impressive work of art that I saw in Florence was Michelangelo’s David.  The sculpture of David is located in the Academy where people flock to see the confidence and strength that David displays before battling the mighty Goliath.  As for tourism in Florence there is plenty to go around, and the famous Lorenzo market proved to be the best place to bargain for souvenirs.  In the market you can find 100% cashmere scarves, 100% silk ties, and genuine Italian leather for bottom line prices!  The reasoning behind this is because all of the products originate from here, as well as famous Italian fashion designers such as Gucci, Prada, and Armani. 

          A little night life in Florence

Last weekend was especially great for me because I was able to meet up with my dad and his girlfriend in Amsterdam.  “His girlfriend” refers to Juliette who is a great addition to our family.  We travelled to Amsterdam to meet Juliette’s enormous family, who were a blast to hang out with.  Overall, Amsterdam was a terrific time, and it’s great that we have free weekends so you can see even more of Europe. Now I want to get to the subject of this particular blog which is “Vatican Week.”  Vatican week is comprised of a series of guided tours and visits to various places throughout Vatican City.  The importance of the Vatican was made clear right away on our first tour of the underground mausoleums and the historic tomb of St. Peter.  Only a few hundred out of thousands who apply are able to take the tour under Vatican City, and as Walsh students we had this privilege. Throughout the mausoleums and various excavations we were able to see the final resting place of Popes throughout the centuries.  During Vatican week Danilo, who is our “golden ticket” to all places throughout Italy, came through once again.  With his official Vatican document in hand we were able to skip the MASSIVE lines, which prompted the Swiss Guards to salute, and angry onlookers to stare in disbelief. 

                            Florence Skyline

Day two of Vatican week we took a guided tour through parts of the 5 mile long Vatican museum.  The Vatican museum is full of priceless treasures and masterpieces from all around the world.  The tour through the museum ends in the ever famous Sistine Chapel.  Our tour guide Leonardo was exceptional, and he blew us away when he revealed that he was actually the head of restorations for Michelangelo’s masterpiece that covers the interior of the Sistine chapel.  As a group we will be making a trip back to the Vatican September 30^th where we have an official audience with none other than the Pope himself.  At that time I’m told the Pope may officially announce that Walsh University students are amongst the audience, which would be incredible!

         Some of the girls in Vatican Square

This upcoming weekend we will be travelling to Naples, where pizza was invented, Pompeii, where the city and people are still frozen in volcanic ash (Come on that’s awesome!), and Sorrento, where we are staying and can once again hit the beach!  Well that’s it for now, there are only two weeks left of this unforgettable journey, so I’m going to sign off until…next week.

Ciao

            I can’t vow for all study abroad programs, but I can say the program in Rome has been both very fast and entertaining.  What I mean by fast is that not only does the time fly because we are so busy, but the program is literally 2 months long compared to the normal 4 and a half month semester.  Yet it offers enough credits to be a full-time student!  This fact in itself is truly a blessing.  Think about what you could do with all that extra time… work more to earn some much needed denaro, take prep courses for the LSAT like me (wait, that’s a terrible idea), or a personal fantasy of mine- do nothing but sit on your couch watching every single college and professional football game until January (ahh… glorious). 

            Don’t get me wrong, the experience in Rome is no cake walk.  On the contrary we are kept extremely busy and by the end of the day bed feels like a million dollars.  However, if you feel the need to move at the pace of Superman, order an Espresso shot at the nearest café/bar in Italy and you’ll feel the rocket-fueled kick in the rear that is Italian coffee.  Come to think of it, I could really use an Espresso right now because I am exhausted.

Some of the girls enjoying their free weekend in Paris.

            Truly this trip so far has been unbelievable, and is one of those once in a lifetime opportunities that you just can’t pass up.  On that note, I think I’m going to hit the hay because we have an early day tomorrow.  Friday we are off to Florence which is sure to be a treat; I’ll fill you in on the trip next week.

Arrivederci!

I’ve been meaning to update everyone on our travels in Rome; however I didn’t want to follow up the masterpiece that was last week’s blog with a crummy, let-down of a sequel.  On the contrary, I decided to take my time and produce for you a Godfather 2, The Empire Strikes Back type sequel that is sure to endure as much as the original.  Ok, ok- I’ll admit, the experience here in Italy speaks for itself, so I’ll stop my personal grandstanding and get to the good stuff.

VENICE.  Venice is a unique city unlike any you have ever seen.  The ancient city is completely surrounded by the Adriatic Sea and is more or less a man made marvel.  This past weekend the group and I had the pleasure of staying in Venice and it surely didn’t disappoint.  Right away it is clear that Venice is different. I was amazed once I grasped that the use of cars, trucks, etcetera in Venice is virtually non-existent, and the only means of transportation is by various forms of boats. This oddity, especially to us Ohioans, is an adventure in itself.  As your ferry or taxi boat brings you from port to port you’ll travel on various “water roadways,” possibly abide by certain buoy floating “street” signs, and to your surprise you’ll see perfectly normal looking gas stations and mechanic shops to fix or “fill her up” on the way to your destination.

             Travel along the Venetian waterways

Any whoo, although those little historical details about Venice are fascinating to see firsthand, I can understand if they read like your standard Chemistry book (sorry medical field).  So shall we skip dinner and get right to dessert?  BEACHES!!!  I know I’ve mentioned hitting the beach before, but in sub 100 degree weather, honestly, what sounds better?  Let me paint a picture for you; Italy, a responsible consumer’s paradise.  (In college terminology this translates to BYOB everywhere!)  So there I was parched from the blistering Venetian sun, yet with a wide grin on my face that knew I would shortly be on the beach with friends, beautiful native Venetians, and your favorite insert here, Mojito, Corona, Piná Colada, among other drinks to quench one’s thirst.  However, like the good Captain says, “Drink Responsibly.” 

On the Venice trip, like usual our Rome experience, “Consigliere” Danilo Mori came through again with a gem of a tour at the CAM glass sculpting factory, located on the island of Murano.  Before I proceed with the website and pictures of some of the masterpieces that are Murano glass, I’d like to apologize to all husbands and boyfriends beforehand, because this information acts as the “Pandora’s Box” of avid shoppers everywhere.  Here is the website, www.cam-murano.com and a few pictures of the breath taking works of art. 

 A small fraction of the magnificent works of art.

During our time in Venice we made everlasting memories and explored truly awe inspiring historical sites such as the famous Piazza San Marco, where the glorious San Marco church is located, and the magnificent Rialto Bridge.  The greatest part about this trip is that even though we had to leave such a great place like Venice, the itinerary for the week ahead and for the rest of the trip never ceases to get even better.  Throughout this past week we explored mysterious catacombs, remnants of the glorious emperor’s palace on Palatine hill, and all the while you can’t help but realize that amongst all of this illustrious history you are in turn discovering yourself and carving your own unique path through this enormous, crazy, beautiful place we call Earth.

                                        Piazza San Marco

Well that’s it for now; however before I go I’d like to leave you with a quote from the ever-wise Renaissance man, Leonardo Da Vinci. ——“It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.”

ROME.  This is where I have been for the past week and a half and so far it has been unbelievable.  I am in Rome for the Fall I program and am staying at the Walsh university campus in Castel Gandolfo, Rome.  Basically I am staying in Rome, various parts of Italy and other countries throughout Europe for 8 weeks.  Did I mention it’s not just me embarking on this journey, but I am accompanied by eleven fellow Walsh students (whom all happen to be women, but that’s besides the point haha).  As well as our esteemed professor from Walsh Dr. Kai Brunkalla, who is a native of Germany with a flavorful sense of humor, and also our travel guide, Italian teacher, event organizer, and all around Renaissance man Dr. Danilo Mori who fits the Italian cliché of knowing someone, who is related to someone, who in turn knows someone else! 

I could literally write about the various sites I’ve seen and the experiences I have had for days and I have only been here for a fraction of the time.  However, in order to not steer you away I’ll refrain from supersizing this blog and will merely give you a taste of what the group in Rome has done so far and of the grandeur path that lies ahead.  For me, day one immediately began as a jaw-dropper.  Picture this, a macho man that I claim to be steps out of the very famous Roma Termini train station only to be confronted by the magnificent COLISEUM!  Words cannot describe how stunned I was; put it this way— a pick pocketing gypsy with no arms could have made away with all my belongings right then and there.

             The group inside the Coliseum

Throughout the rest of the first week we walked through various awe inspiring sites such as the Roman Forum, which acted as the city square of Rome and of whose remnants reflect Rome’s illustrious history.  On the second day we took a tour through the Coliseum, which I believe should be on everyone’s bucket list of places to not only see, but stand in and feel the power that forever echoes through the grand arches.  Next we made our way to the Pantheon which till this day is still a marvel of architectural achievement and is another can’t miss site in Rome.  Whew!  I am only at 3 of about 100 unforgettable sites that we have already seen and I believe I am starting to sound like a History buff who you’re thinking about hitting the snooze button on.  So in order to keep the crowd coming back for more I’ll leave you with a preview of what’s to come.

The next time I sign back in I’ll give you the unique and flavorful details of my weekend in Cinque Terre, where I was accompanied by a few of my fellow students.  Also, you will receive a taste of nightlife, which so far in Cinque Terre and Rome has been second to none.   Week two has been just as adventurous and our weekend ahead will be in Venice where gondolas tow lovers from port to port and the Vino never runs dry.  Until next time…Arrivederci and Good Luck with the upcoming school year.

       Some of the Group and myself in Cinque Terre