Just a Few Quick Things

I just wanted to write down a few things to update on life recently... short and sweet! Niraj is still in final mode and I've been busy working and planning our upcoming trips, so there are only a few interesting tidbits beyond that.

First fun thing: Niraj and I went to a BYOB event with the wine club last weekend. I thought the event was such a great idea that I had to share it! Since we were all coming back from winter vacation, the idea was to bring a bottle of wine that was either from the place you went over break or from someplace you'd like to go. So as we opened each bottle, people had to tell their story about why/how they chose their wine. It ended up being very interesting! People brought wines from all over Italy and Europe, and there were even a couple from the States that were brought back. It gave us a chance to try MANY different types of wines, and I just thought the whole idea of it was very clever. So, may have to do that again sometime!

Another interesting event that I wanted to share has been regards what the school has been doing to raise money for Haiti. A friend of ours here in Niraj's program has spent many years in Haiti working with "Partners in Health." He was obviously very affected by the tragedy from last week and put in a great deal of time and effort to raise money for the organization through the school. In addition to putting out jars for loose change and setting up websites where people can donate larger amounts, last night was a big "Charitivo" (charity apperitivo) to cap it all off. Myself and the other "ladies of leisure" made appetizer dishes, and people could donate money to buy a small plate of food and some beer/wine. There were people in town that work with the Partners in Health, so the money from the past week was presented to them to take to Haiti. There was an amazing turnout, and last I heard the school ended up raising over 2500 euros!! It was incredible to see people come together and give, even though we are half a world away.

So, guess that's about all for now. We are leaving on Wednesday for Spain and are getting so incredibly anxious! It has been freezing in Bologna this past week, so a bit of sunshine and *hopefully* warm weather is calling our names. Then, from there we head straight to Vienna for the big ball... so next time I write there will be much to talk about!!

Ciao tutti!