Right off the bat I felt home. I took in the musical rhythms and intonations of the Italian language from locals and despite the language barrier I felt at peace and knew enough Italian 101 to save me in times of need. My first train ride through the hills of Italian countryside was while the sun was setting and upon arriving at the Orvieto train station, Claudio picked me up in his white Jeep ranger, and we headed up the cliff. It was surreal navigating up the side of a cliff, soaking it in that the 1000 year old town on top of it would be my home for the next six weeks.
One thing that I will never forget is how lovely the locals of Orvieto were, and how many travelers end up returning to the Umbria region to call it their own home. Each Wednesday and Saturday in the Piazza del Popolo there would be a large market with local meats and cheeses, clothes, purses, kitchenware and fabric. My favorite cafe, Clandestino was on Corso Cavour, the main "road", which connected the Piazza del Repubblica and Piazza del Duomo, which held the most extravagant, glorious Duomo. It is truly the prize structure of this town, alongside the charming central clocktower. Each Thursday evening, a meet up group for Italians and English speakers would gather at a bar, and I had the chance to have lovely exchanges with many Orvietans. Some of which enhanced my entire time in the city. The organizer, Marina, was one of the fascinating women who I learned so much from. Laura and Jeanne also became friends with whom I shared glasses of wine over great conversation, and Alba, the other study abroad coordinator, is one of the most incredible women I have ever met, with a smile that will melt your heart and give you peace when you need it most.
Over the course of our time in Orvieto, I worked on memorizing the Bell Song from Delibes' Lakme. Though I did not have the opportunity to perform it, I am thankful to have it ready for AIMS, while also polishing other audition pieces. It was a very rewarding time working with Dr. Stuckey, and over the weeks of training, my voice has developed in new and exciting ways, and I was able to perform a number of times, including during the tour of the Opera House, as well as for the mayor! Our pianist, Riccardo, a born and raised Orvietan, helped make the first U of A music program in Italy a success, and with a gentle heart and beautiful piano playing, I am thankful I got to meet and work with such a cohesive dynamic and made a friend in the process.
I visited MANY places each week while in Italy. Naples, Pompeii, Tivoli, Paestum, Rome, Perugia, Florence, Milan and Venice. There is so much to see in Italy, and not enough time to see it all! It is just another reason for me to say, "until next time".
The food and wine were outrageously good, and I had enough pizza for a lifetime. I was lucky to visit Cantine Neri, the region's winery, twice. I postponed my train leaving Orvieto to celebrate Jeanne's birthday and one last hoorah with my favorite people at the winery. After a gorgeous sunset, a breathtaking view of Orvieto, and a few glasses of local wine, I sang Caro nome and we all enjoyed her birthday cake.
I feel immensely lucky for my time in Italy. From the people, to the food, to the sites, the good times, bad times, and the life lessons I gathered from it all. It felt both like an entire lifetime and a split second all at the same time. I look forward to the next time I get to spend an evening watching the Orvieto sunset, taking in the sounds of the local festival trumpets, and living like a true local.
The UA study abroad program ended on June 24th, and I left on Sunday for Venice. I spent a day in Venice and hopped on the Flixbus for Graz, Austria, hauling 70 lbs of luggage. I spent the evening in an Airbnb, dropped most of my luggage off at the AIMS dorms called the Heim, and jumped on another Flixbus headed to Budapest for a 5 day adventure.
Those five days in Budapest were perhaps the best days of my life, and most of my experience was not recorded through photos. I was so busy having fun with people at my hostels, swimming in the incredible baths, and eating the best Hungarian food you could ask for. By far, my favorite two days were the last ones I spent in a tiny hostel called Budapest Bubble. It quickly became my home, and a piece of my heart will remain there forever. From it's cute and charming decor, to the delightful souls that managed it, and the acoustic music that helped me through an emotional evening, the energy of this hostel felt like pure love and calm.
It was a bittersweet moment getting back onto the Flixbus towards Graz. I was left with the feeling of uncertainty that anything ahead would compare to the beautiful experience I had in Budapest. Graz has been it's own caliber of splendor since I have arrived though, and nothing could prepare me for the amount of inspiration that has been stirring within me. Being around so many talented and motivated singers confirms for me my own joy and passion for this career. My weekly schedule is packed to the brim with acting classes, audition technique seminars, voice coaches, lessons and studio time, auditions for concerts and work study. With everything on my plate, I have never felt more comfortable and ready for each day.
It is Day 7 of being in Graz since writing this post, and only Day 2 of actual classes. With 5 more weeks, I assure you more will be posted now that I have an easy laptop setup in the Heim. Pictures below are in order, from my arrival in Rome to travelling throughout Italy and Budapest... up until our last night's Governor's Reception at the Schloss Eggenberg Castle in Graz! Enjoy!
