This is a bunch of BLOGna!

**Note: Post date is July 3, 2009**

The sun was shining and the air was full of nothingness. We all slept in for there was nothing better to do, we had lunch on the boat to curve expenses and then set off into the hustling and bustling streets of Civitavecchia. There was nothing to do. The town was small and there wasn’t even a mall or movie theater which would have been automatic choices in a town of nothing to do. We made it to the beach which was a little more exciting but we were meeting up with Kate at 5 so our time was limited. We all decided to lounge by the pool on the boat. Lame. But I did play ping pong with Rachel who happens to be a beast at the sport. Let’s say she modestly defeated my existence.

After dinner on the boat which was delicious fried fish, we were ready to go out for one final time in this ever so amusing town. I have to admit it got a little better, with some pizza by the water and of course gelato. We were actually enjoying ourselves. Becca and I sang a little through the streets and we even did some harmony. I miss singing. I can't wait for the talent show. No matter where we are, spending time with each other never fails. A couple of us also had some Preseco which is similar to champagne but supposedly better. I wouldn't know for I'm not qualified to I first heard of it in my European Union class. It is becoming a large item in Italy and Europe. If I could bring liquids on the boat I would be happy to bring it back to the States but that is not allowed due to SAS restrictions on alcohol. Sometimes I hate being treated like a child, but I guess that’s what happens when certain people make poor decisions.

Speaking of poor decisions we should have stayed in Rome. I promise that is the last you will hear of it. Mostly because tonight we leave for Naples, Italy. On ship time is 9pm and we depart at 11. We arrive in Naples in the morning. I hope it is a bit more vibrant than this costal town. Some say they enjoy the intimate setting compared to the large city of Rome. The interaction with the locals is a desired experience but to what extent does this interaction happen besides asking questions in Italian?

Alex, the tour guide from Rome, says that Naples is a dangerous and ghetto town so I’m not quite set on it being vibrant, but coming from New York how bad can it be? I look forward to a change in atmosphere though. Tonight A.B.A. along with Nicole, Nico and Shannon all sat around the computer and watched Slum Dog Millionaire. (Erika made me give her a massage. I hate giving massages. I get so bored.) I never saw it and the hype around it is quite large. Being a drama major and producing minor I am constantly judging. I can’t watch a movie or any media for that matter without a critical eye. I absolutely loved the movie. My only judgment is that the screenplay was a bit corny, but besides that it certainly deserved its recognition at the Academy Awards.

Kevin went swimming yesterday and water got in his ear and it made his earwax swell. He has been having difficulty hearing all day and it has been quite comical, but it has also presented itself as an issue as well. After the movie it was time for bed. I had forgotten my Id in the room so unfortunately I had to wake Kevin and Bo who I had thought had already gone to bed. I knocked on the door quietly at first and no one answered. I increased the intensity each time in hopes that one of them would hear it. After a while of that business it seemed clear that either weren't there or they were in a deep sleep. I had Becca give the room a call and still no answer. I searched the boat and found Bo. After I get entry to the room there is Kevin knocked out. He slept through minutes of banging on the door and the loud ringing of the phone. I don't think he put any motion sickness medication but then I remember he can't hear. The doctor gave him medication so maybe he will be able to hear by the morning.

With a morning arrival in Naples, that also means I’ll be venturing out on my own to the small town of Montemurro, Italy. Here I will see the town that my Great-Great Grandparents came from in the 1900s. I am excited yet nervous for this expedition from Naples to Potenza and from Potenza to the actual town. I bought an Italian phrase book to help me communicate with the locales along the way. I’m sure it will come in handy. It covers so many areas of travel and living within the country. I hope for safe and simple travels. Wish me luck.

Today’s Expenses:
……………..…........Euros……Dollars
Internet Café…..5.00.……..7.25
Dinner…………......6.00.……..8.70
Gelato…………......3.00.……..4.35

Total………….......14.00.……20.30

Now we set sail along the coast of Italy. I wish I was there.

Tomorrow.

Explore. Dream. Discover.

~Michael-Anthony

P.S. The Mcdonalds in Civitavecchia doesn’t have WiFi