Week 1 = done

hok, so...

Since I left you, a lot has happened. We finally had orientation to get a better grasp on what will be going on here this summer. The program is going to be crazy! We have so many scholars coming in for classes, guest lectures, the conference, etc. I cant wait to meet so many people actively involved in multiple areas of art crime fighting. There will be lawyers, professors, law enforcers, museum directors, etc. Every single person has one thing in common and, I have noticed this with even just the students, this commonality creates this level of excitement, camaraderie, and desire to get the ball rolling on policies and procedures that will combat art crime. And yes, I know at some point I am going to sound nerdy and all weird like a wannabe super hero. Maybe Ill make a mask and wear it when I write and research.

But, anyways, we also did really cool stuff around the city these past few days. We climbed to the top of the city and went in to their cathedral. The city's patron saint is San Fermina who was captured here and burned at the stake. They actually have this column sitting inside the church. Kinda creepy. But we also went down into the old roman cisterns. This place was really cold and wet and dark, but cool too. They were used until 1945 actually, which means the

concept of running water is still new to this town (thank god they have it now). So after a lot of walking around, we had a short lecture by Noah, the head of ARCA, and then the city of Amelia put on a banquet for us. This part was really awesome. Some cute old woman made all the regional specialties which included risotto balls, roasted zucchini and eggplant, some seafood pasta salad, and a variety of dessert- including tiramisu!!!!! So delicious. They also had the flag throwers come and perform for us. Imagine Under the Tuscan Sun. These guys are the #2 team right now, and have a competition next weekend they want us to cheer them on at. Hopefully they will become #1!

It was a very wonderful welcoming into the town. Everyone is very nice and appreciates us being here. This was nice because, as a foreigner, you always feel a little intrusive. There are a few local restaurants that have made special menus for us, and so far I have not been disappointed in what they make. The pizza is so good- very thin crust and not all covered in sauce and cheese like american pizza. Also, all pasta dishes are hands down the best ever and they certainly love their meat here. The level of flavor is just so different and has everything to do with the freshness of produce.

I wish I could eat more like this in the states. Thank god I have a long walk every day or all this food would take its toll.

So this weekend I have a lot of reading to do and preparing for the first week of class. It is with Noah and we are going to get a great foundation of knowledge for the future courses and conference. Fingers crossed I find an area I want to focus on for my thesis.

Ciao for now.