new blog

I never thought I would say this, but I have created a second blog! It is called 'Ciao Bella' and it will track my progress in learning Italian as well as some cultural tidbits I learn along the way. Check it out!

http://ciaociaobellaitalia.blogspot.co.uk/

mini breaks!

All my classes finished last week! All I have left to do is write my dissertation, so I thought it would be good to get some travelling in before I start writing. I had originally planned on just going to Stockholm for the weekend, but my friend convinced me to go to Rome with her for a few days! (Really, it took about 5 minutes before I was sold on the idea.)

Stockholm was gorgeous! I think it is one of my favourite places I have ever been. All the canals and water ways made for some lovely cityscapes. I also found a new favourite gallery! Check out  Fotografiska if you ever visit. I think the Helena Blomqvist series was my favourite on display at the moment. >>  Fotografiska Website

I thoroughly enjoyed Stockholm, but then I headed to Roma and was overwhelmed with all my old feelings of Italy being the best place on earth! I had forgotten how much I loved it and how resentful I am that I was not born there! haha =) I got to go back to the Coloseum, the Roman Forum, St Peter's Basilica and many other wonderful places-including my favourite gelateria Della Palma!! So exciting to have gelato in my life again (even if it was for a brief period!)

 
Now on to finishing my individual project and writing my dissertation!

I'll Have Another

Held a Derby party in St Andrews for my coursemates! It was really fun! We watched some races, had some southern food and had a good time all around!

 The mini Kentucky Derby pies were amazing!! Here is the recipe!

 Laura won the Southern accent contest with her phrase "squirrelly yankee." Haha! =)

 The winners of the Kentucky Derby trivia quiz.

All in all, a fun night!

Edinburgh Zoo or Ni Hao Xiongmao

Monday, I went with my friends Louise, Jamie and Liu to Edinburgh. It was a great trip! We started off with a (free!) visit to the zoo!

 

  Then we went to Luppy Lornas for tea and cake =)

Then we went shopping and made an emergency stop at IKEA since I had never been (I know!) Very fun day =)