Second Dark Heart Entry

I haven't had a chance to read through the City of Fallen Angels, so I continued reading through the Dark Heart. From reading the chapter on taxes, it seems like everyone in Italy is out to cheat everyone else. Although, I am sure this is not completely true, but the extra taxed and fees that Jones, and everyone else in Italy encouters is something that wouldn't be stood for in America. If a bank had all of the sudden chosen to deduct random fees from their paying customers, there would surely be an outroar from their customers. However, it seems that in Italy, every bank does this, it has become common place to extract several random fees. In America this would be looked at as a scam, and there might even be a TV special to inform the public that there are (almost suprisingly) people out there that might do this. While in Italy, it has become a part of thier lives, something that they, without a choice, got used to.

The Dark Heart Of Italy

After reading a few chapters of the book, I haven't found too much that would related to our environmental project. The only part that I could find that would relate to our project was the problem with reform. The book spoke about how everything was related to politics, and how the two political parties were always fighting. It seemed like from the book that just about everything had the possibility to become a political clash, regardless of the actual problem. This may be a little of a stretch, but this could run our group into trouble if we do try to pursue some traffic reforms. Also the book speaks about how Italians are very appearance conscious. This could possibly work in our favor, by improving the environment, we might be able to improve the appearance of the city itself.

-Lester

Phrases

As requested by Fabio, I am posting some Italian phrases that I would like to learn before the term has ended.

2 Verbs
-To Have (Possessive)
-To See

10 NOUNS
-Sir -Building
-Miss -Bar/Restaurant
-Boat -Bathroom
-Street -Check
-Canal -Waiter/ess

5 PHRASES
-How do you get to....?
-How much does this cost?
-Can you help me?
-Where are we?
-What time is it?

I finally started the Rosetta Stone squence. It seems pretty good, I haven't learned too much, but I am optimistic about it. Also, yesterday I went into Boston's North End for dinner (the Italian part of Boston). The food was delicious, which makes me want to experience real Italian dining even more. I also wonder what the people are going to be like and whether my experience in the North End will be similar to that of Venice.

Start Of Break

Hey

I just got back home for break. I'm going to start studying more Italian soon. I haven't gotten too far in my Italian, but I hope to get a good start soon. I'll post again soon!

Lester

I'm pumped to go to Venice next year. I've always wanted to go there, its just so unique. No cars, just boats, something that will take getting used to, but also something that I'm excited for. I've heard great things about the Venice trip, and I'm sure I won't be disapointed. It'll be so cool to live in a different country for 7 weeks, I've never been outside of the country for even close to that long. Also, from what I hear, the food is fantastic, and I'm wicked excited to just pig out over there.

I need to start to get into learning Italian more, its not something that I don't want to do, infact I was excited to learn a new language. However, its just hard to fit in. I have started to use the Rosetta Stone program, it seems alright so far, I think I'm learning the basics pretty well. That's about it for now.