Hello

These last couple weeks have flown by. Last weekend, my friends and I went to Acapulco. I know, I know. Acapulco is just an American tourist attraction and would not help me with my Spanish. But I really wanted to have a break and go to the beach and this was the perfect opportunity. Let´s just say that I had a good time and that mexicanos know how to dance. The water was dirty, but the night life was incredible. This is coming from a person that does not like to party.
This past weekend, we went to Taxco. It´s this small town on the side of a mountain known for its silver mines. There was so much jewelry there. It was ridiculous. Luckily, I don´t like to shop all that much.
My friends and I also found the black market of Cuernavaca. You can find everything for very cheap. It´s totally illegal. The venders pay the cops to look the other way, and that´s how things are done down here. I´m having a great time. Almost too fun for a study abroad program. I´m taking plenty of pictures and will post them on facebook as soon as I get home.

I hope all is well. Have a wonderful summer.

Demetra

Sorrento

Hey gang!

I just got back from a relaxing weekend in Sorrento, Ialy. This is a region on the southern coastline of Italy famous for pizza and limoncello (alcoholic limon licour). i got to swim in the famous Blue Grotto and wander the streets of the ancient city of Pompeii. check out my picture drop to see for yourself!

http://italianbene.shutterfly.com

Ciao!

Ben

Mexico Update

Hola,

I am finally getting used to it here- the language, the people, the places. Thank goodness! Anyway, this weekend I had my first night out on the town. Mis amigos and I went to a club-bar in downtown Cuernavaca. I had my first drink in Mexico and have decided that I really do not like the taste of alcohol. But as many people have informed me, it is an acquired taste.
On Saturday, a group of students and I went to the towns of Cholula and Puebla. Cholula is famous for having the largest pyramid volume-wise, and Puebla is the fourth largest city in Mexico with numerous shops and great places to eat.
I hope all is well with everyone else. For now, I´m content in saying that I´m working hard to learn the language and am having fun in Cuernavaca.

Italian Update

Hey gang!

It's been a while since i posted here, and a lot has happened! My weekend in Cinque Terre was relaxing and beautiful (with the exception of a great sunburn!) and this past weekend, we went to Munich, Germany. Molly, I am a little jealous. I loved Germany! Nights at the Haufbrauhaus were an incredible experience, and a visit to Dachau and the "Disney" castle evened out the fun with more, uh, cultured experiences. As usual, I am excited for all of you who can to go abroad. it's amazing the things you learn about yourself when placed out of the ordinary living space. just as college was a time of this type of growth, studying abroad is even greater still!

Upcoming events in Ben's Life: Midterms, visit to the Amalfi Coast, Barcelona, and Finals! only 4 weeks to go!

-Ben

PS - pics from Cinque Terre and Munich are up on my web site:
http://italianbene.shutterfly.com