General chaos...

Soooo life is interesting today and this week.

First thing personally is having to find a different third course after it seems that I was misinformed by the university about the schedule of the one I was going to do. I could go into more detail, but I don't really feel like it. Hopefully I will work it out soon enough!

Second thing: this week I have noticed protests about a new law regarding schools, both high schools (and maybe lower) and the university. While I have had class, I get the feeling that there is a possibility of lessons just stopping for a day or two at some point (see below), and there have been protests at the school all week. I am trying to inform myself right now more about what is objectionable about the law... but at the same time I just watch and skirt around the protests. I am more of an observer than anything, plus the Office of International Programs at Georgetown specifically says not to get involved in any political protests. :-)

Third thing, which affects (and maybe is caused by?) the second thing: Apparently tomorrow there is a national general strike, which for me affects a) the public buses that I use to get EVERYWHERE, b) the train I was going to take to Genoa to see Deneb tomorrow, and maybe c) lessons and buildings being open at schools in Florence. I actually don't have class anyway because my professor will be in San Marino, but I was going to meet for the first time with a tutor here at the university... but I may have to reschedule for a different date or at least a different location.

I am most annoyed about the strike and the way it is affecting my weekend plans. But in general, all of this is definitely keeping me on my toes. I am trying to stay informed of the disruptions and what they mean to me, but it honestly is a bit difficult. I think tonight I may ask my Italian family to help explain exactly what the strike tomorrow is going to affect. I am really just not used to this, and it is a very interesting study in methods of protest and political expression in society. Sure there are protests and strikes also in the US, but I have never experienced all around disruption of this type.

I need to be going pretty soon for my second class of the day. Since my first one happened I am assuming this one will as well...

I will keep you all updated on my progress in figuring out courses and how to get to Genoa!