arielarena | Entries tagged with milan

Art and Copy. Started out confused as to what I was supposed to do. Teacher explained that this was a weird day as we usually get a client who gives us a brief and then we begin working on it. Starts with ideas, then sketches (on paper) and then once teachers have looked the stuff over we move onto the computer. Most of the work sounds like it's done in class but I assume edits are done on our own. Also, today I actually talked to other NABA students. Well, they came to me, which was very nice considering the whole "Adri is shy" thing. One girl, Alessandra, speaks very good English and introduced me to some of her friends when we got coffee over break at the NABar (yeah, they totally call it that). I think I have class with her again tomorrow and may swap into the motion graphics class her friend is in (he's very nice and willing to translate his Italian despite saying he speaks English badly). Another girl, Silvia, wants to go to Pratt for the exchange and showed me her portfolio. I liked it and think she could get in, I hope she does. I told her if she gets in I'll be back at Pratt that semester and we exchanged email addresses. She also introduced me to some of her friends but they were about to leave so we didn't really talk. After class I met up with my Scoula Leonardo friends at Mayflower for lunch. We're going to see Revolutionary Road tonight in Italian. Should be entertaining.

So yeah, today was very good socially. The class seems to be more of the same stuff I've done but that could be good. The teachers showed us some commercials that were funny and I have no idea what the significance of that is in relation to what we will be doing but it could be a fun class. At least I know some people in it, so that's always a plus. It's also nice that they're willing to re-explain things to me in English if I'm lost (even if I think I get it for the most part this is good).

On a sad note, my headphones decided to break so I headed over the Italian Best-Buy equivalent called Media World and was SO tempted to get this sweet alarm clock (I do need an alarm clock, I wasn't just "HOLY SHIT I MUST HAVE THIS ALARM CLOCK BECAUSE IT IS COOL! FRIVOLOUS SPENDING FTW!") that has an iPod base, CD player and radio. Question is, can I wake up to any of those options or is it only alarm-radio, because that would be lame. If so, there's one that's the same price that has two alarms and you CAN wake up to a CD. In conclusion, Media World is love.

Weather sucks today. Currently happy inside apartment with small mug of tea (my mugs are huge, this is like a slightly larger Italian cup). Movie later.

P.S. Had dream where Whoopi Goldberg was trying to take my eyes. With a spoony thing. WTF BRAIN?!

P.P.S. Read some past entries (circa 2004/2005) and while I'm glad they aren't all "angst angst angst bitch bitch bitch" it reinforces this fact: I am a loser. In the best sense of the word...but still, loser. Looked at memories, too, and realized that the SBMB Oldies had lots of plans, like Mildred's Kilt and a Badger Colony. What happened to these things? Did we all grow up and get jaded? Mildred's Kilt could still totally happen, you know. It really should. I need somewhere to work after school is over.

Current Music: Start Wearing Purple- Gogol Bordello

Ridiculously lazy day. Class wasn't that special either. He talked about stuff that I couldn't quite understand (language barrier, how I hate you) but the gist was that we will be incorporating image and type and whatnot from the various Creative Suite programs and making, at least for the first assignment, posters. So far I'm not that enthused. Then he showed us examples of work that I'm assuming came from the previous year. He seemed to like the ones that used hand drawn images and illustrator-text and photography together. I think they looked too busy and many were illegible. The few that I did like he said didn't quite get the whole "multi layer" thing down (or that's what I think he said). At the end of class he talked to me in stilted English, which was very kind of him, and explained that our first project is based on this social design zine's project called "Basta" ("Stop" in Italian) and it can be anything like, "Basta la guerra" (stop the war) or "basta hip hop music" (his example, not mine). It sounds like I need to have a brief for next week on what I want to do. The question is, is this a series of posters or just one? Because I think it's one and I think he's giving us a month to do it...I think he mentioned that we do about three or four projects during the semester. I know that we have long term projects at Pratt, too, but is it just me or does this seem like an excessive amount of time for (I'm assuming) one poster?

Tomorrow is Art and Copy. It is SO FUCKING LONG (9 AM - 1 PM) that it had BETTER be good or I am going to cut a bitch. Seriouly, out of all of the classes I have I'm considering dropping this one the most. This or multilayer (which could be fun if I ignore most of the design rules we've been taught at Pratt...may be good for me, you never know). Mostly because I just don't want to take a four hour class if it's boring. I do, however, want to move my lettering class to tomorrow but will talk to Aleksandra about that later.

People at Pratt RIGHT now: What are you guys taking next semester? I asked in my last post and NONE OF YOU ANSWERED because you are obviously losers. :-) Tell me so I can make a schedule that doesn't suck ass!

First day of NABA classes. The first went pretty well. It's an after effects class but I already know the program so that makes life way easier. Also, he talks while doing what he's talking about on the computer so I can follow that way. Wish I knew how to get onto the NABA wifi, then I'd be set. Sadly it requires managing proxy settings manually (which I have the info for) and then signing on with a password. I thought I knew my password...apparently not. May have to ask Aleksandra for help on that later. Second class was history of graphic design. Did not understand much but he uses slides and gave us artist names. Can find other info that way (like time period and whatnot). Talked to him after class about exams and it sounds like there is only one exam where he shows a slide and we identify artist/year made/period/etc (much like Pratt) and some oral exam...this last part makes me nervous but he said it's all very easy. Considering how people were talking throughout the lecture I think the students here don't care much about the art history classes.

Tomorrow I have multi-layer at 5:30-7:30 PM and nothing in the morning. May swap into morning after effects class instead of doing it on Monday so I don't have such a dead Tuesday and can do a late morning on Mondays. Teacher has offered this so I know it would be okay. I have his email if I decide to switch. No idea what multi-layer is but I think it involves photoshop...? Will see tomorrow.

Rest of the week is as follows:

Tuesday- Multi Layer from 5:30-7:30 PM

Wednesday- Art and Copy (which I may drop if there is a better Wed. class, would rather take Art and Copy at Pratt if going to take it at all) from 9 AM to 1 PM

Thursday- Photography (hoping for Italian version of Kontzias as teacher) from 9-11, then Web Design from 11-1 (no idea what level of proficiency I must have for this class, hopefully will have a little review and then move onto flash or something)

Friday- Lettering from 9-11 (hear this is like calligraphy or something, may see if I can switch into Wednesday Lettering class that is from 5:30-7:30 PM)

Am now off to go get some food at the supermarket. Tonight will continue unpacking.

ETA: Birthday on Sunday. Just sayin'.

Current Music: Constance- Sisters 3

My NABA classes start tomorrow. I'm nervous for many reasons. One, I don't speak Italian very well and my classes are All IN ITALIAN. I knew this was the case but it's hit me that I am so very screwed. Two, I don't know if the schedule I made is the schedule I have. See, with the International Affairs person, Aleksandra, I made a schedule (well, she made it and I sat there hoping to get the times I wanted and while the schedule she gave me isn't ideal it'll do) and was told that there is no guarantee that I will actually get into those classes since they're mostly in computer labs and a limited number of computers means a limited number of students. Fair enough. But I haven't gotten any word from her about whether this is my actual schedule or not. Hence the confusion and uncertainty.

( Rant )

Now I'm in my new apartment, kind of loving it. It's with two other girls who are a bit older than me and are doing fashion marketing. They're from Sweden and Finland (though I don't know which girl is from which country). One of the reasons I really wanted this place, other than it being nice and close to the school, was that in the house we speak English. I'm glad that communication will be easy. Also, they're both really nice and helpful. Will post photos of new apartment later. Promise. P.S. Laura K, you can find photos of the old studio on facebook.

( Carnevale and whatnot )

Tomorrow's classes include: Motion Graphics (aka Adri Plays with After Effects, hopefully) from 9-12 and History of Graphic Design from 1-3 (or as they put it on the schedule: 13-15). Must talk to teachers about the whole "I speak English and my Italian sucks but I'm honestly trying to get better...please don't fail me" thing.

Question for Pratt Graphic Des. people (so Michele): What classes are you taking next semester and do you know what teachers you want for senior project? I want to challenge myself but also have fun. And possibly and internship. Speaking of, how does one go about getting an internship anyway?

P.S. My birthday is this next Sunday. Perhaps I should have a party on Friday or Saturday?

Current Location: Ripa di Porta Ticinese, finally! Google map it bitches

Moving can kiss my ass. How the fuck did I fit all of this shit in one suitcase three times already?!!! HOW? It's like it multiplied behind my back and now I doubt I can bring it all out in one trip. Also, forgot to mention to landlady that I will need her to call me a taxi. May have to lug shit to taxi point if she's not home. GAH HATE MOVING.

SOOOSO glad this is my last time. Moving is utter bullshit.

ETA: MOVED!

And in room # 3. The first was with the old woman who was nice, spoke no English and had no internet. The second with Romina, who spoke no English, was farther away from school but had internet and a nicer room available. This one is a studio that's near Romina's (she was kind enough to drive me over and help me move, fabulous woman), still far from school (though I may have found a bus that will make life easier), has internet, has a mini-kitchen sans oven (sadface), and is actually quite comfortable despite its small size. Next week is the final move to the final apartment that I fell in love with my first week in Milan. I can't wait to stop wandering from place to place!

Went out after move-in and met up with a girl from class, Judith. She invited me to go to apertivo (like happy hour but with more food) and I met a bunch of nice people there, too. I'd known some of them in passing but really got to hang out tonight (like the guy whose birthday it was on Thursday, Yuta, that everyone kept talking about but I had no clue who he was...now I do). I exchanged numbers with a few of them so hopefully some fun times will be had (two girls, Nadine who is also 20 and from Switzerland and Maya who is from Amsterdam and pretty much hilarious). Tarik, an older guy, has opted to be my older-brother figure. He's very nice, if a bit odd. I don't know if he gets my sense of humor so much but sometimes I don't get his so I guess that's okay. He's from Turkey. One of the comments Maya made at the end of the night is that it was a night of many languages and cultures. I think that's one of my favorite things about this school--meeting people from all over.

Next week is the Carnevale party at Mayflower. Some shopping may have to be done to get a costume of some sort together. After a week that was sort of bleh I'm finally excited again and eager to do stuff. Tomorrow most things are closed so it will be a day of cleaning and chilling but once the week starts I hope to have some serious fun.

Last night was dinner at Chabad. Went to the Rabbi's daughter's house for food. She's really young and so nice. Told me I'm welcome any time and even offered to let me stay the night in the future. She insisted that I go to dinner at her parents' next week but I may have to tell her that I can't because of this Carnevale thing...gotta check the timing on that. I don't think I could do both--they're at opposite ends of town pretty much and around the same time. Will deal with that later.

Anyway, tonight was great and I hope to do it again. Bed now.

Current Music: Sandalwood- Lisa Loeb

ETA: Embedding 'cause Nicole pointed out how to do it...my brain is not working today.

( The conversation with Nicole that led to the above filming )

Landlady has shown me again how to open the door. I used her keys and was successful on the first try. I blame my set of keys for Doormageddon '09.

ETA2: Doormageddon '09 is now just pissing me off. What the fuck door? Why the hell won't you open with my set of keys??? Am still stuck inside and landlady is at work. Do not have her contact information so am fucked. Opted to just give up as using the window as means of escape is not a good idea (we're too high up). Am missing class because I can't get out of the goddamned apartment. Will show landlady keys today and how they suck as soon as she is home. Good thing I did some shopping yesterday or I would be foodless in addition to pissed off.

ETA3: Saga continues on my twitter.

ETA4: And OUT!

Only I would run into a co-worker (from the cricket club) in Florence at a museum looking at Michelangelo's David. Like Brian said, I am a magnet.

( FLORENCE OMG! )

( PHOTOS! Oh, so image heavy! )

Current Music: Just Dance- Lady Gaga

Fuck you Milan. Every time this city and my situation seems to get better I just get fucked over again. The housing I thought was for the next two weeks is apparently for one. The room is supposedly not available after that. I specifically said TWO WEEKS. JESUS! What the fuck is wrong with this place?! And the two people I'm friends with are going back home so I won't even have them anymore. It's cold, I'm going to be in between housing AGAIN and I fucking hate moving. If I had known it was only one week I would have said fuck it and found another place. I know this was my decision and I wanted to go but I didn't think this would be such a fucking pain in the ass. I just want to have one place be my home base and that's it. I don't know what else to do but bitch about it right now since none of the other ads on Craigslist look promising and Easystaza.com is shit. GAH!!! What the fuck am I supposed to do?!

I called Mum to tell her but she's in a meeting and couldn't talk long. She has this idea of just getting a hotel room for that last week. But I don't want a hotel. I want my "permanent" housing. I want to be in ONE place and NOT have to leave. I want a kitchen I feel comfortable using and internet and a shower that isn't shitty. I want the Ripa di Porta apartment. And preferably now. Well, next Sunday.

Fuck this.

That said, I know this will work out. I'm just pissed that I keep getting screwed over. In a hour I will head to Mayflower and meet up with Anastasia and Sandra for drinks and homework and food, tell them about this and we'll laugh and thing won't seem so utterly crap. Then I'll go to class tomorrow, head back to the Old Lady Apartment and get my stuff to drop off at the Week Apartment and then head to Bonnie's and Florence will be wonderful.

I have more photos that I'll probably post once I'm back from Bonnie's.

1. I do not like my temp housing. The old lady I am staying with is nice but does not speak English at all or have the internet. I am currently at the school using their computer and keyboard, hence no contractions and potentially no punctuation.

Which is why I brought my laptop to school today.

2. My wallet is missing, possibly and now probably stolen. It had my IDs in it, my credit cards, one debit card, my health insurance card and a bunch of other cards I kept for a fucking reason in it. This pisses me off. Yesterday two friends were fantastic and went with me to the various police stations trying to find one where I could fill out a fucking report, which took way longer than it should have, and then we went out for drinks. So they are great but I still do not have a wallet. There is a possibility that I left it on the bus coming back from the outlets but I kind of doubt it since apparently one card has been used at a mall.

ETA: Yup, definitely stolen. Cards have been canceled or put on hold since they can't be canceled unless I call and I can't call right now since my minutes ran out on my cell, and I can't recharge them because I can't call to recharge them, and I don't have internet at the apartment (but am at school now using theirs) so Mum recharged it for me, because she is amazing, but it didn't work as of last night so I will try again when it's morning in the states.

3. I cannot reach said bus company yet because they probably are not open until later. Will keep calling throughout the day.

4. Do they not realize it is a fucking American credit card? Seriously. I wish they asked for ID with purchases with a credit card like they do in Brooklyn.

Bright Side

1. I still have one debit card.

2. I have my passport.

3. I have an expired STA travel ID that can work for now to bring with me.

4. I only had 50 Euro in that wallet so they did not get away with all of my money.

ETA: 5. What I forgot to mention was that I was with two friends, Sandra and Anastasia, when this happened and instead of just going to shop like they had planned, they went with me all around Milan looking for a police station and waited with me in line. Sandra went through her purchases of the day and entertained us all and kept things up beat and happy. It was the most fun I have and will ever have in a police station. Without those girls, I probably would have crawled into a corner and cried. They were also there when I was getting increasingly frustrated with this phone business and offered me their phones so I could text my mother and get my cell recharged. We'll see if my phone works later so it's not all bad. These girls are fabulous.

So I am not exactly available on the internet. If you emailed me, I have tried to respond, which really only refers to Nicole and Michele, but I cannot do facebook since you need to type an at symbol and I do not know how to do that with this keyboard. So gmail it is and not often. May move into another temp housing place that I will check out today and then will figure out payment shit. GAH I am not amused by this crap.

Am feeling somewhat bitter today that it insists on still snowing. Apparently they have not had this much snow in Milan for five years, and then it was a little bit for about four hours.

Didn't really talk to people in language class as they seem to know WAY more Italian and a majority don't speak English as their first language anyway. Feel somewhat stupid but am dealing. One girl, Anastasia, and I walked to the train together. She's very nice. From Moscow and we spoke in stilted English and stilted Italian. I think I'm still going to be screwed for classes Italian-wise since I'm not learning language specific to my major. Hopefully classes will be conducted partly in English, though this is doubtful.

May have a place to live in between this coming Saturday and March. Yay! Waiting for the Leonardo school peeps to get back to me on that.

To Peachers: I haven't forgotten about our SNL convo and I know it's weeks late. I cut most of the video into the different parts, just didn't get around to arranging it and such quite yet. I also wanted to include clips from the NPH SNL so there would be context. I love you baby, don't be mad. ;-)

( Anyway, PHOTO TIME )

Good news! I have a place to live! Well, I do come March, anyway. But it's BEAUTIFUL! I love it. I'll be with two other girls, one from Finland and one from Sweden, who are fashion students. They don't go to NABA and are older. They were really nice when I met them and the girl who's moving out, Ruth, is also incredibly nice. They said I can leave my stuff there even if I haven't yet moved in, which makes my life much easier. Now all I need is temporary housing, which isn't too difficult to find. Just trying to keep it cheap. This room, not the cheapest, but it's SOOO nice that Mum and I agree it's worth it. Yay! OMG SO EXCITED!

Met some nice people at an ExPat bar where they were having a Super Bowl Party. That party will be going LATE. We left 'cause I am le-tired. I definitely plan on going back, especially for the movie nights and live music nights. Nice people.

Language classes start tomorrow.

Went to Chabad for dinner last night. Very nice people who made an effort to speak in English. It was hard to follow their conversations overall as the languages switched between three (English, Hebrew and Italian) and I only properly understand one. Mum, however, could follow both English and Hebrew. Fell asleep at the table multiple times as my body is still not completely adapted to Italy time. One of the men who goes to Chabad dinners is a graphic designer-- already offered services for free. He apparently has spoken at Pratt at that Industrial Design department because that's what he was before going graphic. Mum and I will be going to this Chabad next Friday, too.

( Apartment Hunt and Whatnot )

Am feeling particularly lazy today. Don't want to think about shittons of paperwork that need to be done. Why oh why did they never mention all of this at the meetings?

So the flight over, totally empty. I had a freakin' row of three seats to stretch out on and sleep. Twas nice. Mum found her own row to sleep in, like most of the other people who had ended up in the two-seat rows. Yeah, it was nice. Pity it was old plane so the entertainment stuff was lame (The Mummy 3?? Come on USAir...you can do better). Also, no outlets. And the food was le-crap. But that's to be expected. Nice flight attendants, though.

Currently in Milan, chilling in the hotel room until the sun actually rises and we feel it's time to go to breakfast. Trying to hold off on first impressions until today as yesterday involved lugging a shitton of stuff from the airport to the hotel and it was cold and I was not in the mood to be out and about. We briefly checked out the Duomo (which is amazing) and found the opera house. We also found some people protesting stuff and being loud in general. No idea what they were protesting as they were speaking Italian and I'm definitely not that good yet. In fact, I have yet to attempt to speak in Italian any more than saying "Thank you" and "Hello".

Today we shall get me a new STA card because apparently they are useful in Italy (though not so much in the UK). I'm also meeting with the woman who runs the Graphic design program at NABA and the woman who is the equivalent of Mia. Tonight we'll go to synagogue and meet Italy's Jewish population. Tomorrow we get to check out one of the apartments I saw advertised on Craigslist. Between those various outings I expect we'll explore the city. Monday I start pre-semester language classes and hopefully meet some cool people.

I'll bring a camera with me today so I can actually get some pictures to post. Gotta charge the battery then. The things I do for you guys...:-P

Sun's up.