Something I have learned: if you stand timidly on the side of the road, waiting for a break in traffic, you'll never get one. You have to make a mad dash and pray that you don't get hit.

The most frusterating aspect of this program is the campus. They sell you on this idea that you'll be going to classes "on a magnificent estate covering 57 acres of open fields, formal gardens, and olive groves," which admittedly is true, but we're not allowed to go anywhere. We're restricted to two villas connected by a long, straight gravel path. You get yelled at if you step on the grass. It's such a tease to be surrounded by all this beautiful scenery. You can see this little fountain circled by trees off in one of the fields, and yesterday I stood there looking at it longingly for a good three or four minutes; all I wanted to do was go sit under one of the trees.