Ciao a tutti e benvenuti!

My name is Amanda and I’m (currently) a third year International Business student at Northeastern University concentrating in Marketing and minoring in Italian.  As part of the requirements for my major, I’m going to be spending a year abroad (although I’m aiming for two) in Italy; more specifically, in Piacenza at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore.

My three passions in life include Disney, food, and makeup.  Although Disney might be a tad bit hard to come by in Italy (you’re my closest bet @Disneyland Paris), I know that I’ll be surrounded by an abundance of food – especially meat, as Piacenza is known as the “meat crossroads of Italy” (not sure who coined it that, but I’m excited!).  Makeup, however, might be another story…

Fun fact! The Italian word for “makeup” is “trucco,” which also means “trick” (hence the blog title, please hold your applause).  I think it might be a trick to actually find makeup in Italy – I’m used to my drugstores (I love you, Target) and my Sephoras and ULTAs, and although I’m sure I’ll be able to hit up Milan for all my makeup needs (only 45 minutes from Piacenza – yippee!), it won’t be the same as buying makeup here in the States.  Plus, who knows what kind of brands they carry there? (Can you tell who hasn’t done her research yet?)

Some of you may ask, “How is your Italian?” to which I would respond with a weak laugh and maybe a single tear.  If actually pressed for an answer, I usually respond, “I can get by.” Translation: I could probably get the message across, but it would take a lot of hand gestures and confused looks from the locals.  I’ve heard that Piacenza is a town where virtually nobody speaks English and all my classes will be in Italian, so it’s either sink or swim.  I did pass the deep water test at my local pool when I was younger, so hopefully I’m still a decent swimmer!

Anywho, this blog is where I will be logging my adventures in my year (or two) abroad.  Join me on my quest for adventure and romance great food and bright makeup, as well as the relentless pursuit of trying to learn how to roll my R’s.