It's finals week; I am busy studying and handing in term papers. There are so many things going on all at once. Last week was a blur with my brother, sister-in-law and her parents here. Thursday night was especially fun as Paola, the lady that owns the apartment they rented, cooked for us. She brought her friend Laura, her son Federigo and his fiancé Amara with her to help. They made delicious fritto misto, gnocchi, pasta amartriciana, carciofi, and pollo patate al forno. We washed it all down with three bottles of their homemade wine. I was the most stuffed I had ever been in my life. I couldn't even sleep on my stomach that night. In addition to eating so well, we all had a great time talking in our broken Italian and broken English. I wish I would have met them sooner.

On Friday we all took the train to Florence and enjoyed the art and history of the Renaissance and the food and wine of Tuscany. We were all pretty exhausted on the ride home, but I was happy to hear my brother say it was one of the best vacations of his life. Saturday they flew back home and I got back to school work.

Important events continue to occur in Italy. I am stunned at all that has happened since I got here. Right now the Berlusconi government seems to be falling apart. There are even calls for the Prime Minister's resignation. Meanwhile 115 Cardinals are busy deciding who will be the new Pope. Conclave began yesterday and the first signs of smoke are starting to billow from the Sistine Chapel. I'll keep you posted on developments in both.

I am looking forward to getting my finals done. My last few days here will be great without the burden of school work. This Friday I hope to fly to Palermo and spend some time gazing at the Mediterranean from a Sicilian Beach. I need some time to contemplate this amazing study abroad experience as its end quickly approaches.

It is 6 pm and I think a new Pope has been elected. White smoke is coming from the Sistine Chapel. More on this later, I have to go to St. Peter's.