Saturday, May 22, 2010

Confirmed!

Just got my letter of confirmation from Istituto Venezia. I'm booked from Sept. 13 to Sept. 24. They also gave me my homestay information. I will be staying with a woman named Marina. Here is the description:

"Nice apartment at 3° floor with a beautiful view over the lagoon. Sitting-room, kitchen, for our students 1 single room with TV and 1 twin room. Use of kitchen is not allowed after 8.30 pm. Marina is a smoker, she is a very friendly lady. She also offer internet access."

The apartment is a 25-minute walk to the school. It's on the north end of the city. Here's a map showing the apartment and the school:

















 And the rules:

THE PRICE INCLUDES
-    The rent of the room, starting from the day before the beginning of the course (Sunday), until the day after the end of the course (Saturday). The landlady/landlord can accept or refuse the request of renting the room the Saturday before the beginning of the course or the request of leaving on Sunday. If the owner accepts, students are supposed to pay an extra fee of 50 euros per night.
-    Expenses for: heating, electricity, water
-    The cleaning of the room, bathroom and kitchen on the day before the students arrival

YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO
-    Put posters, pictures or anything else on the walls
-    Use the washing machine after 8.00 p.m.
-    Leave the lights on when you’re not at home (people who waste electricity will pay an extra)
-    Disturb your neighbour and the owner when you come back late in the evening
-    Move the furniture
-    Invite guests for lunch or dinner without the permission of the owner
-    Use the owner’s food (such as oil, salt, coffee etc. washing powder, toothpaste, soap, shampoo etc) (Students are responsible to purchase their own food and can use the host family’s kitchen facilities).
-    Use the owner’s telephone
-    Smoke (in any room in the house, including your room)

YOU ARE ALLOWED TO
-    Come back home any time
-    Use sheets, towels, pots, plates, glasses etc. and the kitchen and bathroom facilities. Although students must use their own personal bathroom toiletries.
-    Use the washing machine at designated time (9 am – 8 pm)

YOU MUST
-    Pay the rent for your room to your landlady/landlord on arrival (by cash)
-    Keep the bathroom and the kitchen clean after use
-    Respect the owner’s terms and schedules of the use of the kitchen and bathroom
-    Keep your room clean
-    On the day of departure, leave your room in order

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Taking the Plunge

So far I talked about going to Venice, but I never actually made a commitment to the trip ... until today. I filled out the online enrollment form for the school and paid the deposit of 220 euros. It's official! I'll be in Venice for two weeks in September.

By the way, due to Greece's economic meltdown, the Euro is at an 18 month low against the dollar. If I were to pay for the enrollment and accommodations today, it would be a mere $863. Thanks, Greece!