Author: Gabby

  • My Mom’s Pretzels

    My mom is famous. Well, her pretzel recipe is. Growing up, the oily, still-warm, garlicky pretzels only emerged from the oven on special occasions: birthdays, Halloween, Christmas, etc. And, of course, school parties.  Since gluten allergies only recently became a thing people actually worried about (at least in northwest Louisiana),…

  • Pickle Girl

    Of all the embarrassing nicknames that kids pick up in elementary school, mine certainly is one of the least creative but most descriptive: pickle girl. I can’t say I didn’t deserve it though. Every day, without fail, I would bring pickles to school with my lunch. I crunched on them…

  • Via Pericolosa

    Via Pericolosa

    I’m no stranger to graffiti. Their moving galleries speed by at break-neck speeds back home, each on its way to block morning traffic in some unlucky part of town. Bathroom walls sing of woe, victory, and hatred. Downtown Shreveport might as well be the Uffizi Gallery with the amount of…

  • Why Italian Food is So Dang Good

    Why Italian Food is So Dang Good

    Italy is famous for many things: temperate weather, beautiful people, stunning coasts, rolling hills, rich history, high-quality wine, and, of course, delicious food. But I fully believe that even if Italy was just a farming country with no other draws, people would still flock there to get a taste of…

  • A Foreigner’s Guide to Exploring Perugia

    A Foreigner’s Guide to Exploring Perugia

    After living in Perugia for nearly a month, I have discovered that it is a fool’s endeavor to discover every part of the city. As much as I may want to try every osteria, wander through every street, admire every arch, and enjoy every kebab piadina that the city has…

  • The Perfect Saturday in Perugia

    The Perfect Saturday in Perugia

    Are you studying abroad in Perugia or visiting for a weekend? This city has plenty of things to see, do, and eat! Although this list doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface, it’s still my top two activities that you can easily do in a single day to make your…

  • Poems to Make You Fall in Love With Life

    Poems to Make You Fall in Love With Life

    Years ago I started a playlist called “in love with life.” A year or so after that, I began a Pinterest board of the same name. Recently, “in love with life” has become a theme for my favorite poems. Here’s a few that I simply must share. Before I get…

  • Top 10 Ways to Prepare to Study Abroad

    Top 10 Ways to Prepare to Study Abroad

    Physically and mentally preparing to study abroad can be overwhelming. Although I haven’t actually gotten to Italy yet and may be missing a few things, I have compiled this list using what I have gleaned from vigorous research and personal experience. If I get to Italy and find myself gravely…

  • My Inspiration For Photography In Italy

    My Inspiration For Photography In Italy

    My mom visited Italy years ago and came back with enough photos to fill a book. Even though her photos of beautiful architecture, stunning views, and delicious food captivated me, it was her candid shots of Italian locals that fascinated me the most. Nearly all of my mom’s photos are…

  • About Studying Abroad in Italy: From Someone Who Hasn’t Done It Yet

    About Studying Abroad in Italy: From Someone Who Hasn’t Done It Yet

    It’s t-minus 19 days until I arrive in Italy. Here’s what I’ve experienced so far, what I think Italy will be like, and my goals for my time abroad. Choosing a study abroad location I’ve been obsessed with Italy for many many years. It’s been my dream to travel there…