FIRENZE

After being in Dallas long enough to relish the relaxing routine of living at home but also to realize that my friends are already well into their routines back at school, I am finally in ITALY! Italy. I still can't even really believe that I am here. Or maybe I can believe that I am here, but not that Florence will be my home for the next 4 months. I have been planning this semester for 2 years now and I cannot believe that it is finally here. After a smooth flight and short drive from Pisa we were greeted in Florence by the most beautiful weather and amazing view of the Arno River. I can only think that this is just a little glimpse of how amazing the rest of our semester is going to be!

Beautiful view of Arno River upon arriving

Our apartment is definitely...cozy. Mollie, Adair Christina and I have one combined kitchen/living/dining room, 2 small bedrooms and a bathroom where the shower has a mind of its own. After 8 seconds of hot water a continuous stream of ice water changed any plans I had for washing my hair last night. BUT it is quaint in its own cozy way and definitely in an amazing location. We are so close to the Duomo, classes and a delicious Gelateria. After the rest of the day spend unpacking and wandering around trying to find towels and laughing at our terrible (terrible as in nonexistent...) understanding of Italian we called it an early night to get some sleep before orientation.

Mollie and me at the Basilica di Santa Croce

Delicious tomatoes at dinner

After a long day of orientation and a nice welcome reception I finished the day with my first delicious dark chocolate gelato. It is almost 10:45 and I am amazed that I am still awake this long without taking a nap so it is definitely time for me to call it a night. I already feel like Florence is the best place that I could have chosen to spend 4 months and I am excited to wake up tomorrow and explore more of this beautiful city!


Ciao Bella,