Is That Tower Leaning?

What an amazing weekend! I finally made it to the San Lorenzo Market to pick up some fresh food. The variety of food there was almost overwhelming. It got a little scary seeing pig heads and full skinned chickens, but it was interesting to see how different cultures work. The food from the market is delicious- I even liked the fresh tomatoes. There were street vendors outside that we visited, I got pretty good at bartering for my first time doing that with Italian street vendors. I purchased my first Italian scarf which has been a lifesaver for me since it has been cold lately. Friday we had a reception with all of the people from our school which was very nice. Then afterwards we went to a bar crawl where a bunch of Americans studying abroad went around to different bars in Florence. It was great meeting new people and seeing more night life in Florence. Saturday we walked around the city and took in some new sights which continue to be breathtaking. We met some great guys from Australia- Shea, Ed and Matt who  hung out with us during the day and showed us a great place for pizza and beer. I enjoyed some gelato for the second time which turned out to be even better than the first. Everyone here loves Nutella, sandwiches, waffles, crepes-anything they can they put Nutella on. Today we went to Pisa and saw the one and only leaning tower! It was a lot quieter than Florence which was refreshing. The leaning tower is definitely something everyone needs to see once in their life, it is really unique. The Duomo behind it is breathtaking. From the outside it is beautiful then while walking around it to the entrance I was drawn in. With each step I took I was more surprised at how something could be so detailed and thought out and huge for a place to pray. The pulpit was huge, I can’t imagine saying a homily on that thing. A peace came over me while I was in there that was very comforting, I am hoping that is God’s way of telling me that he will continue to look after me in all of my travels. After we left that area we stopped at a place for pizza, and yes it is really as good as they say. We explored some more of Pisa, stopping to take pictures every two seconds and then headed back home. My first Italian adventure is done and now many more to go!

  

Out for some beer and Pizza                           Walking through Pisa

   

Palace Ruins-So Green!                                                                                                                          The one and only…

     

Classic                                                                          Breathtaking-look at the ceiling!        Yum

      

Wonderful walk across the bridge.

First Sights in Florence

Here are some pictures of the sights I have seen in Florence so far:

    

        

      yum!

The First two are views from our apartment

I have arrived!

So internet here in Florence is a bit hard to come by so it has taken me awhile to update this. The flight over on Monday was great, I felt a pang of nervousness as I walked away from my mom, dad and Brianna. As soon as I settled on the plane, took stuff out of my carry on that would not fit in the overhead bin I relaxed more. The flight from Atlanta to Georgia was nice, I even had some pretty decent food. Once I arrived in Paris and headed to Florence I was with some girls from my school. We all checked in then it was the moment of truth: our apartment we would be living in for the next four months. After lugging all of our baggage up four flights of narrow dark stairs we made it. We got very lucky with our apartment, there are nice tile floors and a little eating area with a TV and a little kitchen (no oven though). There are two rooms ours is nice and I was able to make it somewhat homey. We still have yet to meet our neighbors but we will be getting on that soon. We are still going through orientation for the program and school but everything has been really great. I am already falling in love with the pastries and cappuccino in the morning and the pasta dishes throughout the day, which could be a very bad thing. I have already done a lot of walking so I feel a little better about my diet. Beer here in most places is cheaper than pop which was pretty exciting for me to learn. We have been exploring the city and getting lost on the side streets but we always stumble upon something new and beautiful. Our apartment is close to the river which will make for a beautiful walk to school every morning. There is so much detail in all of the architecture here it amazes me. I can not help but picture the way this city was when it is was being established. Last night we had a welcome dinner for SAI and it was held in the ball room of Napolean Bonaparta's (spelling?) sister's castle! I know I have barelly dug into the history and wonderful places so I look forward to everything I will be discovering here these next few months. Last night was our first night out on the town. We first came upon a Discoteque so we went in, only to find a bunch of 12 year olds drinking, Tuesday is their college night the manager said. But we got free drinks so we danced a little then discovered a little pub where we met some men from Canada which was also fun. So far this has been a wonderful experience and I look forward to all that lies ahead. I am really looking forward to classes because I need to start learing at least a little Italian so I can at leat order right in Bars and restaurants, it is starting to get embarressing. I feel bad when everyone knows my language and I do not know theirs. Pictures are coming soon!