Stupendous Sunday!

It was great to be able to sleep in today!
We all got up late and enjoyed an unbelievable brunch at this restaurant called Caffe Duomo. Oh, and it was American style- 2 eggs over easy with toast and home fries- I loved my life completely at the moment I ate it! haha. Some other girls got chocolate chip pancakes and a greek omlet. Let's just say that we are going to be making that a Sunday tradition.
After that we went to an open air market to do a little shopping. The market is there everyday and they sell mostly jewlery, scarves, and leather items. I got a really cool glass ring- it is certainly one of a kind and was only 4 euro!
The next purchase was completely unexpected. I have been on the lookout for a knock off LV bag, but was informed today that both the buying and selling of these is highly illegal in Italy and can be grounds for arrest- so this is clearly not something I will be doing here.
After I was informed of this, I was now on the lookout for a fabulous Italian leather bag. Good thing I found exactly what I was looking for within the next 5 minutes. I stumbled upon this beautiful, geniune Italian dark brown leather mini duffle bag- which was originally 115 euro- and I got it for 70 euro! It was the one splurge I decided to allow myself and it is seriously one of the most beautiful posessions I own. I can't stop smelling the real leather!
After that, we went to the chocolate festival. It was a little festival that has been held for the past week in a small piazza and today was the last day. It was so amazing! There were little stands everywhere that sold a wide variety of chocolate items- chocolate liquore, hot chocolate, chocolate fondue, bars of chocolate, fruits dipped in chocolate, cake, moose, truffles- it was delicious! I went for the healthiest route and got a dark chocolate bar with hazelnuts (which are the most popular nut here oddly enough)- oh and I had to get one little chocolately nutty ball of goodness. There was a little marching banding playing and it was very crowded and so exciting!
It was the end to a wonderful weekend- classes tomorrow!
xoxo
Amanda
p.s. found a place called a yogurteria- gelato made out of yogurt aka a healthier solution- so excited! It's like an Italain Pinkberry!!

Cinque Terre

On Friday morning me and two other friends, Alex and Emily, left for Cinque Terre. We had to take the train to La Spezia, which is at the end of Cinque Terre. This popular summer vacation spot is on the north west coast of Italy and literally means '5 lands.' It is a collection of 5 'islands' or small villages that include: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Moterosso.
Travling on the train was quite the experience. Everything concerning track number, time of departure, etc is clearly in Italian, and fairly unorganized- making it pretty challenging to find your train and go. We finally got on the train around 1230pm- which was not heated and pretty dirty.
We got into La Spezia around 330pm and it was pouring rain, which was expected but still pretty cold and wet. We checked into our hotel right outside the train station- called Hotel Firenze, oddly enough. The hotel was very cute and our room had 3 single beds and a flat screen! haha. We trucked out in the rain to find this pizza place we had heard of called Pia- apparently the oldest in the town. We found it, and it was certainly worth how many times we got lost. It first opened in 1887 and still stands today! We each ordered a pizzeta; a tiny personal pizza which is cooked in their large brick oven. I got a margarita (the standard cheese/sauce pizza) and it was extremely tasty- probably the best I've had in Italy yet. One thing we learned was that the farther you get out of Florence, the less English people speak. Especially in small towns such as this one- everyone is very friendly but speak barely a word of English, so it can be difficult at times! When we were paying, they gave us a little dessert for free which looked like a tiny slice of pizza, but it had melted nutella on it- to die for, as usual.
We then picked up a local bottle of wine and a few pastries for the hotel room. Both, but especially the pastries were amazing! For the rest of the night we relaxed and got a great night's rest for our adventures the next day.
On Saturday morning we went to the free breakfast the hotel serves- again, amazing. And the view from where breakfast was served was of the hills and beautifully colored buildings that comprise the town- it was great.
We arrived at the train station around 11 and got a special ticket to ride the train along the coast that you can hop off and on as many times as you want at each of the 5 stops for 6 hours. Our first stop was at Riomaggiore. As we were pulling into the station we literally started screaming because our train was hanging between two huge cliffs and you could see the waves crashing against the coast- it was an awesome view. We walked down to a small trail that was literally almost hanging off the cliffs and took in the ocean breeze. Considering it was raining all day, we still took in the amazing atmosphere. Just the sound of the waves crashing filled us with excitement. We later walked around the tiny village, complete with brightly colored (yellow, pink, and orange) houses and clothes hanging to dry from each window. It was like we were on the movie set for Mama Mia.
We hopped on the train a little later and stopped at the last stop, Monterosso. This stop was a little less hilly and we were able to actually walk on the beach! I got a rock from the beach- there weren't many shells, more rocks, and we walked along the little path by the water. We had some time before the next train came so we stopped in a cafffe and got some hot chocolate to warm our souls. We were right on the water and the combination of the view, hot chocolate and serenity of the town gave me such a strong sense of peace inside, one like I have never felt before and it was truly a moment I will never forget. We also saw a little black cat outside running from the rain! It felt bad for the litttle guy, haha. Another funny thing about these small towns is that everyone knows each other and the community is like one big family. It was nice to see.
We hopped back on the train and got off at one more stop, called Vernazza. Almost all of the businesses in this town were completely closed for the season. We saw a marina where many boats come in during the summer months and take people out into the sea for tours, etc. We also stopped into a little church right on the water. It was kind of creepy because there was no one there, but you could just feel the history.
We waited for the next train back to La Spezia for quite a while, and it was kind if cold and rainy but we finally made it back. We had to wait in the McDonald's in La Spezia for about 2 hours for our train back to Florence. Of course I couldn't resist but the McDonald's here actually have some healthy options! In case you were wondering, I got a sandwich on multi-grain bread with chicken, lettuce, tomato and a special sauce. It was quite satisfying.
The train ride back was a little frightening because it was difficult to navigate where to go without many people who spoke english. Also, traveling at night is certainly not as safe as during the day, and you can thank my blonde hair for making us stick out at all times. After a day in the rain, the unheated 2 hour train ride was a bit difficult to endure. But we finally made it back to Florence, safe and sound and I was proud of us for making it and felt like I had certainly gained some life experience. It was also one of the first times I felt like I was coming back to Florence, a sort of new temporary home and not just another foreign city! In addition, I got to see one of the most beautiful natural scenes of my entire life!
All in all, it was a wonderfully relaxing, eye opening trip!
xoxo
Amanda

A few quick things concerning dinner parties of the week!

Ok so firstly, I would just like to say I am loving this idea of the dinner party and it certainly something I am going to be adopting into my lifestyle more often when I get home. It is a great way to be social, cook new foods and have a great time.
So, this past week, I had 1 great dinner experience and another fun dinner party I felt the need to mention:
1. This week with our roommates I cooked eggplant parm. I have never cooked it before but I winged it and everyone ended up really liking it! Including myself! I will definitely be ready to cook in my apartment next year at school- and some dishes for the fam too of course! This experience is definitely teaching me the art of cooking your own meal- and I'm loving it.
2. We have all been craving Mexican food here like crazy so we decided to have a Mexican night. In the library the other day we were talking about it and a few boys from Roger Williams said they too had been craving Mexican so we invited them to join. We had it at my friends apartment and the spread included: fresh salsa and guacamole with chips, chicken with cheese and rice and beans. It was so yummy!!!
Ok I think that is all you missed for the week. Oh one more thing, I did not get the internship at Ferragamo for the semester because they don't currently need interns for the time I will be studying here. Honestly, eveything happens for a reason and I sort of feel a wait off my shoulder because I have NEVER relaxed in my entire life and these 4 months seem like a great time to start. I'm happy I will be able to take everything in at my leisure, and I know my busy life that I do honestly love will still be at home when I return!
xoxo
- Amanda

A few fabulous things of the week so far!

So these are a few great things that have already happened this week:
- In my food and culture class this week, we got the chance to sample some local focaccia bread, which is called schiacciati bread in Firenze (apparently some foods change name based on region). It was yummy
- Today I went for my first run, and for part of it, we literally ran along the Arno river- amazing.
- This evening we went to an American bar to see the inauguration. I got a cheeseburger with french fries and a Heineken...so proud to be an American!!!
Up early for an on site Villa and the Gardens class tomorrow...I think we are going to some villa outside the Florence city walls.
xoxo
Amanda

Mailing Address!

Hey, so I know some of you have asked me for my mailing address so I figured it would just be easier to post it on my blog! Be sure to check the rates before sending anything because I know it can get pricey.
xoxo
- Amanda

Amanda Alimo
c/o The Institute at Palazzo Rucellai
Via della Vigna Nuova, 18
50123 Florence
Italy

You CAN do Rome in a day!!

ROME this weekend was wonderful! We left Firenze around 10am on Saturday morning. We decided early that morning that in order to be more adventurous, and to save our bank accounts, to rent a car. It was my first ever road trip and where better else than Italy to start! We got a cute little car to fit the five of us, and it came with a GPS, thank goodness. Before leaving Firenze, we stopped at the look out point where you can see the entire city- it was surreal, and so amazing to so our temporary little home in full view. The trip to Rome was about 2.5 hours and was great because we got to have a dance party and view the Italian country side- while being chased by a 2 crazy Italian boys in a Porsche- thankfully we lost them.
Once we arrived in Rome, it took us the remainder of the afternoon to find a hotel. One of the hostels the girls looked up was closed for renovation and the other was too scary for words. At that point I decided I wasn't a hostile girl and preferred a hotel. We finally find a quaint little hotel call Hotel Gerber. The types of rooms they have in hotels here include: a room with 2 single beds, a room with 1 double bed, or a room with 3 single beds. All of these rooms cost the same amount, unless you are upgrading to a suite or something. We tried to pack all 5 in a room with 2 single beds, but the hotel staff soon caught on and we had to get another 3 person room. We went to dinner and I got some sort of yummy dish which consisted of what seemed to be 2 big lasagna pieces of pasta with a spinach and ricotta filling in the middle with red sauce on top- it was scrumptious. Then, of course I had the most amazing gelato of my life for desert...again. This one I think had oreo cookies in it, and came with a mini cone on the top- to die for. We went to bed early because we wanted to be fresh and ready for the sites the next day, were tired from the travel, and were far in location from where the hopping section of town is for nightlife.
Today we were up and out by 8, and we got a great free breakfast at the hotel. If you must know, I had an orange, yogurt and hard boiled egg with tea- trying to be healthy for at least 1 of my daily meals here. haha
Our first stop was the Vatican. Being raised a Roman Catholic, and certainly always a believer in God, but in a phase where I am trying to figure out which religion I prefer, I didn't expect the effect the Vatican had on me. Vatican city itself is literally within gated walls. When you walk in, it is in the shape of a huge circle and outlining the circle are huge buildings with large Roman columns complete with Roman figurines on the top, piled high in the sky literally glowing in the majestic sunlight. In the center of Vatican city was the beautiful nativity scene with the north star shinning at the top. And the Christmas tree was still set up in the center, but I think it was about to be taken down in the near days because there were no decorations on it.
When we entered the Vatican itself, I was so overcome by the sight I was brought to tears and had never felt the presence of God so much in my entire life. Straight down in the center of the church behind the alter was a large gold star with light shinning through it that resembled God him. There was a mass in progress when we entered, and the priest's voice reverberating around the walls in Italian made it even more amazing. The details of the inside of the church are almost impossible to describe in words and have to be seen in pictures; the painted and tiled scenes of angels and large sculptures of past members of the church were absolutely beautiful. There was also another nativity scene set up inside the Vatican that had a working fountain and some pretty lighting as well. This was truly an amazing experience for me and I am so grateful to have had it.
Next we went to the Trevi fountain which is this gorgeous area complete with a huge white building with Roman columns and Roman men fighting on their horses (as well as other figurines) and the fountain with all of the water is set in the front. It is known was being a really romantic spot and very picturesque. There were many couples snapping their cameras away.
There was also a small church right near the fountain in circle with gates. On the gates there were locks locked all over. Apparently couples come, lock the lock onto the gate, write their initials on the lock and then throw away the key. It is a symbol of their everlasting love for each other; yet another adorably romantic tradition that goes on here in Italy.
After that, we went to the Spanish steps which are right in one of the Roman fashion districts (I think I was more inspired by the fashion than the steps ;)) We got a packet of chocolate wafers and a small bottle of red wine and sat on the walls of the steps looking down at the view. Again, a beautiful sight to just sit and take in.
And our final destination of the day: The Colosseum. It was immense and you could just feel the history that had taken place. To think that hundreds of years ago, men were fighting each other and animals in the center of this huge building is crazy. We didn't go in because there is a charge and I am going to Rome and into the Colosseum with one of my classes this semester. We walked around some nearby ruins and were able to see a view of just a portion of Rome from a look out point at the top of the ruins- again, amazing. Also, we got lucky this weekend because the weather was beautiful (about 58 degrees and sunny).
To make the trip complete...we got MCDONALDS!!!! for the ride home. A McChicken with small fries. Listen, I understand that I am in Italy and supposed to be taking in the culture. And I am, everyday, but just this one little over priced, heart attack in a bag meal- put a huge smile on my face, and in my stomach :)
Well, it was truly a wonderful weekend and I am so happy to be seeing all of these historical sites and travel the country!
Classes again tomorrow, and I am actually excited!
Until then, buone notte...
xoxo
Amanda

Chianti Wine excursion!

This morning we all met at the bus station at 9:45am to go on a Chianti wine tour! The bus ride there was pretty terrifying because the roads up to the Tuscan hills were very small and windey and I felt pretty sick, lol. Once we finally got there, it was beautiful. It is a castle called Castello del Trebbio. It's a 900 year old castle that was once occupied by the Medici family and is now owned by a local woman named Anna. We got a tour of the castle and it was absolutely beautiful- complete with 40 rooms! Anna and her family still live there today and the house is unheated- but has a lot of large fire places, thank goodness. The family also has on display 1 of the only 2 of a particular 500 year old Leonard painting, unbelievable. I believe the other is located in the Louvre.
We then went down into the wine cellar where the huge vats of wine are made and stored. The family owns 800 acres of land, and produces both wine from the vineyard, and oil from its 10,000 olive trees. We are in Chianti region so this family produces mainly red Chianti wine. We learned that Chianti wine, per Italian law, needs to be made with atleast 80% Sangiovese grapes, but this particular vineyard makes their's with 100% Sangiovese grapes. So it is stronger than most in taste and you can really get the sense of the flavors.
We then moved to the area where the oil is made and storred. We learned that in Chianti, people pick their olives in the months of November and December to get the most olive oil from the olive trees. At this vineyard, they pick the olives in October because there is a lower acidity level in the, at this time. If you pick them in November and December you can get about 5 bottles of oil from each tree, whereas in October, only one bottle per tree. But the lower acidity level leads to better quality. Also, there are 4 types of oil (in order from best to worst): extra virgin olive oil, virgin olive oil, olive oil, and the forth she said we don't talk about. haha
Oh also, there was a dungeon down in the wine cellar- creepy!
After that, we went up into the main dining room to of course, have a Tuscan feast. We tasted 2 of their different wines. The first, which sits in stainless steal vats for only a few months. And the second (a little more expensive) sits in wooden vats for 3 years, and then in a seperate set of vats for 3 more years. They were both very good but very different in taste. The feast included: slices if provolone, salami, bruschetta, bread with their extra virgin olive oil on it, pasta with basil, tomato and cheese, and a new dish that I am absolutely making when I come home. It is called papo e pomodoro. It looks like a puree of sorts or mashed sweet potatoes but is actually just pureed tomatos and bread with some spices and parmessan cheese on top- it was delicious!
After lunch, in an attempt to walk off the food, we literally went galavanting amongst the Tuscan wine vineyard. This was truly an amazing experience I will never forget. There were hills all around and we walked in between the olive trees up and down the terrain. It was an unbelievably peaceful feeling and an immense sight to see.
After that we bought some of the wine (only 6 euro a bottle and very tasty!- I bought one to bring home, now worries everyone, you will get to try it too :))
I was truly under the Tuscan sun today!
xoxo
- Amanda

First Academic week in review!!

So because my Monday through Thursday was filled was mostly matters of academia, I figured I would review in one post.
My business art class is awesome. It is the first business class I have ever taken and I am really enjoying the content of the class. This week we talked about a general over view of the art market in relation to artist giving their art to dealers and dealers selling them to auctions houses the be auctioned. One of the biggest questions of the week was, "Who/what decides how much a particular painting is worth?" Very interesting course.
My food and culture course is as equally interesting, as I said in the last post. We learned that my German professor moved here and feel in love, typical (this is literally the case with every other person you will meet that lives here now but is not a native). Don't worry folks, my boyfriend is back home, his name is NYC :)
My Italian class (modern readings in Italian literature) was quite rough the first day. I spoke to the dean, etc. and they suggested I do some of my own reviewing to better my Italian and stick with the difficult class- and they let me borrow some of the text books from the lower levels to review. The staff is great here. Serena, our liaison, is like everyone's mom and so great to us. And Caterina, the sort of dean, is extremely helpful and friendly.
Anyways, the second day of my Italian class was actually a lot better and I was able to understand a lot more. The class is about Italian teatro- theater. And we are going to see a few local shows through out the semester!
And finally, my villa and the garden class. It was a bit dense and dry the first day but I think it will definitely get better. We walked around the grounds of the court yard at the Palazzo (our school) and talked about the architecture- it would have really sparked my interest I think had it not been raining and 40 degrees out.
The great thing about all of my classes is that we have at least 3 field trips in each pertaining to the subject material!
A few other monumental things that you might have missed this week:
I had my first Italian coffee at this great caffe we all go to between classes right across the street called 'Caffe Americana'- ironic haha. It has great little paninis, duh and great hot drinks. Of course my first Italian coffee was decaff and iced- I am American at heart, what can I do! :)
The second monumental thing that occured was that I had my interview at Salvatore Ferragamo on Thursday morning for a possible internship I could have while studying here! The interview went pretty well and the offices/store are of course beautiful. She asked me some pretty challanging questions and I had to speak a little Italian to the women but I did my best. I am waiting back to see if they need me for the semester so I will keep everyone updated!
All in all, academic week 1 was a little tough to get throught but ended with a bang!
xoxo
- Amanda

First Day O'Classes

Today was the start of the academic semester here in Florence for the students at the Palazzo Rucellai university. Fortunately, i woke up at 8am for a 9am class and was greeted with the news that our first class had been canceled due to the professors illness. So, we took the time to run some errands and pick up our stipend! The university alots us 280 euro a month, which comes out to about 70 euro a week, in cash that we can pick up at the Banca Toscana and is money that we can use for food, or whatever we please. After that, I grabed a quick lunch which consisted of mozz cheese, tomato and basil on fresh halla bread and was warm from the panini machine. We sat and ate the sandwiches along the river arno while the beautiful Tuscana sun was beating down on us. After, I had my food culture class, with a German teacher by the name of Peter. It seems as if it is going to be a truly interseting class; starting off with the origins of food, the 3 different regions of where specific foods are derived from in Italy, how wine, oil, etc. is made and why certain foods are not traditionally made to go together. We are also going to have a few in class field trips, a few of which include: going to a dairy barn, and going to a wine vinyard. After class we walked around the streets a little more and then I took a siesta...a very commone afternoon nap that is much needed for many of those living in Europe. (I can't tell if it due to the heavy food consumption or just culture but we always feel like we need one!) After that, we attended aperativo again at what has now become our local place- Bar del San Marco- and had a few tasty treats.
I know in one of the former posts I said I would be back at Dante's- and we went back tonight because the owner offered to cook me and my friends a free meal. There were 10 of us and he went all out, it was literally unbelievable. We had fresh greek salads (with some yummy feta) and bruschetta, mushrooms on bread, and bread with patte. Then we had the pasta dishes- soooo good. One was a penne alla vodka with fish; I don't like soft fish and this dish was literally one if the most amazing meal I've had. The second pasta dish was an alfredo with a smoked bacon taste. And the third was a pasta with a darker sauce and patte. We paired all of this with the house Chianti which is made to go great with the spices in the food. The 3 couse meal was great! We tried to leave even just a large tip but the owner wouldn't let us pay! Customer service is done very different here in the smaller romantic cities of Italy.
And as if that wasn't enough- I got snicker gelato after dinner...because I had to have desert and it was amazing! Not as good as the the tirimisu flavor though I must say.
A domani! (until tomorrow)
Buone notte
xoxo
- Amanda

Class Schedule

Monday- 9am to 10am- The Villa and the Garden
1245pm to 215pm- The History of Culture and Food
Tuesday- 1045am to 1215- Business of Art
1245 to 215- Readings in Modern Italian Literature
Wednesday- 9am to 11am- The Villa and the Garden
1245 to 215- The History of Food and Culture
Thursday- 1045am to 1215- Business Art
1245 to 215- Readings in Modern Italian Literature

Sleepy Sunday

Finally I am caught up on my blog and posting this message on the day it actually happened! I am certainly going to try harder to keep up.
Today, the weather was even more beautiful if you can even imagine. It was the same, 50s but just seemed so great. The thing I love about Saturdays and Sundays here is that all of Italians come out with their families and dogs and shop and everyone is so happy and eating lots of gelato.
We tried something we had been dying to the whole trip (and got completely ripped off) but it was yummy. It was 2 fresh, warm waffles and in the middle was tirimisu flavored gelato and melted nutella....it was sinful. I didn't finish the whole thing because it is huge and clearly not on the light side. Also, it was dripping all over the steps of the Duomo and I'm pretty sure I insulted a national landmark- opps!
After, we went to Ponte Vecchio which is the most famous bridge that connects the 2 sides of Florence over the river Arno- it was seriously beautiful. The bridge is encased in what looks like little houses and is filled with shops that sell gold, silver, and over little souvenirs. Standing on the bridge and looking out on one side you can see all the way down the river and up to the snow topped Alps- unbelievable.
And after an Italian culture filled day- we went to watch the Giants vs. Eagles game at an American themed bar! It was nice and there were a lot of American students there but I think the only other time I will do something American like that again this trip is watch the superbowl because it made me miss home a bit. All of the McDonald's and taco bell commercials killed me!
Well, it is the end of a beautiful weekend and classes start tomorrow...I am excited!
Until then ciao a tutti!!
xoxo
- Amanda

Final Day of Orientation- January 10th

This was the last day of orientation. We picked up our text books at the university around 12pm and took care of some other academic business. In addition to that, one of my classes is taught in all Italian so that will be very difficult for me. The text books were 88 euro, which, when you do the conversion math, is significantly cheaper than how much we pay a semester in the states for text books. All of the text books are like the readers we receive in some of our classes; they are basically a collection of articles copied and bound into a book that the professor puts together.
After that, we walked around to all different parts of the city and I got my first pair of Italian boots...for only 19 euro! We also found a 99 cent store where I picked up a notebook for class.
After, we went to the supermarket and got supplies to make a big fresh salad...it was so yummy!! Fresh mixed greens, beans, olives, mozz cheese, grilled chicken and walnuts. I miss my salads from the states...or places like Pax and ChopIt in the city with a huge selection of salad toppings. Italians don't really like fruit and vegetables much- they are all about the bread, cheese and meats and I just can't eat like that all the time!
We later went to a dinner party and it was so yummy! We had traditional Italian meal- bruschetta, and pasta with zucchini and sausage. We also tried a champagne I had never seen before- it was pink! Apparently it is becoming a craze in the states? Italy is certainly one step ahead on their grapes.
It was yet again a wonderful day; especially because it was very warm. It was lower to mid 50s and sunny- walking around is the best when it is like this.
xoxo
- Amanda

Orientation Day 2! January 9th

On the second day of orientation, we went to the university (Palazzo Rucellai) at 930am. We got a tour of the university, which is absolutely beautiful. It is one small building, connected to the others in the city with a tiny spiral stair case that you have to take in order to get up to the classrooms. There is also a library and studio separate from the main building somewhere else in the city. The university has been owned by the Rucellai family for many many years and is beautiful. The classrooms look like mini cathedrals. The rooms have art painted all over the ceilings, architecture on the walls, and are absolutely beautiful.
After the tour, we filled out our permits of stay for our extended stay of 4 months in Florence as American citizens...which costs 75 Euro, fun.
After that, we skipped the tour of the city (because we give ourselves our own tour everyday) and went over by the river Arno- absolutely beautiful!! We crossed the bridge to the other side of the city and went to this little restaurant called Dante. We each got personal sized pizzas- mine was mozzarella, sauce, and prosciutto, for only 6 euro and it was so yummy! The owner was really nice to us and cooked us a tasting of all of their deserts for free and they were unbelievable. He also gave us free hats and took a picture with us! We are definitely going back there.
Later that evening we went to the same disco as the previous night (Colle Bereto), but it was a little too crowded. So we went to another disco called Fullup and went with some friends to the VIP room..it was great!
It was yet again another wonderful day/night in Firenze :)
- Amanda

First day of orientation- January 8th, 2009

Yesterday we had orientation at this beautiful villa.
We mostly learned about the
university and the sort of the way of the land in
Florence. Each teacher spoke about
their classes, we heard from the registrar, bursar, and
la polizia came in and gave us
some hints about keeping safe in the city. We had little
finger sandwiches with ham and
provolone and a small piece of pasta with soft cheese...
and some fruit for desert,
finally!!! I had 2 servings of the fruit which consisted
of bananas, pears, apples,
oranges, raspberries and strawberries. After lunch we
listened to a few more speeches and
made our way back down to the main part of Florence.
Later on, a few of us went out into the city which was
lit up and there were little Italians around shopping and
it was so fun! We got some world famous gelato (tirimisu
flavored--amazing!) We later picked up our little Italian
phones and I am finally connected to the world!
After, we had something called aperativo which takes place
between about 5pm and 8pm.
It's an Italian tradition and we sat in a little bar/caffe,
ordered 1 glass of wine,
and appetizers are free. It was super yummy and consisted
of all sorts of Italian finger
foods like deep-fried meatballs, bread with tomato sauce
and cheese. All for the price of one glass of wine; 4 euros!
Later one we went to an Italian disco with all Italians and
it was a true experience!
ALL OF THE MUSIC THEY PLAYED IS ABERCROMBIE MUSIC!!!! I
could legitimately sing along with
at least 5 of the songs because they were on the CDs from
work. I was at home.
I had to catch up about yesterday so more about today in the
next post!
Ciao!!
xo
Amanda

Planes, trains, and automobiles

Getting to Florence itself has been quite the excursion. We took off from JFK at 3:50 US time on Tuesday. The Lufthansa flight to Frankfurt wasn't too bad, and might I say I truly enjoyed the warm moist lemon scented towels before each meal.
Meal 1: (dinner) mixed greens with thousand island dressing, pasta with red sauce and mushrooms, ciabatta bread, monetary jack cheese, and chocolate moose with white chocolate shavings and a strawberry....truly delectable!
Meal 2: (breakfast) a multi-grain roll with jam and butter. A piece of cheddar cheese and a fruit plate with strawberries, kiwi, and watermelon....again, yummy!
I watched the Duchess on my laptop complements to Karen....it was such a saucy movie!
And of course, there was a crying baby on the flight. I'm not just talking a few cries here and there. This child yelped and scream for probably about 7 of the 7.5 hours...awesome, again God's way of telling me that children aren't my cup of tea.
It was a little difficult to sleep so I chatted it up with some new girls that I met from UCONN most of the time who are really awesome! One of which works at abercrombie=endless amounts of conversations. We arrived in Germany at 5:30am German time.
Once we got to Frankfurt, things went down very quickly. I purchased my first legal German beer and a croissant...both quite tasty. Then we tried to sleep somewhere for the remaining 5.5 hours and found no where but the floor and chairs to try and catch a few zzz's- quite impossible.
The Germans weren't very pleased with us, it seemed, when we walked into the terminal. I'm pretty sure they were bothered by our normal voice level...opps. And someone told one of the other girls that the way we dressed/acted made it very obvious that we were American...I'm proud of it!!
We finally got on the flight at 11:35am German time. We had to take a bus from the terminal to the puddle jumper of a plane, awesome.
Thank goodness we finally arrive in Florence 1.5 hours later around 1pm
More about the apartment, city, and new roomates in the next post!
xoxo- panda