Ciao Bella

Ciao, finally from Florence!

2 flights, 2 trains, a cab, pouring rain & 72 euros later we finally made it to our apartment in Florence, Italy.  The first thing my roommate Nicole said when we walked in was "Oh my gosh it is so cute!" Which was very true. Our 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom apartment was set up to perfection. Of course within the first 30 mins of living in our apartment we blew out the electricity by plugging in the blow dryer without even turning it on.

Today was a MUCH better day. The sun was shining and everyone was smiling. We got a tour of Florence and had our first wine tasting (the wine we tasted was very bitter and strong, no bene).  We went to a restaurant with everyone from our program, which we didn't realize it was going to be a 5 course meal. We were first given a plate of 2 different pastas and were so full, we then realized in Italy they usually serve meat after the pasta. We were then given  plate of Brisket and potatoes, then gelato, then coffee. We were also able to have as much free wine as we wanted, which we definitely took advantage of...6 bottles later.. The waiter was trying to speak to us in English, while we were trying to speak to him in Italian. It did not work out very well but, today was still a good day!

Tomorrow is our first day of classes, lets hope I can read the map and find them in time.

Pre-Departure

I have nine days until I depart for Florence, Italy, however to no surprise I'll most likely procrastinate packing until the night before. My suite case is going to look much different than usual. In Italy they say dress to impress, which means no Nike shorts or t-shirts for the next six weeks. The weather is going to be very different than South Florida, with an average of 50 to 80 degrees. For those who don't realize how us Floridians feel about 50 degree weather, that means leather jacket and boots. Just thinking about the delicious Italian food I will be eating makes me want to bring some clothes that are a size to big, as I anticipate to get fat while being abroad (don't worry mom, I won't get too fat).

I will be taking two classes at Florence University of the Arts; Beginning Italian and The Art of Italian Family Business. At FUA we only have classes Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays, which means four day weekends (perfect for traveling)! I will be living in an apartment with two of my very close sorority sisters, Nicole & Sam. If Florence can handle Snooki, then I think it can handle the three of us....

This next week home will consist of anticipation for my adventure abroad, bonding with the family, seeing old friends, and hitting the beach.

I plan to take full advantage of every opportunity presented to me. I want to make friends with the locals,  try different foods, appreciate the art and culture around me, and learn as much as I can about myself and the world during my time in Italy.

Melissa- You'll be with me throughout all of my travels. Our dream of traveling Europe has finally come true.