Goodbye America, Ciao Italia

After about a week of errands and clothes all over the floor I finally got everything into two suitcases. I said good bye to everyone and got on my flight to Germany. The flight was not bad probably because I slept most of the time. Steph, Sam and I were lucky and got to sit next to each other on the plane which was nice because most of the other students were spread out and could not sit with their friends. When we landed in Germany we had a six hour layover turned into seven becasue with the flight was late in coming. We had to take a bus out to an A-stand. The plane was so tiny it only had 16 rows. It was a short flight though and the turbulence was bad. Between the layover and the flight to Florence I finish an entire book.

When we landed in Florence I was so happy that I had all of my luggage. They told us it was an almost guarantee that it would be lost so it was nice to Be able to have everything. The program director was waiting for us when we left baggage claim and put us in taxis to go to our apartments. The driving over here is terrible. I thought Boston had bad drivers but it does not even compare. They do not have lines on their streets so the cars are all over the road and going top speed. The side walks are the same color as the road and pedestrians do not have the right of way so you really have to be paying attention or you'll get run over.

Our apartment is absolutely amazing. If it was in the U.S. it would definitely be worth well over a million dollars. I live with seven other girls. There are three doubles and two singles and a bathroom for ever bedroom. Steph and I got the best one. We basically have our own private apartment. It's at the end and we have a small living room, kind of like a study, and an amazing bathroom with a huge mirror. Our bedroom is furnished with Ikea with rustic wall decor. Our closets are from the celing to the floor and our view is amazing. I'll post a picture when I upload my photos.

We have had both orientation sessions Which were so helpful. The staff here is so nice I absolutely love them. Theyre so excited for us and have been great resources for directions and finding the best places to go to. The school is that I'm studying at is called The Institute at Palazzo Rucellai. The Rucellai family is one of the wealthiest in Florence and they rent out the second floor to the school. They still live on the third floor which is pretty cool. The building is incredible. It was built in the 1400s. Every wall is covered in murals and moldings. The architecture is amazing. The first floor is rented by a famous restaurant so it smells delicious all of the time.

We have spent a lot of time just walking around the city. Our apartment is right next to the Duomo which is breathtaking. I walked over the Ponte Vecchio onthe first day and it is amazing. Everything is ten times better then the pictures. It doesn't even seem real. I've only been here for two whole days and I can find my way around pretty well. The Italians are very helpful and willing to help us with our Italian. I'm picking up the language quickly.

Te Amo! Ciao!