Week 1 in Florence

Ciao!

So I’ve been in Florence, Italy for almost one week and I absolutely love it! I left Nashville last Monday and arrived here around noon on Tuesday. The airport wasn’t too difficult and I flew with my friend Clair so we made it fun. We ended up running into friends in Frankfurt and Florence so the 4 of us traveled into Florence together. We arrived before the rest of the group so we just explored the city for an hour or two while we waited for everyone to arrive. We’re staying at the Gould Institute, which is a religiously affiliated hostel. I have 3 roommates who I really like and all of our classes are here in this building, which is very convenient.

Wednesday and Thursday were spent touring the city and sleeping. I was up for over 30 hours traveling so I definitely had to catch up on sleep. Italians take a 2-hour break in the middle of the day here, which they call a siesta. I am definitely a fan of napping in the middle of the day so I’m taking full advantage of this!

So Friday we took a 3-hour bus ride to Venice for the weekend. The city was beautiful but it was almost 100 degrees all 3 days we were there. It was absolutely miserable! I thought Nashville was hot but Venice was beyond anything I had ever experienced. It definitely made me miss the snow and ice in Oxford, which I never thought would happen! Our “hotel” didn’t have a/c so it was even worse at night. I slept upside down both nights so that the fan was blowing on my face.

Other than the heat, the city was gorgeous. The city was built on water so the only way to travel is to either walk or use the canal system. The streets were really confusing and kind of hard to navigate but we always found our way home somehow. We saw the Palazzo Ducale and St. Mark’s Basilica, which were really interesting. Friday night we all had dinner together and then went out to watch the World Cup game, which was crazy. I watched the US games when I was at home but it definitely didn’t compare to watching it in Europe! We’re hoping that Germany makes it to the final because we’ll be in Munich when it’s on which will definitely be crazy!

On Sunday we packed everything up in Venice and took a boat tour to two islands. We stopped on the island of Murano first. It’s known for glass blowing so we watched a demonstration. The presenter made a vase and a cat and it was absolutely amazing watching how easily he made the two. I bought a gorgeous ring while we were there so I’ll have to show y’all when I get back! The next island we stopped at was called Burano, which is known for lace making. I didn’t buy anything because I’m not really into wearing lace, but it was a beautiful little place. All of the houses were painted funky colors so that when the fishermen returned home back in the day, they could easily find their homes. I have great pictures that I’ll try to upload.

We were finally able to leave the Venice heat and come back to Florence Sunday night. Since it was the Fourth of July, we decided to go to a cookout. My two friends and I couldn’t figure out the bus system so after waiting for an hour, we headed to McDonald’s and celebrated the holiday with a cheeseburger. We met some friends after where I ran into 2 guys from home. They graduated a few years ahead of me, but they went to MBA so we knew a lot of the same people-small world!

Tomorrow classes start and we have a packed day. I’m taking an Italian Film class, an Art/Architecture class and then this Journalism class. I’m definitely not ready to start school, but I guess that’s the reason why we’re here! This weekend I’m going to Munich, Germany with most of the group. We’re leaving Thursday night on a night train and won’t be back until Sunday or Monday (depending on the World Cup game). We have a bunch of things planned and my friend from home has been living there since March so he’s coming in for the weekend, which should be really fun!

Anyway, I’ll try to keep updating the blog as often as I can. I have to write certain assignments on this for my Journalism class, but I’ll also keep y’all updated on what I’m doing! Remember I’m an Accounting major and inherited Dad’s writing ability so don’t judge my lack of English skills! Love and miss you all!

MH