Ciao!

Hello everyone!

I have only been in Florence for a couple days and I already love it! I am not feeling too jet lagged because I pretty much slept the entire flight over here, and for those of you who really know me know that's not too surprising. I was off to somewhat of a rocky start as the cab driver who picked me up from the airport dropped me off about a block away from my apartment and then gave me directions on how to get there...too bad he pointed me in the complete opposite direction of where my apartment actually was. So after about a half hour of wondering around Piazza Santa Croce with my suitcases and carry-ons (and although I had great new luggage-thanks Mom and Dad!-trying to roll luggage on cobblestone streets is not the easiest thing to do) I was able to find it on the map and ask someone for directions. It gets pretty cold here at night (something that being from Southern California and going to school in Arizona did not prepare me for), and during the day it is chilly but not too bad. I had the first part of orientation today and it went really well. I am quickly learning my way around Florence and I learned very fast that cars do not stop for pedestrians and although some roads have lanes/traffic lights most people do not adhere to them. Tomorrow is day two of orientation and we will be going to the school and meeting our teachers; for those of you who don't know, I am taking an Italian language course, Photography, Contemporary Italian Society, and...wait for it...Italian Food&Wine (yes, complete with wine and food tastings), as well as a complimentary cooking class.

My roommates are all very nice and we get along great, and we are all very excited to explore Italy as well as other parts of Europe.  I will try to post often and get pictures up soon!


Buonanotte!