Welcome to Italy!

I have just hit the ground running since leaving the United States.  After a safe arrival in Florence I definitely got a European slap in the face.  First off in the water closet, which literally is a closet.  In Rome I had to change planes and used the restroom, my first Italian experience.  Only to be followed by an excessive amount of staring and weird looks given by the Italian women when I brushed my teeth in the airport bathroom.  What fun.  As soon as I arrived in Florence- SACI staff was there to meet us with Orientation Packets and apartment keys!

Boston on the right and Rome on the left

I love my apartment!

So not to be snobby or anything but I honestly (honestly) think that I live in the best apartment.  We have 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an outdoor terrace, a kitchen (with a dishwasher!), two sitting rooms- among 4 girls!  Just to give you a comparable, the girls next door have 5 girls and 1 bathroom.   Yikes!  Oh and another bonus was the hangers, blow-dryer, straightener, ironing board and iron already here!

View of the Arno River from my terrace

Soon after I arrived we (my roommates and I) went to our school for the first time.  What should have taken 10-15 minutes took us about an hour and a half!!! We probably saw every Piazza and walked in at least 7 circles, it was a grand time.  Somewhere in all of this- I had my (get ready) first cappuccino.  It was less than disappointing.  Not only was it lukewarm- but they gave it to me in a styrofoam cup!

So instead of showing you that mess, here is my second cappuccino.  It was pretty good.  

What do you think dad?

Although I was really rushed drinking it, I don’t know why but I feel like everyone (as in SACI students) are always in such a rush!  I don’t get it.  But that’s okay. 

Friday morning we started orientation- which is basically 6 different walking tours of the city.  Which I don’t hate because I am already getting to know my way around!

I opted for the fancy water and still saved 12 Euros. 

Friday was also the day I decided to carry around 6L water in my arms as well as groceries, my camera and other belongings on my back.  I was sweating once I got back to my apartment.

 I have also been taking full of the gelato that is basically 5 meters. 

Gelato eaten by the Duomo- but not purchased there. 

All of this to say I am having a great time! We had our first family dinner tonight, and are about to go out for some gelato with a few other girls! (More to come soon!)

Have a great day in America! 

Ellen