Ciao!

I have officially caved in to my vanity and decided to start a blog. But its more than that, I want the whole world to experience Florence with me because it is so incredible here. Since I can't have the whole world, I'll stick with my people in America.

I've been here for six days and it still doesn't feel real. I'm starting to get to know the area, at least the historic distric and the northern part, which is where I live. My apartment is quite large and I share it with three fantastic roommates: Alaina (my roommate), Gillian and Sam. We're all english majors and I'm starting to suspect that had a hand in how our roommates were chosen.

The first thing I have to mention is the food. As one of our cultural activities we went to a cooking school and made tiramasu, these awesome potatoe, cheese and eggplant things and handmade gnocci. Despite being made by us inept Americans and my abyssmal cooking skills it was fantastic, definately a recipe thats going home with me.

The coolest part about being here is walking among all the history. For those of you in my humanities class you'll remember the dome built by Brunelleschi (I totally butchered that spelling), the Duomo. Its currently my favorite part of Florence because the building is so beautiful. And, being one of the most recognizable, findable and central buildings of Florence it is the place one goes to when lost. From the Duomo I can find my way anywhere. Same with the church of San Lorenzo where the giant outdoor market is located. The market is open every day except Sundays from 9, I think, until 2, or 14:00 as it is in Italy. They sell everything. Clothes, boots, bags, postcards, shoes, hats, scarves, ponchos, umbrellas, souveniers for the tourists. And the food is always fresh. Don't get me started on the cheese. Especially since you won't get to taste any.

I just got back from a walk with Gillian. We "went around the block" even though that phrase is completely inadequate for describing the streets and distances here. Florence is really small and is definately a walking city. Several parts are innaccesable by car. Most people drive those little scooter motercycle things that people drove everywhere in the Mary-Kate and Ashely movie When in Rome. Today it really did feel like we were in a movie-- we had a soundtrack. There was a man playing an accordian then another with a music box. It was so romantic... except I was with a girl. *sigh* maybe later...

Anyway, class starts Monday which I'm glad for. Maybe a schedule will make it feel real. At least I know where north is.

Ciao!