Life is Good

I have to be honest with all of my readers out there (I know that there must be millions). Six days in, I got homesick. It's not that I missed my dirty, carpet stained apartment or the glamorous town of Middletown, I just missed my family, my friends and my boyfriend. It took a small meltdown and the sweetest e-mail from my boyfriend to finally get me over my emotional (and maybe a little silly) breakdown.

The next day, feeling refreshed, I ventured to the river to get school supplies. Everyone has been talking about the river, the Arno River, that is. Wow, the view is absolutely breathtaking. When you cross the river there is a more quiet feeling, while still very much a city. On the way back, we took a bridge lined with fine jewelry stores. I held my backpack on my front and extra close to my body while I oohed and ahhd since I heard that this is where many gypsies hang out. We ended up walking for the rest of the day (which meant extra pasta for dinner!). Later that night we had a meeting at school and after they took us to a local public library that Palazzo Rucellai (the school I am studying at) students have access to. It is called bibliotheque della oblata and was named after oblata nuns. The library is centered around a courtyard. On the first and second floor there are books and computers like a normal library. On the third floor, however, is all open with an amazing view of the Duomo (the church in the heart of Florence). There are a bunch of tables and even a small panino shop. The place was occupied by other students who looked around our age. Finally! Kids our age that aren't hitting on us at shady clubs! At one table sat a group of five guys sitting smoking cigarettes and sipping beers, just hanging out. Well, the next time I'm craving a cigarette and a cold one, I'll know to just go to the library! Gosh, I love this place.

 

This is the Arno River. On the right you can see the stores that line the bridge. So pretty!

Today it rained. Unfortunately, it started while I was in class and I was caught 20 minutes from my apartment totally unprepared! After passing about 15 people trying to sell me umbrellas on the street, I made it back to my apartment (when I went out later, you bet I was proudly wearing my new polka dotted rain boots, trench coat and umbrella). What's extra special about the institute I am studying at here in Florence are the site visits. Today, for my Gardens and Villas class we examined the exterior facades of Palazzo Rucellai and Palazzo Strozzi (both palaces dating back to the 1400's!) While they were neither a garden or villa, our professor explained how these structures were used as self propaganda, like gardens and villas of the time. 

On another note, as great as it is, I have a bone to pick with Florence. I have been looking in shops ALL over and I cannot find a watch! In a city so centered around fashion, you would think it would be easy to find a watch, but this is not the case. I have been in and out of stores all over and cannot find any (that won't break the bank at least)! Anyway, the hunt for a watch and boots (the staple of Italian winter fashion) will continue on. I only have 2 classes tomorrow so I will have some extra time to shop and study (that was for you, Mom). After shopping with my roommates, Lacey and Meaghan, we came back and had chicken, broccoli, and noodles. It was good, but I think we need to invest in some spices (like pepper). Now, I am sitting at our counter drinking cheap wine and eating chocolate. Man, life is good.

This is the view from our balcony. Sweet, huh??