Ok, A Good Post Now

So, after being scolded by my family for my "weak" blog posts, I will now write one that counts!
I have been a Florentine for almost a full week now and it still amazes me to walk outside and realize that I may be in the most beautiful city in the world. It truely is a beautiful place - even the graffiti on the buildings brings out the life and energy of Firenze. It's been hot hot hot outside lately; no days falling below 90 degrees. Try that out Wisconsinites! But because of the heat, it's been hard to motivate our air conditioned butts to go outside - but we have been, no worries! We took a walking tour of florence yesterday that lasted for 3 and a half hours mid-day and I will be posting some pictures from that as soon as I can get time. Today we decided to take a very long stroll following the Arno river to a park where we could read and relax - little did we know that there would be absolutely no thriving grass at this park! Haha - but it was a nice walk anyway.

That is something my roommates and I have definitely been doing a lot of. Since we are all trying to save money, we walk everywhere, so my feet really hate me lately since I don't where proper shoes. Mom would be saying "I told you so!!" right about now. :) Amy and I have also started to cook our own meals - today is the first day that we made all our meals at our apartment! WOOHOO! Our dinner was delicioso! We made stuffed green and yellow peppers - it was by far the best meal I have had here, including the ones we have eaten out! (Possible restaurant opening soon? Ha.) Another first for me was eating the beautiful gelato! Yesterday I tried gelato for the first time and fell in love. Everyone will tell you that when you eat it you can't stop and no one believes them until you have it. - Trust me, these people aren't lying.

Yesterday I also had another huge "first" for me - it was the first day I got through without crying. Yes, I am homesick. I am in the most beautiful city in the world and most days want to get on the next flight to De Pere, Wisconsin. (You can hate me). It has definitely been one tough week for me. BUT I did buy wireless internet for my apartment so I will be able to skype and communicate with my family and others cheaply. It has been really good for me too. I'm not spending all my time on it, but when I need to I can make my homesickness go away by seeing and talking to my family and friends. Best investment so far. I am beginning to feel more settled and comfortable in my apartment and with my roommates though and it's been amazing to have Amy here with me. (Poor her, she has to put up with my sad spells :) What a friend!)

Well, tomorrow is my first day of school and I believe it will help me feel even better in Firenze. I am unbelievably excited for this semester and my classes so I will definitely keep everyone updated on those. For now though, I'm going to do some catching up, and preparing for the first day and then go to bed. I will keep everyone updated on new and interesting things about my trip! Pictures of Firenze and my apartment will follow soon!

Ciao!


Tentative first trip: Venice, Italy - 2 weeks.