After settling in, we decided to go out to find something to eat and ended up at a meal voucher restaurant called Ristorante il Treato. The food was absolutely delicious and a great choice for our first real Italian meal! I had gnocche with tomato sauce and fresh fruit for dessert. The people there were fantastic and hilarious. They were super friendly and ended up giving our table a free bottle of wine. I was so full from my dinner I could barely eat my dessert (along with everyone else!) and when one of the men in the restaurant saw my plate, he actually came over and held my nose so I would have to open my mouth, then force fed it to me! It was hilarious, and really awkward... but funny and made us feel less out of place.
After dinner, a few of us decided to explore a little and try to find a place to get drinks or snacks for the apartment. We walked by the Uffizi and the Duomo, which were both beautiful. It was extremely inspiring and I was completely in awe. The streets were full of people, some playing with glowing discs that they would throw into the air and catch on a stick, which was really cool to watch. On our way back, we got pretty lost, but thanks to Gabby (who visited Florence a few years ago), a map that came in our welcome packets, and some nice people, we finally made it back to the apartment. A pretty tame night all in all, but really interesting and fun too. And I made it back in time to hang out with the group and skype some friends from home before I head to bed. Atleast I know falling asleep tonight will be easy!
Ciao!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Arrivederci America!
Our flight departed at 10 PM on September 1st. We left Colby at around 5, and the wait was unbearable! We were all so excited to finally be on our way! We took a coach bus to the airport, which was an adventure in itself, as our engine over-heated and then we got stuck in typical Boston traffic. However, it was not bad, and we made it to the airport in plenty of time. The airport went smoothly, although we had a lot of overweight baggage to deal with, and the line for security seemed endless. The only road bump was that our professor had been overbooked on the flight and did not have a seat! He did end up gettig one, but for a while it seemed we were going to set off on our own. My wonderful parents and fantastic best friend, Sam, came to send me off at the airport, making it kind of bittersweet. I will miss them, but absence makes the heart grow fonder ;) and this is an amazing opportunity that we all know I cannot pass up.
From Boston, we had a 6 hour 45 minute flight to Frankfurt, Germany, where we then connected to Florence. I slept for most of the flight, but was awake enough to eat some awful airplane meals. The plane was HUGE and had about fifteen movies to choose from (which I couldn't stay awake long enough to watch -- thank you Benadryl!) so it wasn't too bad. The flight was smooth except for my ears popping like crazy! We practically had to run through the Frankfurt airport, so I didn't see much of Germany, but I was extremely excited to see some Arizona tea for sale at one of the kiosks... thought I had seen my last one until December! Security there was surprisingly quick and nothing got searched except for a few of my groupmates' bags. From there, we were off to Florence, an hour and ten minute flight, on a much smaller plane.
Our second flight was quick and painless. We flew directly over the Alps, which was the most amazing sight I have ever seen! Many people ordered beer or wine on the plane as a little celebration... I got sprite (I know, unusual) and it came in a cute little can and tasted very different! When we arrived at the airport in Firenze, we were joined by some AIFS staff members who led us to our taxis (yes mom, with real Italian drivers!) and sent us on our way with schedules, ID cards, meal vouchers, and a lot of other information that I haven't even begun to digest. What I do know is-- we're finally here! Feels like we waited an eternity. But it was worth it!
The city is beautiful and our apartments are very nice. I live with 5 other girls, sharing 3 bedrooms. My roomate, Gabby, is awesome! And we all get along fairly well. We are about to head out to stock up our fridge and grab some dinner. Hopefully I can get some authentic Italian pizza!
I love this place already and can't wait to get out there and explore! Ciao ;)
From Boston, we had a 6 hour 45 minute flight to Frankfurt, Germany, where we then connected to Florence. I slept for most of the flight, but was awake enough to eat some awful airplane meals. The plane was HUGE and had about fifteen movies to choose from (which I couldn't stay awake long enough to watch -- thank you Benadryl!) so it wasn't too bad. The flight was smooth except for my ears popping like crazy! We practically had to run through the Frankfurt airport, so I didn't see much of Germany, but I was extremely excited to see some Arizona tea for sale at one of the kiosks... thought I had seen my last one until December! Security there was surprisingly quick and nothing got searched except for a few of my groupmates' bags. From there, we were off to Florence, an hour and ten minute flight, on a much smaller plane.
Our second flight was quick and painless. We flew directly over the Alps, which was the most amazing sight I have ever seen! Many people ordered beer or wine on the plane as a little celebration... I got sprite (I know, unusual) and it came in a cute little can and tasted very different! When we arrived at the airport in Firenze, we were joined by some AIFS staff members who led us to our taxis (yes mom, with real Italian drivers!) and sent us on our way with schedules, ID cards, meal vouchers, and a lot of other information that I haven't even begun to digest. What I do know is-- we're finally here! Feels like we waited an eternity. But it was worth it!
The city is beautiful and our apartments are very nice. I live with 5 other girls, sharing 3 bedrooms. My roomate, Gabby, is awesome! And we all get along fairly well. We are about to head out to stock up our fridge and grab some dinner. Hopefully I can get some authentic Italian pizza!
I love this place already and can't wait to get out there and explore! Ciao ;)
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