yum.

GIORNO DICIOTTO

Got our PI CHI status on the "Balls" of Firenze

Let me start with last night.  We wound up at some Americanized bar called the Lion's Fountain.  It was a bad decision.  American study abroad students everywhere, and not the good kind.  These people made us embarrassed to say we came from the United States because they followed the stereotype Europeans have fashioned for us... crazy drinkers.  That bar was the epitome of what we are trying to stay away from.  It is so frustrating when people fall to their stereotype... being different/yourself is WAY more fun and honestly, it is so much easier!  It is just like smiling, it is so much harder to act upset than it is to act happy!  Sot turn that frown upside down and in the words of Kristen Wiig from Bridesmaids, "get your shit together Carol (Carol meaning the Americans at the bar)!"  Please excuse my French. (haha ironic... as I am in Italy!)

At least we got a good picture out of the night! CON ERIKA!

This morning Tarah and Savannah woke up to meet their parents at ten for the day, while Christina and I planned a whole day out for the Uffizi Museum!  We downloaded the Rick Steve's app on our phones and received the full overview of the important paintings and a complete tour of the entire gallery!  If you want to go travel through the museums... I would recommend that app!  It was free, useful, funny, and a great tool for all of his travel locations.  Allora, we of course got into the museum for free, skipping all the lines, and went up the rough four flights of stairs to the top U-shaped floor with ALL the paintings.  The gallery was very convoluted, but with Rick Steves leading us around it made it all make more sense.  We mostly were excited about seeing the "Birth of Venus," which of course everyone has heard of, but there were other paintings that were very interesting to look at.  There were the first paintings where depth perception was attempted... some were failures because there would be men in the background who would be the size of giants if they had been in the foreground.  We saw paintings where there was an attempt to create a sense of 3D by tilting the paintings at certain locations.  Some had such ornate frames that looked as if the people in the paintings were in a 3D castle.  They were all very cool to look at.

Sandro Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus" was a very beautiful piece because compared to all the other paintings of that time period, the colors of it were so soft and pastel-like.  The soft sense of the picture created more of a happy and a sense of purity, while the other paintings are almost dark and intense to look at.  Also in that room was the "Allegory of Spring," which is also a well-known painting by Botticelli.  This one was creative because of all the different aspects of the painting and you guessed it, METAPHORS behind each person and action occurring in the scene.  Adam and Eve, Cupid, Mother Nature... they all represent a different aspects of springtime.  Sometimes it is just amazing to think about how artists in these ancient centuries painted these enormous masterpieces.  I feel like it is not as appreciated as it should be.  I know I am guilty of not appreciating how amazing these pieces of art are because I see so many that they all begin to blend together in a massive ball of boredom, but it is truly remarkable and it is, as I always say... WORTH IT.

After that room though, me and Christina could feel our stomachs beginning to rumble, so we shuffled on through, continuing to read through Steves' narrations of the paintings and the view of the Arno from the southern side windows.  After leaving Uffizi, we first checked out Zara to pick up some clothes that Christina had on hold there... of course I saw a few things as well.  Classic Rachele.

BEFORE

AFTER!!!

Shopping only made us more hungry, so on the way home from Zara, we stopped by a Salumeria called Antico Vinaio Osteria to buy some salami and mozzarella. We made a homemade pizza!  It was SO AMAZING!  We put fresh and delicious salami and buffalo mozzarella and balsamic-carmelized onions on a thin pre-made crust.  I am telling you it was so good!  We are now professional cooks and will be opening up a restaurant in Gainseville...


Christina and I hung out in the apartment for a while until Savannah and Tarah returned from their day out with their parents.  We all just relaxed before we were supposed to get ready to eat at a nice dinner with their family.  I finally finished my book, Defending Jacob, which was very good and well-written, but ended annoyingly!  I still recommend it because it was a fun read!

After we all cleaned up... pretty nice I might add in our dresses, we walked to the corner to meet up with her parents and sister for dinner.  The place we made reservations at was this cute little place called Giostra.  It was phenomenal!  Probably the best food I have had yet in Italy!  The restaurant was off the main drag on this side street and inside there were Christmas lights strung up on the ceiling as if it were a rooftop terrace.  It was a beautiful ambiance.  I even got to taste the Cianti Classico for the dinner wine!  It was pretty legit.  I tried to act professional, but I felt cheesy haha!  YUM!  THE BEST MEAL.
The waiter first brought each of us a complimentary glass of Prosecco, which is the Italian form of Champagne.  It was sweet and delicious!  We all felt a little overwhelmed by the menu, which was solely in Italian and listed meals that all sounded equally amazing and exotic.  We chose a few appetizers and primi piatis before we moved on to sharing a few main dishes.  Everything was perfect.  Everything was just...

Of course after this giant meal we had to get gelato!  We went to our usual place, La Carraia 2 to be greeted by our favorite guy, Roberto!  He still remembered my name!  We had a great night hanging out with all of the Benefields and eating a great meal!  If you are reading this, thank you so much for dinner and letting Christina and em join you for dinner!  We loved it!                 

Anyway, I got to go to sleep because we have an early and long day of horseback riding in Chianti tomorrow!  Of course there will be wine involved... don't be silly, we are in Italy!  It never gets old saying that... I am in ITALY!

Buonanotte!

one word: chiaroscuro.

GIORNO DICISETTE

My hazelnut cappuccino from this morning!

It's important to start the day off right... that is why I started mine off with a hazelnut cappuccino and a turnover from my favorite caffe, CHIAROSCURO, which literally means "light dark."  I don't know the significance behind the name, but I find that interesting... it is a symbol for the ways you can take you coffee?  Either light or dark?  If it had been the other way I would have thought you go from dark to light from drinking coffee... but I don't know.  AP English really making me look too far into this one I suppose.  There was even a heart in my cup this morning when it was given to me.  I think that's a good omen for the day, right?  I will tell you... it was a delicious to eat as it is to look at!

After cafe and gossip time with the girls we headed to class where I did my thing, speaking in Italian.  We learned about how to give directions, specifically in the imperative or demand form.  Once I can start demanding things and telling people what to do, Italian life will get pretty easy.  I packed a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and ate it as Carrie and I walked to wine class today.  It wasn't as difficult to keep my eyes open today, and the class at least went by more quickly... but I was worse at the blind wine tastings.  Sometimes I just can't tell what region a wine is from.  The white wines are easier to configure because the lighter the shade of yellow, the more likely the wine comes from the north.  There is no telling with a red wine... you just have to tell by the taste.  It is so hard!  Sometime next week we have a quiz too... I will actually be studying this weekend (happy mom?).

After class, Carrie and I stopped by the Florence for Fun office so she could book her trip to the Almafi Coast as well!  It is going to be so amazing!  I am excited because this weekend is going to be so fun and different!  Tomorrow, Christina and I are heading to the Uffizi Museum, Saturday we are going to Chianti for horseback riding and wine tasting, and then Sunday we are going to CINQUE TERRE!  I almost also strongly thinking about visiting Bologna on Monday and eat at the Nutelleria.  It just sounds like a good idea!  All I can say is that I am glad it is weekend time because this weekend is going to AMAZING!


One of the things I remember most (most meaning I barely remember anything so this is pretty amazing) about my trip with my parents to Italy in 1999, were the sunflower fields all throughout the countryside of Toscana.  They were so beautiful, as you can see from the pictures!  Since it has been unusually cold here in Italy, the sunflowers have yet to bloom... I hope that sometime before the end of my six weeks here that I can see the sunflowers!

Anyway, after that, Carrie, Emily, and I mulled over where we would go for dinner tonight and settled on Kome, which is a sushi place.  Unfortunately, when we got there it was closed until seven (a lot of the restaurants and stores here go on a sort of "siesta," where they close between three and seven), so we decided to go to this other place around the corner, called Buio.  Of course it was apertivo, which is always a good idea.  Carrie and I both ordered Bellinis, which luckily weren't half bad.  (At least they weren't as expensive as the ones Christina, Tarah, and Savannah bought in Venice... sixteen euro, uh no.)  The apertivo had interesting items, including this delicious salad.  You don't realize how much you crave greens and salad until they are piled high in front you looking all delicious.  Salad buffet... yes?

What is better than drinking bellinis and enjoying a wonderful Italian evening outside a restaurant?  Bubbles in Piazza Santa Croce the size of a small bambino (baby)!  Seriously... these bubbles were so large.  I felt like a little kid chasing them because it was just me and a little four-year-old boy chasing them through the piazza.  It was so fun though!  It was a cold but great night here in Firenze!

Besides the exciting day trips we have planned for today, Tarah and Savannah's parents and sister are here in Florence for the long weekend and will be hanging out with us during all our adventures!  Danielle went to Switzerland to visit some friends... jealous of her!! Bring me back some chocolate and I will love you forever? If you are reading this, have fun in Switzerland, make good choices, and don't do anything I wouldn't do!
              
In the words of Ellen Degeneres, "Be kind to one another."
Ciao-Ciao!

smile, you are beautiful.

GIORNO SEIDICI
I will start off by saying that today was pretty uneventful.  The highlight of my day was seeing some casual street art during my run and cutting up a fresh pineapple after my wonderfully warm shower.  If those are the most exciting points of my day, then you know this will be a short post, and hopefully not boring!

Anyway, last night the roommates and I went out to our usual joint, Kikuya Pub and met new people and of course kept the old.  The same people seem to hang out there, so we have started making friends with some of the locals.  Last night, we were playing a game with some other study abroad students when this adorable Italian couple ask to join in.  They were so friendly and the man was so lively and eager about speaking English with us.  He gave us really important advice that I will share with you... He said there are only two things you need to do in order to speak Italiano: 1. you need to be able to say "sì" and "no" and 2. you have to actively use your hands while speaking... gestures with the hands is a language of its own.  If only authenticity were that simple... At least now you know hot to speak Italian!  

Our new Italian friends laughed at us when we mentioned going to the Secret Bakery... but were just as excited as we were about the warm Nutella croissants that was sketchily handed to us through a graffitied sliding door in the back of some random building.  Who wouldn't appreciate a cheap and delicious snack that includes Nutella?  Well... I guess Savannah wouldn't appreciate it... she doesn't like chocolate.  What?  At least she accepted the fact that she was helping the economy by spending money here in Italy!  Even better, they gave us an extra one for free!  We felt bad because Erika couldn't come because she had a midterm to study for (wait... what?  I forgot there was that "study" in front of the "abroad..."), so we wrote her name on the bag and wished her good luck and placed it by her night stand.  In the morning it was gone, so I assumed she got it!

This morning I woke up and read for a while until we all decided to get ready and head to get sandwiches at Antico Noe, which is across from The Lion's Fountain (the place where we got bagels yesterday).  I got a turkey sandwich with brie, onions, and some spicy pepper sauce.  This was THE first time I have seen turkey anywhere in Italy... I guess they don't really eat it here?  I was craving me some turkey.  Allora, I headed to class, which was blah blah blah... then I walked to my wine class la de dah dah... you know the drill.  Today was rough.  It was a struggle to keep my eyes open.  Maybe it was the turkey?  I heard a rumor that the lethargy effect of turkey comes from some amino acids called L-tryptophan, which makes you fall asleep, hence the great night's sleep after Thanksgiving!  I blame my sandwich for my lack of attention in class... would "my sandwich made me do it" fly here?  Or is that just another "my dog ate my homework" ploy?  Oh well... I made it through, barely, after doing a blind wine tasting.  That final might actually be kind of hard.  Wine class puts the "study" in "abroad."

Smile, you are beautiful :)

After class I returned to the apartment, ate dinner, and forced myself to go on a run.  It tuned out to be a wonderful day to run.  The temperature was great and not that many people were out for me to dodge and to give me awkward glances.  It was nice to get out and I actually felt really good.  My favorite part was when I saw some street graffiti on the east side of the bridge on oltrarno.  It is hard to read in the picture, but it definitely made my day.  It said, "Smile, you are beautiful," and it truly made me smile.  I passed it originally, but turned back around after running about a mile ahead just to snap a picture of it!  It is just a happy thing.

After my refreshing run, I was craving some pineapple, so I cut it up and when Tarah, Savannah, Danielle, and Christina came back, we finished the whole thing.  Casual.  It was SO delicious.

I know this is a lame post for the day, but this is everything that happened.  Life still finds a routine, even when you are in another country.  It is good to find routine in the unfamiliar and make it familiar.  Firenze has become my routine and my familiar.  That is so cool when you think about it that way.  Again, when simply on vacation, routine never happens.  This is real!

Well anyway...  I can't believe we are almost halfway done with this amazing program!  Isn't that crazy?!? What?  It just started!!!  There is so much to do and so little time.  Gotta run!

"Ciao Bella"

ironic.

GIORNO QUINDICI
Today Danielle and I planned on going running when we woke up, but instead we were greeted by a different surprise... not a great one at that.  The water wasn't working!  So, we had a power outage last night and absolutely no running water this morning!  We hit the jackpot.  And to top it all off (I haven't really mentioned this yet in my blog because it seemed unimportant, but now it is slightly comical with all these other add-ons), one of our two showers hasn't been draining since about... well... day 4(ish), so all eight of us have been camping out and showering in the world's tiniest shower in bathroom number two.  So in a nutshell, Danielle and and I decided NOT to go running this morning because we wouldn't have a shower to go with it.

=Happiness

Instead, we all chose to ditch the apartment and head to this bar... yeah you heard correctly, life was so tough that we resorted to a bar.  Just kidding... I mean we did go to a bar, but only because we heard that they sell bagels in the morning!  Which was 100% true!  Not only that, but The Lion's Fountain (the name of the bar) was such a cool place.  They have different college t-shirts hung from the ceiling with study abroad students' signatures all over them, writing on every surface of the wall, and a legit atmosphere... at least at ten-thirty in the morning.  I have to admit, it was a little awkward walking out of a bar before noon, but we seriously had bagels (the first ones I have seen in Firenze) plus it was totally worth it because I am pretty sure they were homemade and perfect.  After that, we returned to Caffe ChiarOscuro for the best vanilla cappuccino that ever existed before class started.  Seriously though, the BEST cappuccino ever.  No lie.  We hung out for a bit until twenty till noon and then walked by il Duomo for class.

I am definitely starting to enjoy Italian class a lot more than the previous two weeks because we are actually starting to learn new things.  Aside from reviewing the gerund that we learned last Thursday, today we learned indirect objects and types of clothes.  And I will be honest... I really like clothes.  I am not embarrassed to admit it.  I may have a problem.  Allora, I also am starting to like my teacher a lot more too.  Although I think of Marta more as a peer than a teacher compared to Alessia from UF.  Marta just is a lot sillier, younger, and just not teacher-esque, if you catch my drift.  She came along as a chaperone to Venice and she just is way cool.  I mean, I got a pretty awesome picture and here it is... yep, she is the one in the poncho.  Sometimes it is just fun to have a teacher that jumps into the goofy pictures with you and your friends.  No questions asked.  And she handed out tiny Nutella packs to us for answering questions correctly.  I could get used to this.  Bribery works... all you need is Nutella and people will practically do anything for you.  It is just a known fact.

After Italian, Carrie and I continued on to Wine Class.  It was pretty boring today.  Livia's hair was up... there was no letting it down.  But we focused on Toscana today, and tasted three wines from this region, including a Chianti "Sassocupo" from a vintage of 2009, a Rosso di Montepulciano "Sabazio," and a Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.  I really liked the first one, but the second two weren't my favorite.  I am still struggling with the whole "it smells like........." thing, but I get to taste wines, so I can't complain!

FAIL.

Dopo il lezione, Carrie e io sono andate a Conad comprare gli ananas! (After class, Carrie and I went to Conad to buy pineapples!)  I bought two because the prices are so good for pineapple there and it is my favorite fruit!  By the way... they taste better here.  Honestly, everything tastes better in Italy.  It could be EXACTLY the same and it would STILL without a doubt taste better in Italy.  It's just the way it is.  HINT: if you buy fruit in grocery store here, you have to weigh it yourself print out the price on a sticker from the weighing machine.  It is a little complicated, but it is better to do that than show up at the check-out counter holding pineapples in your hands ready to go, and be turned away.  That would be awkward.  Not like that happened to me or anything...  Anyway, to return to the topic of our faulty drain back at the apartment, I also bought some Draino-like substance (I know this seems random, but I will explain later).

After Conad, I walked to this sandwich place called The Oil Shoppe because I forgot to eat lunch and had a personal sandwich concocted just for me.  I put spicy salami, mozzarella, onions, arugula, and balsamic vinegar on it, and I even had it panini pressed.  It was the BEST sandwich I have had in Firenze yet.  It was delicious, reasonably priced, and a decent size.  Worth it!  Carrie wasn't feeling a sandwich, so she embraced her Spanish side and braved the chicken quesadilla from the restaurant across the street.  They cooked it in what appeared to be a crepe and topped it off with Cooler Ranch Doritos.  She struggled with it a bit, but finished it like a champ.

Back at the apartment I was pleased to find out that the water was back and ready to go, so I trudged right up to that drain with my Draino in hand, ready to take action when I noticed something different.  The shower looked wet and the drain had the top back on.  I tested the shower... and guess what?

Yep, the drain was working perfectly.  You guessed it.  The day I buy Draino (considering the drain has been faulty for a while now) someone already fixes it... "Isn't it Ironic, don't cha think?  A little toooo Ironic, and yeah I really do think..."  Well... now we have Draino?

Today has been pretty interesting, but I am already so excited for this weekend!  Chianti and the Cinque Terre!  I don't know what the plans are for tonight, but possibly going somewhere with the roommates.  I guess we'll see!

Ciao per ora!  Ci vediamo domani!      

I saw these locks on one of the bridges.  Couples lock them on the bridges, write their names on the lock, and then throw the key into the Arno.  Such a beautiful tradition!  Maybe one day (way way way in the future) I will have one up there too!

  

fedorable.

GIORNO QUATTORDICI

La Citta di Fiesole

I slept great last night, but I always seem to wake up before eight ready to go!  So I resort to my Kindle to read before the roommates get up so we can get ready for a day trip of our own to Fiesole!  One of my favorite parts about the weekends is getting the chance to get out of Firenze for a little bit and explore some unknown territory!  When they all woke up, we started getting ready.  I planned this day around my fedora and when I walked out wearing that stylish hat looking all fresh, the term "fedorable" was coined.  It looks good on everyone.

I knew it was going to be a good day.  The sun was out, the weather was 100% perfect, and I had my hat!  We walked to the Tabaccheria next door to our apartment to buy bus tickets (always, always, always buy your bus tickets at a tabaccheria because you save money!!), then we walked to La Piazza San Marco (no to be confused with La Piazza San Marco in Venice... different place, and a much shorter walk!) where we had to catch bus number seven to Fiesole!  We had perfect timing, for it arrived right away and we rode north up in elevation for about twenty minutes to this adorable little town that overlooks Firenze.  I know it is common in the United States to stand for elderly, disabled, and pregnant people, which I am completely glad to do, but here in Italy it is a requirement.  You will get evil eyes if you sit.  This adorable old lady walked up, and I immediately stood for her to sit, but she still gave me a little attitude as if I hadn't seen her approaching soon enough.  Oh well, gestures of kindness are still appreciated somewhere! 

The view was amazing!  You could see all across the landscape, different on either side of the city.  On the northern side you could see far into the green fields and large Italian villas in the countryside and on the southern side, you could see all of Firenze; the soccer stadium, il duomo, and beyond.  It was truly quite a site to see.  The town itself was tiny and quaint.  All the buildings were the color of desert, their shutters a deep green, and terracotta roofs that looked out across the valleys.  The roads were so small and poppy flowers grew on the sides of rock walls like weeds.  Terraces full of potted plants and arches of flowers covered the city.  It just seemed like such a quiet and perfect place to live.  Out of all the places I have visited, I connected most to Fiesole.  It just seemed like a real place, where people actually lived and kids grew up.  There wasn't a minute of the day where you didn't hear the sounds of kids laughing.  Everything just seemed so pleasant and everyone did not seem to be as rushed as they are in Firenze.  Time moved a little slower there.

Whoa there!

We walked throughout the streets, up and down all these hilly roads for the best views of the landscape.  It is so much fun to just explore.  We climbed up this one hill that brought us to a park where we could look out to the actual town of Fiesole.  When you look up Fiesole on the Internet, one of the pictures that comes up looks like an old rock amphitheater... we tried to find it.  We searched all throughout the city and in the end we decided that it must be a part of the town's main museum.  I guess we will never know if we missed out, because we didn't go!  We did lots of other stuff though!  I went bull riding on a caterpillar and almost fell when it tried to buck me off... luckily I caught my hat before it blew away or there would be no more "fedorable-ness" around here.  We took group photos with self-timer; either cutting off Tarah's body or completely missing the view... I am no professional.  We scaled a hill with a pretty steep grade to a lookout point across the city and snapped a ridiculous amount of jumping pictures.  We practiced our "Beatles walk" (not to be confused with Oasis) across the busiest street in Fiesole, with style I might add... We walked through a residential area and came across a beautiful house that had broken glass pieces cemented into the top of the wall, for security or for looks I don't know, but it looked awesome.  I dig.

We ran down that town and realized that we were really hungry.  The only disappointing part of our day was the meal... it just wasn't that great, except for my bresaola, rocket salad, and Parmesan cheese sandwich.  Savannah and I shared a tortellini of some sort, which came out cold, undercooked, and bland.  Supposedly it had ham and a wine sauce on/in it, but that part of the dish was practically non-existent.  If you go to Fiesole, I recommend that you don't go to the Blu Bar and instead go next door to this restaurant that had pumpkin and cheese tortellini that sounded amazing!  We went the cheaper route, but maybe the tastier route would have been the wiser decision even if we hadn't felt as full afterward.  Therefore, to satisfy our need of something ACTUALLY delicious we (secretly... don't tell anyone) visited La Carraia Gelateria again when we got back to Firenze... uh oh.  Again... WORTH IT.  We justify it by all the walking that's involved!! We had to walk about a mile just to get there from the bus station and then we had to walk back plus, we walked ALL day up and down hills in Fiesole. We deserved it.  And a pat on the back for all our hard work really.  Anyway, when we got back to our apartment with full and happy stomachs we hung out thinking about how dessert first was, again, a great decision before heading to Moyo for apertivo.  On the way there I passed this guy on the street who stopped in his tracks and stared me down. It was a bit uncomfortable because I didn't know his intentions... I had just gotten money out of the ATM and I was NOT about to lose that.  Luckily he was just a creeper... a cute one at that and I let it slide.  If he were wearing a fedora he could have been "fedorable" too.  Moyo was fun... they had very different dishes on the buffet to try out and they would constantly bring out new plates with different foods to try each time.  It made the meal interesting and kept our taste buds on their toes.  Apertivo should happen in the United States.  It is such a fantastic idea!  Paying for a drink and then getting free buffet.  Genius!  Especially in a college town like Gainesville!

  
We spent about two hours in Moyo just talking and enjoying the nice night before we headed back to the apartment.  While just hanging out... me writing in my blog, of course, ALWAYS, the power went out.  Complete black out.  Still happening as we speak.  No power. What?  Ten o'clock on a Monday... YES!  Anyway... at least I know it will be dark tonight!  Buonanotte!                     

"Open my heart and you will 

see, Graved inside 

of it, "Italy."

-Robert Browning

eat dessert first.

DAY THIRTEEN
Lazy day in Firenze after a long two days in Venice this weekend.  I had the chance to organize my photos into a folder and edit them for when I do one massive album in about... uhhh three months or so?

We had been planning to go for a run practically all weekend because we needed it... but we also were CRAVING salad, so before we went on our run, we went to "Tutto e 99 Cent" store and the market called Conad for groceries.  It takes too much starch in different forms to make me crave a salad... now I know the trick!  I am telling you... the fact that everything is 99 cents is golden.  A loaf a bread, a toothbrush, laundry detergent, a pet giraffe, cookies, you name it; 99 cents.  I bought some loaves a bread since we have been going through that stuff like crazy and then we went to Conad.  That grocery store just keeps on going.  Everything in Italy looks like a hole in the wall, but they all trick you out because they are huge!  Remember, the first night we were here we had a welcome dinner where over two hundred of us ate in one restaurant!  That's a big place they got hiding there.

Anyway, Conad was apparently the place to be on a Sunday (just like in the United States) because everyone and their mom was in there.  We shopped around trying to find the best bargains since we continue to be poor college students even in Firenze.  Kinda.  Anyway, after doing a MAJOR pat-down and cleanup of our super dirty apartment.  Oh boy did it need it.  Eight girls, two bedrooms, two bathroom, A LOT of hair.  It was rough.

We finally went on our run... remind me next time to NOT run on a weekend because the whole world is out on Sundays.  Working out, going to church, and touring the city.  We were dodging people left and right and getting the strangest glances.  It was as if groups of five college girl students don't ever run around the Arno together.  People just don't get the concept of group fitness or fitness really in general.  We see some older men running and people always walking about, but that is pretty much the extent of Italians' work outs.  I don't know how they are all so skinny!!  The run was fun though... we went about three miles along the river and it felt nice to get out and about.  As I mentioned before, running is the best way to explore and get to know a new city.

Me and my TOMs love exploring Firenze together.  Tonight we took a trek after we cleaned up and ate lunch over to the other side of the Arno.  We were looking for a specific gelateria called La Carraia, which is supposedly (heard from some locals) the best gelateria in Firenze.  We walked around aimlessly for about thirty minutes looking for it.  Strangely enough, right around the corner from our apartment is La Carraia 2, and as we searched for the first, it began to feel like a prank.  I don't know if you have heard about that "senior prank" where you put three farm animals in the school and label them 1, 2, and 4?  Well... if you haven't picked up on the kicker yet... there is no 3, but the administration doesn't know that!!  So, back to reality... does La Carraia 1 truly exist?  It does.  After walking over the Arno three separate times, we finally ended up three bridges down from the Ponte Vecchio, oltrarno, in a line of over twenty people.  I think it might be good?

Not my gelato, but pretty much my night....

Yes, yes it was.  The choices were almost unbearable... chocolate orange, hazelnut, lemon, raspberry, cookies, everything and anything you wanted in a gelato, right there in front of you.  How can you decide under that kind of pressure.  Not only that... there were about thirty other people in the same dilemma as you, standing and staring at the cases of deliciously colorful gelato as if hoping it would speak to them saying, "Pick me!  I'm the best one here."  The lady behind the counter finally looked at me and it was time to make a decision.  I gave in to my greatest weakness, nocciola (hazelnut) and put limone (lemon) with it.  It turned out to be a good decision, and we ate it right by the Arno.  It was gone all too fast.

So... I know you're thinking, have they eaten dinner yet?  No, no we hadn't.  We live life saying, "life is short, eat dessert first."  I think that is a good way to live by.  I am not sure if you have seen the movie, "Remember Me," it is a sad(ish) movie with Robert Pattinson and he dates this girl that orders dessert first every day...

Girl-I have my dessert first.
Rob-Is that a political statement? A medical condition, perhaps?
Girl-I just don't see the point in waiting. I mean, what if I die while eating my entree?
Rob-Is that probable?
Girl-It's possible. What if I choke? What if an asteroid comes hurling down onto the restaurant?... I'll tell you what, if you swear on your eternal soul that I'll make it through my entree, then I'll wait. But before you answer, consider that if something does happen, you'll have to live the rest of your life knowing that not only did you lie to me, but you denied of my one last indulgence. Are you prepared to shoulder that kind of responsibility?

Why not just indulge?  I think people are just happier when they indulge in dessert.  A little sweet then a little savory.  Therefore, when we got back, we cooked up something pretty special!  We made balsamic chicken, penne pasta with Parmesan cheese, and a great salad with apples, yellow peppers, carrots, and some more Parmesan cheese of course!  Everything simply topped with balsamic.  Such a perfect meal!  Left us all satisfied and smiling.  Just as this sign here made me smile.  I hope it makes you smile too.  The weird thing was I looked down right after seeing this sign and I saw this stamp on the ledge that read, "weird."  Was it trying to tell me something?                   

The only thing left for us to do in Firenze besides the Uffizi is to climb up to the Piazzo Michelangelo and watch the sunset over the Arno.  We packed up some wine for our little picnic up there and grabbed towels to sit on, but we had a problem.  It was sixty degrees out and ALL our jeans and "blue jean" (that one's for you Christina) jackets were still hanging on the drying racks, still wet from Venice.  Dilemma.  We stepped outside and it was a bit chilly.  Me and Tarah in shorts and cardigans, Christina and Savannah in a mismatched long sleeves to stay warm.  We were trekking along and chickened out.  We settled for the bridge two away from the Ponte Vecchio, and camped out on the ledge.  It wasn't a beautiful sunset, but it was just a nice way to close the evening.  We are planning to bring a picnic dinner up to the Piazzo Michelangelo soon and watch the sunset when we actually have warm layers.  Firenze weather... why you no warm?  It doesn't matter!  It is what you make it and we made it fun.  We choose happy!

The smell of cake wafted toward me while sitting in the kitchen writing this blog post.  Of course it was Chef Danielle whipping something together; cherry bread cake hot and ready to go!  It was delicious... I don't know how she did it, but I was a happy camper.  And why not just add some Nutella on the side to dip it in?  Perfection.

Arrivederci! 

So Zen

blown away.

DAY TWELVE

The beautiful sea glass colors of Murano in the morning

As I stated in the last post... I woke up freezing.  Italy, why?  Oh well, at least my sleep was AWESOME (no sarcasm! Seriously!)!  Anyway, the hotel provided us a skimpy, but free breakfast before we left for another full day of Murano and Venice!

The ferry took us straight to Murano where we watched a man blow glass.  I originally read that part of the tour on the itinerary and blew (no pun intended) off because it sounded boring.  But boy was I wrong.  It was so cool, I was blown away!  I never knew how/what blowing glass meant.  They actually blow the glass and form it into vases and bowls!  It was crazy.  Even cooler, the man formed the glass into a horse!  Yes. I meant what I wrote... A HORSE!  And it was perfect.  I can't even... wow.  I wish I had taken pictures, but it all happened too fast.  He formed that horse in less than a minute!  Pure talent.
 

After that we had about an hour to walk around tiny, tiny Murano.  It was a very small town that literally based it's income off of glass, glass, and more glass.  All "made in Murano!"  The glass was actually really beautiful, but was very expensive and awfully difficult to carry, so I passed on all the pretty plates, chandeliers, and picture frames in colors of the sea.  It was an adorable little town, but there truly isn't a need to go back.  ALL WE WANT IS MORE VENICE!

Frolicking.

Today we got four straight hours just to frolic in the streets of Venice!  We walked immediately to this adorable little shop called, Oysho, where they sold these cool pants for super cheap!  And as you may know... I NEEDED pants!  We spent a long time in there trying o EVERYTHING in the store since it was all so cute.  Gah!  I love European clothing and I love being a current resident in Italy!  It just feels so right even though I am still struggling with my Italian.  "Build it, it will come."  Maybe?  Just look at me in Italy... don't I look like a native?  Don't answer that.  *Tourist*  

I guess the only thing that doesn't feel right for the other girls is the lack of American food.  They were craving hamburgers and French fries, so we had to dine at The Hard Rock Venice for lunch.  We stomped through puddles, dodged scary pigeons, and scaled bridges to find it!  Now... I am pretty sure I haven't eaten at a Hard Rock in about four billion years so I didn't really know what to expect in terms of expenses, but you have to remember, we are in VENICE so of course it is going to be ridiculously priced.  As is everything.  How do people eat in this city?  Is that why everyone is so skinny?  It can't only be because everyone smokes!  And when I say everyone... I mean everyone!  They all smoke.  It is as if they learn it in school or something because it is ingrained in all Italians and Europeans.  They just live it because it is all around them.  It is so gross, but it is a part of their culture that I have to accept over my stay here, unfortunately.

The meal was actually really enjoyable.  I don't know if it because I was starving (which I was), if I just really love pulled pork (which I do), or if I just really was craving American food, but I ate it ALL!  We lounged about for a long while, soaking up the Americaness of it all and people watching (of course).  There were these two girls on the trip with us who showed up at one point to eat and I was astounded at how much they wasted (money and food).  They both ordered two of what appeared to be a pina colada, hamburgers and fries, two sides of macaroni, and a potato skins to share.  They finished like 10% of it all.  Disappointed.

Bird on the arm... they just jump on you.

Anyway... Venice was almost complete by the end of the day and we were all ready to return to Firenze.  It was overall a productive experience because it is such a different city.  As we we were headed back to the boat dock to catch the ferry we all did something pretty vile... we played with the pigeons.  I know you aren't supposed to, but it happened and I don't regret it.  It was kind of cool even though I know my Dad has a vendetta against them because they seem to always choose to "do their business" on him in almost every country we visit.  Don't know why... but it's kind of funny (sorry Dad, but you know it's funny!!).  Anyway, if you just reached out your hand, they would all just fly up and land on your arm hoping to get crackers or bread.  They are obviously used to being fed, even though it is technically illegal.  Eh, we did it anyway!

So... four-thirty turned into five and our ferry still had not arrived.  I guess five o'clock is rush hour for boats too... who knew?  We waited for a little longer, as the docks became more and more crowded with people trying to get out and boats trying to get in.  It was a mess.  Finally we got on the ferry and headed back to the bus for our long trip home.  I slept most of the way, but woke up just in time to see our drive into Firenze.  It was beautiful because the sun was setting and the fog was weaving in and out of the beautiful lush green hills that surround the city.  It was a cool drive because tunnels are just built into the mountains and the roads are so curvy.  Luckily we weren't on any major cliffs because the speed limit is always pretty fast and that would be terrifying in a giant bus.  Home sweet Firenze! 

Sorry for a rather boring post today!  It is pretty late here and I have to get to sleep!  Hopefully the roommates and I will visit the Uffizi Museum tomorrow for a greater taste of Firenze!  We are gone so much that is it important to step back and actually experience what is right in front of us!  Buonanotte!

PS: Here are a few more pictures from today that I just liked, but had no where to put!