the delay

ok guys- my mysterious source of wireless disappeared this weekend, so these blogs are a couple days late. Heads up!

Here I go a'wandering

Oh goodness. I walked a lot today.
I started off this morning with a trip to the grocery store to get breakfast food because CLASS starts tomorrow, and I need to start the day with a meal unlike I have been doing. Brittney and I agreed that Nutella, bananas, and bread would be the way to go. I also got some blood orange juice to make it a complete breakfast. I broke in mamma and daddies “surprise” rei tote bag that I got for my birthday to carry my groceries.
Next I spotted an H&M (a clothing store). And since it has become apparent that I was VERY sparse in packing, I bought a few things to round out my Italy wardrobe.
Now, this is where the walking gets TERRIBLE. My next mission was to find an internet café because my mysterious source of free wi-fi disappeared! (thus the reason the posts are a few days late). I found the café, but I misread the sign. I thought it opened at 1, but alas, I later discovered that it opened at 3. So I decide that I can wander around for two hours. Maybe even find some school supplies. I walk around for two hours. In the mean time, I pass the hospital. Maybe its more modern on the inside. I don’t know, just here’s hoping that I don’t need it. Knock on wood.
Anyway, I went back to the café at 3. And I knew it was three because church bells were ringing all across the city, and they were still closed. I even circled the block a few times, but they were still closed. I decided to let it go.
Good news about my little foray: two people asked me for directions today! I don’t know if I am starting to give off the Italian vibe or if they are just that desperately lost. BUT THEY ASKED ME. AND I WAS ABLE TO HELP. Kind of.
When I came back I had a roommate. Her name is Cailin, and she packed everything that I wish I had brought with me. She was unpacking and just pulled out cute outfit after cute outfit. But alas, when I step in gum (for what wil be the fifth time) I can just scrap off my black tevas and keep going. Not so much with some peep toe pumps. She sounds like more of a partier than I. I hope it won’t be an issue, but seeing as it is only a month, I don’t see it being a huge huge problem.
We introduced her to the cute little restaurants on our street and we decided to try one that we had not gone to before (I must explain about the one we have been to). They must have been smitten with us for they brought out a free dish of ravioli for the table, plus two free desserts (after we had paid). I had penne arriabata (or something to that effect). But in their English translation menu it was called “penne of the angry one.” Oh, was it angry. It was so spicy! It was delicious, but so insanely spicy. The first dessert they brought out was lemon biscotti, then after we paid and were getting up to leave, they brought out chocolate cake with whipped cream. I don’t like chocolate but this was yummy.
It was right then two accoridan players started up behind us. It was realy magical. Then they asked for money which wasn’t so magical, but it was cool.
SPEAKING OF PEOPLE ASKING FOR MONEY. I’m assuming she was a gypsy, but today I was walking through the piazza dei duomo. There was this woman, dressed all in white with her face painted white as well. She was carrying around three fake flowers and a basket and when she would approach a person she would make this bizarre kissing sound. I really don’t know what it was about, but I do know that I quickly veered off to the right when I saw her coming my way.

Feeling hot Hot HOT

So, news flash….it’s hot here. But It is far hotter winding up 462 steps, with the walls closing in on you, and the steps getting steeper with each one passed. This was the experience climbing to the top of the duomo this morning. It was hot, sticky, miserable, and claustrophobic. HOWEVER, the view from the top of the dome was well worth it.

We had all warned each other that we were claustrophobic, and, in my case, sometimes don’t do well in oppressive heat (aka I black out and fall over). This was a concern of mine when we made it past the first flight of stairs and Julie was in tears and I was getting dizzy. Although, I was going to be mad at myself if I didn’t see the top, so I got air when I could out of the little peep holes in the wall periodically, and soldiered on! It was a climb! And by the top everyone was sweating buckets and barking at each other because we all just wanted to get outside. This story sounds very dramatic, but it really was something that I would advise anyone to do if they come to Florence (except mamma maybe). You get to see the entire city, in the shadows of the rolling hills of Tuscany. Plus, we had been trying to find our way around these few days, so we got to play the game “lets find where we live” from the top of the dome.

Afterwards, we wound our way down (ALMOST all spiral staircases), and got water because everyone was feeling a little shaky. Our next adventure took us to the mercato centrale. I made my first Italian purchase. It’s a purple leather purse. It’s pretty small by my standards, but very handy because I am getting tired of lugging this big bag around. I ordered my first Panini in broken Italian. I’m getting better. I can say ciao and grazie with more gusto now. Plus I know how to order my gelato. Stick to short sentences. That’s the key.

When I was buying my purse, I asked her “Quanto costa?” for how much does it cost, so she assumed that I spoke Italian, I guess. She starts on a big long rant, and I start smiling cause I have a vague idea of what she is saying (she was explaining that she doesn’t haggle), but she finally understood that I speak English. However, she continued to talk to me in Italian with a few English words thrown in there. I thought that was fair because that is what I was doing to her, basically.

Anyway, turns out she DOES haggle. I only got it down by 9 Euro but it’s a start. I’m not very bold in regards to that kind of thing.

After that I got some fruit. It was good.

Nap time hit with a vengeance. I may still be jetlagged I guess, but I still want to fall asleep at 4:00 in the afternoon. But I can’t get to sleep till 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning. Luckily it was a pretty short nap, so it didn’t throw me off too much.

After my nap, the three of us and our new friend Lily hiked to the palazzo dei michelangiolo. It is on top of a hill facing the historic center of Florence. Once we had all grabbed a Panini for dinner we sat and attempted to watch the sun set behind the Ponte Vecchio. It was cloudy, so we decided to cut our losses and go grab a gelato. The hike was worth it though. It brought the day full circle, indeed. Because this morning we hiked to the top of the duomo, and tonight we hiked to the palazzo and historic Florence in all its glory, the duomo dominating the vista.

We topped off the night with gelato from Vivoli. A place I have heard, from numerous sources is the best gelato in Florence. So far my gelato flavors include: strawberry, tiramisu, and mousse café. Mousse café has BY FAR been my favorite. I thought about buying the 10 euro cup and sticking some in the fridge. (a usual cup for me is anywhere from 1.50 to 2.50 euros).

Marvelous day….hmmmmm

Ciao frizzy bella!

Ciao! Today was wonderful despite its rocky start. I woke up at 10 and for some reason didn’t get dressed and venture out till 2. BUT, once I did it was wonderful. I went on a walk by myself, and saw lots of wonderful things. (http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/album.php?aid=2045944&id=47302243&ref=mf)

The duomo was stunning, but then again, so is….everything. One of my favorite parts of the walk was stumbling upon this huge building that had doors open on all four sides. I wasn’t sure I was allowed in, but I thought it looked cool so I went. There was an art display in the middle with sets of stairs leading down to other displays. I wasn’t positive that I was allowed in there so I didn’t push my luck going down the stairs, but the art in the middle was pretty cool. There are a couple pictures, but it was basically a maze set by silhouettes of deer with different art pieces along the way.

I walked along the via tournabouni which is basically a street for all the major fashion names. Too expensive, but the windows were cool (see Armani in the album). I saw ferragamo’s store. It may not mean very much to others, but he was the first shoe designer that really took a woman’s whole body into consideration when designing a pair of shoes (he took anatomy classes to understand how the feet, the legs, and the back all work with each other). Not only did he make shoes that work for women, but they are stunning! I hope to get to his museum before I leave.

After I stepped in gum while marveling at Ferragamo’s veritable castle, I found myself by the river with the ponte vecchio in the distance. Guys. It was walking along HERE, that I had my first all Italian conversation. My side of the convo went a little something like this.

(I was buying a bottle of water)

“ciao!”

“si”

“grazie”

“ciao!”

AWESOME RIGHT? Right.

We had a little get together to end orientation at ganzo, where Brittney and I met Lily. We ended up grabbing dinner at the incredible little restaurant. It was delicious save one thing: my pasta had crab in it. Still in the shell. Covered in pasta sauce. How are you supposed to get that out? We ended up sitting there talking for awhile. Then afterwards we walked to the river and across the ponte vecchio, stopping to see a street musician and getting some gelato. Tiramisu!!! I haven’t had tiramisu here yet, but I will say the tiramisu gelato is amazing.

Tomorrow, the three flat mates plus Lily are climbing to the top of the duomo. Pray for me!

Basically....

I'm living in a postcard.




That's all there is to say about that.


New blog tonight. Till then...Ciao!

Day twooo

Ciao!
Bella Busey's here with her day 2 adventures. Orientation started today, and I feel much better about being in Florence. I had a leisurely morning (slept in till 10, as opposed to 8 as my email to some of you said), but I had to get out of bed to go to my first meeting.
It was concerning safety, apartment, and other issues that might arise. It was here that I had my first blood orange juice. SO GOOD. Im falling in love with the food here. But after that, Brittney and I went to take care of some school stuff, but we found our class room buildings and a lovely bar (not what you think- here, a bar is considered more of a coffee shop or a little restaurant) two doors down from my classes.
Later on we went on a walking tour of the city (going from the art school to the culinary school which streches the center of the city). I saw some lovely buildings and got some recommendations about lovely places to shop and eat on the way. The tour ended with the gym for the school. It. was. sad. We have an elliptical, a couple free weights, and a wii fit. They do hold classes, but considering it was enough of a work out just to get to this building, I dont think any of us are going to go there.
Afterwards we went back to our apartment and then headed to dinner. More awesome food. I did forget for a second that the bread is not cooked with salt. I got a pizza with tomatoes, cheese, and anchovies. I know some of you are grossed out right now, but it was SO good. SO GOOD. I had a side of sauteed spinach that was quite lovely, and brittney and I ended the meal with a piece of strawberry cream cake. It was quite lovely.
Firsts for the day:
-made exact change (I was PUMPED)
-walked to class (GORGEOUS walk)
-looked out of the window in my room (SERIOUSLY gorgeous- see below)
-saw the duomo up close (Im pondering climbing to the top tomorrow)

The view from my room:




Florence really really is lovely. Im still a little jet lagged and homesick, but I am definitely getting used to the idea of living here for a month.
I'm trying to decide what to do this weekend. Options: day trip to Pisa, day trip to Fiesole, or just explore Florence? OR do all three?

The Hoo-rricane hits Florence

Hello! I am officially in Firenze! It has been a longer than long day, and here I sit munching on my first Florentine piece of pizza …and a diet coke. How Italian, indeed! My feet hurt, my back hurts and I am emotionally drained! And still without a room mate? What up with that? Or as the Italians would say….what up with that marco polo?

To start at the beginning of this advent-yah (you must say it royally), mamma drove me to Charlotte. I cried 27 times on the way. It was fun. I was dropped off at the Charlotte airport , and as I was checking in I ALMOST clicked upgrade to first class, but I didn’t. Much to my chagrin.

The plane was fine. I sat beside a woman who talked just the right amount. At the end of the trip she pointed another girl out to me who was headed to Florence, and while this “other girl” was not doing my program, we soldiered on together, and she saved the day at customs. The line was moving miserably slow, and it was hot. The kind of hot where I was pondering if anyone would help me if I fainted. They all looked as grumpy as I felt. BUT, Caitlin asked the man who was directing people if we should be concerned about missing our flight that was in an hour….AND HE WALKED US TO THE FRONT OF THE LINE! We really were in a rush because we thought we had to claim our bags then recheck our bags, and get new boarding passes. As it turns out, our plane was delayed half an hour, so we were fine.

On the plane to London, I just so happened to be surrounded by alkies (sp?). The woman beside me, as nice as she was, had three mini bottles of wine. The guys behind me just kept their drinks coming. And one man, 5 minutes after take off asks one of the attendants “Is there gonna be vodka offered?”!

My first very hooey moment of the trip was when I was going through security at Gatwick, and the man who was directing us told me “well done” when I didn’t make the alarms sound. He had the best british accent, and I think that’s when it hit me that I was in a different country. I replied “WHY THANK YOU, but in what I am realizing is a southern accent. Whenever I say “Mi scuzi” (excuse me) because I am trying to be at least a little Italian, It comes out exactly the same way I say excuse me at home. (Kind of squeaky at the end).

Now, when I REALLY realized that hooey hit Italy, was when I was trying to unlock the door to the apartment building, and I was pulling on it, and pulling on it. It was to the point where I thought I would have to walk back to the rental agency and get a different key, when it occurred to me….push the door.

Now that wasn’t nearly as bad as not realizing that the “first floor” was really the basement. This is a good thing to realize before you struggle with a key so much that an old Italian woman starts yelling at you from the doorway. So, as she was yelling at me, I sat down on the steps and called the rental agency. I was on the wrong floor.

Luckily after that I was pretttty normal. I was getting ready to go find an internet café when one of my apartment mates walked in the door. Her name is Julie and she is very nice! She is from Florida where I think some of mamma’s yankee rules apply. She is very forceful. But I don’t think she is ever intentionally being rude. Brittney, Julie’s roommate, is from Texas and is really sweet. Her class is being offered through the University of the Arts, not the culinary school. So I will have one friendly face at all the orientation sessions tomorrow.

We went grocery shopping at the coop (mamma! Here it is pronounced coop-ah). I didn’t get a lot, but I did drag some bottles of water back across town. Stupid idea. Yes. But now I will be hydrated.

Tomorrow I have orientation sessions for the University of the Arts. We take a walking tour, learn some things about Italy, and there is a reception at the restaurant where we get our meal vouchers.

This weekend I am going to do something fun…not quite sure what yet. It is the agony of the privileged. There is just too much cool stuff to do. I might get up early on Friday and Saturday and hike to the top of the Duomo, the building that provided the inspiration for First Baptist Church of Asheville.

I promise that this is almost over! On my walk today I find it fascinating that the architecture is gorgeous, but then all of the sudden a giant dome or steeple crests over the rooftops. It’s cool. I still don’t think I fully realize that I am here, but its been an interesting day to say the least.

Love you all!

Bella Busey

(MAMMA- I TOOK A PICTURE OF A DOOR TODAY!)