When in Firenze..Week 1

It's weird to think that my study abroad program is more than half way done. The first week in Florence sped by in a blissful blur. After settling in at our apartment, which thank goodness actually has A/C, we didn't waste anytime before exploring the city. We even got to see a parade in front of the Duomo!

And in a happy coincidence, one of my friends, Melissa, was in Florence on her last week of a study abroad program, and we met up for lunch! She took us to this restaurant that had some AHMAZING pasta stuffed with pear. Quinlan and I were a little skeptical about it at first but after eating it, I think it might be some of the best pasta I've ever had! So thanks a million for that Melissa!!

So happy we saw you!!!!

The famous Ponte Vecchio

The next day we made a quick trip to Pisa after class. I had been told before that there wasn't much to see in Pisa besides the Leaning Tower and after visiting, I can firmly agree with that statement. But the Leaning Tower was really interesting to see, and the view from the top was gorgeous! I consider walking to the top of it preparation for the climb to the top of the Duomo in Florence. 463 steps. I did it the last time I was in Florence, but that was in my younger days. At my old age I don't know if I'll be able to handle it...

View from the Tower

Pisa's Duomo

The following night, a few of us made the trek up to the Piazzale Michelangelo which overlooks the entire city of Florence. We tried to get up there for the sunset, but the taxi situation in Florence isn't the best. After calling several different taxi companies, our taxi finally showed up, and it was worth the wait. Our taxi was Milano 25, and the woman who drives the cab is famous for working with the hospital and taking kids staying at the hospital on a fun cab ride. I think it's probably one of the cutest things ever.

The inside of the taxi, and yes those are bubbles

The view from Piazzale Michelangelo definitely didn't disappoint, despite the fact that we missed the sunset. The city lights up at night, and the view is stunning. It was worth the struggle.

The next night, we decided to splurge a little and treat ourselves to a really yummy dinner. Some of us also thought it was a good idea to wear heels to dinner...and let me tell you, cobblestones and heels do not work well together. I was so close to falling flat on my face, that I think I saw my life flash before my eyes. So that is definitely never happening again. The food was well worth the embarrassment though. We went to a restaurant and almost all of us order a florentine steak, which is a dish that is very famous in Florence. Thank goodness that pairs of us split an order of the steak because it was so. much. food.

This first week in Florence has been absolutely fantastic. It makes me so sad that the days go by so fast, I just wish that I could never leave! But enough with the sentimentality already! This past weekend we also went on a trip to Verona and Lake Garda. Being from Texas, where the lakes aren't the most beautiful, I was not prepared for how gorgeous Lake Garda would be. I'll try and post the pictures from that weekend excursion later this week before we head to the Amalfi Coast for the weekend. (eeeekkkkkkk!!!!) I hope everyone has a fabulous 4th of July! I'll be sure to wear something red, white or blue here.

--Maria