ten

Last year abroad I said I would blog everyday. I made one post. So I figure, this year I'd make an effort. Today is the the tenth day of the year, just 355 to go...

Well I finally caved and decided to start a blog...

Today is my 17th day on this part of the globe. Temperature = fredo ( freezing for all you non italianos out there) So cold in fact it snowed a little today. Sadly, i think that is the first snow I've experienced this season.

This week hasn't been as fantastic as usual because I came down with some type of illness on Sunday. Sore throat, fever, the works. I'm assuming my immune system is non too thrilled with my pace lately. Not to worry I've been pumping the vitamins. The oranges here are fantastic. I'd like to say that it is orange season, but of that I am not entirely too sure.

I got into a semi interesting conversation with a grocer about who was the first person to think to peel an orange and eat it. Or an artichoke for that matter. (Which I'm having trouble finding here) Maybe I would throw it? I dunno I certainly wouldn't think I should boil this and scrape off the edible parts, but that's just me. That's what I love about Firenze. People have the time to stop and talk about the oranges.

Well anyways this is why I was not made to be a blogger. My mind really needs an editor.

Let me catch you up with a few of the activities that led to my sudden illness.
The days have been filled with the usual explorations, pointe vecchio, San Minato ( to see the chanting monks), Santa Croche, or just getting lost. Getting lost is probably the most fantastic way to see this city. If you get really frustrated there is always a cute boy at the bar (cafe is Americano) or gelato stand to point you on your way.

At night there are the pubs ( about six on my street alone) and the appertivo (glass of wine with complimentary food), or discos. On Tuesday nights there is a fantastic Beatles cover band at Beebop. In all my life, I think they are the best I have seen. My favorite club so far is Roberto Cavali's Club. It's very chic if you will, but helps you break away from the typical Study Abroad crowd that you'll find here. I really need to start journaling, my nightly details are already getting a little fuzzy.

Prior to my departure all I heard about was the "secret bakery". This bakery was supposed to be so discreet that one had to smell their way to it in the middle of the night. Come to find this secret place is located in the alley behind my apartment. I live on Via de Benci (not to throw out to many hints). Its quite the convenient stop on the 5 am walk home. The nightlife around here starts around 11 and continues right until the college students first 9am class. Not to worry though my classes don't start till noon ;)

My classes are the best I could ask for. I have an Italian teacher who dances on the table to 50s rock to get the class started, and resembles Mr. Bean. My faces, facts, and places in Italian Fashion class is very informative, and my appreciation of wine class (nutrition credit for back home) sends me home with glossy eyes. My fourth class is travel journalism. I suppose I could just submit this blog next week.

Last weekend my roommate Melanie and I went to Carnavale di Viareggio with our two new aussie friends Sam and Ken ( we are still trying to find his Barbie). Viareggio is an adorable beach town that dresses to the tee for Carnavale. There was an insane parade. Half of the floats were either of Micheal Jackson or mocking an American politicians. All of which were towering over us. We proceeded to the beach and watched a spectacular sunset over the ocean, with a backdrop of the ice capped Alps. Venice's carnavale has nothing on Viareggio's. so sorry.



Well this weekend is Valentine's weekend. It's not hard to fall in love here. I think I have a least a dozen times already. Florence loves love so much that this weekend it is two for one at all of the museums are most clubs. Te amo Firenze!

Too bad I'm head to Roma tomorrow morning!
Till next time ( I promise I wont make such a novel next blog)

Calli