Solo quattro ore di più in questa casa...

You know that feeling when you're about to leave for a big trip and you think you left something important behind even though you know you grabbed everything?

Imagine that the thing you left behind is all of Italy. My bags feel too empty for this. Mom, can I have five more minutes? I'm not ready.

A domani

Tomorrow is my last day in Florence.

I have no idea when this happened, but now that it's here, I think I'm ready. I had such a difficult time becoming comfortable here, something my pride kept me from admitting for a while, but it was extremely hard. I didn't realize how long it had been since I was the "new kid", even though here we all were. It doesn't get any easier. That's the first thing I learned here: It's okay to suck at being the new kid.

Things got better though. I remembered how to make new friends. I went on trips and learned new things and saw the most amazing art, and I was finally happy here. It might have taken me two weeks, but I still had four weeks to make the most of it, and I'd like to think that I did. There were still times that I felt confused and unaccepted and pushed aside, but then I remember what I decided a long time ago: It's okay to not give a fuck what people think about you.

People told me I would "find myself" here, and I don't really think that's true. I found out a lot about myself, but it's nothing that wasn't there before. In order to find myself here I had to be lost in the first place, and I'd like to think I wasn't; but I still learned so very much about who I am and what I want out of life and the kind of people I want to keep share my life with. I learned about the world I live in and the country I'm from and how much it actually is a wonderful place to live and grow up. In light of how negative the world view of America has become in the last few years, I forgot why people initially loved it so much, and still do. I remembered that here.

I have about two pages to finish for my research paper, which went more smoothly than I thought it would, and then I have to finish studying for art history. I have that exam tomorrow morning and then I'm going to spend the day trying to squeeze in as much as possible. There's so much I didn't get to do here, and on the one hand it's frustrating, but on the other hand it leaves me more to do if, and when, i come back.

I'm ready for home, though. Calling a cab Wednesday morning is going to be so strange. I finished packing yesterday (kudos for my military parents for teaching me the art of packing well) and it's weird to see everything in my suitcase again. I'm going to have a hectic day of traveling, and I'm NOT looking forward to going through customs in Chicago. I've told myself in advance that I don't care if my luggage gets lost. I don't care if I miss a flight. I'm just going to deal with it as it comes and let everything work itself out. If I can do that in a foreign country I can sure as hell do that while traveling.

One day and a wake up. Here we go!

Athena

Solo una settimana piu'

I can't believe I'll be somewhere over the Atlantic ocean in exactly one week. Time really does fly. We've already taken our last group trip, to Rome (which was fantastic by the way, pictures are up) and I'm deep into my research paper. I gave my final presentation in my cuisine class today--by myself because my partner ended up in the hospital last night from binging (oh, tequila). It went well though, and all I have remaining in that class is my final exam on Monday.

I'm on page two out of seven for my final research paper in Art History. It's due Tuesday, which is also the day of the final, and I'm hoping to finish at least another page tonight, and hopefully two more tomorrow. I'll have the entire weekend to finish it up and study for my finals. It's a little frustrating that I'm only in this city for another week and I'm currently cooped up in the library. Not that I don't love libraries.

I'm going to miss this, as much as I'm ready to go home. I'm ready to go home and drive my car and not have to think so hard about what I'm ordering and to use American dollars again, but it will be weird not walking everywhere. It will be weird not having artisan sandwiches every other day. It will be weird not trying to weave my way through tourists on my way to class every morning. I'm going to miss crossing the river everyday, too.

I'm still excited to go home, though. I'm excited to see my family and to sleep in my own bed. I'm also really excited to go back to Tallahassee on the 9th for RA training. I miss work; I miss my routine. I'm also excited to go back to Tallahassee and impress Mike with my new Italian cooking skills. I'm just excited to see Mike in general (excited is an understatement).

With only six days left, I still have to go to the beach (which I'm probably doing with my roommates on Saturday), and I haven't taken a day trip to Pisa (which really needs to happen but I'm getting worried that I won't have enough time with this paper, although Friday is a possibility). I still need to buy some parmegiano at the market to vacuum pack and bring back home for my pops.

I still need to try to absorb as much of this as possible before it all melts away.

Ciao,

Athena

Solo due piu settimane!

Ciao amori,

Today marks my fourth week in Florence. I can't believe I only have two weeks left; it's quite surreal. I'm glad though, although I'll miss it a lot. Six weeks is a long time, and though I've finally grown accustomed to the way of life here, America is my home. America is where the people I love live and where my culture comes from.

It's strange really. Growing up in America I called myself Greek and Italian, and I came here to seek out a bit of my true culture. I had no idea I would come here only to recognize that my culture is at home. My culture is Coca-Cola, black eyed peas, going to New York for "real" Italian food, sweet tea, the Seminoles, backyards, sprinklers, and The Berenstein Bears. I grew up an American, and I will always remain one.

No matter how much America frustrates me with the Tea Party movement, obesity, and pop culture in general, it's still the land of the free and the home of the brave. America is still the place where Harry Gianakopoulos became Harry Young and paved the way for my Papou and five fabulous Aunts and Uncle; it's where where Rose Gusmano taught my father what it means to be a good person. My personal history is in the West, and I'm glad I've finally come to realize that it's something to be proud of.

I'll miss you, Italy, but in fourteen days it will be time to head home.

Baci,

Athena

Sono tornato dalla Svizzera!

Ciao Ragazzi,

I'm back in Florence today. We got in from Interlaken, Switzerland last night at about 11pm. It was the absolute most gorgeous place I'd ever been in my life. The mountains took my breath away. We took a bus with a group that runs trips from Rome and Florence and got into our hostel at about 4am on Friday. Friday afternoon I went Canyoning, which was one of the coolest experiences of my life. We wore wet suits and jumped off rocks and over waterfalls into the water in the canyons. It was so invigorating and I'm really proud of myself for doing it. I rappelled 25 feet down into the canyon to start, and then we did three jumps, another rappel, and a slide at the end. I walked behind two waterfalls. It was perfect.

The next day, my friend Mel and I took a train to a nearby town in the country. We took a lift up about a mile into the mountains and walked for an hour and a half along a trail at the top. The view was spectacular (pictures are on facebook). When we got to the end of the trail we took a lift down and landed in the Valley of the Waterfalls--which is exactly what it sounds like. We walked for another hour and a half back and saw about 6 waterfalls coming off the mountains to either side of us. There were creeks and streams near us and the water was so cold. The weather was perfect, a really nice break from the heat of Florence, and I absolutely have to go back to Switzerland.

I have a midterm due in Art History on Thursday that I should be able to finish today. We're going to Chianti for a wine tasting today, and then on Friday the study center is taking a trip to Rome. We're staying through Saturday, and we're only doing Ancient Rome so the Vatican is not on the agenda. Some people are staying an extra day to go to the Vatican on Sunday, and I want to, but I have to book a hostel and then get a train back so we'll see how that goes.

After Rome I only have a week and a half left. We have one week of classes after this weekend and then I have final exams. I'll be getting into Pensacola at 11pm on Wednesday, August 4th!

I'm so excited to see all of you and to be home again. I'm absolutely loving my experience here, even though it took me a while to get used to it, but nothing compares to family and friends. I'm excited to have a few days in Milton and then to ship off again to Tallahassee to attend RA training and start my Junior year. Time really does fly, but I'm loving every second of it.

Amore,

Athena

Una settimana fa

I haven't posted since about a week ago, I've been busy/lazy and didn't get around to it.

I've had a really great week. I took two day trips this weekend, one to Lucca and one to Siena. Both cities are here in Tuscany and only take about an hour and half to get to by train. I went to Lucca with one other girl and we got a delicious lunch and rode bikes around the old city walls. It was gorgeous, and it was such a nice change of pace from the crowded streets of Florence. Siena was also slower. We climbed the tower at their city hall and had an amazing view of the city--it was breathtaking. After we climbed the tower we walked around and visited adorable little shops that make handmade goods. I got a few souvenirs for the family ;)

Sunday night I watched the World Cup Final from a field near the Arno river. There were fans from both Spain and the Netherlands, but there were definitely more from Spain. Some idiot behind us kept blowing a vuvuzela and I wanted to grab it from him and hit him over the head with it.

I'm going to Interlaken, Switzerland with a group from the program. We're going through a tour group and I'll be white water rafting. I'm really excited about it, especially the prospect of not being in the heat all the time. FYI southern Europe is hot right now.

It's time for me to start working on my big research paper for Art History and my project on regional wines for my Culture & Cuisine class. I'm enjoying my classes but it's hard to make yourself sit down and work on things when there are so many other things to be doing. Time to buckle down!

I'll be home in 18 short days. It's flying by so fast!
Miss you all and see you all soon.

Baci,
Athena

Un buon giorno

I had a very good day today.

I needed it really badly.

I am very glad.

-arb

Troppo Tempo.

I have too much time on my hands.

How in the world can you have too much time on your hands in Italy, you say?

I've been having a much harder time adjusting than people realize, and than I expected to. It's very hard being completely alone in a country, and I'm not very close with the people in my program. Part of that is my fault, I need to make more of an effort but I feel very much like an outsider and it's hard to make the effort when you feel unwanted to begin with.

During the day things are fine. I'm busy with class and eating, and sometimes napping (it's so exhausting here), and a lot of the time shopping--but at night time when it's just me, I have too much time on my hands and I think too much. I miss my family and friends too much. At night time I miss America and the easy, comfortable feelings. And ice cubes. I miss ice cubes.

I've finally realized that I just need to keep myself busy. It's hard because the only thing people do in this program at night is go out, and I can't function in the mornings for class if I do. At least not every single time. Lara got in today and had a fiasco with lost luggage (thanks Air France. You suck). It was a really stressful day, but once all that has died down I think things will get better for me in the loneliness department. I need to start doing things at night more, even if it's just sitting in one of the piazzas talking or walking up the hill behind my house and looking at the city. I need to remember why the hell I'm here and stop my mind from running all day, and I've just got to make that happen.

Ciao,

Athena

Domani! Domani! Ti amo, Domani!

Lara gets here tomorrow! I'm so excited I could scream. I've really been looking forward to spending my vacation with someone who a) actually has a brain, and b) will enjoy the same cultural experiences as I want to. Hooray! And we're planning a trip to Paris in a couple of weekends and I'm so excited.

After class today, Maggie, Lauren and I went to the absolute most precious stationary shop I've ever seen in the entire world. Everything is handmade. You can buy large sheets of decorative paper, journals, leather-backed notebooks, fountain pens, stamps--everything. It's so quaint and adorable, and behind the register you can see the tables where they're slicing paper and making their beautiful creations.

I found a vintage leather bag at a shop near the school and it's on sale and I want it really bad. I'm trying to talk myself out of it though, because it won't hold as much as I want it to and I really need to get a leather bag to hold my school books. This one is more of a purse, but it's only €40 on sale. Either way I'm sure I'll go back to that shop, because the owner was so sweet and I really want to find something there. Lauren got a broach from the 1950s and after she paid for it he handed her a decorated cookie wrapped in cellophane with a ribbon, "My wife makes these," he said. Today is one of the days I appreciate people. I've needed one of those recently.

I had a pretty good fourth of July, even if I wasn't in America to celebrate. We went to the grocery store and bought everything for a classic cookout. I made burgers on the stovetop, our friend Betsey made deviled eggs (and tiramisu), and we bought potato chips and watermelon. After dinner we took a cab to an art park a little outside the city center. There was a 4th of July festival going on for the American's in the area. It was really strange--a random Italian band covering American classics while a mass of people aged 18-80 danced in the grass. We hung out off for a while and then took a cab back to meet some friends in the city.

I didn't think I would, but I miss the American "culture", whether we believe we have one or not. I miss ice in my drinks and free water at restaurants and a big washing machine and driving my car. But most of all I miss you guys.

Time to go read for Art History tomorrow. It's our first day visiting a site so I'm really excited. It's so hot out though, and my professor likes to ramble on while we stand in the middle of a sun-scorched piazza. Definitely wearing something comfortable.

Ciao,

Athena

P.S

I also miss air conditioning. I'm sitting in my dining room with a portable air conditioner plugged in with the hose hanging out the window just so I can be blasted with cool air. It is glorious.

Venezia

So I spent Thursday and Friday in Venice, and it was pretty awesome, although completely exhausting. It's SO touristy, and since there are no cars it feels like Epcot. We visited the Basilica di San Marco (which was built around 900AD). It was absolutely gorgeous and there was a great view of the water from the top. We had a group meal that night and it was DELICIOUS. Pictures are posted in my Venezia album so you can drool on your screen.

Saturday we took the longest ferry ride of our lives to three of the little islands in Venice. It was gorgeous, but also unnecessarily long and hot. We got lunch after and I had the most delicious crepe ever. The food in Venice was definitely better than the food in Florence--so far at least.

Later on Saturday we went to the Peggy Guggenheim museum. It's a huge collection of modern art and it was a nice chance of pace from all the Renaissance art we've been seeing. After the museum we boarded the train and I slept all the way back to Florence.

Today has been a lazy day for catching up on sleep, and my roommates and I are having house dinner tonight--Pecorino e pere ravioli (pear and pecorino cheese). We also bought pumpkin and lemon ravioli, so I'm kind of excited.

I'm feeling much better after my "I hate everyone in this program" rant. In Venice some of the girls told me that I need to loosen up more and drink more, and then last night when we got back one of my roommate's friends got so drunk I had to escort him in an ambulance to the hospital. One of my roommates went with me, even though neither of us knew him, and his friends ditched. So I no longer feel like I have anything to prove to these people, because I know what I'm here for and I know what I want out of this program, and I don't want to end up in a foreign hospital after vomiting in the street. Way to go, America. You make the world proud.

I think I'm going to buy shoes today. I need some really bad/I want some really bad.

Baci,

Athena

Non mi piace le ragazze

I don't like girls.

Or rather, I don't get along with girls, and I don't feel like I fit in with the girls here. OR rather, I don't get along with large groups of girls.

I've gotten to know my roommate Katie a lot better since we first moved in, and she's really sweet, but I don't feel like I can relate to the other girls in the program. A few of us went shopping today and I felt so awkward. They made me feel weird about everything I picked out (sorry I dress like I'm in my twenties and not sixteen) and I feel somewhat excluded. I know it's probably in my head, because Katie's assured me that no one has a problem with me, but it's not a very enjoyable experience. I just want Lara to get here on Tuesday so I can have a piece of home with me and spend time with someone who understands me. This city is so wonderful, and I still am enjoying it in spite of today, but I need to experience this city with people who allow me to get the most out of my experiences.

We're taking a train to Venice tomorrow, and I think it will definitely change my mood for the better. As historic and moving as Florence is, there are so many tourists (not that there won't be day-trippers in Venice) and so much movement that I'm having trouble taking it all in at times. Where's the pause button when you need it?

But I really do miss home. I've never appreciated being an American more, even though the Americans around me with their sneakers and cameras annoy the shit out of me. This experience is definitely changing me and allowing me to grow, but it's also confirming for me that I really do belong in Tallahassee, and the path that I'm going down is the one for me.

Maybe this is what people mean when they say you find yourself abroad.

Ciao,

Athena

Un lezione da un cuoco.

Buona sera,

Today was my second day of Culture in the Cuisine. The reading for the class was awfully boring, but I think I'm still going to enjoy it as a whole. Today we spent about an hour discussing the different social classes during the Italian Renaissance and how their economic status influenced the way they prepared their food. After our break we had a guest speaker come in, a chef and author who owns a restaurant down the street, and he spoke about renaissance customs involving food preparation. My professor, Sue, had to translate his lecture, but until I began falling asleep on my hand I understood a small amount of what he had to say.

At the end of the lecture, the only guy in our class asked him who cooked in his house--his wife or himself. The chef responded that his wife cooks, and went on to explain that although they have equality in their marriage, they do not have a modern marriage. He compared their lives to the sun and the moon, and rather than focusing on the fact that the moon revolves around the sun, he said that like the moon, his wife reflects the sun's light. He told us that the masculine force of the sun represents the things of the day, the fire and passion and physical labor associated with his role as the husband, and that his wife is like the moon, serene and calm and cooling. It was sweet, really, and he went on to mention that without masculine and feminine forces working together, their home would be unbalanced and could not properly function.

When he began explaining this to us, I thought he was going to tell us that his wife was dependent on him, but as Sue translated for us he said, "I do the masculine things. I pay the bills. But my wife keeps the money. She holds onto the money and gives it to me when I need to pay the bills." It's not often that you see people so dependent on each other and yet so comfortable in their roles, no matter how they define them. Plus, it's so very Italian of him to compare his marriage to the solar system. I feel like I'm walking around the set of Under The Tuscan Sun, with Italian men prancing about saying things like, "Francesca, your eyes are so beautiful...I wish I could swim in them."

Con affetto,

Athena

La storia del arte

Cara amici,

Today was my first day of Art History and I absolutely love it. I can already tell this is going to be an extremely challenging and enriching course and I'm going to love every minute of it. My professor, Nero (yes, like the tyrannical Roman emperor) expects a lot but I can tell he's going to give a lot as well. He told us that if we made an effort to get to know him and consult him about our work it would make a huge difference if our grade was borderline. I don't plan on having a borderline grade in this class, but he asked us a question and no one responded so I did. And he used my name in examples like ten times throughout the class. TEACHER'S PET TEACHER'S PET! I'd much better be a teacher's pet than the asshole guys who are studying here from Connecticut and Pennsylvania. They're seriously the poorest excuse for human beings and gentlemen that I've ever met in my life, and I don't appreciate them representing my university in another country.

I'm off to finish my reading for tomorrow and if I get it done I'm rewarding myself with some shopping. I think a leather bag is a good idea.

Ciao,

Athena

Un pezzo di informazione

Update:

Today I realized two things.

1. I accidentally purchased scented toilet paper at the grocery store. I don't think that's healthy.
2. Pumpkin stuffed ravioli purchased at the Mercato di San Lorenzo is legit. Mind you, that's fresh homemade pasta--not dried.

Going to read for class tomorrow!

Ciao,

Athena

Oggi e' stato il primo giorno delle lezioni.

Ciao ragazzi,

I had the most perfect morning today. I woke up at about 7:30 (YES Dad, 7:30. I was awake. And functioning, like I always said I was capable of) and put a pot of water on the stove for tea. I got dressed and had my green tea on my balcony while I checked my email. It was glorious. Florentine mornings are kind of chilly until you get in the sun, even though the days are pretty hot in the summer. I finished my tea and made breakfast--two pieces of toast and a peach--and ate with my roommates. We left the house at 8:30 and got to a pastichieri (pastery shop) where some of my classmates were getting espresso and breakfast. I had already eaten so I didn't want to get anything, but I absolutely am tomorrow.

The class I had today was Culture in the Cuisine, a history of the influences of Italian food. It's taught by the director of the program, Sue, and she's fantastic. Today we talked about the different elements that influence the progression of food and culture in Italy and the region that was Italy prior to its unification. We focused on geography, climate, and conquest which was extremely interesting. I can already tell I'm going to enjoy this class. After about an hour of discussion we made our way to il mercato di San Lorenzo, a huge market near the train station. At night it's not a very good area but during the day there are vendors selling leather goods, clothing, and shoes outside. We went into the indoor market where you can pretty much buy anything edible. There are meat vendors, fruit vendors, bakers, spice venders. It's absolutely amazing. I got a slice of pizza today with sun dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and arugula. It was messy but delicious.

I'm done with class for today! Tomorrow is art history and I'm really excited. I'm heading back to my apartment to read on my balcony and rest for the afternoon. Oh, and on the way home I'm totally buying "un coca-cola". There are some things America definitely got right.

Baci,
Athena

Sono andata al supermercato.

I need to start leaving my windows open so that I actually wake up to the sunlight, because my room was pitch black this morning and I woke up at 12:30pm. I went grocery shopping today, which was quite a feat. You think you know a sufficient amount of Italian until you realize that you have to figure out the word for bleach to make sure the detergent you're buying is okay for colors. Also--note to self, remember to weigh and label fruit before you bring it to the register. The tiny differences in the way of life here are so strange, but I'm starting to figure it out.

We hiked up a hill to Basillica di San Miniato today, which is on a huge hill behind my house that overlooks the city. It was gorgeous and the architecture blows my mind. Where ever I end up and wherever I own a home, I want it to be covered in detail like the buildings are here. DOWN WITH SUBDIVISIONS I WANT CULTURE.

Anyway--classes start tomorrow and I'm really excited. My first course is Culture and Cuisine, and I'm ready to learn more about the food I'm eating and the traditions behind Italian dining. It should be a really cool experience.

I've been working on postcards and letters tonight so I'll try to get them out soon. I have to go to a Tabacchi stand to buy stamps and then drop them off in a mailbox around town. Look in your mailbox sometime in about two weeks if I requested your address :)

Baci,

Athena

Un viaggio a Fiesole

Today was wonderful. We took a bus to Fiesole, which is the small town that overlooks Florence from the mountains. The view was gorgeous (pictures are on facebook) and we saw the Roman Theatre and the Roman Baths. A group of us stayed and got lunch--Pizza Margherita, so delicious. We got bus tickets and rode about ten minutes back into the center of Florence. I walked around with some of the girls from my program and we went into a gelateria--it was touristy and overpriced so I didn't get anything, but I did speak to the woman in Italian which felt pretty awesome. I tried a sample of Crema gelato with a sauce called salsa di aceto balsamico--it's basically a sweet balsamic vinegar sauce which sounds crazy, but paired with the creamy gelato it was really nice. It didn't taste like vinegar when it was mixed.

There's a festival tonight near Ponte Vecchio, the old bridge in florence with shops lining the sides. It looked like it was going to storm a minute ago but it cleared up so hopefully tonight will stay nice.

Hopping in the shower and then getting dinner! I'm so ready for classes to start on Monday. I miss you all.

Ciao,

Athena

A casa mia

Even in Italy, I think one needs down time. Today was exhausting. We stayed out late last night and then had to be at orientation at 10:45. One of my roommates had an extra laptop connector for a 3-prong US cord so I'm back online at the house now. After orientation I met up with Sarah Papadelias in Piazza del Duomo for a few minutes, and then some of the girl in my program and I searched the city for an H&M for what felt like forever (we found one by Ponte Vecchio--totally worth it because I found a dress for 9,99). Today was my roommate Katie's birthday so we went out to eat at one of the nicer place that accepts our meal vouchers. Afterward we went to a few pubs and then my roommates walked me home early and went back out. The Florentine night life isn't going anywhere, and I really needed some me time. I kind of can't handle the amount of girl on this program, so I'm crawling into bed and watching a movie on iTunes. That's what's nice about calling Florence my home for the next six weeks. When I want to be at home I actually can be.

Con affetto,

Athena

Il numero di telefono

Ciao,

Day three in Florence! Yesterday was the feast day for San Giovanni, the patron saint of the city. There was a parade in the city but I wasn't feeling well so I went back to the apartment and watched the soccer game--pretty devastating. When Italy scored their last point my neighbors were screaming, but when Slovakia scored my entire street was silent.

We had a meal last night as a group in the Piazza della Senoria. Cheese filled ravioli with sage and a butter sauce--kind of perfect. There was also sausage and chicken but the ravioli was the best.

I got an Italian cell phone today and I can receive free calls and texts, although I don't know what it charges you so if you're interested in texting me look up the fees with your carrier. If you'd like my number send me an email or message me on facebook. If you're simply creeping this blog and I never talk to you don't expect to receive my number.

Okay, time for un panino and then more boring orientation. Classes start on Monday, so I'm excited to enjoy this weekend.

Ciao,
Athena

Un buon pranzo.

Just had the best lunch of my life at a little sandwich shop called Natalino--prosciutto, mozzarella, fresh basil, tomatoes, and pesto on salted artisan bread. I think I'm in love.

Katie and I got lost on our way to the study center today, but I asked for directions from several sweet Italians and figured it out. I'm pretty proud of myself for that. Plus I got to see more of the city which was awesome.

We had a brief orientation this morning and we have more in about an hour. There are about 6 people from other schools, in Pennsylvania and NY. The guys are Frat-tastic (Direct quote, "Dude...we really need to pregame more before we go out so we don't waste money," "Yeah, bro. But I thought we pregamed pretty hard last night. We finished like three handles,"). Pretty glad they're not in my apartment. They don't speak any Italian either.

Right now I'm signed up for three classes to complete my minor in Italian Studies, but I spoke to the director and she says three is pushing it as far as the work load is concerned. Because I'm planning on teaching English, a minor in Italian Language (which doesn't require nine credits in Florence) would probably be fine, rather than Italian Studies. I'll decide next week if I'll drop Italian Literature or Culture and Cuisine, but I'm absolutely keeping Art History.

I need to get an extra connector for my laptop charger (it has three prongs and my adapter only accepts two) and then I'll upload pictures. I'm at the study center right now. Also--the study center has the cutest library in the world and it smells like old books and I could sit there all day (this is a shout out to you, Michael Shea, because only you understand how un-lame it is to smell old books). Anyway, pictures coming soon and I miss you all!

Baci,
Athena

Il mio primo giorno a Firenze

Ciao!

It's 9:30 here and I'm functioning on 4 hours of sleep. I have wireless in my apartment which is a surprise, I wasn't planning on it. Florence is AMAZING. I was smiling from the moment I stepped off the plane. The first thing I noticed is that the air here smells so much better. It's fresher and clearer, which probably has something to do with the fact that it's not America, but also the altitude. On my flight in from Switzerland I saw the alps out my window. It was amazing. I can't believe I'm in this continent. I can't believe I've finally made it.

My roommate Katie and I (we have 2 more girls showing up this week) pretty much have the cutest apartment on the planet. Pictures will be uploaded soon to facebook and posted here. We have a balcony and the cutest kitchen I've seen in my life. House Hunters International has nothing on us. We got gelato this afternoon in Piazzale Michelangelo and then we took a stroll to find the study center. We ran into Sue, the director of the program and she showed us a cute little bar where we got dinner later that night. It was kind of awkward because I attempted to order in Italian and got flustered, so the waiter hated us for being American probably. But tomorrow is another day and I feel a lot more ready to jump into the culture and the language.

Bedtime for now! I'm exhausted and I have orientation tomorrow.

Buona notte,

Athena

Prima il mio viaggo in Italia

Ciao!

With only a few days before my trip to Italy this summer, I've decided to try my shot at this blogging thing (so hipster). I plan to use this blog to keep my family and friends (i.e., you) updated on my studies and adventures during my six weeks in Florence. I can't promise that I'll be able to update every day, but I'll try to make a few entries a week if possible. I'll hopefully be uploading pictures to my facebook regularly as well.

Baci,

Athena

la lontananza accresce l'amore.