Florence: Week 1

Ciao! After being in Italy for just over a week, I have finally found the time to do a little writing for pleasure (granted I could be reading about art or doing laundry but who really cares?). So, where to even begin? Well lets start from the very beginning because I wouldn't want to leave out any part of what has surely been one of the most memorable weeks of my young life.
Day 1: Tuesday, June 29th-We arrive in Florence! This is quite grand after being on a plane since Monday evening (it is now approx 630 in the evening the next day). Even more grand is the fact my luggage actually arrived on time, which we were warned frequently is not the case. I am greeted with an extreme burst of heat as I exit the airport doors. They really aren't exaggerating when they say how hot it is here. Regardless, I AM IN FLORENCE ITALY. Better yet, it's for seven weeks. We are quickly taken to our living quarters, which sadly is air condition free. Nevertheless, I have a roof over my head, running water, and wireless internet. After an interesting dinner (food will be further detailed later no worries), we unpack and look around nearby. Most importantly, I have my first taste of true Italian gelato. Best/worst decision of my life considering I am now addicted to the creamy, smooth texture that is offered in an abundance of flavors.
Day 2: Wednesday, June 30th-After an early awakening (which is only one of many early mornings) we eat breakfast which is about as, uh, delish as dinner. We then have an orientation type session which is quite hazy considering we all just wanted to start experiencing Florence. Following lots of talking, we go out on a tour which is relatively interesting, even if each of us is sweating like its our job. Next is lunchtime. Sounds great right, I mean you can't go wrong with food? WRONG. We are served some sort of meaty pasta-ish blob, which is an issue when you don't eat red meat. The next course (yes, you have several here) is, you guessed it, MEAT. Needless to say, I was a little hungry after this meal, but I had faith this was just a freak incident. Later in the evening all of us got dressed up for a "fancy dinner party" on the roof of a hotel. This made me quite happy because it gave me a reason to wear this great GUESS cocktail dress that still had tags on it. Well, the dinner party wasn't quite what I expected, but it was still fun. Many good photos and laughs came of it, despite the lack of typical "dinner" foods (I've never had chex-mix and peanuts for dinner but at least it was meat free!). After the dinner party, everyone went and further experienced the Italian culture where I learned a VERY valuable lesson: Being blonde and blue eyed is quite rare here. And also quite scary. Italian men dig blondes. BIG TIME. I won't go into detail, but if you are light haired, watch your back here.
Day 3-Thursday, July 1st-Well, this day consisted of lots and lots of sleeping (must have been the jet lag or something) along with some orientation type stuff once again. After resting up until around dinner time, I preceded to pack for the upcoming weekend trip to Venice. Katie and I then went and got some pizza, which is the one meal here I was able to eat and truly enjoy. A few of us girls then explored, found a charming cafe, and of course, got gelato.
Day 4-Friday, July 2nd-We all wake up bright and early, being that the bus leaves at 8am sharp for Venice. Upon arriving in Venice, we realize Florence was not nearly as hot as originally believed. At over 100 degrees with 95% humidity, Venice felt as if the bus had made a wrong turn and dropped us off in, well, hell. Aside from this, Venice is GORGEOUS. Absolutely breathtaking really. The beauty was a bit hard to appreciate on this particular day though, considering we took a numerous hour tour in the extreme heat. By the end of the afternoon, all 40-some of us were tired, overheated, and a tad grumpy. The solution? SIESTA (aka. naptime). I must say the fact Italians close basically everything from 1 to 3 for siesta is a brialliant idea. Whoever called that laziness has apparently never taken a tour in 105 degrees after a four hour bus ride.
Day 5-Saturday, July 3rd-By this time at breakfast, I have realized Italy is not good for picky eaters who aren't fond of meats, cheeses, or loads of carbs. Thus, I have resulted to living off gelato, loads of water, and coffee (which is totally different in every aspect from the U.S.). Maybe I'll end up going home fit and tan after all? We can only hope. Anyways, today is a grand day. Why you ask? THE BEACH (which everyone should know is my favorite place). I will not elaborate much on the beach because my first assignment for journalism goes into plenty of detail. After the beach, a group of us go for dinner and some world cup soccer, followed by some further exploring of Italy after the sun has gone down.
Day 6-Sunday, July 4th-Well, as most people probably guessed, there are not many fireworks displays or cook outs here to celebrate America's independence. Instead we go on a 6 hour boat tour that morning (which was both good and bad, but hey that's life) and begin the long journey home to Florence. After a nice cold shower, I, along with a fellow Kelsey, go to a really cute restaurant called The Wine Cellar if I'm correct (specializing in pasta and pizza not wine of course. Then a group of us celebrates independence day like it's going out of style.
Day 7-Monday, July 5th-MORE orientation type speeches, and more siesta-ing to prepare for class starting the next day. Then dinner, my favorite. Followed by a group of us getting gelato (Thank goodness for this) and doing more exploring. Oh yes, and the first batch of homework.
Day 8-Tuesday, July 6th-Lets start off by stating that whoever said summer classes are less work blah blah blah, LIED. Tuesday's consist of approx. 12 hours of class only breaking for lunch and dinner. Then homework. I'm not going to elaborate on this day because I'm trying to block it from my mind. Okay, maybe I'm being a tad dramatic, there were some interesting things learned. It may not have been a totally awful day, since it was spent in Italy.
Day 9-Wednesday, July 7th-Much like yesterday, today was full of class. Although I went to a cute cafe beforehand to get some expresso shots, which is always good. Also, I was relatively productive, getting all of my hw done, going for a run (which in the heat is bothersome at times), and updating my blog of course. Well, if you made it this far in the post I owe you a present from Italy because I'm quite impressed. I suppose I should go to bed and prepare my mind and body for class tomorrow. Oh yes, and the beginning of MY TRIP TO MUNICH (I'm a tad bit excited in case you couldn't tell). I will write again after returning from Germany! Ciao (yep, it can mean hello and goodbye)!