Off to Florence!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Before leaving Rome to head to Florence Liz and I tried to enter the Colosseum, but the line was a 2 hour wait! We did not have that amount of time.  So, we decided to walk over to Compo Fiori to see the markets.  I absolutely loved it!! So many vendors of fruits, spices, olive oils, cheese, and flowers. I ended up buying mixed dried fruits and nuts as well as some fruit for the bus ride.

Me and Liz at Compo Fiori!

The four hour bus ride flew by.  The city buildings quickly vanished and we were surrounded by the country side of Italy.  When we arrived in Florence we were greeted by Claudio to take us to our apartments.  The apartment is just perfect! We have a fully equipped kitchen with a stove and toaster oven (and espresso maker!).  The five of us got situated in our rooms.  Becca, Liz, and Erica are in 1 room, while Shep and I took the 2 bedroom room.

Around 9:30 we met up with Audrey, Missy, Lacey, and Laura to eat.  Laura has been here for the past 4 months studying abroad, so we were very lucky to have her around!! She took us to one of her favorite restaurants and gelateria’s. We also went to where the “party scene” is located and entered one of the bars. 

Shep, Erica, Becca, Audrey, Liz, Laura, and Me

This morning we woke up to cloudy skies and rain. This morning we had orientation with Florence University.   We grabbed some lunch after (where I was Finally able to order a decent salad!!!). 

In the afternoon we had another ISA meeting and a walking tour.  The weather was not the best with the rain and wind, but the tour guide was great!  He is a Florence Native, very passionate of his home city.  We also were shown where jersey shores house is located, which is less than a one-minute walk away from our apartment!!  My roommate Becca caught a glimpse of them walking around in the Piazza right outside our apartment!

The night ended with a great dinner of pizza and wine.  Tomorrow is the first day of class!!

Ciao

Molly Jean