My First Week In A Wrap.

I survived my first week in Florence, classes, train ride, and bus2alps excursion! All without getting too lost or getting pick-pocketed by the gypsies (sp?). Yesterday my roommate Alex and I along with 3 of our fella friends took a ttrain to Pisa for $14.20 euro round trip. We went with the intentions of seeing the leaning tower of Pisa and soaking up some sun at the beach but only accomplished one of those. It didn't turn out to be beach weather so we took pictures at the leaning tower, enjoyed some lunch and headed back. While in Pisa I couldn't tell you the outrageous number of itialians on the streets selling umbrellas (it was sprinkling). They are all over and around every corner you turn. Some times you have to be very forward with them So they will leave you alone. While in Pisa we ate kebabs for lunch (chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, hot sauce, ranch?, French fries, and onions, all in a warm tortilla). It may sound like a strange combination but trust me, it's delicious! Because the beach was a no go because of the weather we headed toward the leaning tower of Pisa to take pictures and then headed back towards the train station to come back to Florence. Once we got back we hung out at the apartment for awhile taking naps and watching a rerun of the TV show Jersey Shore (specifically the season they spent in Florence).It is cool to recognize places here in Florence that they went to on the show. After a nice nap, my roommate Alex and I were in need of some comfort food, something familiar to us, that wasn't pasta (haha). In other words, we really wanted some American food! Thankfully there is a cheap diner (with student discounts!) just down the street from our apartment that serves American food! We both enjoyed a club sandwich and fries. Oh and a whole pitcher of FREE tap water (usually you pay for water when out to eat!). When we got back it was time for me to call it a night and head off to bed. I had to wake up at 6am this morning to walk to the train station for my first bus2alps (a company that you can book day trips and weekend trips through) day trip. I was nervous I was going to get lost on the way to the train station all alone but made it there just fine (: There I met the rest of the students going and the trip guides. Upon arriving I was informed by other students and the guides about an earthquake that happened last night. I had no idea! Apparently other students woke up in the middle of the night to their bed shaking. Now I can say I survived an earthquake, pretty neat eh! From the train station we got on a charter bus and headed to Cinque Terre. It was a little over 2 hours away. There are five different villages there that you can get to by foot or train. Cinque Terre is where pesto originates from so, of course we had to have some while we were there! I got a cappuccino and shared a pesto pizza with a friend and it was so delicious! Don't worry family! I bought a jar of pesto so we can share a meal made with pesto when I get home. After lunch we students had the choice to hike to the next village or take the train. I absolutely went on the hike! No questions asked! The views were so beautiful, the people that took the train missed out 100% for sure. As I was hiking, memories from my outward bound trip came flooding back. Such a great experience! Sadly, we didn't have the best weather (very rainy). The last village is the only one out of the five that is at sea level and has a beach. I was looking forward to the beach today but that didn't happen. There will be other opportunities to beach it up such as trips to Croatia and the Amalfi coast which will happen in June! Sunshine or not, the views were still priceless and I'm glad I went. I'm now home sweet home outta the rain and tucked away in my apartment for the night after a successful weekend in Pisa and Cinque Terre. Every day I find myself in more awe of the beauty and uniqueness of this city. Some times I have to remind myself of how blessed I truly am to have this experience. I love the different sights, sounds, and smells I encounter everyday--always something new! That's all for now--ciao! Xxoo