Just another week in Florence

This week has been pretty uneventful so far, but heres the specifics on my day to day happenings! 

Monday: Cooking class is on Mondays which I absolutely love!  We were divided into our permanent cooking groups and actually got to cook this week!  My group made an appetizer of this corn tostado thing and mushroom sauce! It was pretty good! Here are some pictures of what the whole class made! 

What my group made: Polenta (corn) with mushroom

main course: Risi e Bisi

Dessert: Tiramisu

After class I was so stuffed which was nice because then I didn't have to think about getting lunch! I also had Italian on Monday which I am picking up way better than I thought I would! Its probably because I am actually using what I'm learning! What a concept!  After class, one of the girls in my class with me and I went to find the bookstore and buy our textbooks. Like all of my other outings in Florence, I got lost, but at the same time I made a new friend!  Later, Kaylen and I cooked dinner (pasta, shocker!) and I did some homework.  I've realized that while yes, I am in Florence, I also need some days that are just normal days!  By trying to be a 24/7 tourist in Florence, I was tiring myself out way too quickly! 

Tuesday: I had my mafia class and history of Florence class again, both of which I am really enjoying!  Between my mafia class and history class I have about 3 hours so I stopped in to the cafe below my apartment building on my way home. This really cute old man and his wife own it and I always say hi when I walk by so I figured it was time to go in! The cappuccino was so good and they let me sit down without paying a coperto (usually to sit down in a cafe, you pay extra for a table charge).  Also they brought me a croissant! They are so cute! In my history of Florence class, he lectured for about an hour and then we walked around and saw all of the things he had just talked about! It was so cool to learn about things in a classroom and see them 10 minutes later! Here are some pictures from class

San Lorenzo Church, Designed by Michelangelo and known as the "Medici church"

House where Raffaello lived when he first came to Florence and painted his famous Madonnas

Palazzo Pandolfini, owned by one of the most prominent families in Florence during the Medici era, the family still lives there!

After class, Kacy, Kathryn and I went and got pastries and cappuccinos to warm up.  It was this cute little bakery that was sooo good! I will definitely be going back to that place! Later that night, Kaylen and I went to a bar for drinks. From what we could tell, a bunch of people who worked together had all come to the bar and they were having a blast dancing on the stage etc.  After a while, one of the girls came down and dragged Kaylen and I up on stage to dance with them! They taught us the dances to their Italian songs (equivalent of knowing the wobble etc.), it was so much fun!  My favorite nights out are when we get to interact with the local Italians instead of just other American students abroad!  

Wednesday: Today I didn't have class until 12 because I dropped my Art History class!  After class, I got a panini from Gusta Panini (my FAV) and am now back at the apartment working on some homework! Its the weekend for me now which is so cool... it doesn't really feel like I got to class here!  I think we are all going out tonight and then I'm off to Paris tomorrow!  I can't wait!

I'll blog again on Sunday, but until then I'm sending each and every one of you a million hugs and kisses from Florence!!!

Day trip to Sienna and Megan!

Here is part 2 to the blog post that got deleted, plus the rest of my weekend! Sorry for the delay, must have been hard for yall :)

Friday, Day trip to Sienna: Okay so we had to be at the train station at 8 am to catch our bus to Sienna.  My apartment mates and I decided to catch a cab there since it was so early and cold and called a cab around 7:35... 15 minutes later the cab was NOT HERE!! At this point we start sprinting to the bus stop 7 blocks down hoping to somehow figure out the Florence bus system.  Just as we are reaching the bus stop, we see a cab slowly make its way down our street towards our apartment.  We start sprinting back to the cab and basically long story short, we were the first people at the train station and the bus didn't leave till 8:15.  Stupid unwanted morning exercise! Once we got there, Sienna was so amazingly beautiful and snow covered... until I stepped outside of the bus and realized that it was just FREEZZIINGGG!! The churches were of course breathtaking and amazing, but thats about all I can tell you about them.  Pretty much the whole time all I could think was "my feet are so cold... but wait so are my arms.. but maybe my legs are more cold.. no but really I can't feel my toes".  Seriously though, it was THAT cold! Here are some pictures from Sienna! 

sassy little diva babies

seriously, it was THAT cold!

We got home from Sienna around 5 and I went to the grocery store and got the ingredients to make Pappa al Pommodora, which is what I learned how to make in cooking class last Monday! It turned out really good, and I made it all pretty :).  Then, to continue the birthday celebration, my roommates and I did candles and ate the cake/ pastry thing that my parents ordered for me! Also that night, Kaylen and I decided to nailpolish our phones so that can tell them apart! It is so annoying to constantly have to check and make sure I actually have MY phone... for all you jealous people here are some pictures.

did I not mention that I'm an Italian chef now??

designer phone cases... obviously

Friday night a bunch of us went out which was fun, but thankfully since I was not having the best hair day, I don't think any pictures were taken.  I met some more fun TCU kids though which is always nice! 

Saturday: Saturday morning I went and picked Megan up at the train station! I WAS SOO EXCITED TO SEE HER!!!

MEGAN IS HERE!!

 Unfortunately it was so so sooo and I mean sooooooo cold that my plans to climb the Duomo were obviously not going to work for that day.  Instead we went to the Accadamia and saw the David among other things.  I have seen the David before but it is still just as breathtaking and amazing.  Seriously, if anyone ever has the opportunity to see it, it is a must! Afterwards Kaylen, Megan and I walked (more like hiked) up to the Piazza Michelangelo which has a view of the city! It looked fake it was so amazing, and my little digital camera does NOT do it justice! 

Then Megan and I went out to dinner and spent the rest of the night catching up and hanging out! It was so nice to have a little piece of home with me in Florence! 

Sunday: Slept in this morning and hung out with Megan talking about Belles (obv) and other Austin things. Then we went a got cappuccinos and I dropped her back off at the train station! So sad that it was such a quick visit but still so so SO great to see her! She is such an experience traveler now, we kept laughing at how cool we thought we were driving to Florida this summer without grownups! Now she has a 18 day backpacking trip under her belt! Hopefully I will be as traveled as her by the end of this semester!  I spent the rest of the day playing catch up with laundry, homework and cleaning.  Its amazing how dirty the apartment can get in a week! I also got to skype with my parents and Claire which was so nice! 

Everyone please PLEASE continue to keep me updated on everything happening at TCU or wherever! lots of freezing cold love from Florence!! XOXOXOXO

Birthday Week!

Okay... so I spent 30 minutes writing the most amazzzinngg blog post yesterday and it got deleted before I hit post.  After I spent 5 minutes screaming at the computer, the internet went out so heres a way shorter, not as awesome post about this week.  Sorry!

Tuesday: I had my second two classes which were History of the Italian Mafia and History of Florence.  I really like both of those classes and am looking forward to taking them this semester!! The professors are so stereotypically Italian, its hilarious! Other than classes, Florence kicked my butt on Tuesday.  On the way home from class I was feeling kind of cocky and decided that I totally knew how to get home without looking at a map. Bad choice obviously because 45 minutes later, wet, cold, and with a twisted ankle, I FINALLY made it to my apartment! Later that night I went to an awkward mixer thing for all of the students in Florence with Accent (the program who organized my study abroad) which consisted of standing in the corner with some TCU people since all the tables were already taken.  After about 30 minutes we peaced out of that party of the century and went for dessert and wine. It was really fun to meet some new people from TCU! Then my friend Tom walked me home since it was late and we got lost again.  Unlike the first time, since I was with someone it wasn't so bad to be lost, but it was still very cold!  On the bright side, I got to see a new part of Florence and walk around in the snow!

Wednesday: After class (Italian and Art History) I met Kaylen for lunch as this cute little cafe which was so so sooo good! I really don't think I will ever get sick of Italian food! Then later that night, Kaylen and I went to a talk by Rick Steves son Andy Steves which was so awesome! It made us really motivated to plan our trips so when we got home, we started researching. So far we have come up with a trip to Venice, Austria (probably), London/ Dublin, the Amalfi Coast, the French Riviera.  We still need to plan spring break and easter weekend (and maybe a few more?) so I'll let you know when all the trips are finalized! Next weekend I am going to Paris though so thats pretty exciting! I also got to skype with my parents on Wednesday and see my new puppy Bella who is such a cutie!

Thursday (MY BIRTHDAY): I don't have class on Thursdays which is sooo nice, and means I get to sleep in!  My parents sent me a cake for my birthday so after picking that up and running a few other errands, I met up with Kaylen to go scarf shopping.  We went down to the leather market and found some cute scarves which have kept me very warm! Unfortunately, since it was so cold, we didn't want to be outside anymore after our shopping so we went back to the apartment after that.  Then later a group of my Florence friends went to dinner at Dantes (which gives students free wine!!) for my birthday! Here are some pictures from dinner!  

the cake my parents sent me! so sweet :)

I will finish catching up with my blogging tomorrow so get ready for another post! Love you all so much! XOXOXO

Oh wait, I have to go to school in Italy?

Heres an update on the rest of my weekend and my first day of classes:

Saturday night I went out with my roommates and some new friends.  It was really fun to get to know them and hang out with the Pablos again.  We ended up at one of the same clubs that Kaylen and I had been at the night before and the bouncer actually recognized us... I'm kind of a big deal in Italy haha.  This one group of Italians kept taking our picture from the balcony above which was weird, but again, we're super cool.  We got them to do the "go frogs" symbol though which was definitely a highlight of the night!  Were pretty much gonna spread Frog Fever all over Europe! Here are some pictures from Saturday night

Saturday night I couldn't really sleep and started feeling like I was getting a cold, so by Sunday I really wasn't feeling well.  I tried to go to the pharmacia but everything is closed on Sundays... good job Italy.  I ended up sleeping and trying to find my shows to watch online.  Side note: Hulu, Pandora, and a lot of other websites won't let me use them because I'm in Italy! I'm having major withdrawal.  Also, google changed my language to Italian and I can't figure out how to change it back.  Basically the internet is not my friend right now!  

Sunday night, my roommate Reynolds boyfriend came over and cooked for us.  He is a chef and doing a culinary internship in Florence this semester so he's pretty legit! Here are some pictures of the dinner!

appetizers 

main course... all homemade and AMAZING

Today was my first day of classes and I still don't feel good which is a bummer! I decided I couldn't skip the first day though and headed out of my apartment at 8:20, giving myself 40 minutes to find the school.  Unfortunately, as many of you know, I am pretty directionally challenged and ended up asking random Italians to look at my map as I pointed to where I wanted to go.  After an HOUR of walking around in 30 degree weather I finally found my building and was only 20 minutes late.  My first class was Italian cooking which I think I am really going to like! She lectured for a little and then since we don't have aprons yet, she showed us how to cook whats called Pappa al pommodora.  It was so good! I am seriously going to be an Italian chef when I come back... or at least know how to make more than easy mac and chocolate chip cookies! After that class was my Italian class which I am so glad I am taking! We learned all of the phrases one needs to know in an introduction conversation like "how are you", "where are you from" etc.  Hopefully I will soon be able to walk into a grocery store and know what the labels say! 

After being inspired by our home cooked meal, Kaylen and I decided to try some cooking of our own.  We looked up "easy soup recipes" and found a tortellini soup that turned out pretty good! 

One last thing that I think is kinda funny... I hate the doors in Italy! Although this is pretty minor, its something I never thought would affect my daily life so much.  In America, most doors going into restaurants, stores, etc. are pull.  In Italy the like their push doors.  I am constantly making America look super smart with my door problems and its got to stop! I now understand why America has such a bad rap in other parts of the world.  I mean if they think we can't even figure out how to open doors, I can only imagine what they think of our foreign policy, pop culture etc.  

ANYWAY... I have my second day of classes tomorrow! Hopefully I don't get as lost and just maybe I will be early? Who knows, anything could happen :)

Buona Notte, or for all you stupid Americans, Good Night!!

Discoteccas, Museums, and Saldis!

Okay, in my attempt not to have to blog a novel every time I get on here, I'm writing again today! Last night Kaylen an I had our first night out in Italy! We decided to get an early start because we were bored and already dressed so we left our apartment at 9:30.  After walking around for a while and not finding anywhere to party, we started asking locals where the bars were.  This is how our convos went...

me: "scuzzi"
Italian Pablo: "si, bella chao!"
me: "english?"
Italian Pablo: "ah American! California, yes?"
me: "no, done va vino o discotecca?"
Italian Pablo: "ah discotecca, come with me!"
me: "uh...no, chao"

Anyway, after several of these conversations we ended up following a nice group of Pablos and they took us to the Florence version of 6th street in Austin.  We started bar hopping and ended up becoming part of the "pub crawl" which meant we got free shots and drinks at certain places (for the adults reading this, they were shots of orange juice!).  Talking to the locals was so much fun, especially because Italian guys are so friendly.  Definitely a nice change of pace from frat guys at TCU! Around 1 am we decided we were discotecca-ed out and started trying to make our way home.  Unfortunately we didn't really pay attention when we were being lead to the piazza with the bars so then we had to start asking other Pablos where the Ponte Vecchio was because our apartment is right next to it! 30 minutes later we FINALLY made it home (oh and Kaylen convinced me not to take a jacket so I was freeeeezzzinnnnggg... the Pablos said I was crazy!) and were starving.  Unfortunately for us, Florence is not like Fort Worth and there is not a Fuzzys, Waterburger, or 1873 to go to for late night cravings.  Just another reminder that I am NOT in the states anymore! Here are some pictures from our night out!

Karaoke at one of the bars, apparently Britney Spears is popular in Italy too! 

I ran into Julie in the pub crawl... small world!!

Today we woke up around 1:30 which was weird because I realized my parents were probably getting up around the same time! Then we headed out to be tourists for the day and check out some museums. The Italian government provides all American students studying in Italy with a Museum card which is awesome, so we can get into any museum in Florence for free!  We went to the Piazza de Pitti (which is right by our apartment) and has an old Medici mansion that has been converted into several museums.  Unfortunately, we couldn't take pictures inside, but I took some cool exterior shots:

one wing of the museum 

me and my new Italian boyfriend!

My favorite thing in the museum was a display of old jewlrey from royals and the Medici family.  Little did we know, but David Yurman totally knocked off the medici jewelry.  There were bracelets that looked almost identical to Yurman bracelets! Its funny how things come back into style 700 years later!

Since we got a late start, the museum closed around 4 and we were kicked out.  I did learn the Italian word for "exit" though since the guards kept saying it to us! Then we headed to check out some saldis (italian for sales)!!  I don't know if its a European thing or what, but literally every store has a saldi right now.  We went to H&M, the leather market and a boutique but didn't find anything worth the euros (especially since I can get H&M in North Park for the dollar not euro price)!  Then as we were coming out of the stores, we started hearing yelling and chanting... it was an Italian protest! I asked the guy working in the Tabaccaria what it was and he said it was "commies" but I'm not really sure. Here are some pictures: 

I want to translate this sign, but haven't yet!

Were about to head and get some Gusta Pizza again (I know... I'm a fatty!) and then go out tonight with some new friends! I'll let yall know how it goes! Heres a picture of Gusta Pizza to make yall jealous :)

TONS AND TONS of love from Florence! xoxo

First few days in Florence... mi gusto!

Hey Everyone!
My first few days in Florence have been a crazy mix of culture shock, sleep depravation, and absolute awe of the city I am now an official resident of! Heres a breakdown of what I have done so far:

Day 1: After 4 planes and about 20 hours of travel I FINALLY made it to Florence.  It was kind of fun because I met up with a lot of other students (from TCU and other schools) who were headed to Florence for study abroad on all of my different flights.  Unfortunately, I didn't think to get last names of any of my new friends from Clemson etc. so we'll see if I can find them at the University or something! Once in Florence, the first thing we had to do was go to the ACCENT center (the program organizing our study abroad) and turn in paperwork to become official residents of Florence.  This means the police now have my passport, visa, address, etc. so if I get in trouble they will have no problem finding me! That rules out stealing the David... DARN!  Getting to the center was hard because Florence is a maze of winding streets and the cars don't stop! We learned that we need to cross the street with confidence and commitment and we will not be run over.  I've been practicing and haven't been hit yet! Fingers crossed this continues! Anyway, after turning in paperwork and getting paninis at Gusta Panini (SO GOOD) I slept for about 2.5 hours and then took a shower.  I wish I had taken a picture of the bathroom because the shower so crazy! It was not separate from the rest of the bathroom and the floor had one central drain that drained by the toilet.  Also, the water pressure was about 4 drops coming out at a time so it took 30 minutes just to wash my hair! Quite an experience... it actually made me miss the gross showers in the Zeta House! Around 7 all the TCU students went to dinner with our ACCENT sponsor at this amazing restaurant.  They served us 4 courses... but didn't tell us how many there were.  We all stuffed ourselves with the first course and then started freaking out when they kept bringing food! I had never tried tiramisu before and I LOVED IT! This new found love is NOT going to help my weight gain.  After dinner I put in my ear plugs, put on my eye mask, took a benedryl and went to sleep... thank goodness!

FLORENCE IS SO PRETTY!

The Duomo, I cannot get over how amazing it is!  I get to walk by this every day!

Day 2: opps day 1 was kinda long.. I'll try and keep this short.  Around 8:30 we met in our hotel lobby and got broken up into our roommate groups and taxied to our apartment! Its soooo nice and my roommates are awesome!  Here are some pictures:

living room/ dining room... Oh hey Kaylen!

Kitchen

Mine and Carrie's room

Mine and Carries bathroom... ITS HUGE

After moving in we had a bunch of orientations with ACCENT and a walking tour.  The walking tour was good because they showed us things we need like pharmacies, doctors, grocery stores, ATMs etc.  Also, they warned us of cultural differences we need to be mindful of... like eye contact.  Apparently the Italian men think when you make eye contact with them and smile (like when walking by on accident) that it is an invitation to flirt.  Its totally true too.. I accidentally did this and got an enthusiastic "Chao Bella!" and a whistle!  While a total ego booster the first time, I can definitely see how this could get annoying.  They told us to walk on the streets like "ice queens" and not make eye contact with anyone!  So much for southern hospitality!  After all the orientations, tours etc. me and my roommates went and got phone, check how high tech this thing is!

this thing is better than the Iphone! 

Then me and my roommates went to Gusta Pizza which is a famous pizza place in Florence. It was AMAZING! Although once again, those Italian men are something else.  After accidentally flirting we got heart shaped pizzas (which no one else in the restaurant had) and then when I tried to get to go boxes, they were passing them around the counter playing keep away... its entertaining, but will definitely get old after a week or so!  We also got our first gelato which was sooo good! 

Day 3: We had orientation with the University today (LdM) which made me realize that yes, we do have to go to school here.  I kept forgetting that I wasn't here just to have fun and travel!  I'm actually looking forward to my classes though because I am taking all electives, surprisingly you can't do nursing clinicals in Florence haha.  Then me and my roommate Kaylen went grocery shopping.  The grocery store is so tiny and really only has one option for each product you wish to buy, except wine! We are all stocked up now, about time right?! The grocery boy, who did not speak english kept asking me to translate what one of his friends had written on facebook which was "Scared in your pants".  I told him this might have been translated incorrectly but he didn't really understand.  He told us to come back and winked at us on the way out, oh those Italian men.  Kaylen and I have generalized all cute Italians into "Paulos", like in the Lizzie McGuire movie.  The Italians don't seem to get the joke, wonder why?!  We are going out tonight to wine bars, discoteccas etc. which will be fun! I'll keep yall updated on what happens and try to post more often so that these aren't so long! I miss you all so much, and please keep me updated on everything going on in Texas through facebook or email! 

Heres one more picture from today.. cappacinos and the ponte vecchio bridge! Could it get more Italian than this??

Lots of love from Florence!! xoxo

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Pre-Italy Excitement!

Hey Everyone!

I've never been one to blog, but due to many suggestions to do so, mainly from my friend’s moms, all of you will get to hear ALL about my semester abroad in Florence Italy this spring.  LUCKY YOU!  Unlike most students, my decision to study abroad was pretty last minute due to my recent change of major. If you are a really devoted reader, you can read the long story here:

 I applied to TCU (where I am currently a sophomore) as a fashion merchandising major.  Midway through my second semester at TCU,  I made the decision to switch my major from fashion to nursing.  Upon talking to the nursing advisors, I was informed that because TCU took more nursing students my year than previous years, the likelihood of me having a spot in clinicals in Spring 2012 with the rest of my class was slim.  If there wasn't a spot, I would have to start clinicals in the fall of my junior year (instead of spring of my sophomore year) and thus graduate a semester late.  While not ideal, I decided that if this were to happen, I would study abroad spring 2012 instead of just taking random classes that semester at TCU to fill time.  In the fall, I applied for clincals and was again told that there would probably not be room for me in the spring. After talking to my parents again, I began looking more seriously into studying abroad.  Because I started my research late, I really only looked into the programs that TCU already had set up in London, Seville, and Florence.  After looking at the dates of the different programs, I quickly narrowed my decision to Florence because this is the only program that ends in time to make it to my cousins wedding (I will have to fly directly to Philadelphia from Florence for the wedding!!).  As I began to do more research on Florence, I became more and more excited at the possibility of studying abroad.  After many hour-long skype conversations with my parents, I decided that regardless of if I got into clinicals in the spring or not, I was going to study abroad spring 2012 and graduate a semester late.  By the way, thanks mom and dad for supporting me with this financially and emotionally!!!  Anyway, my mom mailed me my passport and when I went to pick it up guess what was waiting for me in my mailbox... my acceptance letter for clinicals in the spring!! It was definitely a curveball I was not expecting, but I stuck with my decision to study abroad and as the semester has gone on, I am still sure I made the correct decision.  I am SERIOUSLY impressed with those who just read that… didn’t realize how long it would be, sorry!

The short version is that I want to study abroad but due to my major (nursing) I have to take an extra semester to do it. Thankfully, my parents are awesome and are allowing me to pursue my dream of a semester in Europe!

Now I just have the rest of my winter break (which I am NOT wishing away, its been so relaxing and wonderful) to prepare and pack for Florence. I've never packed for a 4 month trip before, but seeing as packing for a weekend trip usually presents a challenge, I am not looking forward to the few days before my departure.  Assuming I survive packing my life into one (YES ONE!) suite case and make it to Florence in one piece, I will blog to you all about my daily happenings, whether you like it or not; so stay tuned!!

- Laura