some highlights of the trip thus far...

We are at the end of our 6th day here in Firenze and jet-lag seems to have gotten the  better of us. Today was my worst day yet. I was starting to think that I was immune to the effect, a better traveler of sorts- HA! Well it came on full force today, like a train barreling straight towards me full speed ahead, but I couldn't get out of the way! Guess I was wrong in my thinking... o well. Hoping for a better tomorrow.

I titled this entry to be about some of our highlights and boy, have we had some!

Our first adventure began when we landed in the Madrid airport on our way to Italy. We had to change planes. We got off the plane, and were quickly whisked through customs, down some stairs, onto an elevator and then OUT OF SECURITY! We were so confused, we had no idea that we were even our of security at first. In the Madrid airport, all of the floors open into the middle, so you can stand at the edge and see every other floor from where you are. We saw the floor we needed to get to, but with no way of getting there and no one around us who could speak english! As one can imagine, stress set in. I tried not to let it distract me from finding help, or a sign of some sort to direct us to get back into the airport, but Meredith was freaking! It was actually kind of funny because that is usually the opposite reaction for us. Anyways, we made it out of the airport, back in and eventually to the right ticket counter with 45 minutes to spare before our flight left- They couldn't print our boarding pass in the U.S. so we had to get it printed in Spain, and then run back through security (where I was told to go through twice- why was that ?? no clue.) and then race to our gate, which we arrived at with 30 minutes to spare. The funny thing about this whole thing was the Spanish woman in front of us at the ticket counter who thought we were ridiculous for being so flustered with only and hour to spare. She said to me, " Why are you in a hurry? You have an hour." Thus, we Americans better learn to relax a little bit better because the Spaniards do it right. Thankfully we made it to Florence in one piece and with all our luggage!

We arrived around 4 pm and were taxied to our own apartment, with 2 other roommates in the program! So, that night Meredith and I explored the city center, grabbed a bite to eat at a quaint little restaurant, and spotted the Jersey Shore people and their camera crew! How ridiculous. We have since seen them multiple times, as this city is not very big, but it is definitely a highlight I will remember for a long time. These kids who are famous for NOTHING and claiming to be Italian.. the Italians here are a little confused by that.. haha.

That's all for now! Pictures coming soon.

Ciao

My apologizes dear blog...

I did not live up to my own blogging expectations this past year and a half as I dreamed I would. I am now halfway through my 20th year, sitting in an apartment in Florence, Italy where I am studying this summer. Although it took me a while to make it back, I am here and ready to write! This time though, about my favorite things in Italy. It has been just four days and I am in love with this city. So full of energy and history, it is a city that anyone can appreciate. I plan to share my experiences from this surreal city on this blog: the tastes, the smells, the views, and anything else that comes along the way. The adventure has just begun!