Well Sally and I have safely arrived back in Rome...It's a miracle! Beginning and at 7:30 on Friday morning, Sally and I began our journey to Firenze (Florence). Some how we arrived in Florence in the early afternoon where we were greeted by my wonderful friend Lydia (who would also be providing our housing for the weekend directly across from Dante's house in the center of Firenze two blocks from the Duomo) Side note: We could not have had BETTER weather for this weekend!
Our first afternoon we explored all the highlights of the city. Florence is amazing. However, compared to Rome, it seems like a quiet speck on the map. We were able to walk across almost all of Florence in an hour. Anyways, our first day we went to the Academia and saw the David. I almost got us kicked out for attempting to take pictures. Luckily I escaped with one great picture of his back side (pictures coming soon). We then had to circle back and pick up Lydia's other friend Claire who was also staying with us over the weekend (More will follow on Claire). At sunset we ventured up to the Piazza di Michelangelo, which for those who don't know, is a serious hike to the top of basically a mountain but is debatably the best view of Florence.
Later that night we all went out and had a great dinner at some small place Lydia knew of. Lydia's friend Lauren also joined us which was great. She was HILARIOUS! We then ventured on to some pub called Kakuya (I can't spell normal words so don't bet the farm on that name). Great music, people, beer, and best of all NO AMERICANS! Lydia's other friend Sarah then met up with us, as well as a few other random people who came and went throughout the night. All in all a great time was had by everyone.
Next morning we got up, and split up from Lydia and Claire to do some really touristy stuff. First, we climbed to the top of the Duomo (the other debated best view of the city). over 500 steps + 1 case of claustrophobia = AMAZING experience. We then ventured to the mecca of leather jackets. It took a while but we both managed to find the perfect ones. Mine is being tailored so I couldn't take it home...sad. I will be picking it up in two weeks when I return for my class trip. We then walked around, made our way to the Jewish quarter to see the Synagogue. This was clearly beautiful but closed...sad again.
Later that night we all met up to go out again for the evening. First we had apertivos (common Italian tradition between 8-10:30 where you get drinks and appetizers at a restaurant before you actually head to dinner). Claire's boyfriend and his brother met up with us, Marco and Antonio. Both were sooo wonderfully Italian...and spoke very little english...small problem. Needless to say they were both sooo nice and very friendly. Marco is a top jockey in the country so he was very interesting to talk to (and REALLy well dressed). I am seriously devoted to working on my Italian!! I WILL LEARN MORE! Having Claire, Lydia, and Marco to help was great. We went to dinner after which was horrible. The restaurant had great potential but we were treated like crap. Marco and his brother left so we were all girls at dinner...thus as usual treated like we don't exist (something I'm having a HUGE problem with in this country). We were going to go dancing after dinner but I fear I'm coming down with a sinus infection and really don't feel well. Thus we called it a night.
Ok, quick side note on Claire: Amazingly cute, fun girl. She is our age, from California. She and Lydia actually grew up with several people I went to Four Winds with (small world). She decided after one semester in college in the states, she didn't want to be there. Now she is a full time student at John Cabbot (just like Patsy. I'm sooo jealous of their courage to do that!). She was sooo helpful for Sally and I as she has lived in Rome for three years, dates the adorable Marco, and speaks fluent Italian....why am I not her?? We all exchanged numbers so we are hoping there will be more Claire in our future.
It was an amazing trip! We had so much fun! It was exactly the kind of weekend we needed. Sadly, returning to our crummy apartment was a drag to say the least. Now it is time to do homework...ugh
Best, Lauren
No comments:
Post a Comment