Florence

9/9

Today I woke up extremely hung-over after a big night. Today was the long day for my language orientation. Monday and Wednesday language class lasts from 9am to 1pm. Tuesdays and Thursday class lasts from 9am to 1pm and from 2pm to 4pm. I am starting to catch on quite quickly to the Italian language and I am looking forward to speaking with some locals more.

9/8

Today was my first day of class. The classrooms are on the fourth floor in the middle of a bustling little Italian piazza (or village type square). People drink wine on the sidewalk during the day. I saw a group of chefs wearing aprons at about 10am drinking beers on the sidewalk and speaking in Italian.

I learned how to “haggle” for a bargain when buying a wallet from the street vendors near the steps of the Duomo. Vendor says “twenty”, I say “twelve”, vendor says “seventeen”, I say “twelve”, vendor says “fifteen”, I say “what is the lowest you will go,” vendor says “thirteen,” I say “sold.” I wandered the streets on foot with a group of about six people with whom I am becoming very good friends. They are in the same program. We saw amazing cobblestone roads and and lots of small scooters and compact cars.

A group of students in the program met for a cocktail hour with hors’devores. A drink voucher allowed us a free drink. It took only one drink for me to realizing bartenders in Italy are much more direct in their effort to make their customers drunk.

9/7

Today I learned that the definition of an Italian gypsy: A lady wearing an all white robe. Her face is painted white. She is carrying red roses and a change cup. She is making kissing and growling noises with her head tilted to the side while holding out the change cup. I discovered this on a group walking tour of the city’s historical sites. They were everywhere!