Florence

We left La Pievuccia today.  We came to Castiglion Fiorentino, where we are going to teach.  We start teaching on Monday!!  I am so excited!  Tomorrow (Sunday), we are going to go on a tour of Castiglion to get used to the city.

Today, we went to Florence, which was by far my favorite place I have been.  It is known mainly for its architecture and art.  It is the city that started the Renaissance.  The new gothic churches were starting to form.  I had no idea where our tour guide was leading us.  I turned the corner, my mouth dropped open, and I said WOW!  The Duomo was a sight to see.  The gorgeous artistry and architecture blew my mind.  I have never seen something more magnificent.  We saw all the Medici family attractions.  We did not tour in the museums because our tour guide usually does not work on weekends and she made an exception for us, but she had to be somewhere at 2. 

After we toured around, we went to lunch.  It was the best meal I had ever had in my life!  I know I keep saying this, but coming back and eating in the United States will stink.  After lunch, we were off to do whatever we want to do.  A couple of my friends and I went to a famous shopping square and walked around.  I got my dad something that I know he will love!  I cannot tell you what it is until I give it to him because he reads this.  I bought two scarfs, key chains, and post cards.  Why we were shopping, I was called Shakira a couple of times, my friends and I were called the Spice Girls, and got hit on.  My favorite pick up line was “oh mam you dropped something”.  I turned around to see what it was and he said “you dropped my heart”.  Oh Italian men!  There was a beautiful spot on a river where my group and I took a picture together.  Then people started coming over and taking a picture of us too with their cameras.  It was weird!  My friends said they thought we were on the Bachelor because there are 23 girls and one guy in our group!  That would be so awesome if they thought they we were on the Bachelor.   It was wonderful to be out and about roaming around a beautiful city!

When we got back from Florence, which is an hour away from Castiglion, we ate dinner.  I was still soo full from lunch, I could barely eat any of my food!  After dinner, a couple of my friends went to a bar/ café/ pizzeria to get a beer for St. Patrick ’s Day.  It was such a pleasant night!  The people that are with me on the trip are so awesome!  They make my trip here even better!  The trip has been wonderful, but I am definitely ready to be in a routine now and not living out of my suitcase! 

Ciao!