Getting Situated

The first week in Florence Italy was anything but uneventful. Upon arrival the change in language and scenery was both exciting, and a little nerve wrecking.

Our apartment is probably the most Italian experience I had within the first week. Being assigned the top floor in an apartment unit with no elevators was nothing short of a gasps for breath, and 12 different trips back and forth to bring all of out luggage to our new home. The place is beautiful and quaint, a small two bedroom apartment facing the Florence ferris wheel, and tram station. My nights came to soon be filled with bustling cars, and a beautiful sunset view everyday.

I was very excited to get to exploring, and me and my roommate Lacey made our way to the city center to try a variety of popular foods, views, and desserts. Nothing fell shorthand to any of our expectations. Enjoying a slice of pizza, right next to the Arno river is something that I will never forget from my first week. Topping it off with a scoop of Fragola (strawberry) gelato, to an already cold afternoon is very worth the cold shivers after.

Overall, my first weeks have definitely consisted of a bit of adjusting. Coming home to 4 flights of stairs and two hands full of groceries. Washing clothes with no dryer to speed the process up. Walking as the main form of travel. And yet, I would not trade any of these features or treks, because these experiences

have already made me feel much more connected with the culture and the people here.