.i will.

Last Friday the roommates and I found the best place in Florence.  Data Record '93 shop.  CD's, tapes, records, movies, and posters from all the best throughout the decades.  

First traveling adventure.. check.

Shelley, 5 of our neighbors, and I headed to a small Tuscan city on the coast Saturday.  The train ride only lasted a little over an hour; I finished reading my first book for class, The Unknown Island, which surprisingly wasn't half bad.  But go figure.. rain was waiting for us in Viagreggio just like it's been with us in Florence. The seven of us walked not too far to our hostel where we checked in with the sweetest Italian couple you'll ever meet.  They made us a delicious breakfast and cappuccinos. I'm not sure if the food here is more amazing or if I'm always just super hungry whenever we do sit down to eat.  I think both. 

oh and on the eating note.. a block down from our apartment is a "secret bakery" which only opens in the middle of the night (1:00-4:00 am roughly I think).  The chocolate filled croissants may be sinful.  Why do I write about food so much? My apologies. 

Anyway.. Sunday, the day of the actual Carnivale, was super sunny thank goodness.  I missed the sunshine and ocean too much, it was refreshing seeing it again.  This 'Carnivale' goes on in Venice, Viareggio, and the French Riviera all February; it's basically Italy's mardi gras/Halloween on steroids.  Literally people of all ages are dressed ridiculously while running around throwing confetti at each other.  I bought myself a mask to get in the spirit with everyone else.  We were only out of Florence for a little over 24 hours and when we were coming back it felt like we were coming 'home'.  It's kinda rad subconsciously feeling like this is home.  My life is still so unreal, I can't believe how lucky I am. 

Last night Shelley and I took out our calanders & maps to plan adventures for the next three months.  I can't even tell you how stoked I am.  Spring break will be so wonderful.. Ireland to UK for Liverpool, London, & Stonehendge then over to Amsterdam and back to Florence.  Other trips are to Geneva/Paris, Prague/Vienna, Sicily, Spain, Croatia, and Greece.  If we don't get the most use out of these train passes I don't know who will.

mm.

So, apparently PDA is a popular thing in Florence.  I just passed a couple totally macking in the middle of the sidewalk.  I mean, that's cool I guess.. not my style though and still a little weird to take as normal.  

The Italian males still shock me.  I'm getting darn good at not making eye contact or smiling, along with my 'Don't mess with me face'.  You'd be impressed by how non-welcoming I can look, hah. 

Ready for the really beautiful news?  Weather man says it's supposed to be sunny for the next 5 days.  If that isn't an answer to prayer I'm not sure what is.  Speaking of prayer, I'm doing constantly talking to God and want to thank all of you who have kept me in your prayers!  I couldn't have adjusted so well and made it this far without God's guidance and open doors.  

Okay I think I've written a novel and posted 10 too many pictures, so I'll head to class now; but I love you all more than you know.  

Til then,

Ciao!