Sounds

I started my day today at 1:00pm. I don't know how this happened guys. I honestly dont know that last time I slept until one, or 10 o' clock for that matter. Well, actually I do know how it happened--- but it was worth it because I an finally feeling awake and not jet lagged.

When we woke up we look out the window and heard my first memorable sound. Saturday is the day of worship for catholics and we heard the organ playing from the Saturday afternoon Mass at the Cathedral. What an incredible and bold sound to hear in depths of our apartment!


I quickly got ready to start my day since I had waited so long to start it. It was my first time out in the city by myself and I loved it. The sounds amplify much more than if you are with a group of people. There is no one talking to you--- there is just talking. In all different languages. And the sounds of vespas. And dogs barking. The clocking of bikes gliding across the cobblestone roads. Two italian young boys on one bike yelling at each other to keep going. The bells ringing at each hour. The sounds
I heard were the truly special "events" that happened to me today.

I enjoyed walking around the city by myself. I went back to Ponte Vecchio (it was gorgeous outside) and this time took many many pictures. I love it over there. The water and the mountains in the background. There are gardens peeking up over castles and the hills. I crossed over the bridge where there are many shops and stands to buy (more than cheap) souvenirs. On the other side of the river, everything slowed down. I could walk without being run over and the colors.. oh the colors.. of the architecture are incredible.

I walked around quite a bit by myself and started to be aware of my surroundings more and everything started to settle in bit by bit. I still feel like I am on a vacation and will only be here for a couple of weeks at the most. But no I can see this beautiful architecture everyday for months!

This part of the city is still definitely my favorite and I plan on spending many afternoons around here. Before long it was time to walk back to the apartment and meet everyone to shop around a little bit. This is one of two times in the year where there are huge sales in the store so we couldn't resist. I didn't bring a bag to keep everything in while walking around (silly me!) so I got a cheap (faux) leather one from H&M. We also walked around ZARA; which was 5 stories high for a few minutes. My favorite thing about shopping was not the clothes but rather the fact that they allow anyone to brings their dogs in! I couldn't believe it. There are dogs all over the city, who knew!


Before Shopping though, we all wanted to treat ourselves to our first coppette  or cono of gelato! I chose to get caramello and it was incredible. We went to a place called GROM, where all of the fruit flavors are in seasons and many of the ingredients are local and organic. The store is only a couple of minutes away from the apartment so I'll definitely be going back there every once in a while... or you know... everyday. If you are ever in Florence I definitely recommend going to GROM. There are probably over 30 flavors, all looking quite delicious. And the organic, local aspect of it makes it that much more fun!


After shopping Kailtin and I went to the grocery store facciamo le spesse to finally get some food and supplies for the apartment. What the experience... We were probably the only americans in the store and when checking out I set off two alarms because I didn't put my cart away, and Kaitlin forgot to weigh her tomatoes so she had to go back and do it while checking out. Woops. Oh well, these american idiots will soon learn the ways. I will say, for you mom, my shopping list included orange marmalade and a baguette for breakfast in the morning... So I can reminisce about eating it every morning while I am in Europe!

Last but not least, Mary, Anna, Kaitlin, Kenan, and I all had a wonderful meal at "Yellow Bar". When I heard the name I was pretty skeptical about the authenticity of the food, but boy was I proved wrong. It was amazing. I had the "Stracetti"pasta with zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and MINT! I ate almost all of it. (Kailtin and I shared what you see in the pan on the right) All five of us also shared a bottle of chianti.... I am beginning to like wine a lot! (But only with meals parents... no worries.) But all in all... great 2nd day in Florence. Tomorrow should be relaxing... it is the day of rest here and supposedly very few shops will be open. It will be a good day to have before we start the Italian Pre-session! A presto!