Wandering the streets...

Replica Statue of David

The past few days in Florence weren't too eventful, but still exciting none the less :) The other day was the second day of orientation, and we got to learn more about the "fun stuff" of school, such as the activities they offer and optional trips you can sign up for. I signed up for basically everything they offered... why not!? Might as well take advantage of every opportunity! We also got to meet some of the professors to talk to them about the classes we are going to be taking. I'm very excited about all of mine- I'm taking the History of Ancient Rome, The Art of Florence, Archeology & Art of Ancient Italy, and of course Italian. I will get to go on a field trip to Rome for my Ancient Rome class, and on two field trips for my archeology class- one where we will get to do a dig, and another to see Pompeii! I am really excited for my art history class as well- When we meet for class, it will be somewhere new in Florence each time to learn about all of the beautiful artwork the city has to offer. It will be so cool to learn more about all of the beautiful buildings, sculptures and frescos first hand.

Candleholders along the
Streets

Hooks on the buildings
from horse races through
the city!

The professors and staff then split us into smaller groups to take us on their own version of a walking tour around the city. This was really handy because they took us to see where our school is and also pointed out some of the main Piazzas we should know to help us with navigating the (incredibly confusing) city. Our school has two buildings- the Palazzo Rucellai and Palazzo Bargagli. They are both really close to the Arno river and they walk between the two of them is so beautiful- there are lots of the super chic designer stores lining the streets on one side, and a view of the Arno river on the other. What a choice! Along the walk, they told us interesting tidbits about the city as we passed by. For example; Via dei Calzaiuoli, the main street which connects the Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signorina (the one with the fake David sculpture), has hooks along some of the buildings. These were used back when the Florentine would sometimes race horses down that street. How cool is that!?? They are all still in the same place today. They also told us which sandwich and gelato shops are the best to stop at- probably the most important tip they could give us! Once of the sandwich shops always has a line of at least ten people, and walking by always smells soooo goooood! That's a sure sign it's a gem.

Outdoor Marketplace Near
Our Apartment!

Over the rest of the weekend, me and Kelsey (my roommate) decided to take our own little excursion walking through the city and enjoying it. We started out all going to get paninis at the cutest little cafe we found right near our apartment. It was also right next to this outdoor marketplace that was set up for the Saturday. There were so many cool things- I wanted to buy everything! There were little stands set up selling cheese, wine, hand crafted wood and ceramics, paintings, olive oil... and so much more! I was able to resist, that is until later in the day, when we walked back around the square to where the main marketplace is. I ended up caving in on my first weekend here and buying a leather jacket. What can I say?? I bargained for a good deal, and Florence is well known for it's leather. Plus, I wear it well ;)

Walking the Streets of
 Florence!

In other news, today was actually the first day of class! It was exciting getting to meet some of the others in the program, and the classes I had all seem awesome. Today was The Art of Florence, Ancient Rome, and Italian. I was right to be excited about them- I find it fascinating to learn about the history behind how Florence and Rome came to be, all while living here. Be excited... I'm sure I will have some very interesting "artsy" insights to share with you all once we begin to learn more about everything ;) And since we had classes, today was also my first day navigating through the city on my own. I only had to stop and ask somebody for directions once, and although he didn't speak English, he was super helpful and took me right to the street I was looking for. I'd consider that a success on my part :)

So, not too much of an exciting update to share today, but the next one should be far more interesting! Back to back day trips coming up this weekend... One to Chianti, the other to Pisa & Lucca. Wine country awaits! Stay tuned!