Holiday - Florence

Florence was such a pretty city. I was really astounded by how clean the streets were - and by how many Americans I saw. Emma (Leising whom is studying in Florence for the semester from Miami!) said that there are 6,000 american students studying in Florence this semester. insane! I saw IU, Northwestern, and Penn State tshirts in the day that we were there. We met Sarah and Mary for dinner Sunday night (after it took us forever to get into the city - traveling difficulties which seem to be inevitable for hol and myself) at a little restaurant in the downtown area. Hol and I both had a penne ragu, which was incredible (1 because it was tasty and 2 because we were ravenous.) We all split a bottle of the house wine, which we decided we deserved because we had a really long day. We made our way back to the Airbnb, a great location close to a lot of hot spots in the city and rested for the day ahead.

Monday we set out around 1130, made our way to the duomo, which is really spectacular on the outside. it looks like someone sketched it on white paper with a pencil which I find so interesting. the inside was of course beautiful, but after seeing Saint Peters Basilica in Vatican City, I think the inside of every church I see from now on will pale in comparison. We mosied around the streets of Florence, which were hustling and bustling with young people and of course the guys trying to sell selfie sticks (these knuckleheads are EVERYWHERE) and heard some really incredible street music. We stopped for gelato for breakfast (only way to do it) because there were gelaterias on every corner (like a Starbucks in the states) and saw some statues around town. the Italians really love their naked buff figures - they're honestly everywhere. there were a ton of little markets and stands with purses, scarves and soccer jerseys galore - I liked looking through them just to see the colors and different styles. we popped into a few shops too and the girls picked up a few things in Zara. We sat outside for a little dinner - I had pork and potatoes which was seared deliciousness.

Holly's corner: 

• yonks: meaning, ages. "haven't seen you for yonks!" 
• guts, meaning: sucks. "guts for them."

Ponte Vecchio

We trekked (appropriate use of the word) to Piazza Michaelangelo, which had a really gorgeous view of the city. It was unfortunately overcast so we didn't get to see the sunset, but still worth the hike. After that we made our way back home, stopping for some wine at the market because we planned to pick up pizza and sit on the bridge to eat it (a popular suggestion by the locals.) On our way to the highly revered pizza place, we realized it was closed. Feeling pretty defeated, we walked that direction to meet Emma who joined us for dinner. We found a place near the river, and Holl and I both had carbonara, which was to die for, so stinkin delicious. We made our way back home, and then Sarah and I went out to a club called Yab. It was 10 bucks to get in, and then another 3 to check your coat (which wasn't an option. they wouldn't let you in unless you checked your coat - they shake you down in Europe I swear) and then we were thrown into the jungle. it was completely packed, and sar and I were just dancing together getting bumped into left and right. we actually found a flyer (one of Sarah's pals from home) which was both surprising and cool considering we were in a packed club in Italy and found a Dayton flyer.) After the club walking home, it was absolutely down pouring. i am grateful and blessed to say that's the first real rain I've had so far on this trip, and I'm totally okay with it. the morning after (a bit of a doozy) Hol and I made our way to the train station where we took a quick trip north to Bologna. Firenze, you were so good to us.

cheers & ciao, jkro