Classes Begin

Ciao all!
I hope things are well in America. Things are going well today, here in Firenze. I actually have learned something quite interesting. So, you all know that on the Duomo and Baptistery there are green and pink/white stripes. Well I just found that out. I did not know that the dark stripes were green, I have always seen them as dark brownish black. I guess I really am colorblind! The buildings look no less beautiful to me though.

Today classes started. My digital multimedia class seems like it’s going to be very thought provoking. Tomorrow is painting!!! I cannot wait to get my hands on a brush. Tomorrow one of my roommates and I are going to a park to check out a market that sells clothes and nick knacks for cheap. And on Friday we’re going to climb the dome!!!!!

There isn’t much to say about today other than starting classes. I walked around for a bit, got winked and by some creepy guys, and bought some delicious fragola, or strawberries.

I’m off to do some reading, maybe take a walk. I miss and love all of you!

Emily

We're not in the States anymore

As Emily has touched on, it's been a crazy first few days. Very fun and exciting, though. The historic center of the city is surprisingly small, so it's quite easy to walk from one side to the other in 20 minutes or so. Today we made it to the Arno and over the Ponte Veccio, which is beautiful.

Classes start tomorrow, which is exciting but a little nerve racking. It will be nice to be able to start drawing again.

Jet lag is hopefully finally wearing off, but speaking for myself I'm still exhausted from all the excitement and walking all over the place of the past few days.

Also as Emily said, we have an amazing appartment with roommates who seem great so far. I'm so looking forward to the semester and all the travelling and just taking in everything we'll be doing.

Much love to all!

Katy

Ciao!

We've made it!

So the first few days have been a whirl wind; orientation, (trying) to get aquainted with the city, jetlag, meeting new people, bags being lost somewhere, running through airports............

Our first night, after we (finally!) got to our aparment, we ran out to see the Duomo. I cannot describe to you how it felt to see it, and so close. It was beyond magnificent. In the darkness I just stood in awe of it, I still cannot believe that its really there. I'm afraid sometimes that it will disappear; it truely is so fantastic that it doesn't seem real, doesn't seem possible that I can be so close to it.

We actually went to mass there tonight; every saturday night there is an English mass. Next week I'm going to go to the Sunday Italian mass, but tomorrow I need to just sleep in (I haven't gotten much sleep). The inside is unreal, the mural in the dome is beautiful and comes right at you, and the whole thing has a stange other-worldy feel to it.

Anyway, at mass tonight something very strange happened. We're just sitting, praying and what not, then there is this terrific BOOM! outside, and everyone looks around. Then there are people yelling or cheering or something. Then there is another BOOM! And more yelling. Then a single person starts yelling. Then sirens. I for one was terrified. When the mass was over things had subsided, but we could vaguely hear yelling somewhere else. So we went home and now are going to cook dinner.

A quick note about the food. We live next door to a giant market-think farmers market only in a huge two story art nouveau building. Meat, cheese and bread downstairs, fruits and veggies up. All of the food is fresh, cheap, and divine. I got some mozarella and it is honest to god the greatest thing I have ever tasted. And going to the different stands at the market and talking to the people is so fun! Everyone is so nice and helpful. I must admit that all the meat freaks me out, they have pig heads and huge legs and are choppin things up. Not to into that, actually.

Also, our apartment is AMAZING! We have 3 totally cool, fun and into art roommates! But more on that later when we have some pictures to show you. Just as a teaser though-Katy and my room has a loft and a shower in it :)

We have internet now, so please email us! I will try to write as much as possible. Class starts on Monday, so I will be sure to let you know how it goes.

I miss and love all of you so much.

Emily

3 days?

Well, it appears that time is running out- we shall be leaving in a mere three days! It's a little bit scary to think about, but very exhilerating! As Emily said, the international plane tickets have arrived, as have international student ID cards. Or mine has, I hope Emily and Joey have theirs as well. Now it's time to take care of some last-minute things, pack up, and triple-check everything to make sure nothing is forgotten. And, of course, spend some time with family before we are out of the country for four months!! Hope all is going well for everyone as school gets back into session,

Much love to all,

Katy

Wish us luck!

15 days until departure

and we got our airline tickets in the mail. oh my gosh!

ciao bellas! Emily

Well, it's officially a month until Katy, Emily, and I depart for Florence. It's crazy to think how fast the month is going to fly by. I still have some things I need to get done before I go (familiarizing myself with the culture, making a few purchases, etc.), but I'm not sure how much preparation is going to be necessary. I kind of feel like we just need to get there. I guess we'll find out in a month :)

That's all for now.
Joey

Thinking about classes

Hello all! So as usual, I'm second guessing myself. I'm thinking about my classes at saci and thinking maybe I should change them. Like maybe I should take advanced painting instead of intermediate. And maybe I should take digital multimedia instead of writing. and maybe I should take Renaissance Literature instead of video. What should I do?!?!?! If any of you have suggestions, let me know! Thanks!!!

Ciao Bellas! ~Emily