Il Duomo...the magnificant

Two weeks ago I arrived here in Italy…the first excursion I took was with Jenna on the infamous market shopping trip from hell (which most of you should know about)…but the one thing that struck me hard and bewildered me to the core was passing the Duomo, otherwise known as The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, one of the oldest Catholic cathedrals in history dating back to 1296. What was so astonishing to me and to be honest, a bit strange, was the fact that the people of Florence pass by this monumental structure that holds centuries of secrets and stories on a daily basis, as if passing by their local Starbux. I guess it was just different for me…coming from Los Angeles, a city so modern, so new. The history that is found in every inch of this city, every cobblestone sidewalk and every rusted railing is pure, raw beauty. I really hope the Florentinians do not take their magnificent city for granted because nowhere in the world compares...

Emilia

Always keep the kid in you alive...

 

 

What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon then with some of Italy’s finest gelato...

At the cutest little gelato shop in the whole entire world!

Festival del Gelato could probably be seen from the moon...with its intense neon light display...and so it naturally caught my eye.

Jenna and I walked in and sampled a couple different flavors before we made our finally decision...

Jenna chose Strawberry Cheesecake and I chose Snickers and Nutella...I am a mild chocolate freak.

We spent the rest of the day shopping at the most fab Zara I have ever been too...and I bought some killer leather booties from a little boutique! EEK.

We then rode on the infamous carousel in the center of Piazza della Republica.

I truly felt like a little kid again…

Just remember…

We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing. - George Bernard Shaw

So keep playing…

Emilia

Dinner with the Emilys and Jennas



In all of Florence Italy…with the 10 plus study abroad programs…and the millions of students that come and go…fate happened…a very nice coincident. At registration we sat next to two girls and happen to strike up a conversation…right before we got up to leave...we introduced ourselves...Jenna and Emily…meet Jenna and Emily. Yes, in all of Florence Italy we met another duo with the same exact names! We all instantly meshed well and have been partying and exploring Firenze’s finest spots. Saturday night, Feb 05 they invited us to their place for a nice family like dinner. Jenna from Wisconsin made some amazing pesto pasta…we had some Chianti vino and some bread with oil and vingerette. The meal led to some pretty good girl talk…just getting to know one another other. It’s awesome to meet such amazing ladies half way across the world and just hear about their Iowa State, northwest adventures.

 Who knows maybe we will visit them there one day.

Emilia

A mini trip to Fiesole



Friday the 4th was a day filled with adventures...one of which was a mini trip to the hillside town of Fiesole.

On our first weekend here, Jenna and I met Federico, one of the kindest Italian souls we have met thus far.

He offered to take us to the scenic view situated on the northern hilltops of Florence.

We arrived around 5:30pm, just in time for sunset and watched the city lights come alive and glimmer away.

It was truly breathtaking to see Florence from such a distance.

Grazie millie, Federico.

Emilia

News Cafe Bar

It’s nice to have a 30 minute break between classes and yesterday I spent it at the local bar…News Café Bar right in front of Via del Giglio, 15.

And no it is not the bar that you think!

Italians have bars all over the city…but these well known spots that can be found on every corner serve anything and everything from a mouthwatering foamy “I make special for you” cappuccino to birra piccolas(small beer) and recently have started the concept of “Apretivo” otherwise known as Happy Hour…pronounced Appy Our.

During Apretivo you can stop in for your regular espresso shot on your way to work or your vodka shot on your way to a club and also have a buffet type array of goodies set out for you…free of charge.

These Italians are genius.

Emilia