Day 1

            We finally made it to Florence and it is beautiful!!! The flight was a little delayed going to Rome, but we made it with just enough time to catch our shuttle flight to Florence! Once we arrived in Florence, we were all put in cabs to head to our homestays. First of all Regina, my roommate is awesome! We are staying at Saguaro Chiocchi’s home in the middle of the main part of Florence! The location is great, we are within equal walking distance to about everything. All right, so when we first arrived, we were going through all these small tiny streets, before stopping in front of this villa/apartment complex with these huge brown doors. After ringing the buzzer to come in, Regina and I looked up and noticed a whole bunch of stairs that we were about to have to walk up with our bags. But the best part was seeing this tiny Italian women run down the stairs yelling “bongorino”! After making ourselves comfortable, Regina and I made our way out into Florence to explore! Our first stop was lunch at a small restaurant, where I fully enjoyed some wonderful ravioli and the ended the meal with my first gelato in Italy! I started with pistachio and melon gelato, needless to say I was not really feeling the melon, I guess it will be another flavor tomorrow. After lunch, a group of us on the dialogue meet up to explore more! We walked around the heart of Florence admiring its beauty and pure elegance! At 8:00 it was diner time or in Italian “cena”. Regina and I sat down with Saguaro Chiocchi (who was wearing the Texas flag apron, which I gave her earlier today) and enjoyed the most amazing gnocchi al pesto, which I believe was homemade. I’ve officially decided that I have no choice, but to pack on the pounds while I’m here. At cena, we had an Italian lesson from Saguaro Chiocchi, she taught us everything on the table and was so excited to do so. Therefore tonight I have a list of about 12 words/phrases to know before dinner tomorrow night, where I will learn more Italian! It has definitely been a great first day in Florence!

First Italian meal in Italy!!!