Ciao! I have been in Florence for a month and a half now. The list of places I have been, foods I have eaten, and people I have met has grown more in one month than I thought possible! This experience continues to be challenging, fun, and full of good food and amazing sights. The weather in February went from being cold to very, very wet, and I see no end in sight. Fortunately much of my time here is spent indoors, working on artwork for my classes, visiting museums and churches, and getting to know my friends (both Americans and Italians).

I love my family and friends back home, and have been struggling somewhat with missing them! One thing that has helped me cope was applying to be a part of Italian Family Club through my school Florence University of the Arts. I live in my own apartment with four other students, but this program allowed me to be matched with an Italian family that I can spend time with every week. We met over dinner earlier this month, hit it off, and it’s been great. My host mom and dad don’t speak much English, but with the help of their 15-year-old daughter (who is almost fluent), 13-year-old son, my Italian classes, and a dictionary, we are able to communicate and have a great time doing it. It is a challenge but it is so much fun, and I really appreciate the opportunity to practice using my Italian as well. One day we made homemade gnocchi (pasta) and sauce together, and ate it along with parmigianna, salad, wine, and later gelato and coffee. It was absolutely delicious.

I also had the opportunity to visit San Gimignano, a medieval hilltown outside of Florence, with my host family. This gorgeous town has been around for hundreds of years! It was an absolutely beautiful day and I loved seeing the medieval architecture and the towers that are still standing, that once signified the power of the people that ruled the town. It was a great day.

Earlier this month, my friends and I visited the annual Chocolate Festival that happens every year in Florence. You read that right – a days-long exhibit in one of the plazas here with stand after stand selling every kind of chocolate you could ever imagine. As if I already didn’t have enough good things to eat!

Well I’m off to go plan my spring break with some friends, and head out to aperitivo with them for some dinner tonight, so I’d better get going. A presto!