It's not my city....yet

Let me start off by saying that my body doesn't like this time zone.  I can't fall asleep until 4:30 am and I want to sleep in until 12 or 1pm.  So I didn't get up until 12 today, which makes me feel so lazy, like I'm not taking advantage of what the city has to offer me.  Therefore, I forced myself to get up at 12pm.

And I went picture-taking/exploring on my own.  The weather was wonderful: sunny, mid 50's, perfect with a light jacket and scarf.  I felt a little silly taking photos sometimes.  B/c back home  no one cares and you're not considered a tourist.  I'm not saying I got any weird looks or anything (ok maybe a couple) but I felt strange.  Like I was imposing.  I took about 60 pics today and I'm sharing a few of the ones I've already edited.

This is on the right side of the bridge over the Arno River (looking at what I think is north-but I'm not sure).  The sky really was that blue today ( I didn't do anything to this pic).  It was very pretty.  

This beautiful mask is 29 euros.  It is located inside a mask store that is across the street a little ways from my apartment.  Every time I walked by it I wanted to go in a take a look, so today I finally did.  Beautiful masks.  

And tons of them.  This is halfway into the place.  It's jammed pack full of different masks.
Its me!  Yay standing on the sidewalk of the bridge over the Arno River.  A self-portrait.
And here finally is (half) of the main entrance of LdM.  Italy has sooo many beautiful doorways.  Huge, old fashioned doors.  I've been taking flat shots of all the different doors.  I'll post more of them later.

OH! and I bought myself 2 scarves today!  We walk by this little place that is covered in scarves everyday...and I've been eyeing this blue one since the first time I seen it!  And today I got it!  I love it.  It is the perfect length and has just the right weight and softness around your neck.  So far, the best 5 euros I've spent.

This is what is looked like as I walked by....

And I bought that blue one, 3rd row down, the one on the right.  Gorgeous right?  I know!  I will be back there to buy more.  For myself and as gifts for others.  Well, its dinner time and I'm hungry.  Until later...

Peggs

"Home" Away From Home...

Well, I'm finally settled in my new "home".  The apartment is very nice and safe.  It has a high ceiling and an upstairs.  The downstairs consists of a bathroom, living/dining area and a small little kitchen area.  It also has very tall windows that let in the morning light.  Then, there are stairs to the left that led upstairs to the loft which is where our beds are.  However, with 3 girls in this small apartment we've had to get creative with storing our stuff.  My clothes are everywhere! My pants are downstairs in the in the armoire thats near the front door. My tops are still in my suitcase that is just sitting by my bed. Our clothes are just everywhere.  It kinda irks me, b/c I like to have my stuff in order, but I'll deal with it.  All in all, the apartment is very nice.  And the staff that works at the front desk are very friendly and helpful, and speak good English.  My roommates and I are different from one another but we get along well.  They have a little more in common with each other than with me, b/c they're both from NY.  However, they explained 'the City' to me, and I explained to them what a dry county was (that was a funny conversation).  

But anyways, today I got to explore the city some.  Megan and I walked around just talking and tried to find a supermarket (supermercato).  We finally found one and got a few things.  And I had lunch at a small caffe on the same street as our apartment.  It was fun just taking it all in and trying to get to familiar with the city.  Which is beautiful by the way.  Its going to be a close call which I like more, Florence or London.  Probably Florence b/c I'll get to know it better.  Then for dinner we had our first dinner together.  We ate a nice restaurant.  I had the "italian classic meal" vegetable soup...but it definitely wasn't like mommas.  It was good though.  Then after we finished our meal the waiter brought us a shot to finish the night off with.  It was called Limoncello (lemon flavor can't you tell?).  Boy was it strong. I tried sipping it, that wasn't going to work.  So Megan and I downed ours and Caitlin took a picture of it (on her camera) and we took a pic of her downing hers.  It made me feel all warm inside.  It was definitely better than sipping it.  Then we walked home.  But on our way home we stopped at the Gelato bar!  Oh yes!  I had my first gelato (oreo flavored of course) and it was AMAZING.  Now I know what the big deal is all about italian ice cream (Caitlin got a picture of this too).  

But anyways, I'm having a wonderful time so far.  And its only day 2 for me!  During some down time here at the apartment I took some "artsy" photos of our apartment key; which is this heavy duty old school key. I had to take a picture of it b/c I love the way it looks.    

But this is the only photo I've really taken since I've got here.  I think I'm going to go shoot some this weekend before classes start (which is Monday); which I'm excited and nervous about all at the same time.  Until then....

Peggs.

A little something to hold you over...

Ok, so on the flight from Germany to Florence I about had a heart attack.  Beautiful, breathtaking snow-capped mountains surrounded us.  I have never seen anything like it in my life!  So gorgeous.  I'm pretty sure they are the Swiss Alps but don't quote me on that.  I'm going to try to find out so I can visit them.  But before I seen these mtns I wasn't feeling so hot.  I was a bundle of nerves b/c I was so close to really being in Florence.  But when I set eyes on these mtns those nerves were replaced by....I'm not even sure.  It was just beautiful.  The pictures don't do it justice.  I literally had to hold back tears.  Anyways heres the pictures from my seat.  :) Enjoy. And be jealous.  hehe...

Well, hell Kentucky

Hi guys.

All in all Kentucky didn't want me to leave.  But by god I did.  Keith drove like crazy to get me Cinn. Airport.  Barely made that flight.  Had to go through extra security, and was the last person to board the plane.  Whoop whoop for me.  Anyways, I'm one flight away from Florence.  I'm doing good.  I haven't had a panic-freak out moment yet.  I don't really think I will.  I've got this. Anyways, I just wanted to update the masses.  I don't know when I'll be back on until I figure out the internet situation over there.  Until then...fingers crossed.

Peggs. 

5 days and counting....

Well, I just started this blog.  We'll see how it goes.  I'm hoping to be able to stay up to date with it, so everyone can know how I'm doing while in Florence.  I only have 5 days left.  I'm really excited to leave, and a little scared all at the same time.  I'm going to miss my family and friends.  But I'm going to have the adventure of a lifetime.  Until then....

Peggs.