Departure and Day 1-
I packed till the last moment on Saturday night. I had my mother undo both my suitcases, and repack them since I was so paranoid about the weight limit. Also I thought I was bringing wayyyy too much. Friends and family were in agreement that I did not overpack, but what can I say… carrying that crap around was the biggest pain in the butt ever. Around 3:30 we headed to the Logan airport. At this point I was pretty much freaking out. I checked in and during that time I was told I would not make it to my connection flight in Paris, so they switched me to a later flight and upgraded me to “first class.” My baggage was a little overweight but the lady checking me didn’t say anything so that was nice. I had a big bag and my portfolio as a carry on; those were fine. Afterwards, my mom and family got some coffee and sat around the security check in area. We talked a bit how this internship will be great for my resume and everything. We got to the point were I had to say my goodbyes and I really wasn’t excited for this. After waiting so long to go, saying goodbye was horrible. I did though, and went through security. One of my bags had to get re-checked, but nothing came from it.
This is where it gets fun: I sat around for an hour, then realized my plane was delayed another hour. So that means I would be even more late for getting to the language school on Monday. Finally I boarded the plane, and got into my seat. I requested a window seat but for some reason I ended up on the aisle — wanted that seat to look out the window and just to lean against it. The food was alright, nothing good of course. While on that plane I realized I forgot this green bag in the security area. It had 18 Euros plus credit cards… I started to freak out, but eventually calmed down since there was nothing I could do. I watched Dolphin Tale ( realllyyy cute) then I landed in Paris, exchanged my dollars for Euros and emptied my bag in the middle of the airport to find my green bag (hoping I just absentmindedly put it in there). No luck. I called my mother, but she didn’t pick up, so I got onto a bus to head to my terminal (of course my terminal was the only one that you had to take a bus). That plane was delayed too, and I did end up texting with my mother the whole time; she kept me company it was really nice. I kept on getting delayed though in my flight and was getting really mad, because at this point I was going to be around 4 hours late for my language test. I finally boarded, and sat in my “first class” seat. Which was pretty much coach class, just with a curtain separating it. Lame. We were served food, but it looked really gross. I fell asleep a few times, and then we finally landed in Florence. At this point from carrying all my carry ons, my arm was dead. It’s still sore. I got a super nice taxi driver (she was so friendly) and got dropped off at my apartment. At this point from calling and texting so much my phone was about to die. I rang the door bell, but no one answered. Luckily my phone had enough power to last to get a hold of my landlord. She came riding up on her bicycle in a fur coat. She let me in, showed up reallllyyy narrow and steep staircase, and into my apartment. I chose my room, was told the rules, then took a quick shower.
Afterwards, I headed to the language school. I was quite late — not just from the flights; I got lost few times. It’s confusing as heck here. I eventually made it to the school, and I was told not to take the test. So all that worrying for no reason. I was just on time though for orientation. We went over GE rules, and excursions (some amazing ones) and internship details. After that I headed home, and sat around and talked with my roomie and tried to figure out our internet situation with our landlady. After that my roomie and I headed to the Duomo. We got lost, which is sad since it’s like quarter a mile away from us; two people told us one direction another some direction opposite. Eventually we made it and headed to this aperitivo with the Global Experiences group ( 6 of us, 7 included our coordinator Whitney). It was a buffet style: Turkish style food. I was interested in most choices, and I tried everything I could. The bread was my favorite of course. I ordered this Havah drink, pretty much tasted like lemonade. We talked and laughed, and got to know each other more. Everyone is super nice and cool. I don’t think it could be a better group! We made plans to do all sorts of things on our own and eat together for meals. When we were done, we headed out to go back to our apartments, which is good because I was about to pass out…
Day 2-
I woke up and I really didn’t sleep too well. My sheets are not heavy enough on me, and I was freezing cold. I need a heat pad or something. During the night I got hot though, think it was the thermals… My roomie and I headed out to the school for our 9am lesson. We didn’t have time to eat but it was okay because at 10:30am we have a coffee break. The Italian teacher we have is soooo funny and crazy. She is always making us laugh and keeping us on our toes. Which is good because I have a bad history of language class; I get bored and don’t pay attention at all or fall asleep. We headed to this cafe on our break. I got a croissant, it was quite expensive but never realized they charge us to sit down. Learned our lesson. We headed back to the classroom, finished our lesson at 12:30 then headed out. A few of us decided to meet back at the school to go on this trip at 1:30 to Piazzale Michelangelo. We got there and it was sooooo beautiful. We took lots of pictures then sat down on the step to listen to our guide talk about the city. He pretty much spoke all Italian, so tried to pick up much as I could. My friends from Global Experiences and I decided to walk home. We took a little street, and walked over Ponte Vecchio (which is this bridge that sells gorgeous jewelry) and stopped a little stores here and there. We stopped at this restaurant and I got gnocchi with four cheeses — it was SO good — with some wine. After that we parted ways and I headed home. I was so tired from walking all day so I finally unpacked and organized, took a shower and passed out…
Day 3-
I slept a lot better. I tucked my sheets in really well so they stayed on and wore layers to bed so it was comfy. I walked to class and picked up a croissant on the way (again… so good). I got to class, and I was tired. There are flights of stairs everyone has to climb to get to our classroom, and I don’t think I will ever get used to it. I do know I will get in shape and loose weight from this trip though. From eating small meals couple times a day, with small snacks once and awhile, and lots… and lots… and lots of walking. Class went well, learned knew things, and had to stand up in class for people to describe me. It got amusing when my teacher counted my piercings, and saw my gauges, never seen a reaction quite like that, it was hilarious. My friends and I headed after class to this new shop to get our 10:30am snack; it was cheap and sooo good. I got this pastry that had this sorta orange jelly on it and pignoli nuts.
Class finished at the regular time but this time we had homework 
. Afterwards, we found this super cute, cheap sandwich shop. I got a panini with ham, pesto, tomato, and mozzarella. It was amazing. On the walk back we saw this little photo booth, we could not resist and went in it and had our pictures taken and they really came out great. We parted ways to make phone calls and go shopping, which I actually haven’t done yet since got distracted by emails, phone calls, and well… writing this blog now. I probably missed things, but I’ll just add it later. Last note, I wish it was warmer.
