Updates....

Okay, so last Thursday we were supposed to take a group trip to Fiesole to see an amphitheater and Etruscan Ruins. Unfortunately, this fell throuh as the bus drivers decided to go on strike from 3pm until the morning. Thankfully, we hadn't already left and gotten stuck there, though it wouldn't have been too long of a taxi ride. We've rescheduled the trip for this Thursday afternoon - cross your fingers for a smooth trip!

I managed to hike up to the Piazzale Michelangele this Saturday, which boasts the best views of Florence. It was my first time seeing the entire city, and it definitewly did not disappoint! I forgot to load the pictures on my thumb drive and will post them soon. What a beautiful city!

That was not the end to the weekend, however, as my roommates and I had booked a trip up to Cinque Terre (5 lands in Italian) on the coast, which is a truly beautiful area if you look up some pictures. Sadly, it was pouring down rain and so cold when we got there that we were unable to do the hike along the coast and cliffs through the 5 towns lining the waters edge. We had to immediately buy a ticket back to Florence - I was so bummed! Not only did we blow a total of €60 by the end, but I was really looking forward to visiting the area. I did have time, while we waited for the train to return to Florence, to take a look around the top town we had taken the train to and were supposed to hike down from. Even in the rain it was a wonderful place and I have decided I will return there next weekend for a two-day trip as I must be able to see it. I will post rainy pictures soon....

The train ride back to Florence was beautiful though, we had a chance to see marble mines in the mountain areas and stockpiles of huge blocks of marble along with various other types of stone. We also got a peak at the top of the leaning tower of Pisa on our way back, which you can't see going the other direction. I decided that was probably enough for me as I don't have a lot of time or money to be visiting extra places. It was actually a bit of a fun adventure - I mean, that's what traveling is all about, right? Rolling with the punches and making the best of the unexpected oppotunities you get. Besides, I had a lot of reading to do and it was good to get back to the apartment early to get a jump start on that. Yeah, I almost forgot I was going to school while doing all this as well, don't feel bad.

We will also be heading to the Uffizi Museum on Wednesday, which should be amazing. There are countless precious works of art there, including the famous painting of the Birth of Venus, and I am very excited to go! I am going to be booking my trip to the Amalfi coast today as well - I made sure to check the weather and it looks as though it will be very nice - so excited to see Pompeii and lay on the beach! But, my poor roommates are having problems getting their money from financial aid (still! We've been here over a week!), so they won't be able to join me, which is too bad as it would have been fun to have them there too. Keeping my fingers crossed their money will be dweposited today and they'll be able to come too.

I am also going to look into reserving a hostel at Cinque Terre for next Friday as I absolutely have GOT to go back and see it. Thinking I will leave Florence Friday morning, hike down when I get there through the national park and stay the night, saving Saturday to putz around and play on the beach before returning to Florence. My rommates alrady have other plans, so this will be a solo trip, but I don't really mind traveling alone - I actually kind of like it - as I can do whatever I please and stay as long as I want to.

OH!! GELATO!!!!!!!!!!! Seriously - this stuff is worth all the hype. It is TO DIE FOR! And don't even get me started on the wine and Limoncello! I'm also thinking about doing a hiking wine tasting tour in Chianti......... I know, you're jealous! I am almost jealous of myself!

I am leaving so much stuff out, the Ponte Vecchio, The restaurant in the Santo Spirito district, more gelato (I'm keeping a flavors journal), Shopping at the Outdoor Market, crazy Italian men in speedos and work uniforms at the same time (will post pictures for you, mom), vespas with "Don't Mess With Texas" bumper stickers, beautiful people, funny beggars, having a cappuccino at my neighborhood caffé bar with a bunch of Italians in biker gear this morning, the list goes on..... but I have to save some stories for when I get home!

Ciao for now!!