Excursions around the City

January 11, 2010

A gorgeous day! Sunny, with a few cloud puffs in the sky, tons of happy begging pigeons everything. Woke up, got out of bed really late. Our entire apartment was a mess this morning because we were all running so late.

Around 9am, we got breakfast, went to the bank and proceeded on with our hike up the Polimoda Hill. I had heard from a few people that the hill leading to school was a bit of a nightmare. It looked nothing like a nightmare until this morning. The road looks as though it is straight, but in reality, you get the top and it turns to the right...and KEEPS GOING UPHILL! We got the top and i was ready to take off every layer of clothing I had on because I was dripping wet! If I get that sweaty every day I am going to have to bring a change of clothing for each day I have school!

Our meeting with the agency went quickly. We heard what they had to say, we took notes, and bolted right after the meeting straight to an apartment we were dying to see. We got the first apartment half an hour later located near the Duomo. After the five flights of stairs, (by the way, I don't think I am going to gain a pound here) we get to the top to see the apartment. Three bedrooms, two were extremely tiny, no more than 4x7, and another, which was a double twin room, very spacious and comfortable. We then went onto the balcony and saw the incredible side view of the Duomo, front to back, only four blocks away. Simply stunning.

The landlord then said to us, I know you like this one, but I also have one downstairs. So we took the stairs to the next floor down. He opened the door only to reveal the biggest apartment I have ever seen in my entire life!!! You enter the room and straight ahead is an eight person dining room table. Directly to the left is an enormous family room with a TV and comfortable couches. Our room is then straight back from there, which has a huge stucco arch in the middle of it. We have a good sized kitchen with a kitchen table. Then two more bedrooms and another dining room. We also have a washing machine and brick-stone flooring.

Tonight we went out for dinner at another restaurant down the street. The food was wonderful, but if I don’t eat a salad and fruit soon, my body is going to hate me.

January 12, 2010
7:12 pm

This morning we had orientation at Polimoda on the hill. We went over permit of stays, only to find out our Visa’s do not let us out of the country until we get our permit of stays. What the hell Florence!? Don’t you know we are here for traveling?! GRR.

Oh, and since my tote broke getting off the plane, I bought a new one today at the leather market in the center. Too much money but I needed it. Also, Amanda and I have done nothing but travel around the city shopping for sweaters and we have had no such luck. I am done shopping. After today, I quit.