I'm Here, I'm Here: First Days in Firenze!

From my journal on September 1st.......

Buongiorno Family & Friends,

I’ve arrived safely in Florence, and it is beautiful! My first European flight was definitely long, and we missed our flight from Munich to Florence (running through the airport was involved… ) but now, we’re here & all that is the past, no? The Italians seems to say (no?) at the end of every sentence and I love it! You’ll love it too, no? J

Right now Tricia and I are resting in our hotel – Hotel Grand Baglioni – to be more exact. It is gorgeous and comfortable which is a great way to start off.  Getting to the hotel was quite and adventure. We met a girl (Maggie from Nebraska) at the airport and shared a taxi with her. The driver hoisted all 6 huge suitcases into the back of his tiny car and we showed him our hotel’s address on our paper.  I must have looked like a wide eyed squirrel in the front seat of the cab because he was winding in and out of traffic going like 50 down tiny streets.  I was thinking – did we somehow come across that we needed to get to the hotel urgently? HaHa, oh well me made it and after the driver and the bell hop had a little spat about carrying in our bags – we made it up to our room. Funny little adventure.

We had a big meeting with our entire study abroad group (about 100 people) and then headed to dinner on the rooftop of the hotel. It was beautiful and very elaborate food, but we were all a bunch of zombies. So after meeting a few people and eating  - Tricia and I headed for bed. After a good nights rest, I felt like myself again and we had breakfast up on the roof again. Next, they had some tour guides for us so we split up into small groups to get a feel for the city. I am in awe, and already in love with the feel of this city. It is artistic, historic, religious, and just absolutely beautiful. 

Thank you all for your prayers, encouragement and support! I love and miss you all already... I really suggest you come visit me J

Ciao!

Katelyn