Rooftop Concerts and Moving Into the Apartamento!

Hello All!

So far, I can see why people say that Florence is a magical city! We got to take a walking tour of the city yesterday morning, so I have a better feel for the size of the city. It seems really big to me! I am pretty much in awe of all things European - but I've been told NOT to walk around with my mouth wide open and a "tourist" look on my face.  Not sure how well I'm avoiding that look so far.

After our tour, we had a big API meeting (the study abroad group that I am with) and then we went to a group pizza dinner at a place by the Arno river. Beautiful & I'm loving the pizza!

Tricia and I met up with JJ and Rachel, our friends that we made from South Carolina. They are so cute & fun! We knew it was "meant to be" to be friends with them when Tricia and I were lost and we found them wandering around, lost as well! The four of us decided to go back up to the rooftop of our hotel and have our first glass of wine. It was beautiful up there - vines, flowers, live music and a view of the whole city.

Suddenly, the manager came up and asked us if any of us sang. Tricia gladly volunteered me (thanks.....) and I was taken by the arm to the stage. The manager said to the Italian man who was already singing "we are sick of you, you sing every night here"... and they both laughed.

I just stood there stunned and thinking "Is this really happening". Next, the singer asked me what I knew - and we settled on "That's Amore".  We proceeded to sing Dancing Queen &  The Way You Look Tonight for the dinner crowd. Oh. My. Goodness.   I still can't believe I did that.

Tricia, JJ, and Rachel got some pictures and video of that lovely experience - so I'll try to post those soon.

Today we moved into our apartment and it is cute and very Italian! It is just Tricia and I in our little place - but there are many other students in the apartment building. The kitchen is small, and we have a tiny washer that scalds clothes - but I'm not complaining! The closets are huge and the bed is comfy! :) 

We have a lot of settling in to do, a lot of Italian to learn, and a great deal of walking around the neighborhood left to do tonight!

Love to you all,

Ciao! 

Katelyn