First Day in Italy

Hello all,

Our front door.

The church next door to us (and the bells that ring and wake us up in the morning)

The town

So after about 13 hours of travelling by plane and bus, I have finally arrived in Castiglion Fiorentino (a small town outside of Arezzo, Italy, and near Florence). In case you didn't know, I will be here for the next 3 months studying architecture through my usual studio class, an architecture history course and an art class. My architecture history course has class twice a week, 1 lecture and 1 day a week (Wednesday) when we travel by bus to other cities in Italy and take a walking tour (jealous, right?). The art class I have chosen is a stone carving class, and apparently the instructor speaks no English, but that doesn't start till next week, so no worries yet.
We arrive yesterday around 5p.m. Italian time (which was 10a.m.in College Station/Plano) and we were rushed in to orientations, dinner, and, of course, the first venture to the local bar, the Velvet Underground. The entire night was full of delirium seeing as since I woke up Friday morning, I had had a total of 5 hours of sleep. After a much needed 9 hours of sleep, today we continued our orientations and ventured around the town. I have had my first taste of true Tuscan cuisine, and to no one's surprise I loved it! 

Yes, 3 girls live in this room.

my closet...for 3 months.

As for the living arrangements- there between 60-70 students here from Texas A&M, Colorado State and Kansas State studying architecture and art & design, as well as some all major students. I am living in the same room with 2 of my really good friend's from studio, Clara and Chloe, and, as you see, we are in tight quarters (and among some of the "lower" accommodations that others have). Despite that the past day and a half have been quite surreal, and it hasn't quite set in that I'll be here living here for the next 3 months.


Some updates that I know you are all wondering about:
I am 7 hours ahead of you.
Currently, the weather is chilly and windy- hats, scarves, gloves and boots needed.
Yes, the food is delicious.
Yes, it is AMAZING.
The wifi is VERY spot-y, sometimes it works where it is suppose to, sometimes not at all, and sometimes really well, so if you don't hear from me don't be worried/offended.
If you want my mailing address let me know, I'll be happy to facebook/e-mail it to you! 


Till next time! Ciao!