June 4, 2010

June 3, 2010: Arrival in Florence

The trip really started yesterday for us, but today is our first day in Florence! Our flights: DFW to Chicago, then to Brussels and then to Florence went smoothly. We had ample time between flights so the stress level was non-existent -- just enjoyed our time. The most interesting part about it all, the traveling that is, was how different the airports were. In the States, the storefronts consisted of food, more food, and then gift shops full of local paraphernalia; but in Brussels, there were dark wooden bars with tables covered in local beers or wine glasses and fashion outlets around every corner: Burberry, E-spirit, Puma…all with decorative storefront windows, almost as if we were at North Park Mall. Emily did however chip a good chunk out of her crown exposing the tooth underneath while eating a Cinch brand lemon bar…she must have been cracked beforehand.

Upon arriving in Florence and checking in at the Santa Reparta School we were welcomed by Miles, an Italian Greyhound who lived up to his name. He was completely grey. His fur was silky and after mingling with all the new arrivals, both from UNT and other schools, he decided Emily’s lap was a fine place to rest. He hopped up and laid his head gently on her leg then promptly tried to sleep. Emily had only seen an Italian greyhound one other time about two months prior while looking for samples in the Design District with Zach and Sarah and thought to herself what an animal. They are like high class, graceful Chihuahuas and after meeting Miles, she confirmed she likes them, a lot.

After saying our farewells to Miles, we followed two young Italian gentlemen through the uneven stone-laid sidewalks, rolling/dragging our bags to what would be our home while in Florence. Our luggage went up on the elevator in two trips and we opened the door to a beautiful, quaint apartment full of character and exceeding everyone’s expectations. Kaitlin opened the window and as perfect as the apartment was the sound flowing in of children playing football in a courtyard below. We felt as if we were natives, true Italians.

Several unpacked bags later, we all went to dinner at the Osteria Vieneria i’Brincello just a few blocks away, a Rick Steves favorite. All of us enjoyed wonderful meals and due to jetlag and fear for falling asleep at the restaurant, no wine for anyone. Our waiter, a handsome and charming man commented, “No wine, no party,” but we all enjoyed ourselves. We started the meal with fresh tomato and basil bruschetta. Emily had a soup which reminded her of one of her Mom dishes: the one with the rice, black beans, tomatoes, garlic, onions, bell peppers and artichokes. It was delicious and everyone at the table agreed. We all passed each other’s forks around to sample each other’s dishes, like we’ve been roommates for longer than half a day. Asaki had a delicious pork steak and Terra had an eggplant loaf covered in tomato sauce. It didn’t look nearly as appetizing as it tasted. It was delicious too. LeAnne and Kaitlin enjoyed a grilled chicken salad topped with balsamic vinaigrette. Emily and Terra finished the meal with a freshly baked tiramisu and a shot of espresso; a wonderful ending to a wonderful start.

June 4, 2010: Orientation

The following day we met at the school for orientation. Before our arrival the five of us girls all managed to get ready quite smoothly. Emily did however blow the electricity while trying to do her breathing treatment, leaving Terra in the dark and Emily with a fried machine. For breakfast on the way to the meeting we stopped at a local corner bakery we had passed the day before. We enjoyed delicious croissants dusted with powder sugar or sprinkled with chocolate chips on an outdoor patio surrounded by an ivory wrought iron fence under a white umbrella. The orientation went quite well. A local policeman gave a safety talk full of demonstrations and some jokes making the serious subject as humorous as it could have possibly been. Afterwards, our group formed smaller groups in search of sustenance.

Lunch brought local sandwiches with hard, salty bread filled with a mixed green salad and depending on the sandwich, a variety of meats. Shortly after, the landlord rang the bell and LeAnne signaled her up…again like a true local. We all went over the appliances, signed the contract to make the apartment officially ours, and the lovely British woman with a pixie haircut went on her way. We then all began to research our first assignment: an Italian treasure hunt to help engage us with the hidden secrets the city has to offer. It has been a wonderful day so far and we all look forward our welcome dinner hosted by the school and what the rest of the day will bring. Thanks for reading and for your support.

Asaki, Emily, Kaitlin, LeAnne and Terra