I am loving Florence

Well hello beautiful readers!

First let me say, Florence is incredible. I have heard from many people that they didn't enjoy Florence because there are SO many study abroad students who live here, but I don't feel that way. I think its because I live so far away from the center of town. And since I take the bus multiple times a day, I understand the city really well. My neighborhood is solely Florentines. I rarely see other Americans, and if I do, they're just like me - trying to blend into the vibrant but peaceful Italian culture.

A beagle eating a bagel

But having such a high concentration of American students in Florence has its advantages. For example, bagels. (I tried to explain a bagel to my host family and for a while they thought I was talking about a dog... Can you imagine? I ate a beagle today. I haven't had a beagle in months! There was even cream cheese on my beagle. It's very American!) There are a few pretty good American restaurants here in Florence. I get annoyed when I see just-off-the-plane American's eating there. I just thinking to myself, "com'on you couldn't last two weeks with your bacon and eggs?" Me on my high horse, and
not having been in the US since August, feel that it is socially acceptable for me to order myself a bagel with peanut butter.

I am going to Venice this weekend for Carnivale. I have my camera charged! It's going to be so cold. I will freeze.

Oh yeah it's been snowing here. Not enough to stick to the ground, but word on the street is that there is a snow storm coming through this weekend....just in time for Carnivale. I'm still excited!!

Well, I have homework to do and dinner to eat.

Until next time.

-Hallie