Fun in Florence

My apartment when I was abroad in Florence in college. Via del Corso 9...oh wish I still lived there!






I finished up the end of my week proctoring study hall, beginning a really hard italian class, and completing curriculum night at school. Study hall ended up being easier than expected and I think once I know the kids it will improve greatly. For one hour, they are supposed to be completely silent and work on studying only. However, many of them finish up their studying and immediately want to talk. Luckily, when they are done working they are allowed to go on their computers, which makes the time a little more bearable. Wednesday nights I now have italian class, which is great, but actually very difficult. TASIS offers classes for the faculty, but they only have beginner and advanced. I've now taken a beginner class a few times, so I am in the advanced class, which is a bit over my head, but will also force me to study on my own and hopefully I'll learn more. Being in Florence this weekend really helped because it gave me more of an opportunity to use the italian I know. I just need a lot of practice. We left Friday afternoon and were hoping to make the 5:05 train that would arrive at 9:45, but it was sold out and we had to take the 6:05 train. We ended up reaching SMN a little later, but we still had plenty of time to have a good night. We went to the Savoy in Piazza Repubblica for some wine and ended up meeting some nice men who are in the fashion business. The next day we spent shopping, walking and enjoying the city. We stopped at Cantinetta Antinori, where my friend Daniele works, and enjoyed some wine and cheese. It was really good to see him. Cara, Kelly, Brooke, and Bailey he said to say hi. Bailey his friend is now living in Cambridge...maybe you should go visit! Then we headed to a place I had read about in the NY Times called Dolce and Dolcezza. It was a bit of a walk, but definitely worth it. They are known for the sweets, especially this amazing chocolate cake. As we were walking back we stopped to do some more shopping and check out the new Four Seasons Hotel. It was amazing of course, set in this old palazzo that was quite a site itself...I'd definitely like to get back there soon. After resting up for awhile, we went back to Cantinetta Antinori for dinner. Daniele had set up a special table for Stacey and I, and had a typical Florentine dinner prepared for us. It was fun to not have to order, since he had hand selected everything for us. We had shrimp and calamari, then a seared ahi with zucchini and our main entree was very fresh fish. For dessert, they brought a chocolate cake and also the most amazing trifle. We stuck around for awhile enjoying some grappa (little too strong for me) and more wine. Then we headed out to some bars (one near Piazza Repubblica and another called Slowly) and then later a private club called Prive. Everyone in Florence is friendly and it was nice to get out and be somewhere more lively than Lugano. I am so bummed we didn't take more pictures. Cara without the paparazzi it just wasn't the same! Next time! On Sunday we were able to do some more walking around the city and had lunch at Baldovino before leaving. The weather was beautiful and again I was reminded of why I love Florence so much! The train ride back wasn't bad and we made it home by about 8pm. Plenty of time to get ready for Monday. There were many times this weekend, where I really felt like it wasn't real. First of all, just being able to hop on a train and be in Florence in less than 4 hours is spectacular. As most people know, I love the city and really feel "at home" there. I can't wait to plan my next trip back...next weekend maybe...? My friend Betsy is going to be there Friday night, so I am seriously considering another trip! If not I am sure I will make it back soon.