I've been slacking on my updates and I apologize! I know I'm a bit behind schedule, the good news is, that I am up and running again. The Florentine Flu has vanished!
Favorite Daytrip so far: Siena, absolutely my favorite Italian city with Lucca as a close second. I haven't been to Cinque Terre, Rome or down to Sicily, but I am planning on accomplishing that soon. The weather in Italy isn't terrible, just happens to be freezing, even when the sun is out. Knowing me, of course, I wear the minimum amount of clothes (though no shorts)... My Italian language instructor thinks I'm crazy every time... haha.
Today I just got back from a day trip to Viareggio, and took my first European train. I was nervous, considering the motion sickness I experienced on the plane, but it went smoothly. It is about 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Florence.
In Viareggio, we went to a Carnivale, in which many of the Italians dress up with a parade. But... more on this day trip later, when I upload all the pictures. Same with Friday's trip to Siena!
Hmmm...
So I have to admit that I have had my culture shock experience, it has faded, but every day you are reminded that you are no longer in your own country. With vacations you have the thought of returning home in a week or two, but living here, is something else. Especially when no one really speaks your language, and you do not understand common things like the radio, television, or conversations in the street - lots of confusion goes on in the brain. The Italians make it a little easier, as they are used to tourists and are patient enough to try to explain using hand gestures and strange words that are not literally what they mean, but somehow get the meaning across.
An example was getting my haircut! I didn't know how to say short, but not too short! So "piccolo" which means small, and I used my hands to describe the kind of hairstyle I wanted. I asked him if he spoke English, and they (his associates) laughed at me and said no, :(, hahhaha, but you get that a lot.
It was one of the best haircuts I've ever had! He used scissors the whole time, and took nearly thirty-five minutes doing it. Everything was perfect!
And it was only 10euro, which is about $14 back home, which is what I typically spend. My hair is easy, but he made it such an art, haha. (Though I was really nervous the whole time! - You know me!)
Well, it is about 11:00 pm my time, and after a day at the Mediterranean beach, I'm exhausted. Not to fall short on a picture, here is Brea and I enjoying the scenery in San Gimignano !
Ciao!
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