End of Orientation

Finally, all the orientation chores are over.  This weekend is the full immersion weekend where we explore Florence and have a day with our families. Jasmina said she and Lorenzo will take us to the Piazza Michelangelo which is where we can view the whole city of Florence.  Apparently the best time to go is at sunset.
Last night we all went out into the center of Florence.  Finding bars, pubs and clubs are hard here, clubs are tucked in on a side street and you need to know where the bars are located.  After hours of exploring the city we found an American bar which was awesome, called the Red Garter.  Here we had a few drinks and sang Blank Space by Taylor Swift on the karaoke stage. Unfortunately, we got cut off 3/4 of the way through...
After the bar we found this amazing secret bakery and ordered nutella croissants. They were warm, fresh out of the oven and TO DIE FOR.  Jasmina made tortellini with Parmesan last night with salad with fresh peppers, feta and tomatoes.

We registered for classes today.  I am taking Italian 101, The Italian Mafia, Economics in Europe, Management in a Global Setting and History of Art: Antiquity to Michelangelo.  Solid Schedule!
I am very happy with my classes and I can't wait to start.



More differences:
- They do not pick up their dog's poop... so you have to watch where you step on the sidewalk.
- You cannot hail a taxi, you must call and wait.
- They clean the streets here every night, kind of like down the shore where you have to move your cars to the opposite side of the street to clean.  In the center, the streets are so small they wash them!
- Cars park anywhere they can.  Parking is scarce.
-Dogs can come in to resteraunts, even dogs that can be mistaken for bears..(see picture)
-Tomatoes taste sweet and so delish compared to home.--Dad you will love them.
-Italians do not use salt in their bread.  (reason? TBA)
 Florence vocab:
bar- a cafe, place where you can get a sandwich and drink: It also means what it means in America.