Arrived.. finally!

We are finally here! All the times that we said that we were coming to Florence seemed so far away. Now it is a reality and I’m so happy, this city is amazing!

The flight from Rome to Florence was pretty uneventful and short… with no drinks offered!? What is up with that Alitalia?? Not even a cup of water for these hungry and thirsty young travelers?

We arrived in Florence at around 11 am. Surprisingly enough, Delta airlines did a good job overall and I got my one bag that I checked in all intact and safe. I was the only boy amidst around 20 or so girls… needless to say, I felt very fortunate but lonely at the same time. The mini vans from the school that is receiving us arrived and loaded all our things on the vans.  After 20 minutes of hectic driving around the city, the chauffeur found the school so we could register.

After registering, filling out papers and getting our phones, we got dropped off at our respective apartments… Again, I was the only guy. Surrounded by nothing but girls and immense and countless suitcases (which obviously belonged to the females), before getting on the van to go to my new apartment where I would be meeting up with my roommates, I finally met a couple of really nice guys.

Anyways, despite the reckless driving, road blocking and dangerous crossing, we arrived at my destination. Vian San Zanobi, 37. It was 1 30 pm when I came into the room. It was a little confusing to guess which door was the one to our apartment since some of them had no number nor name; so I took a shot, and guessed right on the first try.

To my surprise, I was the first guy to arrive at the apartment. Being used to arriving late at places where there already a bunch of people who have lit the place up with life and movement, I did not know what to do. The room resembled a maze from Alice in wonderland. Doors here, doors there and little rooms everywhere. Everything Is so small and rustic, but it is a spacious enough apartment for 7 people. As I waited for my house mates to arrive, I sat down to relax for a little bit and recognize the place. After 20 minutes or so, the first of them arrived.. James, from Washington. We started talking about our experiencies, background and all the possible small talk questions you can think of. We were both exhausted, and it wasn’t long before we were snoring in front of a small t.v.

After a very necessary nap, the other guys started to arrive. Matt from Washington, Saki from Massachusetts, Justin, Chris from Rhode Island and Evan from California… it was around 6 30 when we were all in the apartment and ready to go out and get something to eat.

Of coure, we had to stop at a pizza place to start getting acclimated to our new town. Then we came back to our apartment and started arranging everything the way we want it.

This city is seriously awesome. It’s full of tradition, history, people from everywhere and countless possible activities. I love it!   Tomorrow in the morning we have orientation stuff at 9 am, so we have to walk a little bit since it is somewhat far away from our apartment.

Can’t believe that we are actually in Florence now, Yeyeah!! 

----- Nice way to enjoy a flight, huh!?