We're on top of the world!

There is no possible way I only got here just over a week ago.  It seems like much longer, we have just done so much.  I won't bore you all to death and go through a play by play, actually because I am just far too lazy to do so, but I'll say it's for my readers.  Instead, I'll give some highs and lows of the everything so far.

Highlights:

Booked our first big trip! (To Prague the first weekend in February) There's a couple of us going, but it is through an organization in Florence so actually all we had to do was click Book Now, and the trip was booked. So actually I still basically have panic attacks when discussing/planning trips.

Went to a kareoke bar (somewhat on accident) but ended up having a great time and I sang with three people we met there!

Took a day trip to Sienna and San Gimignano with the whole group Friday.  Words don't effectively describe what these places were like. (there will be a lowlight about this later) But San Gimignano is like a walled city from the medieval times and it was just incredible.  They are home to the world's best gelato (allegedly), but of course they were closed.  Went to a place next door though, and I would say they must be very close rivals because it was delicious.  Immediately following gelato and approximately an hour before we would return for dinner I had a slice of pizza from the walled city.  I think I died and went to heaven. This is not a joke. Everyone needs to go there and get pizza. Tiny little place. Don't know the name. Goodluck finding it! But you'll know when you have.

Went to a jazz club Friday night and danced with a man probably in his 60s.   This maybe could be a lowlight, I danced with him in front of everyone at this tiny little club, and it was slightly humiliating.  But so entertaining so I think that makes up for it.  Especially because everyone clapped for us.

Climbed the Duomo.  463 steps to the top. Dad, if you read this, or if I ever talk to you, I could tell you you would not not not like it. Tiny, claustrophobic, and very high. But there was not a cloud in the sky and we could see all of Florence.  We had to take a few stops along the way and I did a little de-robing, but we made it, sweat and all, and it was so worth every step.

Dinner in Florence Saturday night.  We asked someone working at the market to recommend a restaurant to us for dinner, and he was spot on.  Whatever pasta I got, I think rigatoni with some sort of marinara and mozzarella was out of this world (I'm trying not to use the same descriptive words here, I apologize) But really, I think if that was all I got to eat for the rest of my life, I'd be okay.

Umm...the Packers beat the Falcons!! The game didn't start here until about 2am so I only made it until halftime, but no matter where I am, that's a highlight.

Climbed a mountain today!  We were above the clouds. (on top of the world, get the title of this post now? ha...ha) Breathtaking (okay really, I need a thesaurus now...)


Lowlights:


I broke a glass at brunch this morning.  Thank god I had lessons on how to sweep from my dad over winter break.

In Sienna, we climbed uphill. Both ways.  I always thought this was not possible, some evil joke. But it was real life.  To and from the bus, I basically had to bend over at the waist to walk up the hills. No wonder Italians are so thin.

I have had zero luck thus far in my quest for boots. So still, shoes shoes shoes, but no shoes for me.

Running after a bus.  I remember all those times I'd laugh at people who did that. That was me. Fortunately, it was about 20 other people too in my group.

Cobblestone. Heels. Cobblestone and heels. I think that's all that needs to be said.

I am almost positive I have not slept for eight hours consecutively since I have arrived in Italy.  I plan on changing that tonight. My body is exhausted.

Remember how I said I climbed a mountain today? Did I say the hike took five hours? Maybe you don't all know me very well, but my physical activity level has not exactly been impressive the past few months.  Needless to say, I think I will be sore for quite some time.  What I could really use is a hot tub. Instead, I have a shower the size of a pinhead.

And...the most important part, pictures!

At the Medici Palace

Ceiling in one of the rooms at the palace

Climbing one of the many hills in Sienna

Duomo in Sienna

Piazza del Campo in Sienna 

Strangest thing ever..these guys were running around with fake guns and this cardboard cage chasing one guy dressed up as a cheetah. 

San Gimignano 

Gelato in San Gimignano 

Jazz club in Florence 

Emily's turn to dance with Stefano! 

Halfway through the climb of the Duomo

View of Florence from the top of the Duomo

Serious hiker 

One of the many views on our hike 

The hikers 

We were above the clouds! 

Poor self timing...but so happy we made it to the top! 

Walking back into Sesto after our hike