The past two days here I've spent adjusting. Adjusting to the time change, to the lifestyle change, to the roommate change, etc. Some were very easy to adjust to, but the time change, although not horrible, has been draining. It's been incredibly hard for me to get to bed at what I consider a decent time, and I'm wasting the majority of the next day sleeping. Granted, I've only been here two nights, so I really can't expect my body to be fully recovered at this point. The most annoying thing about the time difference is how much it limits my communication with friends. There have been so many points in the day where I want to talk to friends, and I realize it's 6am back home. I'm sure I'll figure out a method soon, but for now, it's frustrating. I have had the chance to skype with quite a few people already, and have been able to call my parents every night, and that is such a blessing. There are so many amazing things going on in my life, and I'm so glad that I've been able to share them with those closest to me!
Yesterday my roommates (Amy, Veronica and Teal) and walked all around Florence with Monica and Hannah, fellow TCU students. We got our cell phones, ate a delicious lunch, went to IKEA, went to the grocery store, and bought hair straighteners. Our trip to IKEA really helped us become familiar with Florence...accidentally. Veronica looked up the address of the nearest IKEA on the IKEA website, and it showed an IKEA that was a 20 minute walk away. After walking for over an hour to no avail, we found a cafe and asked the man who was working there, Giovanni, for directions. He was quick to inform us that the IKEA was nowhere near here, and therefore not possible for us to walk to. He was nice enough to call us a cab though, and even recommend places for us to go in downtown Florence. Overall, an interesting, and definitely unexpected trip!
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| Amy and Hannah in the cab on the way to IKEA |
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| My lovely roomies and fellow designers Veronica and Teal |
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| Monica had some fabulous bonding time with the cab driver in the front seat! |
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| Veronica and I |
Now that I've been here a few nights I am finally getting settled in my new apartment. IT IS FABULOUS. So much nicer than I ever expected, and in a great location. We live directly across from where Michelangelo's David is held. AMAZING. I seriously can't get over how blessed I am. I live with three amazing girls. Amy and I share a room and bathroom, and Veronica share a room and bathroom as well. Amy and I live in 'the loft,' or what I like to call the penthouse. It's super classy.
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| This staircase is right inside our apartment. As you can see, suitcases+this staircase=fun. |
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| Our living room |
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| First floor. Yes, the washing machine is in the kitchen. No, there's no oven. No, there's no microwave. This will be interesting. |
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| Adorable kitchen. |
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| The Italians like pattern. |
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| Yes, we have our own courtyard. This is where the cute Italian boy helped me with my luggage on the first day. I have such a rough life. |
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| Our beautiful view |
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| Cuties Teal and Veronice pushed their beds together. love it. |
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| Our place is huge. |
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| Heading up to the 'penthouse.' This is where the magic happens. |
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| This is the most accurate view of the actual size of our bathroom. |
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| We live the high life in the penthouse. |
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| The bed chamber. |
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| My adorable roomate Amy. Love her. |
This place may never be 'home' for me, but it won't be hard to enjoy myself here. I'm perfectly content to live here for the next three and a half months with such lovely ladies. After all, I'd probably be willing to live in a shack as long as I got to experience Italy. If I had any insecurity at all about being here all this time, I can assure you it's gone now.
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| Photo Credit: Budding Photographer, Teal Curran Johnson |
Also, tonight we went to the River Arno and walked across the Pontevecchio. I had my first experience with gelato, and if anything, I'm pretty sure that's going to be my downfall. The bridge was beautiful. Looking out over the water, there was no way I could even question the presence of my God, and not be humbly thankful for all He's given me. My life is awesome, and it's by none of my doings.
