Ok ok, I know!

Hey Everybody, I know it has been FOREVER since I posted and I am sorry! This is partially because about 50% of the people who read this were here in Italy with me. 

Midterms was really hectic, especially since most of the professors here still have yet to return work so we have no way of knowing if we a they're going well or not. Va bene. I'll let you know when I get stuff back.  

Anyway, so spring break began. That Thursday I took a train to Venezia and met up with Dad and Leslie. Highlists included incredible food, a gondola ride (he sang....) great glass shopping and waking up really early to go to the local fish market and take pictures. Now, you all know I'm not a huge fish fan, but this stuff was amazing. One thing that I have noticed about Italy is how incredible the natural colors are. We saw scallops in the shell with the brightest orange I have ever seen. Pretty neat. 

After Venice we took a train down to Firenze. We were having a long talk when the guy next to us chimed in. It turns out he is an expert in sustainable energy which is exactly what we were talking about. It is such a small world. Anyway, in Firenze I got to show them the ropes, gelato, sandwiches, etc. Then we went on to Siena. Incredible food in Siena too and a bottle of wine I can still taste when I think about it. Also, the best coffee cheesecake I ever tasted in my life. 

We also saw this really neat exhibit about insanity. After the exhibit I met up with Mom and David. We had a realllllly long leaisurely lunch before taking the train back to Firenze. Again I got to be the tour guide - gelato and sandwiches...the sacrifices I have to make...Anyway! We went to Boboli and then were sort of Firenze-d out so we took off to Bologna for lunch. Veal tonato. YUM. BAck to Firenze for some truly unbelievable meals. Then we headed off to Rome where I got to see the Pantheon again, which I was so excited about because it is one of my favorite places in Italy. We went to this fish restaurant. Oh my goodness! I have never had fish like this! I ate sea urchin. Which was....interesting...but I am glad I tried it! And we had scorpion fish too. Very cool.

Finally I went to the train station and came back to Firenze. It was quite the week of traveling. When I got back here, I had a night to myself (which was a welcome change) and then the next day Danielle came home with her friend Dan. We had a really relaxing day of just hanging out in cafes and shopping. It was a pleasant change of pace. 

In terms of the next six weeks (because that is all  I have left!) I was planning on traveling a lot but I think I might take it down a notch. There is this really intense pressure to travel since we are in Europe and most of my classmates are running off every weekend to Cairo and Budapest and Prague and whatnot. I think it's great that they are traveling and I had the same plans, but I find it is really hard to truly experience a culture that way, so I have come to terms with my lack of traveling. It would wear me out by May and this is supposed to be my "vacation"! 

So I am not going to all of the crazy places I planned on. I am going back to Rome in  a couple of weeks with class which I am very excited about because I LOVE Rome. I may go on to another city from there, but I am not sure yet. Then I think I am going to Cinque Terre for Easter long weekend to relax. And I might go to Milan, but thats about it! I am sort of excited about it. I have decided to make the most of Firenze even though I don't love it. We have gotten to the point where we know some really nice local restaurants and places for aperitivo and coffee in the afternoon so its nice not to come home right after school and feel cooped up. 

Also, the school has gotten involved with some neat local activities. For example there is an aperitivo tomorrow at an art gallery which is showing some works from students here and the profits go to an organization fighting violence against women. Pretty nifty. There is also a jazz jam with Florentine musicians every thursday that we go to. Its a nice way to wind down from the week. 

Another funny thing - the guy at the gelato place has started to recognize me and my roomates and give us discounts. I always get the same thing - a small (or medium...) cone with dark chocolate and crema with toasted almonds. Anyway, I go down there tonight and there is a handwritten addition to the list of flavors: Dark chocolate with toasted almond. I was so excited! 

Well, thats pretty much it for now. I am shopping a lot since it's spring (is that an excuse?). Well check out pics from break! Here and here. 

Mi Manchi! P.S I know that they are all food pictures. I am very aware.