Ahhh Kelly Clarkson

Sorry for the delay, but we are unfortunately experiencing some serious technical difficulties across the pond. I just took my computer into the Apple Store and hopefully will hear from them by the end of the week. So I've been kicking it old-school here this week with no computer or TV (I am actually writing this post by hand right now and hopefully I'll get on a computer soon) so it has been interesting and quite, which brings me to last weekend. After 7 nights and 10 visitors, last week was ridiculous, and the slow pace of this week has been a perfect remedy.

On Thursday, the Barcelona kids arrived at different times throughout the afternoon/night (only Ben made it in time for a home-cooked meal though) and it was great to see more friends from home. Unfortunately, by the time we made it out Thursday night, all of the bars were closed (thanks Florence, way to make a good first impression), but we did find some late-night shoarma, so it wasn't a complete failure. Friday was the second-nicest day we've had in Florence this semester (second only to Saturday) and we kicked if off with an amazing view of the Arno River from the Ponte Vecchio before heading to Antico Noe for lunch (more visitors only meant more approval). After a phenominal panini, it was off to the leather market where the Barcelona kids looked at ties and scarves with Marc while I went to get Jordan from the train station (not like my opinion on ties and such mean anything anyways). The first tourist stop everyone wants to make in Florence is the Duomo, and if the weather is worth it so is the £8 to climb to the top. Since Marc and I had already climbed it, we sat on the steps of the Duomo and got in some phenomenal people watching while our visitors labored through the hundreds of steps to the top of Florence. After the Duomo, it was off to see the David. I have never been so befuddled with a rule as I was with their no picture policy. Why not? Is the flash going to bring the giant David crumbling to the ground? After a few verbal exchanges with the security guards and 20 minutes of admiring the work of Michelangelo, it was time to take them for Florence's top gelato at Vivoli (happy Marder?). With the sun beginning to set, we figured the Piazza Michelangelo would be a perfect final tourist destination for the day, and it didn't dissapoint (unless you've watched the sun set from Sunset dock). Dinner was Acqua el 2 for Lauren's 21st birhday, and it was great to see both her and Becky.

On Saturday, we started the day with lunch at Trattoria Mario (a cool hole-in-the-wall place with a smell menu and fast service) per Kogan's request before sending the Barcelona kids to Pisa for the day, they really wanted to see that leaning tower thingy. After walking them to the train station, it was round 2 of the leather market for the weekend, but with Lauren and Becky there was a little more money being spent (not to mention Marc's new leather jacket). One of my biggest pet peeves here is how the euro bills do not all fit well in American wallets, so I spent £12 on a nice brown leather wallet that doesn't tear £50 bills to shreds. Since the sun was shining, we figured it would be a good time to relax at Pitti Palace. Apparently we weren't the only ones with this idea as the plaza was full of people enjoying the Tuscan sun. After a little dehydration kicked in, it was back to the apartment to relax before dinner. Unfortunately, our reservation at El Gato fell through, but there was a small restaurant right near my apartment that was able to fit us all in. One thing that I really like is walking into a restaurant and hearing zero english, and that was the case on Saturday. After a great meal and a few bottles of wine (best house-red I have had in Florence, take it for what it's worth), we began talking to the waitor and found out the entire restuarant was staffed by one extended family. His wife is in the back cooking every dish, while his brother-in-law was the other waitor and his nephews bussed the tables, which we all found to be very cool.

After another fun night in Florence, all my visitors were gone by 2 on Sunday just in time for me to get back and realize that my computer had crashed. I am going to stop now before my anger starts showing up in my writing, but I am staying in Firenze this week to catch up on some school work and sleep, before heading to Prague in 2 weeks. It's hard to believe that mid-terms are just 10 days away here, and spring break begins that weekend as well...where has the semster gone? Until next time...

A Presto,

JK