First 3 days~~~

Florence is everything I'd hoped it would be--excellent food, wine, and people. After leaving NYC, and transferring in Paris, my flight was rerouted to Pisa because of "high wind conditions in Florence." After finally getting into the dorms at 10:00 pm (italian time), on Tuesday, I met most of the students on the floor, and headed out to dinner. We were lucky enough to find a great restaurant, "Dante's" that gave us 7 free bottles of house wine, and limoncello and jager shots on the house. Yesterday, we had a full day of orientation activities at "la Pietra," a 50+ acre italian villa owned by NYU. I hooked up my cell phone, and discovered, to my chagrin, that the internet in Italy sucks--. We headed out last night for pizza at a local neapolitan-style restaurant, and then went for drinks at small bar. Today, after again going to orientation activities, I was able to walk around the neighborhood, and get a feel for what Florence really is. After a few bottles of wine tonight, my friends and I headed out to club "Twice" (I'd met the owner/promoter the previous night, and he offered free shots and cheap drinks if we headed there tonight). I just got back in now and was surprised to find the internet actually working!!! Ciao Ciao, at least until the next time the internet is up!

Night Before

January 11th,

Packing is basically finished, and I am proud to say that both my bags are under the weight limit! I leave tomorrow at 11 pm, and if everything goes according to plan, I'll be in Florence with all my luggage tomorrow night. Arrivederci for tonight!