Getting lost in Firenze

Today was incredible. And exhausting. A friend and I decided to try to get lost, which we accomplished. Our apartments are about 30 minutes away from the Duomo (which is a major landmark that people go by). This was the first time I have really ventured around other than around campus. Our campus is in the city, but I quickly discovered today that it is in a more residencial area. I have been thinking the whole time, I thought Florence was a major tourist area but where are the tourists? Today I saw tourists!! They are definitely here, but in the area I won't be in, except at night and for other leisure times. My typical day will not consists of seeing many of them, which is fine with me.

I met my host momma and sister last night, along with moving in to our apartment. She is so nice! I think we all need to get use to each other more though. Also, I am trying to remember she is Italian. Americans are one of the most friendly culture on the planet, thus we will not have the same stand point. Once she learns she can trust us, and just more about my roommate and I in general, I think our relationship will work better. The good and bad news is, SHE SPEAKS VERY GOOD ENGLISH! I learned more about the culture at dinner last night than I have the whole time I have been here. Bad: Once I start really trying to speak Italian, I will want and know I can keep my security blank of a language instead of trying. Again, I will have to push myself, even in uncomfortable situations, as I am majorly doing these days. 

She is a wonderful cook though. I was shocked last night at dinner. We were having macaroni and cheese (with a tomato base, not the American version you all instantly pictured). She already had it served for us when we were called to the table. After finishing that, she took our plates up and laid down a second course of beef and veggies. After the pasta, I thought the meal was over. Wrong. We finished the meal with homemade lemon gelato. Wow! Thank god I am not a huge fan of beef. I was full. Definitely making a mental note to not eat the full amount served. 

Also, today was a major landmark. I ate my first gelato. We had to stand inline for it. Of course, we can only get gelato in the tourist areas, so had to go into the historic district (near the Duomo again). There is an art to choosing which gelato shop to buy from. For now, I will say the ones with the lines are the best. Some of shop that put on a big show for the tourists skimp on flavor and quality. Not cool, and not me. In the end, the line was worth it. 

Highlight of today (so far, it is not over yet), seeing the Duomo for the first time. Oh.My.Gollygosh!!!! It is the most magnificent thing I have ever seen! As most of you know, I am a sucker for anything with amazing detailing and architectural design. This masterpiece is no different. Just standing there (with my mouth open!), looking up at this ginormous structure and how is was constructed was mind blowing. I can not even fathom how long it took for each block, each cornice, each specifically planned piece of the building took to put together. So much love and care went into it, and it definitely shows. 

The end.