The Eagle Has Landed!

So first thing's first. I have to apologize for being terrible at updating this blog. I am starting to settle into a routine and will be much better about posting in the future.

I landed in Florence safely and without trouble. The NYU campus is on the edge of the city, and we checked in during the day. Finally I was able to get my apartment - an eight person suite on the top floor of a building in southern Florence, about a block from the Arno River. I live with six other guys, come from NYU and Duke. The program is mostly NYU students, a fair amount of Duke kids, some Wake Forest, and scattered others. BC makes its presence with a whopping four Eagles.

My apartment!

My roommate could not come, which leaves me with my own room. On top of that, I somehow got the only double with its own shower and bathroom, so I basically am living in a hotel. After living on Newton and Coro, it seems the housing gods have finally granted me mercy. And I love it.

We spent the first week learning about living in Florence and doing orientation on campus. I learned a few survival Italian phrases, my favorites being - "Auito!", "Sono Americano...non capisco...." I also learned a few lessons the hard way, like the fact that cabs in Italy do not stop when you flag them down, you have to call ahead of time. Or that if you try to go big (before actually learning Italian) and order from a restaurant in Italian, you may accidentally order a pizza without cheese. Just dough and sauce. Cooked.

 NYU Campus in Florence

My favorite class so far is called Renaissance Apprenticeship. It is designed to literally learn how to draw and paint the way that apprentices did during the Renaissance period. We only use tools that were around then, like feathers and quills and such. After learning the techniques, we travel to a part of Italy each class and draw famous pieces of art. For example, one class we will go to the Vattican and draw all day. I sure don't know anything about art, but hey if this worked out for Michelangelo then count me in.

The clubs and bars in Florence are a lot of fun and I love the international aspect of it. It covers the whole spectrum, from packed American-like clubs to Spanish sangria bars. Last night, two of my friends and I were pulled on stage in a crowded bar and we sung "I Want It That Way" on karaoke. Thank you, Camp Coniston. 

Tomorrow I am doing a day trip to Lucca,  a famous ancient city nearby. I am so happy to be living in Florence. I miss my family and friends a lot, but I know that I will see you soon.

Ciao!