So on Saturday we decided to go to Florence to see the sights and art and everything. However, we were really smart and also decided to stay out all night and get only about an hour of sleep prior to waking up at 5 in the morning. To say the least, we were incredibly tired. What was really funny though, is that a friend that was going with us, was so tired that he didn't make it on the train in time because he missed the bus stop for the train station, so we didn't end up seeing him until about 11:30, only 2 hours after we'd already been there. We also barely made it on the train as well, because most of the group forgot to validate their ticket, and Winter got on and the doors closed, which gave us all a heart attack, but he pried them open and we got on right as the train took off. The train ride was really nice, we had a compartment to ourselves, although we did have to pay an extra 7 euro each, considering it was an intercity train, which means its faster. We all slept a lot and woke up in Florence ready to go.
The first thing we did once we got there, other than eating an American breakfast at McDonald's, was find the Galleria dell'Academia, which houses an amazing amount of frescoes, sculptures, musical instruments from the Royal Florentine family, and also that David statue, but who really cares about that, right? Yeah, it was the real deal, and pretty incredible. All of the art was amazing and because we got there so early, we barely had to wait in line to get in. Next up we went down to the Duomo, which has the largest dome of its time, also the largest dome to ever be built without scaffolding, needless to say it was pretty impressive. We then met up with Tony, finally, and then head around town, seeing incredible artwork and sculpture everywhere. I'm a little disappointed we never went into the Ufizzi, which is Italy's most renowned art museum, but oh well, I'm pretty positive I'll be heading back before I come home.
We ended up staying in Florence for a good eight hours, although there was definitely more to see. Also, we took some amazing pictures from the weekend, which should be up shortly. After our trip back, we were all exhausted, but managed to meet up again for dinner later on that night, as well as turn in homework to our professor at around 10. After two really long days though, it was no surprise for me to wake up at 2:30 this afternoon
So, everything here is going relatively easy. Our professor from UO for July took off at the end of the month and we had a new one come in at the start of August. I moved up a level, but don't really like it, so I'll be heading back down tomorrow. A lot of stores are starting to close for the holidays, including the internet place right by our house, which I just bout 20 hours with, and won't open again until the 30th, which really sucks. I think we might start planning a trip to Greece some time soon, and maybe to another Italian turisty town, as well as start making plans for what to do after school is over. I'd like to head north or east, but also want to go to England, so we'll see what's easy.
That's about all so far, check in again for more excitement, as well as pictures to come from this weekend and more.
Jordan
