Splorin' Florence

Since we had a restful evening, Chloe and I got up at nine, ate breakfast, got ready, and were out the door by ten. We went to the market, shopped around. Then we walked through the city to the Santa Croce area, I have never been in the actual church, just around it, so we tried to get in. It was closed of course, so, c'est la vie, ill go the next time in my life when I return to Florence. After that we walked down our favorite street full of bars, through a few alleys and over to the Arno. We went over the Arno, past the Ponte Vecchio and saw a sign for San Spirito Church. A month or so ago in class, Russo was very mad at the seven of us because none of us had been to that church. She scolded us and we all promised we would go. When I saw the sign I told Chloe we MUST go there so I could run back to Russo and make her day. So we went. It is hideous on the outside. It actually is. Its such a bummer because the inside is absolutely marvelous. We went in, looked around, stopped at paintings, lit candles for Ali (Saturday was her 21st birthday) and had our chats with God.
Right outside the church is a little outdoor market. There were fruit and veggie stands, second hand item stands, clothing, books, etc. Very different from the San Lorenzo market which is full of tourists, and all more souvenir-like things. We looked around, enjoyed a completely tourist-less market where everyone spoke Italian. We turned a corner to look at the outside of Piti Palace, but didnt go in because Chloe has already been, and I promised Kussman Id go there with her this week.
We walked back to the market area because it was surrounded by restaurants with outdoor seating, and it was a beautiful sunny day. We picked a restaurant and sat outside eating gnocchi and pizza.
After lunch we took the long way home, simply marveling at and enjoying this city we call our home. Saturday marked exactly one week until our departure, so that thought was looming over us the entire time.
We came home around three, chatted with the girls in Club SoLo, then went back to Chloe's to watch a movie and take a nap.
For dinner Gibbs, Jackie, Chloe, Kiki and I went to a new place right down the street past Piazza Liberta called Perseus. It was an extremely local place. It opened at 7, thank goodness we got there right then, because by 715 every single table was full. There was no english spoken, only italian, which is ALWAYS a good sign. We enjoyed a delicious dinner then headed home to get ready for the night.
We went out to Old Stove for a while but my friend Matt and I got sick of it so we left for Santa Croce. There I ran into a friend of mine that goes to a different school named Ross. We went to a few bars together and then I told him I wanted to go to Secret Bakery. He said that instead of secret bakery he wanted to take me to secret pizza. I agreed and so we went to this pizza place hidden in an alley, pretty difficult to find (just like secret bakery). They had AMAZING pizza, I still cant believe how delicious it was. Ross walked me the majority of the way home, but a bit before my place we ran into a bunch of other kids in my program at the Kebob shop so I went with them so Ross could go back home.
On Sunday we all woke up and spent a majority of the morning fretting about the damn volcano. Many friends who were supposed to have their parents come this week all had to cancel their trips. New flights were booked, and new trains because the Italians are going on a train strike for Thursday and Friday...perfect timing.
The sun was shining, so we put our computers away and went on the terrace to lay in the sun and eat cookies with nutella.
At 4 everyone in GIF headed up to Piazza Michelangelo for the GIF group picture. After the picture we stayed a bit to take pictures with our closest friends, or members of our pensiones.
On our way back Chloe and I stopped at school for mass. It was the last mass of the semester, and way more kids than usual showed up, which was really nice. Our little chapel at school was completely full. Father Brian gave a great mass, a lot to do with being thankful for this amazing time here, praying for our safety upon departure, etc. We stand in a circle when we take communion and I was standing next to Father Brian, he passed it the opposite way so I was the last to get the wine, he nudged me and told me to finish it, quite a task with that sweet of wine. Michaela helped me out and everyone had a laugh because that is just so typical of Father Brian to do.
At the end of mass he reminded us to stay in touch. That we always have his email and no question, favor, or prayer is ever stupid to ask for. He said "Once your Jesuit, always your Jesuit". We really lucked out in getting such a great Jesuit to be with us for the semester. He understands us and is great at communicating with us. We all got up at the end and thanked him and said our goodbyes, then headed home for dinner.
It was eggplant, our favorite. Marinella was all lit up and full of joy when serving it to us because she knows how much we go crazy for it.
After dinner I headed to the library to study. I was in there with mostly all engineers, so we were all cracking jokes with each other about who was there at that time and why.
I love the engineers. Some of them are shy, or difficult to crack, but they are all really great kids. A lot of people in the program dont know them, simply because they either dont go out at night/shyness/whatever it may be. I have managed to become friends with almost every single one, and I couldnt be happier that I did so. They are so much fun and really kind sweet guys. Ted and Craig walked me home at the end of the night since we all stayed till closing. I slept over at Chloe's again last night because my roommate is still deathly ill. She has been sick for over 9 days and its just not getting better. I havent been sleeping there because she isnt very aware of how much she spreads germs, and Im really trying to not get sick.
Its funny to think back to when I lived with Shelbie (a dance major) because whenever either of us got sick we were very conscious of coughing into our elbows, cloroxing door nobs, etc. It's a very different experience living with someone who is unaware of these things.
Anywho I slept over with Chloe and woke up at 9 this morning to head back to the library for studying. We just had lunch, Gnocchi...delicious, and Im headed back to the library now for more studying. Anita Garriot's (classical music) final tonight at 5. I refer to her as Anita because she asks us to, and she also emails with me at least twice a day either chatting about the day or about papers or tests. She is such a character.
Back to the library. Wish luck.
Ciao.