On our second night we met up with Professor Thal and he gave us a walking tour. We walked across the Arno and up to the San Miniato al Monte. The walk was full of steep hills and steps and it was quite a workout! After a visit inside the church we went back down through the neighborhoods to come out along the Arno and passed Ponte Vecchio on our way to locate the best art supplies store which is across the bridge from us on a daily basis. Once we crossed back to the other side of the Arno we decided to have dinner and we came across this tiny little restaurant that had great lasagna! After dinner we went to the giant market around the corner from us and had our first gelato courtesy of Professor Thal! The white chocolate had pieces of the chocolate inside and the vanilla was very tasty as well.
So far, I haven't noticed many differences in culture over here other than the food, lack of vehicular traffic, and the lack of a sense of time and a need to get up and go. The only real cars are either in the less populated rural areas or are the taxis and service vehicles (police, fire, deliveries, etc.). There is no "coffee to-go" and you don't see people walking around eating anything other than gelato. I do have to say that these are things that I wish we had more of in the United States as opposed to the hustle and bustle of our culture.
We start orientation in the morning so check back on Sunday Night!
Ciao!
So far, I haven't noticed many differences in culture over here other than the food, lack of vehicular traffic, and the lack of a sense of time and a need to get up and go. The only real cars are either in the less populated rural areas or are the taxis and service vehicles (police, fire, deliveries, etc.). There is no "coffee to-go" and you don't see people walking around eating anything other than gelato. I do have to say that these are things that I wish we had more of in the United States as opposed to the hustle and bustle of our culture.
We start orientation in the morning so check back on Sunday Night!
Ciao!