You're right, that's Spanish, not Italian. But that's what I said tonight when I bought a big pail of strawberry yogurt at the supermarket. We ran in five minutes before closing, so I was considerately hurrying to get out of the place. "Buona Notte!" the clerk said. "Buena Noche!" I replied. But it's okay because I start my language class on Tuesday. And I'm planning to make some Italian friends to really expose myself to the Italian culture.
A funny thing about Italian culture that I picked up today: the men are creepy. Generalization. Let me start that over. A lot of the men stare inappropriately at young women. I guess American females have unfortunately received the stereotype of heavy drinkers and easy hookups. Therefore, the creepers think if they give us enough "signals" they can lure us in.
Anyway, we had a briefing by a police officer in our ISA meeting today. Also a female staff member spoke. We're not supposed to greet men on the street for a prolonged amount of time, or they will think you are interested in them. In America, we so easily greet everyone and make friends out of strangers. The same is found here...the people are so friendly and open. But, just like in America, you have to be wary of creepers.
There are some exceptions. We've already met a few Italian men who will be a part of our daily lives that don't give me the willies. One is our apartment's security guard, Ricardo. We recieve a "Ciao! Come stai?" every day. Then there's Tony, the hotel greeter at the adjacent building. He asked if we were spanish. Hah! He speaks a good bit of English. And mystery waiter man at the adorable (yet pricey!) cafe next to the hotel. He recommended the salami panini to me, which was delicious! The salami here is just like pepperoni. Mmmmmmmm... the pastries are to die for. I'll take a picture...I drool over the cannoli and huge meringues every day.
Today has been exhausting...two orientations and one Florence University of the Arts kickoff. We've walked all around Florence, and now I am about to fall into my keyboard...
Today, I've eaten a mini pizza by David statue outside of l'Accademia, walked past the Duomo three times, and had hors d'oeuvres and Asti at a refurbished palace. I'm spoiled rotten.
Anyway, I'm loving some new friends from Kentucky: Meredith, Olivia, and Sabrina. I feel like we have a lot in common. They're really down to earth and easy to talk to.
Going to sleep now. SO. TIRED. ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Firenze, Italia
The Ponte Vecchio (the Old Bridge) in Florence across the Arno River. This bridge is about two blocks away from my apartment.
We got cat-called today when we were walking back to our apartment, just a block before the hospital. Weird place to get whistled at, right? haha. I am loving my new Georgia friend too!
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