May 16

There is a famous bar in Florence called The Lion's Fountain that is overrun with American stud abroad students. Partly because of the karaoke, partly because of the walls covered in college paraphernalia and writing, and partly because it is situated next to a late night kebab stand to help normalize (cough cough) blood alcohol levels. The large group of us from UNC took to the walls with permanent marker and made sure that UNC wouldn't go forgotten. There were a few Duke t-shirts and for these Tar Heels, that simply will not due.

May 15

Farewell cooking class! After mixing up last week when I had my written final and my practical final, I knew today I would be making tiramisu. Yes, that's right, I showed up to class expecting to cook for my practical and was shocked when I was handed a written test. The stuff of nightmares. At least today I knew what to expect! My group had to prepare, plate, and present our dish to a panel of 3: our cooking professor, an owner of a local cooking school, and a previous student of my professor who is now a professional chef. Pressure was on! The dish is very simple and straightforward, though. We didn't have any problems! I can't wait to make this at home for my family. After the tasting, the dish was criticized for lacking a strong enough coffee flavor, but was praised for being the most beautifully plated in the class. My cooking professor--Annamaria--said farewell with a jar of homemade jam she prepared as a bon voyage. What an awesome class. 

May 14

The beautiful Giardino dell'Iris, hidden below Piazzale Michelangelo. Only from May 2 to 20, the Iris Garden of Florence opens to the public. A quick internet search told me that it was free to the public. Everything is in full bloom and the gardens seem meticulously maintained. I walked to the gardens after class. I had trouble finding them at first. There weren't any signs or markers, but I spotted flowers below the Piazza and I decided to figure out how to enter. I followed a hidden sidewalk and pushed my way (literally) through a gate. I thought something was a little strange--there were people (all elderly) having what seemed like a catered lunch. No one said anything to me, so I continued on my way, pausing to sit on benches to take it all in. As I continued walking and feeling more and more out of place, a woman approached me and said (in English), "The gardens are for society members only!" My age gave me away! I, without thinking, chose to play dumb and acted like I didn't speak English, looked confused, and began to walk towards the exit. Seems like I interrupted a fancy society luncheon! Thanks for sharing the gardens with me Iris Society!

May 13

Our UNC "farewell" dinner. We finally were able to all get together as a group to say our "goodbyes" and reflect on this semester. We met at Zaza's--a restaurant 20 yards from my apartment that is absolutely massive and could accommodate our reservation of 24. I have so enjoyed getting to know these people better and look forward to having lots of "Remember that one time in Florence?" conversations with them on campus next year. 

May 12

Another check off of my Florence bucketlist: attend a soccer game! Florence's local team is called the Fiorentina. It is common to see their purple jerseys on the backs of locals. The stadium is about a 40 minute walk outside of the city center. The game was wild! Tons of chanting, flag waving, exaggerated groans followed by elated screaming. Stadium food of choice for the Italians? An "authentic American" hotdog smothered in mayonnaise. At halftime, though, it began to pour. Never have I seen rain like this in Italy. I took shelter under the stadium. After it was apparent the rain was not going to let up and the game was called, our group decided we should call a taxi to get a ride back to the center. The taxi companies simply stopped answering their phones because of the high volume of calls they were getting. I got soaked. I ended up getting on a random train that was on its way to Santa Maria Novella and got back to the city that way. I banked on the fact that tickets would not be checked for a such a short ride. Phew!

May 11

Ain't no reunion like a PDS reunion cause a PDS reunion don't stop. Why oh why must I get ready to head home after I have established the perfect Saturday schedule? Today was filled with the things I love: new things, a leisurely trip to the market, a run through the Arno, a movie with my roommates. The new things consisted of going to my roommate Alex's ballet performance. She is a brave soul and took a dance class at LdM (unfortunately, me and my two left feet would not enjoy that class one bit) and all of the art and performance classes showcased their work on Via Faenza. The street was filled with student art of all kiinds and even featured a fashion show. Kelsey and I shopped around the Ponte Vecchio area before watching a movie to rest our tired feet. I ended the day by meeting up with my old friend Marian. Marian and I went to middle and high school together and she will be spending the beginning of her summer in Spain. Florence is one heck of a way to begin a study abroad program. 

May 10

Today I had the pleasure of checking out Giardino dell'Orticultura after a great tip. The gardens are located way north of the city center in the Fortezza Basso neighborhood. I felt like a real local walking there because it is totally out of the "tourist zone." The gardens are essentially a huge public park. There were college-students sitting in grass playing instruments, moms chasing after wobbly toddlers, co-workers gossiping on benches over panini, plus one couple locked in the most aggressive public make-out I have ever witnessed (spring must be in the air!). There is also a glass greenhouse-looking building that seems like it could function as a venue for events. It was stunning. After getting some sun in the grass, I made it just to my apartment as the sky opened up and it started to pour. Perfect timing if I do say so myself.