The Italian National Sport

Finally, after the longest, most uncomfortable flight ever, I finally arrived in Florence! It was interesting getting to the Villa le Balze (our taxi driver got lost...). At the front gate, there were 5 workers doing renovations who took all our bags out of the taxi and walked them up to the villa for Sarah and I. We checked in and even though we were severely jet-lagged, we decided not to nap and tour the Villa. The gardens are incredible, like something out of a movie, and each day we walk outside and we cannot believe we are actually here. It seems almost like napa valley, but with the Duomo!

There is a group of 8 of us girls who are living with famiglias and we all checked into a hotel up in Fiesole, which is quite a hike up the hill... especially with luggage in tow. Then after showers and a little relax time we walked back down to the villa for dinner. Let me say, the food is amazing! Everything is fresh and the tomatoes are better than New Jersey! We have primo pritto which is typically pasta and ensalata, and secondi is mean and vegetables. The dessert is beyond compare. I could leave chocolate chip cookies and apple pie at home with these kinds of desserts. Lots of lady fingers, chocolate creme and fruit and lots of wine!

The rest of the day and today (the 18th) is all orientation. We had an interesting security orientation with a police officer... molto bello!!!! He taught us how to identify gypsies throwing their babies at you and where to hold your purse when walking. The title of this blog is in his honor because he asked us what the Italian National Sport is... futbol... no... hunting women! He proceeded to act out scenarios and describe situations, which was hilarious!

Anyway...I am about to have a reception with my host famiglia and I am feeling a combination of anxiety and excitement. The fact that I can say about 3 phrases in Italian is a tad intimidating, but it will be nice to have a bed and to be able to unpack and have a home. Once I meet them I will tell all about my famiglia and host brothers and sisters!

Ciao!