FIRENZE

You are viewing original Roni Scheidler photographs. It is about a thirty minute walk from my domicilio to the the centro di Firenze so strolling to the Duomo di Santa Maria dei Fiori is just a pleasant giro away. Once you know the way. I wore out my legs to the extreme meandering the cobbled streets of Florence thinking that I would rely on my intuition to guide me to my destination. Unwise move. By the time I made it the the Duomo and wandered a bit then found the road back to my apartment I thought there was a mild chance that my legs would never take another step. And the next morning my feet were rebelling against holding my body vertical, although the most virulent protesters against my excessive walking were my calves. Man, did they ache for a few days.

Florence is great, and everyone knows I am a dedicated Italophile, but I miss everybody. Nothing instills you with more appreciation for home and all if its comforts (especially friends and family!) than the dawning realization on your first week abraod that you will not see them for ten months. I miss you all and hope that you will correpond with me (facebook, email, a letter!).

Alive and in Florence

For once, my travel plans went off without a hitch. Now unexpected overnight stays in Atlanta no last minute running to a different terminal to catch the last flight to my destination. It was almost too easy.

Anyway, I was being very frugal and bought the cheapest ticket to Florence I could find. I thought, I can just sleep and relax as the great steel marvel that is the steam-engine driven train propels me to my destination. I knew I had booked a regional train and new that meant no air conditioning. I thought I could handle it. But the ride was five hours long, and sleeping was not so easy. This is because everytime we would stop, which was every 5-15 minutes the beautiful, beloved breeze would stop blowing in my face and I just sat in the blaring sunlight. I was also to afraid to fall deeply asleep because I was paranoid about things being stolen. But anyway, I made it and though my winks of sleep were few and far between they did manage to rejuvenate me and allow me to make it to my final destination.

My apartment is quite awesome. I have taken pictures and will post them as soon as our internet is up. I am currently at an internet cafe.

Mi sono laureata!

Yep, I did it! I have a bachelor of arts degree. I wonder if that means it would be appropriate to sign my name Veronica Scheidler, B.A.

I have actually been done with classes since mid-June, but something about donning that cap and gown and listening to speakers talk about all of your accomplishments while admonishing you to be humble that makes you realize--this is kind of a big deal!

However, there was one point in the ceremony where I offered to hand back my diploma. Turns out I can't follow simple directions and messed up the processional. My mom can tell that story. She gets quite a kick out of it.

So, yep, I did it! Thanks to everyone who has supported and encouraged me! I couldn't do it without you! I owe an especially large amount of gratitude to my parents! I hope the copious amount of exclamation marks sufficiently illustrate the depth of my appreciation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now, it's off to Italy...