A night out with Laura and Fabio

here's a picture of Coquinarius

Last Thursday, my night-life loving roommate decided to take me out. She has this friend, Fabio, who has a car, so all of Tuscany was within our grasp. While the evening was still young, we ventured to Chianti--which is not a city but a province--where life was tranquil and there was nothing to do. Except taste wine. Fabio and Laura each got a glass, which they assured me was mediocre. Thn Laura began to insist that only 50% of the wine was made from San Genovese grapes (those specific to the vineyards of Chianti) while Fabio insisted that there was no way Chianti wine would be less than 70% San Genovese, and the argument persisted the entire night.

After being unimpressed with Chianti we ventured back to Florence blasting music all the way. We listened to a little Bob Dylan, Hendrix, and Battisti--the Italian Bob Dylan. Anytime the words to songs were known we were obliged to sing along.

So, as dusk was just beginning to settle, it was too early to turn in. Thus, we went bowling. The venue was called "Crazy Bowling" which shows the sport is not indigenous to Italy. Further, all the balls' weights were expressed in pounds which suggested that all of the bowling balls were imported. Now those would cost a fistful of Euros to ship! I managed to outscore Laura, but Fabio beat us all.

After our game of "crazy bowling" we wandered a few meters over to the billiards where we played a few games of 2-on-1 pool. And I was abysmal. I said, 'Ho un billiardo alla casa mia! Ma non sono brava!' And I lived up to my word. I think in two games, I only hit one ball in. At least I never scratched though.

Then the pinacle of the evening, dinner. The three of us went to the restaurant where Laura works as a waitress, Coquinarius. Fabio and Laura downed two bottles of wine (although Laura did insist in pouring glasses for her two co-workers on shift). And we ate the most delicious antipasti including prosciutto stuffed with different things, and bread with brie, honey, and almonds. Oh, and stuffed zucchini! Mmmm. For the main course, on Laura's suggestion I ordered raviolini with pear and cheese. Yes, pear. I was worried that I would detest the flavor combination, but it was sooooooooooo gooooooooooood! I was too full to try any dessert, but Fabbio and Laura insisted I taste theirs. Interestingly, Fabio also insisted that the Americans at the table over try a bite of his dessert. They were slightly abashed, but gave in to the opportunity to eat a bit of chocolate cake.

Laura and Fabio then commenced to talk with a French couple sitting across the aisle from our table--in French. I thought of counting to ten or saying 'je suis une jolle fille' just to hop in the conversation, but refrained.

Now it was midnight, and while Laura and Fabio had no intention of turning in, I was spent. So I was brought home where I slept quite well after a busy day.

Note that the post before this occurred the same day!

What I did today. And before 2, at that.

I visited the church Dante attended. The very one in which he first saw his great inspiration--Beatrice. It was a cozy little church. And by that I mean small. Very small.
I got stuck in the rain. I am now donning a very frizzy ponytail.

I took a picture of Firenze from the upper levels of the Palazzo Pitti.

I took a picture of the outside of the Palazzo Pitti; I'm not sure of its historical significance--However, I think Napoleon Bonaparte had it renovated as one of his residences after he took over Italy in the late-18th early-19th century.

It was huge! And loaded with amazing art. I had gone for the futurist exhibit "Gianna Futurista" but also wandered the halls jam-packed with Renaissance art including a few Boticellis and Raffaels. Amazing.

And the best part is I have a special "amici" card so I can go for free as often as I desire.

Catch-22

I always meant to finish that book, but have not gotten around to it as of yet.

Nevertheless, while I may not be facing the Catch-22 of a World War II fighter pilot, I have my own dilemma:

I can close the balcony door and drown in a pool of my own sweat,

or

I can leave the door wide open and be eaten alive by florentine mosquitoes.

Right now, I'm opting for leaving the door open. While the mosquito bites will surely be driving me mad by morning, I'm hot now. And the breeze is so nice. I could write a love letter to it.

l'appartamento mio

This is the ingresso/entrance. That is a futon, potential visitors.
This is the kitchen. Complete with a microwave and a washing machine.

Here's cooking with gas in the kitchen.

This is the bathroom, equipped with a bidet.

This is the giant balcony connecting to my bedroom.

This is where I sleep.

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...