emerson don't lie.

A person will worship something, have no doubt about that.  
We may think our tribute is paid in secret in the dark recesses of our hearts, but it will out.  
That which dominates our imaginations and our thoughts will determine our lives, and our character. 
Therefore, it behooves us to be careful what we worship, for what we are worshiping, we are becoming. 

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

florence, italy

I see why so many people love Florence. It's probably one of the few major cities in Europe I had never visited before I came for the semester, and now I'm kicking myself that I hadn't been soon. So rich in art, culture and beauty. Every street was beautiful and the people were so friendly.


First thing, it was COLD. The city hadn't seen snow in that quantity in more than 10 years, but they didn't freak out like we would in Georgia. Business continued, cute kids in puffer jackets still played in the streets.


We arrived on Friday afternoon and went on a walking tour of the Piazza della Repubblica, Santa Maria del Fiore and the Galleria dell' Accademia, where Michaelangelo's David is displayed.

Piazza's get real windy when it's cold, and because I don't like cold, a little bit of the walk kinda got blacked out in my head. Santa Maria del Fiore is the beautiful cathedral that symbolizes Florence, with it's high dome towering over all the city. A lot of people walked to the top of the Dome for an incredible view. I didn't, and I'm sad I didn't so I need to go back soon.

Piazza della Repubblica

Santa Maria del Fiore

The Dome & Beautiful White, Green & Pink Marble from Tuscany

Oldest Working Medieval Clock in the World, starts at Sunset

Inside of the Dome

After this tour, we went to see the David, one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen. You can't take pictures inside, but he is flawless. I was speechless and so in awe of it's grandeur.

Then, Prapti and I went to the San Lorenzo Leather Market (thanks for the recommendation, Rachel!!) and I bought a beautiful olive/ brown leather jacket. Then we went back to the hotel and met up with some people to go to Paoli's. It's one of the nicest restaurants in town, and I had the most amazing steak. Rodney and I split a kilo of steak, I know, it was a lot but it was DELICIOUS. Florence is known for steak, so I had to do it. Then, we went back to the hotel and went out to a club for a bit...

On Saturday, we (hotel roommates Katie, Bunny, Prapti & I) went downstairs to a free breakfast. Great bread & cheese, yummy yogurt, not so great coffee. Then we began another tour with our group to the Uffizi Galleries, saw a bunch of beautiful, old masterpieces then headed home to take a long winters nap. This would have been the time to climb the Duomo, but next time. For dinner, Rodney, Katie, Bunny, Prapti and I went to a great authentic Tuscan restaurant called Anita. We went to a bar with a bunch of Americans and I got bored so we went home.

Next morning, we woke up at 8 AM to head to Siena. More on that later. I'm tired and I have homework to do for tomorrow.

Ciao!

my dear, dinner is served.

So I found this recipe online for Creamy Avocado Pasta and I had it bookmarked for a long time. Since we're a little crammed in this kitchen (no dishwasher, no microwave) for 6 girls, I wanted to make something easy and it was so good!!

 I mixed up some avocado, lemon juice and premade pesto...

 ..and just put it on the pasta!

It would be great as a Summer Dish, too.

 

Nothing better than cooking for friends. 

I'm off to dinner, then packing for Florence!! 

I also found out that my best friend Danielle, her mom and my mom are all coming to Rome for UGA's Spring Break in March!! I'm so excited!!!!

GA/FLA

io sono Clare y no sono italiano

The language barrier is tough over here in Roma. I'm getting by, but I'm the type of person who loves striking up a conversation with a stranger on the street or in a restaurant, but here, I can't do that to the same degree. A big smile and an attempt to say "Do you have monthly bus passes?" is sometimes met with compassion, and often with confusion.

For that reason, my Italian Language & Culture class has been great. Instead of dwelling on grammatical nuances, we're learning conversation and though we're only on the basics, I soak up every word because I know I'll walk outside the gate of the American University and appreciate everything I've learned.

I dropped my later class on Tuesdays & Thursdays, so I'll be done by noon tomorrow for the week! Helloooooo 4.5 day weekend!

We're going to Florence this weekend, and recieved an email from our program director warning,

"Ciao!
Forecasts for this weekend in Tuscany are crystal-clear:
FREEZING COLD (around 20-25 F)  and SNOW
so DRESS ACCORDINGLY (warm clothes, hat, scarf, gloves, etc.)
and take un UMBRELLA with you
ci vediamo venerdě
ISA staff"

I don't do too well in the cold, especially when I'm in a place known for its warm environment, so this should be.. interesting. I guess I'll just have to go back when it gets a little hotter. We booked our tickets for Venice next weekend. It's Carnivale, like Mardi Gras but in Italy. Should be a blast. 

Can't wait to tell you all about it when I get back!!

Someone go get a Chick-fil-a Chargrilled Sandwich in my honor, and maybe some queso, too. But not at the same time, unless you're by Alps Rd in Athens, then it just makes sense.