This morning I woke up early, to the sound of bells from the Duomo, to take my first run here in Florence. I know that it is very "American" to do such a thing, but running allows me a sense of freedom, ownership of an area, and a peaceful, internal start to the day. Florence is tranquil at 7am, piazze (plural of piazza?) empty, trucks still cleaning streets, shops being swept, statues and window sills catching the orange light of an awakening sun...but within 45 minutes, I almost lost several limbs because the sidewalks along the Arno river are only 1.5-2 [View Full Entry]

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Some of my sketches, and some photos from random parts of Florence that I risk life and limb to take :) [View Full Entry]

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So much happens in a few days that it is impossible for me to share everything I would like to. I have to let it all sift down to figure out what is important for me to share with you, but also what will settle are pieces of information, or images, or smells that will stick to me and reveal themselves later. I will go back a few days to tell you about last Friday. The museums and churches in Firenze are sometimes disguised in plain clothes. Right around the corner from the place where I use email, and go the [View Full Entry]

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I'm not getting so lost anymore. I can now actually leave my apartment and end up at the place that I intended on visiting, without losing myself along the way. This is the first feeling that a city is little more manageable. This morning, I met with the director of a school here in Firenze that teaches comic art. Amazing stuff these young people learn-and I had a meeting to show what little drawings I have brought with me to him. Although there are no positions now for teachers, he said there is always a chance and I also expressed interest [View Full Entry]

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More observations: * Cobble stones are tricky to walk on...and many woman seem to aim every step in their tiny heeled shoes with grace and perfect coordination. * Women and men, old and young, wearing sequined dresses, mini skirts and tiny off-the-shoulder tanktops or sports attire ALL ride bicycles or motorinos. * I went out for a some drinks last night at a hot spot that plays American music and Italian remakes. My friend and I started with Spumante, an apperitif. I noticed that along with the shelves full of liquors are also long sets of shiny metal espresso makers. * [View Full Entry]

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Last night I felt in me the rise of loneliness. Yesterday I planned on walking to an area called Oltrarno, across the Arno river, to another part of Firenze more with street more quiet, calm and filled with beauty. As things have proved themselves to me so far, I happen upon the most mysterious and amazing things by chance. So a walk through the quiet streets in Oltrarno (a Sunday afternoon) let me to a modest church where inside are the famous frescoes by Massaccio. Not only did I watch a small cinema about their origin, but I was able to [View Full Entry]

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Today I woke up at 10am after my first good sleep...I figured out how to use the air conditioner to drown out the city might activity and to cool my room a bit. Last night I happened to walk by the church Orsan Michele and a man told me that the evening's concert was free or "gratis". Incredible!!! I wandered into one of the closest piazza's, alive with music every night-the usual band serenading the crowd, enlivening children, amusing tourists and even native Florentines. This band is energetic, enthusiastic and quite talented. They are Romanian and play upbeat, jazzy versions of [View Full Entry]

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Observations: * Bra straps show regularly, under shirts translucent as white wine. * This is HIGH FASHION, people. Every big name, in a big store, with beautiful people sitting on marble and glass benches. * The bells from the duomo (the huge, main cathedral in the center of Firenze) begin ringing at 7am. A beautiful way to awaken. * Women never wear shorts. Older women wear dresses and tasteful, often large, jewelry. In general, there are many great looking people here. Beautiful skin and large features, even with no make-up. * I passed a street yes [View Full Entry]

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This is my 2nd full day in Italy, and there is no way to explain the quantity of what I've seen, how much I've been talking, or the quality of this incredible, beautiful, tiring experience. I am one lucky young woman. Ok. So Zia Chiara left 2 hours ago. My apartment in Florence is one that any Fiorentino would admire. My terrace overlooks a major street near the Piazza del Duomo, and my entrance is on Via di Calzaiouli...a street that leads directly to the Piazza, and is filled with gelaterias, pizzerias, negozi per i richi (the rich) e per i [View Full Entry]

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I'm starting to breath the air differently, knowing I'll be leaving this New England freshness soon. I had my last night of African dance on Monday, and as we ended the dance, drums coming to their end, tears began streaming down my face. I'm looking up a lot, noticing architecture that I've never noticed before. I'm spending time with friends, but conversations always include something more we'd like to do together...and then remember, a mix of sadness and excitement, I won't be here. I eat huge salads and am thankful I live near a whole foods coop. I run around the [View Full Entry]

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