Arrivo

I have arrived!

Flights, etc. went smoothly.

I left the US yesterday at 6:30 pm, had a two hour layover in Munich, Germany and arrive at my host family's home in Firenze, Italia at around 1:00 pm, local time (7:00 am East Coast). They are a family of four: Manuela and Claudio have two kids Andrea (21) and Galileo (16). There are currently two other study abroad students staying with them. The one who I met, Rachel, is leaving tomorrow, so for tonight I am in another guest room in the basement. I spent the afternoon wandering around the "neighborhood." It seems like they live in a more residential area--20 minutes walking distance from the Duomo and city center, very close to a bus stop, and two-three blocks from the Arno River. I visited with the family and then walked along the river for a bit. It looked like it was going to rain, though, so I found a cafe and had lunch, a cup of tea and read a bit. Given that I was falling asleep in my plate I decided to venture back home and take a nap.

What I learned today: I really don't know any Italian.

Tomorrow: Venture towards the Duomo...prepared to be mobbed by tourists.

Dinner time!