Traveler's Ache

We had a slightly difficult but interesting weekend. We were pretty excited because we signed up for some events offered through the school, but first we had a meeting to work on our permit of stay. This meeting was the peak of the disorganization we have experienced, at least we hope so. Now we don't mean to sound so ungrateful, it's just that I can't even describe the chaos of this event! It wasn't really a meeting it was basically a line to simply hand in our forms. But this line ended in 2 or three different rooms but extended down one side of the hallway, back up that same hallway, down the side hall, out the door, through the long entrance corridor, out the front door, and half way down the block. Ugh. No one really knew what was going on or what was going to happen when we finally reached the front of the line and there was no one giving directions. All the while about 50 students eventually budged in front of us because they considered themselves exceptions to whatever we were standing in line for. We don't really understand how many programs are joined at these schools, but they really need to separate us when they're trying to get paperwork done. We are SAI students, and we're FUA students, and we're also in the free-elective program. We have to keep track of ourselves that way while tons of other students around us are in different program situations. We waited in line for about 90 minutes when we finally heard someone yelling that SAI students needed to make their way to a certain classroom. So frustrating.

Then came the fun part! We signed up for a “City Views” event. Which means we got a guided walking tour through a part of the city. It was so helpful to finally get some information about what we were seeing. We were led through a section on the south side of the Arno and then up a winding gardened hill to the Piazzale Michelangelo. This is a plaza where you can view the whole historic center from above. So breathtaking. I will try to post our panorama picture Cody took. It was fun to learn about the south side of the Arno because we only live across the bridge from the area and it's more the area where the Italians hang out (less touristy) and where the artisans work. We took the long way back which took us past some private villas where we saw olive trees and green! We also walked by some homes of historically significant people including Galileo. We were soooo exhausted after this walk.

Sunday we slept in, did some Devos, then hopped a bus with several other students to the more commercial part of the city for a trip to IKEA! Our apartment was lacking a few things so after much confused shopping we finally ended up with some dishtowels, new pillows, a couple essential kitchen utensils, and a small fan. But... we missed the free shuttle bus by about 1 minute. Angry. Tired. Hungry. So we walked a couple blocks to the bus stop and took that one home. We then went on another long walk through the city trying to find a grocery store and some internet but not much was open anymore. We finally found what we were looking for clear across town. Oh well. We considered the possibility that this was punishment for not taking the day to rest. ;)

This morning we went to the market again and got lotsa cheap fruits and veggies. It's a pretty fun experience but can be hard to navigate. It seems every vendor does things differently. I got yelled at today because I wasn't supposed to touch the produce. Some let you grab what you want and bring it to them where they weigh everything. Some wear gloves and ask you to point out what you'd like. Some even choose the best stuff for you which is nice. So watch and learn.

Currently Cody is experiencing his first day of classes. I don't have class on Mondays either. Crazy. But the 3 days of classes I do have are very busy. Tomorrow I begin Photography and Italian. Woohoo!

Culture Clues/Lessons Learned
* Ok, we have finally figured out how to work our washing machine. Thank goodness for the multi-language manual we randomly found in a cupboard. After such instruction we realized our first load had only been rinsed about 5 times. Oops.

* Don't let the “Plaza” confuse you. Italian lesson for everyone: “Piazza” means Plaza,“Palazzo” means Palace. There's not really a story there it just gets confusing.

* We often notice people from the street yelling to people on the sidewalk and receiving little response. What are they saying? Who are they talking to? Does anyone know?

Prayer requests
* We are still experiencing a bit of homesickness. Pray that we can be content and have the motivation to learn new ways of doing things even though it's unfamiliar.

* Pray for health and safety. Kait fears a cold may be coming on.

* Pray that we may make the most of our classes and opportunities while we are here.
Thank you. Your support is felt and appreciated.



View of the greener, south side of the Arno


















Tschaikowsky's home at one point.













Galileo's lab and home.










Thieves beware. Don't climb the walls.