I forgot to tell you about the dinner with Matt! I guess I was so caught up with the adrenaline of traveling yesterday. The night before I left he took me out to a nice dinner. He kept it friendlier and it was less romantic than usual, but it was fine because it kept it from being very awkward with me leaving and all. And, that’s all I have to say about that. He kissed me good night, gave me a mixed CD to listen to on the plane, which was pretty cute, and then he told me to have a safe trip and that he couldn’t wait to hear my stories when I got back. I don’t really know, but the reality is that I am young, not in a serious relationship and now in Italy. Hello! Filippo is here and so are the Italian boys I have yet to meet. I’m going to have a good summer.

My BCBG dress held up really well throughout my three flights and bus ride. I’ve been through four airports in the last 24 hours. I am so tired, but somehow still functioning. The bus ride was nice. The Italians drive a little crazy, which is a little nerve-wracking when you’re driving along winding cliffs, but I managed to stay relaxed. When we arrived to the town, we had to drag our luggage up six flights of ancient stone stairs to the hostel/dorm. GOOD TIMES.

I share a room with four other girls. There are two bunk beds and one single bed and I somehow managed to talk my way into the single bed. SO HAPPY! I would not be sleeping well if I had to sleep on a bunk bed for the next month. The beds are solid rocks and the rooms are pretty warm. I guess it’ll just motivate us to leave the room and explore our surroundings, so I guess that’s good. I cleaned myself up as soon as I claimed my space and organized my things a little bit. My roommate Halie and I went in search of a gelateria. At the gelateria, I managed to order in Italiano. I got Pistacchio, Banana, and Raspberry Cream. DELICIOUS.

The people in this town seem to think we’re just tourists and they aren’t very friendly, but I hear once they figure out we are the students they are expecting to be staying in the area, they will treat us like family. I can’t wait for that. I’m homesick for Florence. It’s seriously where I belong in this world. I feel at home in Italy, but slightly out of place in this particular city. Oh well, I’m sure it will grow on me. Everyone is beautiful and has a perfect body so it’s a little intimidating, but I’m humbled and happy just to be here in the beautiful Italia. Now to get some much needed sleep!