I have arrived!

Just wanted to write that I made it to Florence! I started writing a blog in Word with all sorts of lovely details about my flights, but I haven't figured out yet if I can get internet on my own computer, so I am going to keep this short for now.

All the flights went well and I was able to pick up both checked bags - definitely not something I am taking for granted! My contact person, Lucia, met me at the airport and drove me around town a little first thing. We stopped at a beautiful church on a hill and also at another vista point where she pointed out the locations of various things. The overview of the city was a great way to get oriented - and it was beautiful as well! She also drove me right by the Scienze Politiche facolta right after we left the airport. After the short tour, she took me to my home for the year. In my Italian family, so far I've met Cristina, the mom, and Lisa, the 9-year-old daughter. No sign yet of Lisa's dad-Cristina's husband.

I have a nice space which is my own room and my own bathroom as well. My biggest anxiety is the whole internet thing, but that will just have to work out somehow, whether through more communication or adjustments in my methods. Basically there is a wireless connection, but I think maybe Cristina said they don't like to use it - but it shows up on my computer, it's just secured.

Things are remarkably the same with family life no matter where you go. Lisa wants a dog and that's something she's been working on for a while, and apparently she thinks she's getting one Saturday. We'll have to see. Cristina seems very "cool" and young and all of that, and is very nice. I think this will be a good arrangement. Lucia said from here it is about a 15 minute walk downtown (to the area of the most famous tourist sites). I will also be using buses to get around.

Tomorrow morning I am going to Centro Fiorenza at 9 am to start my orientation program. First thing I have to take an Italian test! But it makes sense, I suppose they want to know where I am with the language. After that, Lucia is going to meet me and we'll go to lunch and start talking about practical matters, including my permesso di soggiorno (permission of stay). It's a bureaucratic formality I guess.

So for today, I am focusing on familiarizing myself with the house and the family, and as time goes by I think I will spread out further and further. Before too long I am going to have to buy things like more cell phone minutes and clothes! I didn't bring much which kept the bags light but I will probably get bored fast with what I have.

Even though Lucia gave me the good advice not to sleep, I slept for maybe 2.5 hours this afternooon. When arriving I didn't feel very tired but that changed quickly. Hopefully I'll still be able to sleep tonight. I don't think it should be an issue.

Okay, that's a good start. There is more I could say about the flights but I just don't have enough time with this arrangement!

Love you all!

Kate

Free Internet in Bradley!

Gotta love Bradley airport... gives me free internet. Got up at 6:30 this morning, ate a delicious breakfast made by my dad, did a few more things to finish packing and then it was off to the airport! Nice short drive with my parents, got here about 90 minutes early as per United's recommendation. Figured I don't want to take any chances with international travel!

After having to check in with a person who could look at my visa (the machine said I was staying in Florence too long) I got my boarding passes for all three flights. Window seats all the way to Florence! I will have to inconvenience some poor soul(s) in order to go to the bathroom on the way from Dulles to Munich but that is a small price to pay. I have been a window seat person ever since I can remember, so this should be good. I'm looking forward to picking out movies to watch on the trans-Atlantic flight and just sort of settling in to make the best of being on the plane that long. After changing planes in Munich, I fly over the Alps to Florence. I think it must be a smaller plane for that flight, as my seat is 6D and a window. Probably 2 seats on each side of the aisle and not all that many rows. Hopefully it will be clear so I can enjoy the scenery!

Anyway, what I wanted to be an update turned into a stream of consciousness... hopefully it's not too bad to read! Boarding for my flight to Dulles should be starting in about 10-15 minutes.

More later from either Washington or Florence!

Who knew...

...there was so much to do to prepare for going abroad! I knew I would have to pack this week and that would be a challenge, but I got home from Maryland and a weekend visit with Dave at West Point on Sunday night, crashed, and awoke Monday to realize I had many things to do even aside from packing in order to prepare. There's cell phones to register, flights to confirm, paperwork to get in order, loans to deal with, and the list just goes on. But luckily I am managing to get in some relaxation as well while I am here in Connecticut with my parents.

Also, as my date of departure (this Saturday!) approaches I am definitely feeling more at ease with the fact that it's almost here. Sure it's still a little nervewracking because I know it will be a big adjustment, but I am definitely ready to go. The school year is starting in Georgetown, but I'm not there, which means I must be headed off to do something else, and that's almost here!

Even packing in itself is going to be a challenge. I am going to attempt the unenviable task of fitting everything in my life that I want for the next 10 months into one suitcase (it's not even that big!) so I can bring a collapsed duffel bag for things I acquire while in Florence. I am only going to bring my absolute favorite clothes and probably have to go without some items that I would want to have with me were space not an issue. My plan is also to add to my wardrobe once I get to Italy, seeing what they are wearing and all of that. But I have 3 more full days to do it so hopefully I can manage...

Alright I'd better get to more listing and laundry so I don't fall behind!

Intro - T-minus two weeks!

So, here I am, just talking to Kristin about how I have two weeks before I leave for Florence! That's crazy! For one week I am still interning, and then I'll be at home the week before, frantically packing and getting ready, I'm sure.

I leave on Saturday, August 30, around 10:00 am. I'm flying Hartford to DC-Dulles on United, then Dulles to Munich and Munich to Florence, both on Lufthansa. When all is said and done I'm scheduled to get into Florence at 8:15 am Sunday, August 31. Someone from Centro Fiorenza (the place organizing my housing and orientation) will be at the airport to meet me, thank goodness! I know that will make things easier. Other than my two week orientation and the fact that I'll be registering for classes, I'm not sure what to expect. I guess I'll just have to wait and see!

So that's my intro post... hopefully I will actually keep up with this thing to keep you all informed on how it's going!