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