We have finished our first full week of classes and the students are quickly settling into a routine and experiencing what it means to truly “live” in Firenze! Bonding with roommates, new friends turning into close friends, exciting work in morning Major classes and afternoon Minor classes, exploring side streets and becoming locals at favorite gelaterias- all part of our busy days here.
This past week, students had the chance to attend several exciting evening and afternoon activities. One afternoon, a group of studenti climbed the cupola of the Duomo for a breathtaking view of the city (and a great workout)! Definitely worth the 463 stairs for this panorama.
Wednesday evening included a whole group activity: Amazing Race Firenze! Teams decoded clues and raced around the city from one famous location to another, finding a staff member waiting at each place with their next clue. Daniele was outside Orsan Michele, William was subtly sitting in Piazza Signoria, while Valentina was waiting in front of the Mercato Centrale. Other staff members were positioned on the Ponte Vecchio, in front of Palazzo Strozzi, by the Porcellino statue, under a statue of Dante outside of the Uffizi, and on the steps of the Bargello (tricky!) After a competitive evening, the game eventually ended at Piazza del Duomo where the lucky winners took home a “Fetch me a Gelato” coupon. These can be used at the student’s leisure to request un buon gelato from a staff member J
A group of students experienced a wonderful evening of culture at il Museo di Bargello on Friday night. We had the pleasure of listening to some lovely chamber music in the magical setting of the courtyard of this magnificent museum. Enveloped by the sounds of Beethoven, Dvorak, and Bartok, it was truly a special event.
Morning cappucino at Jolly Cafe
View from the top of the Cupola
Nicki, Lauren, Daniela, Ilana, Emma, Aria and Emma are on top of the world
Ilana, Danielle, Andrew, and Adam enjoying the view
