Well, we're here. Survived the journey intact, and are now settling into a TINY one-bedroom apartment in Florence, Italy.How tiny, you ask? Well, I'm 5'6" and not used to having to duck under doorways and the ceiling. I've smacked my head not once, but TWICE on the ceiling. This morning, I nailed it hard enough that I saw stars. Also, there's a toilet in the shower. Or, perhaps, there's a shower head over the john. Either way, it's weird. Could be efficient, I suppose, but I'm never so pressed for time that I feel the need to shower as I, um... relieve myself. Sixty-eight steps (yes, I counted them) separate the apartment's front door from the street, so my workout routine has been resumed, pretty much from the get-go.
Accomodations nonwithstanding, however, Florence is really, really cool. Home is about a block away from the Arno river, and about two blocks away from the heart of the city. The Duomo is just about a ten-minute walk, and there are museums right across the river. So much to see... and I've brought enough work to keep me busy the whole three months (sigh).I'm missing the dogs, for sure, though I know they're in good hands with Deborah. There's enough people walking dogs all over the city that I can pet one from time to time, but it's not the same as being with my own kids. Still, I'll survive--even if not as well as they will. :-)
Took a few pictures while on a group orientation yesterday. I've posted some thumbnails here; I'll add the rest to the "Photography" area of my site tomorrow. There's plenty to take pictures of, so that'll take some work to keep up with. Seems like my camera will have a lot to do.The students all seem nice, and many have a fair bit of travel experience. The food is good, though I can't say I've had any spectacular meals yet--probably because I've been eating mostly sandwiches and my own cooking. Still, it's a good opportunity to eat more healthy, since I don't have access to my usual chocolate chip muffin each morning. That's been replaced by a banana and bread, or a tomato-and-cheese sandwich. Different, but not bad.
Best get back to work now. Will write more later, as long as I don't give myself a concussion on the ceiling.
-Leanne