Ciao da Sesto Fiorentino

The Villa

The Garden behind the Villa. Belissima!

Ciao! So after a very long flight, I am finally in Italy! My first couple days here in Sesto Fiorentino have already been incredible. I was blown away when I arrived at my new home, Villa Corsi Salviati. It is more beautiful than I even imagined. I am also crazy about the town of Sesto. Within an hour of arriving, I headed into downtown Sesto to explore with a group of students from my program. Our first stop was an adorable café, and I had my first Italian cappuccino there.  And on our way back I stopped at a pizzeria, to have my first slice of real Italian pizza. Both were delicious. I still can’t believe that I’m actually living in Italy.

I had orientation most of the day yesterday and today. Yesterday we learned about the history of the villa, filled our some paperwork, met our professors, and went on a small walking tour of Sesto. Today we had orientation in Florence. So we basically got to sightsee the entire day! We started out at Basilica di San Miniato al Monte which overlooks all of Florence. We continued on to the Chiesa di San Salvatori al Monte. After the churches we headed into downtown Florence. Even the walk there was beautiful. It was a perfect day to be walking around, 55 degrees and sunny. In downtown Florence we looked at the architecture of the Uffizi and the Duomo. Then we were allowed to explore the city on our own. So I did the one thing I’ve been dying to do since I arrived in Florence… go to a Gelateria! J The gelato was super yummy, and yes it was better than American gelato.  I ended the day downtown by doing some shopping.

The one other great thing about the trip so far has been the food in the Villa. We have our own cook, a classic looking Italian man named Bruno. My favorite meal was our dinner tonight: Ravioli, parmesan, fresh tomatoes, and salad, with bread pudding with custard for dessert. And there is always unlimited coffee available at meals. I’m very happy about that.

Tomorrow we start classes. I have my Fascism class and Cinema class. Although I don’t have my first class until 2, so I’m thinking I might go for a hike in the Sesto Mountains before.  

I’m definitely enjoying life in Italy so far. Miss and love you all at home.

Molti Baci

-Laura

Downtown Sesto Fiorentino 

View of Florence from the Bascillica di San Miniato al Monte