Standing Atop The Bight Light City

Ciao Bellas!

Meg, my roommate from Binghamton, is studying in London this semester and is currently on spring break...here in Florence with me! She came last Friday evening and is staying until Thursday morning where she is traveling to Rome. I will meet her there on Friday! Although I wasn't with her during the days on weekend (when I was in Milan and then Venice) I got to hang out with her at night. We had our first full day together on Monday where we explored Florence and I did a lot of touristy things that I specifically saved fr when she came. The first thing that we did was climb to the top of Duomo -  breathtaking. I could have stayed up there all day as it was absolutely gorgeous. It was weird that I was able to trace the paths I take to get back to my apartment and where I walk to go to class. Another surreal thing was that I am calling this city my home for the next couple of weeks and that I LIVE here. I still can't get over it and the moments on top of the Duomo with  overlooking the city was completely surreal. The fact that my best friend was with me made it extra special. We also go to go to the top of the Duomo but inside. I could have literally jumped up and touched one of the paintings on the ceiling dome. Another moment where I could have stayed there for hours and observed and analyze the paintings. The different scenes of Heaven, earth, and hell was just so intricate and detailed that it amazed me that it exists as well as that it has survived all of these years.

The first level, inside the top of the dome

The top layer, inside the dome

Artistry, at it's greatest

We went to the San Lorenzo market so that some of Meg's friends could purchase some leather goods. I helped one of them haggle a bag originally 60 Euros down to 45. I hope I can work my magic for myself at the end of the semester! We also went into the food market where we sampled different meats and cheeses. I bought vegetables for a salad, risotto rice, brie, bread and some meat for a dinner party that I was hosting for them later that night. Then, on our way to the Arno River, we walked past Santa Croce where I explained that prominent Renaissances figures such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Donatello were buried. e walked through the Ponte Vecchio to get to the other side of The Arno where we walked the hike up to Palazzo Michelangelo, a beautiful site that overlooks the city. We kind of got lost and made a huge circle, but it was one of the fabulous mistakes. We got to walk through an enchanted road and made our way to a busy road where we walked along the scenic sidewalk. We weren't at Palazzo Michelangelo yet, but the view was spectacular.

Meg and I in Santa Croce

Walking to Palazzo Michelangelo

We finally made it to the Palazzo, and boy, let me tell you, what everyone says is true: You get blown away by the beauty of overlooking the entire city of Florence. As much fun as I was having with Meg and her friends, I broke away and had a moment to reflect on how amazing the experience of being so high above the beautiful city. I don't know what I did to get so lucky to get here but I am not taking it for granted. The frustrating application process, the confusion and slight culture shock of being in a new city and trying to find classes, the panic at knowing that my bank account is draining...all of it vanished and I was in pure blissful happiness.

Eternally yours,

Stephanie