Firenze (part 1)

So, I confess, I’ve been slacking. Well, not really slacking as so far as not getting a post up as quickly as I could have, but with my family here I haven’t had many free minutes to take the time to type something up. I was actually counting on having some guest bloggers, but they haven’t exactly any free time either. I would like to hear their insight as a newcomer to all of this, especially after having read most of my posts (In person, I tend to repeat to them the exact same things that I write about in the blog. I am still hoping that one of them will step forward and at least give a little first hand account from a tourist coming to visit Rome and Italy for a week.

So as I told you, we went to Florence this weekend, so like all weekend recaps, I’m going to do a big post about Florence. I am actually getting on a bus in two hours to head back to northern Italy for a St. Mary’s sponsored trip, so I’m going to keep it relatively short for now, with the intention of updating on my way up there (6 hour bus ride, I will have plenty of free time to type.)

So, we took a train from Rome Termini to Florence. We opted in for the high-speed train, which takes about an hour and a half to make it there. Not a bad train ride at all. Before we boarded the train, we witnessed something that Rome hasn’t seen for about 25 years: Snow. It seems like wherever my family goes, the snow follows. It was entertaining to watch the Romans, young and old, react to such an event. They all acted like little kids, and couldn’t get over the spectacle. They struggled with the concept of traveling in snow, in their smart cars and scooters and even taxis.
Our high-speed train got us to Florence a bit early even, and we made our way onto the streets to find our Hotel. I think this is really where the realization of my next tangent set in.

I’ve been here five weeks, with no prior experience with the Italian language or culture, besides the bit of Italian cuisine and culture I’ve learned from my Italian side of the family over the years. Seeing my parents come over here for the first time, a new world to them, was an interesting experience. Here I am, a student studying here, and I am teaching them about the culture and language. I was, as they referred to me, their tour guide for the week. They did extremely well getting around, especially in Florence, and still very well in Rome, but the language barrier is something that I’ve quickly forgotten.

I’m not saying I speak fluent Italian. I don’t even speak Italian. I understand phrases and recognize words, and then use fragmented sentences and key words to communicate. But even this is a major difference from when I first got here, and from the standpoint of my family visiting. Hearing my mom try and say Grazie was always fun, but it occurred to me how far I’ve come in just the 5 weeks I’ve been here. A true testimant to Carlotta, my Italian tutor.

I have to stop now, my eyes are getting heavy and I would like some sleep before I head to Florence. Expect an update very soon, from the bus to Ferrara.