The first week in Firenze!

The first week in Firenze has been spectacular! The other women from Belmont are fast becoming friends. I just now have gotten internet on my computer (some things do take longer) but now am up and running! The first 4 days consisted of looking at the city map and trying to reach a destination while actually reaching another destination. OK I am directionally challenged, but I can now reach Piazza Santa Croce, Piazza del Duomo (one block from my apartment), Piazza San Lorenzo, and Piazza della Republicca. It's not a very large city and so if you wander around long enough you're going to find what you're looking for. On Saturday 4 other women and I took a train to Lucca (about 45 miles from here) to spend the day. It's a beautiful city with the ancient walls still intact. We rented bicycles and rode around the walls which encircle the city. It was a wonderful day. Sunday we made the first climb to Piazzale Michelangelo and then further up to San Miniato al Monte. Classes began today and il mio professore seems nice and interesting, his name is Umberto Gori. Now that I am connected will make entries more often. Ciao!