What I learned in class last week:
Europe vs. Italy

I can testify to the pushing. I’ve been pushed plenty in supermarkets. But that’s normal. The phrase “excuse me” or “scusi” in italiano is nonexistent in those contexts.

Getting run over by cars in Florence, not normal. But it happens, and you just have to run for it. Yeah, I’m definitely glad I’m in Venice where there’s one less thing jeopardizing my life. I exaggerate, I exaggerate.

But that’s the great thing about Venice. I live in a small sestieri (hmm i guess the closest translation would be zone?) of about 60,000 inhabitants, reduced in half from 40 years ago. The lifestyle is completely relaxed. There’s not much to do because Venice is more of a romantic city than a modern one. It’s been preserved to maintain the historic feel. Largest demographic? The elderly. Smallest? Children.

I went to Florence last weekend, and it is the most gorgeous city I have ever seen in my life. We, my friends and I, climbed up to the top of a mountain, which overlooked Florence, and this incredible feeling came over me. I felt half numb. I never felt the urge to cry when looking at scenery, but this was a sight I never could have imagined in my wildest dreams. Words just cannot describe. It’s impossible.

I havent uploaded pics yet, but even if I did they wouldn’t do Florence justice. You have to see for yourself…at least some time in your life. Believe me, you will not regret it.