I’ve been in Florence for a week now and it’s definitely been a roller coaster of emotions. I’ve been switching from awe of Florence to just wanting to get back on a plane and go home constantly. Hopefully, in the next week, after my routine is fully understandable my bipolar phase of this trip will be subdued and I’ll relax into daily life. So far it’s been a lot of running around the city trying our bests not to get lost and get to classes on time. Unlike I expected, all the students from SAI and other programs have been very friendly and the classes not as intimidating as I pictured. I’ve  made a few friends and my three roommates are definitely growing on me.

This weekend all four of us are signed up to go on a trip to verona which should be fun and freezing. It was warm here in Florence the day I arrived but since then the temperature has been dropping every day. I’m used to the cold but that does not mean I like it what so ever. I can’t wait for March and April. I’m sure I’ll have happier things to say then when my classes are in full swing and I get to see the sun everyday. Still, even with the cold and the complications with schedule changes and reading maps, I’m so excited that I has this opportunity of a whole semester in this beautiful city!

Paola – Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College