Lunedi

Began today by heading into town in search of the myserious Buonuomini Chapel for an art history paper. At the bus stop, I managed to have a conversation with an Italian woman in Italglish (does that work? like Spanglish? but Italian....whatever, you get it) that involved us complaining about the bus being late by throwing our hands up into the air with me saying "non lo so!" and her saying "sono addormentato!" It was pretty funny, I kept cracking up and interjecting a "si" and of course a "bene" or five whenever necessary. I learned that she is from Switzerland and her native language is German, and she learned that "mio famiglia e Italiana pero io...only speak...un po!" Anyways, she got a kick out of me.

Managed to find my way to the chapel, which was hidden in vicino della casa di Dante, ran into my professor inside the chapel, and then of course got rained on (because it wouldn't be a day in Italy without me getting caught in a monsoon). Made my way back to Villa Natalia to have lunch (Silvia, the head of the cafeteria, now greets me with a "ciao bella," which obviously makes me incredibly happy. Gluten-free pasta AND a "ciao bella"!? Perfetto!)

Then it was off to Italiano, during which Gao gave us his number, followed by a "yea but don't hassle me." Oh Gao, chiamami! A domani painting a fresco in the morning over at the art studio (should be interesting) then a SCAVENGER HUNT for Italiano around Firenze, bene bene!! Currenty listening to "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" (freaks) and finishing up some art history work. A domani.

(La Bella Luna)

Ciao Amori!

Laura