And days go by, I can feel 'em flyin'...

Buongiorno!

Days are are FLYING by here. I do not know how November has nearly come and gone before my eyes. But, have no fear, we are still living the dream in Firenze. My bucket list has been recorded (and added to almost everyday...) and we are starting to check things off.

I've done all sorts of things in this past week, like freeze my buns off at an evening Gregorian chant and service in San Miniato al Monte, a beautiful Romanesque church behind Piazza Michelangelo that overlooks all of Florence. It was a very cool experience in a lovely setting, and I'm glad that I went. Next time, however, I think I will wear a few more layers. I've done some serious Christmas shopping, tried some new neighborhood restaurants, and bundled up more than I have in a long time! The weather is getting nice and chilly here, and the buildings that I spend my time in are often nice and chilly as well. It's all part of the experience. Luckily, my mom bought me some great new lined leather gloves while she was here! I'm not sure what my fingers would do without them.

Christmas lights are starting to appear throughout Florence, draped across the streets between buildings, but we have yet to spot any lights actually on. Our prediction is that they will wait until December to turn them on. It is going to look just magical when they do!

Thanksgiving festivities are in short supply around here; however, Pino's, my favorite panino shop, is having a Thanksgiving special! Pino has ordered in a lot of turkey and is going to put an Italian spin on a Thanksgiving panini. I will be getting one of those for lunch on Thursday, trust me. And then Caroline and I are off to gay Paris for the long weekend! We are going to have a ball and will get to visit with sweet friends from Vanderbilt and from Atlanta! I'm very excited.

Ciao for now!

Grace

Mama-mia, Papa-pia: Mom and Dad take Florence!

Mom and Dad in the Boboli Gardens. Talk about a great view!

This past week my mom and dad came to visit me in Florence. We had the best time exploring the city, visiting old favorites of mine, and discovering new gems. They stayed from Monday to the following Monday in an apartment two bridges down from where I live, which was just perfect. We laughed a lot and had a few unexpected mishaps (like our cue to leave the Bargello Museum when they shut off the lights right as I was beginning to describe to my parents the important qualities of Michelangelo's "Baccus" or the bruschetta-in-the-lap situation). I loved having them here and was sad to see them go, but I know that I will be back home in no time. I was so glad that they came to visit and wish that Eliza could have been there, too!

It was so refreshing to have an "outsider" perspective of Florence again--I realized that I have become a little too accustomed to being here. After every single corner we would turn, my mom would say, "Gosh. I just can't believe that you live here!" or "I just love this city." And she is right- this city is awesome!

I have just under five weeks left in Florence, and my mom challenged me to get to know this place like the back of my hand before I leave. The reality of the situation is that I will most likely never live here again--the next time I visit could just be for just a day or two. With a truly refreshed outlook on this place, I am developing a list of things to do before I leave in mid-December. I have to stop saying, "Oh, I've got plenty of time to do that...," and just do it.

Florence, it's on.

Fall Break in Pictures

PARIS

PRAGUE

SALZBURG

MUNICH