Hello from Italy!! We arrived this evening in Florence after a chaotic train schedule that took us several miles out of our way for a connection in Milan. The trains here are rarely on time, make a lot of stops, and go through many tunnels on the trip- kind of cuts down on the views of the Tuscan countryside. But Florence is beautiful... and ext...

We have finally hit high season. All of the other places that we have been so far have had tourists, but nothing compared to Florence. The lines to everything are horrible and everywhere there are giant tour groups to weave through. Florence and Italy in general are beautiful, but summer is not the time to go. We have walked around a lot today a...

This is just a note saying that I couldn't put pictures on.. i guess there has been a problem with people's thumb drives crashing due to viruses on these computers so I didn't want to risk it. Today was long and hot in Florence and we had an amazing dinner that entailed a sampling of 5 different kinds of pasta and sauce as well as samples of fil...

So, as the night falls over Florence, it's time for more of my inane ramblings. I got up this morning determined to brave the chaos at Milano Centrale and get on the train to Florence. That took all of 15 minutes, and I sat on my bag watching the train staff manually change the numbers on the display board whilst using a crane. I had paid a high...

EDITORIAL NOTE - For those who read Catherine earlier, I meant Caroline. Obviously the Italian sun beats too brightly on my head, for all that it is February. My most profound apologies. Hello, my blog friends. To pick up where I left off last night, I grabbed some food quickly and then went upstairs, feeling kind of lonely - it had been four da...

So, after a pretty quiet night in, I woke up this morning to a city that for once, was quiet. I actually had quite a lazy morning, with reading and writing. At ten, I left with the hostel group for a walking tour of the Oltrarno, the region located across the river Arno in Florence, which comprises the artisanal district of Florence (so I was to...

I love florence... its a lot less gritty than rome. its also alot more peaceful here. David is AWESOMELY HUGE!!!! That statue was incredible. donatellos david was being restored, so i didnt get to see him standing up, but i did get to see the statue. oh, and i saw bottocellis the birth of venus, madonna with a long neck, and urgh... i cant remem...

We are staying at the Ostello Archi Rossi hostel, and it is really nice so far. Freeinternet, large facilities, and a comfy bed. *comfy bed is key* We are just settling in before we go explore the city, and maybe find a nice place to eat. Getting some gelator would be key also. Gonna get some early sleep tonight, and get a really uber good start...

Entry 20 of a trip titled: Home Country

Exciting, and not so exciting Australia

After class I went back to the apartment, dropped off my books and grabbed my backpack and brown beach bag which I had converted into luggage/tote bag. An hour passed and finally it was time for Camille to take me to the bus station. She dropped me off in front of the bus station. I was at the bus station 2 hours before my departure actually bec...