Branches of Grace: Non parlo italiano...

Before coming to Italy, I had zero desire to learn or speak Italian. I think it is a beautiful language (in fact, if I decided to learn a third language, I probably would learn Italian) but I guess I never realized the need to learn it. When I was in Florence last time, we were obvious tourists and I felt no shame in having people speak to us in English. But now that I am trying to live here for four months, I really hate the idea of having to have someone speak English to me. I am really regretting the decision to not learn Italian before coming here. So far the phrases that I know are "gratzie" which is thank you, "prego"which is you're welcome (or welcome, as in into the store), "non parlo italiano" which means I don't speak Italian, "ciao" which is informal for hello/goodbye, "buona sera" which is good evening/night, and "bella" which means beautiful. Unfortunately those few terms will not help me find where I'm trying to go, help me in an emergency, or help me have a normal every day conversation. Most of you know that I had a difficult time deciding between going to Spain and going to Italy because of my double major. So far, I wish I at least spoke the language of the place I was living for four months. But, I guess most students don't learn Italian before studying abroad and I guess I will just have to be looked at as a tourist.

Our first actual day in Florence was very good. The tour of monuments was interesting, although it was difficult to pay attention with a camera in my hands because all I wanted to do was take pictures. I have that problem a lot. Which is why I usually cannot tell you what I took a picture of... But anyways. I saw a few places that I didn't get to see the last time I was here. So far, I feel like I have been accidentally rubbing it in people's faces that I've been here already. My little factoids of information that I think are interesting seem to be annoying the new people I have met. Sorry if that's you:/

Here a few pictures of the places we went to today! Tomorrow we are hopefully going to the Galleria dell'Accadmia, which houses Michaelangelo's famous David statue. I just read the book David by Mary Hoffman and I have a new obsession for this sculpture. I can't wait! Classes start on Monday and to be honest, I could wait for those to start. I've thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas vacation.