ciao da firenze!

I'm here and loving every moment of it. Here's what I've learned so far:

• Clean, natural water is a luxury. The tap water is far from tasty, and I dislike the carbonated water that fills the coolers in most trattorias (small markets). Therefore, I’ll be spending way more money on bottled water than previously anticipated.
• According to a handful of American pop culture obsessive Italian teens, I bare a strong resemblance to Marissa Cooper (aka Mischa Barton) from The OC. Apparently I have that whole “beautiful, American blonde” girl thing going on. See Mom? This is why I wanted to dye my hair brown.
• Most Italians let their dogs poop all over the sidewalk and rarely pick it up. Note to self: bring pooper scoopers to Italy as part of next business venture.
• The Italian lifestyle of going out until 5 o’clock in the morning and sleeping all day Sunday makes it impossible for one to overcome jetlag.
• Utility costs are much higher in Italy than the States. Consequently, I have come to terms with the fact that I will always feel cold.
• I am extremely grateful for my ability to read a map and my keen sense of direction.
• The only restaurant near my flat open on a Sunday serves Latin American “cuisine.” And by Latin American, I mean chicken fried rice and French fries.
• Shopping in Florence can be affordable. However, unlike in America, size small clothing goes fast, and larges and XLs remain. Translation: most European women are thin, and the demand for smaller clothing is higher. Most American women are not thin, and smaller sizes are easier to find.
• You won’t find skinny lattes, frappachinos or even a cup of black coffee here. For the most part, the “sipping espresso in a corner café” perception is true, and although it is a daily habit for most Italians, it is never rushed. You won’t see any red holiday or to-go cups. They take time to enjoy their espresso, usually adding a generous amount of sugar.
• The women dress unbelievably chic. Mothers push their strollers in 5-inch stilettos, and every woman carries a gorgeous designer handbag, which does not bode well for my savings account.
• Although I still try to check fashionista.com daily, I find it so much more educational to just sit in a piazza and observe the remarkable fashion. There isn’t a blogger or critic or stylist separating me from the real thing. Goodbye, lack of inspiration…Hello, real-world experience!
  

That’s all for now. I’ll post pictures of my lovely flat soon. Besos!