Yesterday, the group had their first day of classes. In the morning, students studied drawing with Lindsay and Stefano, painting with Antonio, and a group went to the famed Lorenzo de Medici School for their first day of Italian Language. The students felt happy to be starting a routine after such an activity-packed weekend.
After lunch and free time, the students went to their elective classes. In Italian conversation with Antonio, the students explored the Central Market and practiced food vocabulary ("Vorrei una mela, per favore," or "I would like an apple, please"). In cooking, the students tackled Day 1 of pizza-making, which they will complete tomorrow. The storia dell'arte class focused on the frescoes in one the oldest churches in Florence.
Then, we gathered into our cooking groups to make panzanella, a summer dish of chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and balsamic, and as the main course we made veal rotolini wrapped in prosciutto. For the vegetarians, we tackled some large, flavorful porcini mushrooms, which we sauted and tossed with cherry tomatoes and provalone cheese!
In the evening, Giovanna offered to bring some interested students to see a program of arias and operatic songs in a church--only one student went along, but she tells me it was fantastic! As another evening option, Stefano brought a small group of students to Piazza della Repubblica to enjoy the street performers and the shops. And finally, as a third option, Antonio, William and I accompanied a large group of intrepid students to Piazzale Michelangelo, a piazza overlooking the city which boasts one of the best views of the Duomo in Florence and one of the three replicas of Michelangelo's David. After attacking the many steps that lead up to the Piazzale (I stopped counting after 100), we took a seat to enjoy the incredible view of the Duomo and Chiesa Santa Croce. While some of us sketched and painted, others of us chatted, ate a gelato, and enjoyed the fireworks on the opposing hill of Fiesole.
It was a lovely day.
This morning, after our group meeting, we split up into our three morning classes. During the lunch hour, Lindsay brought a group of students interested in studying abroad to SACI, an international art school where she studied years ago.
At the same time, I offered office hours to the students to check-in with me and chat. As I too was new to Florence once, I wanted to make myself available to students to talk about their questions, share stories of my own culture shock, and lend a hand in any way. Please encourage your child to attend my next office hours, as I have many a funny story to share about the mishaps that can easily befall a newcomer to Italy.
Following this pausa, twenty-four students headed to the pool with William and me, while the other ten chose to relax, go shopping, and do laundry. The Olympic-size, outdoor swimming pool is part of the city's largest sports complex, which also houses the Florentine's soccer stadium (Forza, Viola!!!!). We sunbathed, jumped off the diving board, and attracted the attention of nearby Italian teenagers, who tried their best to communicate with the students in heavily accented English. So adorable!
Now we're back, and we have an hour of free time before we have our catered dinner on the terrace and then break into our evening activities. Tonight is a residence night, so the students will have the opportunity to do an olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting with William, our cuisine guru, and a yoga class with me. They also have the chance to do free time within the residence, which is a great time to read a book, chat with friends, or get an extra couple hours sleep.
Can't wait!
More tomorrow!
Janet
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