I have arrived!

I have arrived in Italy! I have been here almost exactly 24 hours, but it feels like it has been much longer than that since I left America. My flights were both fine, nothing difficult. Though the first flight was a red-eye, and so I am still feeling some significant jet-lag.

Once I got to Rome, I started to get a real feel for the difference in culture. I had to really push my way through a huge crowd of people just to get my luggage off of the belt, and I almost didn't see it coming. But then, something amazing happened...someone spoke to me in ITALIAN!! As in, they thought that I was Italian! It was amazing. Except that, of course, I didn't understand them. There was a lady nearby who translated for us so I could tell him that the bags coming in were from Zurich (because I was in Zurich earlier that day...how cool is that??). Then I had to find my way to the train, which was no simple task. Again, on the way over a woman with really long dredlocks and a Brasil jersey on asked me in Italian where the train was. She spoke English as well, and she guided me all the way to Florence. Thank God for her, because I might still be in a train station in Rome were it not for her guidance. I was a little skeptical that this random stranger might just be trying to steal from me. But no, when the train came into Florence her whole face lit up. "I'm home!!" she exclaimed. She really wanted to drive me to the hotel, but it was literally around the block so I walked. But she gave me her name and contact information in case I needed anything while I'm here. Thank God for random acts of kindness :)

This morning, I had my first two Italian lessons. I'm going to really have to invest in learning the language before wednesday. That morning, we are going to a local market to practice our Italian, and that afternoon we move in with our families, some of whom do not speak English. I think there really is no better or frightening way to learn a language than to really need it.

Soon, I'll be heading off to more registration meetings and then off to dinner. Dinner here takes a long long time, so I might have to nap before that so I don't fall asleep on my antipasta.

I'm also getting fairly good and consistent internet access at the school, so if anyone wants to write to me, feel free :) Love to all!

ciao,

Amy