parlatemi!

I have now completed two full days of class and on my third day in Florence. School is intense, and is only going to get worse. Luckily we arent there the entire day, maybe only from 10am to 5 or 6pm. My day changes every day due to teaching schedules. We start acutally teaching tomorrow!! Day Three!! Crazy. I've heard a lot of interesting stories about the job market here in Italy. Basically you cant find jobs in big cities which is perfect for me cause I dont want to be in a big italian city. I have definitely decided its not for me.

The city: FULL OF AMERICANS. No joke, i heard a statistic that there are 7,000 American students studying here each semester. My school is in one of the main piazza's (like city squares) and i have to surf through a crowd of tourists to get there or anywhere in this city. Today was the first day i've had time to explore. One of my flatmates and I went walking and we foundsome very beautiful areas and cute sidestreets that werent so full of tourists. I'm excited to explore further now and with a camera. I havent taken any pictures and had my first gelato today it wasnt even from a shop it was from the grocery store. Things are so expensive its so hard to convince myself to buy things. For those who know me, they know I am a huge penny pincher so having to live in a country as expensive as Italy and try to be conservative with funds is extremely difficult.

My main issue with this city is that its hard to find good italian culture. I'm trying so hard to learn the language, however, I don't look italian (thanks dad) so they speak to me in english. THen i respond in italian, and they respond in english again. I have no idea how i'm suppose to learn if they wont even talk to me in italian. Thankfully through friends from the states I have a few italian friends who have been willing to talk and help me learn my italian.

I have been thinking about where I want to go after my class. I really do think i want to stay here to learn the language. I'm scared of starting over in a place where I'm not framiliar with the culture.I find it very disrespectful. HOwever my views may change.

Its is time for bed. I'm still very jetlegged and have some homework to do before I fall asleep. I just finally got internet in my room! So now i can skpe in peace, with all that are willing.