After arriving in Arezzo, classes started immediately. We have class from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m almost every day. This schedule has been a little hard to get used to. In Norman, I had three classes a day with a two hour break. I also only had class Tuesdays and Thursdays…
One of our classes is about blogging our study abroad experience. We also start the class by drawing for five minutes every day. It is no surprise that I really enjoy it.
In the other class, we are working on a campaign for a real company. We are all in a task-group and working together to create the most effective campaign proposal possible. According to my professor, this is very similar to working in a real PR agency. This course challenges me and my classmates, but it is an amazing experience.
Outside of class, we spend most of our time in the garden of our dorm. The area is beautiful and relaxing after a long day of class. We all take naps and relax until the weather cools down and we all meet in the garden. We drink our $2 box wine and talk all night. (Chef Fabio also brings snacks, which is a plus!)
After a few days in Arezzo, we took a day trip to Florence. It was a nice break from classes and we were all excited to see a new city.
The day started with a walking tour. Of course, my favorite part was the Dumo! We spent most of the tour learning about the architecture and history of the building, but we did not go in. Then, our guide walked us through the city and explained different historical elements. We ended the tour with a view of The Ponte Vecchio.
We were all very excited to find a wine window so we walked across the bridge. The first one we say actually said “Ring for Spritz,” which is way better anyway! A hugo is much more refreshing on a hot day than wine.
To be honest, I got a spritz for the photo op and then gave it away.
After seeing the spritz window we set out to find the leather market. We started in stores on the street, but eventually we stumbled upon the real leather market.
Nothing could have prepared me for how intense the Florence leather market is! The vendors push purses, wallets and bags in your face while yelling prices. They randomly shout discounts and offer to lower their price. Mind you, this is just while walking by.
Eventually I found exactly what I needed: three cream patent leather Long Champ dupes. My mom requested these because her and her coffee group want matching bags (adorable I know).
After we all got what we wanted we sat on some steps nearby and decided that our 10:30 p.m. train was not going to work. It was 3:00 and we were all exhausted. We canceled our dinner reservations and found the bar that every American study abroad student visits.
The bar is called Lions Fountain. It is an American style bar and the walls and ceilings are covered in college t-shirts. We signed the OU shirt and claimed some tables.
While ordering food, the waiter offered us their “special sauce.” It was ranch. The only place in Italy that we have found ranch. Day was made!
When it was time to catch our train, everyone was exhausted and ready to get back.
The rest of the week we relaxed and hung out in Arezzo. After our day in Florence we were all pretty tired and needed to chill out for a few days. We had to rest up before our free weekend!