Sorry I've been AWOL for the past few days. I'm cheating a bit by posting this retroactively, but it'll be better this way so that I can keep track of my days.
My shoulders are burning and I’m surprised I’m still in one piece. Either I’m crazy, cheap, stubborn, or all of the above (definitely), as I decided to walk to my apartment from the Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station 2 km away--carrying around 40 pounds on my back and rolling approximately the same amount with my other luggage. On top of that, it had rained earlier on Sunday so there were puddles everywhere.
A couple days later, I found out from my roommate that a taxi ride from the train station to our apartment is only €12. So you know what I'll be doing next time.
When I finally arrived at my apartment after 30 minutes of self-torture, I was perplexed to find a real estate agency at my supposed address. First, I panicked and thought "I knew it, this school is a scam. I'm going to be homeless and stupid in Florence!" Then I decided to phone the number they gave me and said in my broken Italian that I was outside the door and I didn't see an apartment. The lady asked me if the street number I read was red or black--red was for businesses and black was for homes. She said she didn't know where I was but to keep walking down the street. "Great," I thought. "Who knows how many blocks I'll have to walk now?!" Luckily it was less than half a block away and I was relieved to find a very distinguished-looking, heavy front door with intricate handles.
I walked up the steps and knew that I was at the brink of not being able to carry my bags any further when the housekeeper greeted me very kindly at the door. I'm on the second floor of what I would esteem to be a more upscale building; I could be wrong, though, since most buildings in Italy are centuries-old and have an air of higher worth (not to mention unreliable heating/plumbing).
I was pleased to see that I was not going to be living in a tiny, dark room. That put a rest to my abundant worries and low expectations. And I really like Sant'Ambrogio, the area where I live. It's full of students and not touristy, plus there's an outdoor market a block or two from my place that's open almost everyday!
Here is a little tour of my bedroom:
P.S. to Smeek: the book you gave me is on the other side of my nightstand, closer to my bed.
I have a small twin-sized bed, a wardrobe, window, and half-use of the desk
Lastly, a high and painted ceiling
The housekeeper asked me how old I was and when I replied, she said I looked younger, like a bambina. I still don't know how I feel about that.
Today's word of the day is l'appartamento.
Your room looks cute! I like the painted ceiling. I'm glad you made it in one piece.
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