Yo yo yo!

Alright, so I spent the night with Joey in Florence and it was pretty awesome. My buddy Eric from Duke was in town (he’s studying in London) and I got to meet up with him and my freshman year roommate, James, as well. All of us went out on the town and had a blast. It was cool because a lot of fellow American students were out and we were all giving each other Thanksgiving pats on the back. It’s nice how on one of our biggest national holidays, we all come together regardless of where in the world we are (I know, that was corny). While I was out, I ran into a lot of people I know from Duke and even a girl from my old high school. It was great because I was in a bar and suddenly I hear a girl scream “Greg Adrouny, is that you?” Needless to say, it was awesome catching up with someone from my past. Oh, how small this world is!

Anyway, Guido and I finally got ourselves up today at around 12 and then we hit Florence. We first went by this huge, indoor meat market that is definitely locals only.  I must admit, I was tempted to by a Sheep’s liver, but then I realized that I would probably throw it up once it hit my tongue. After the market, our stomachs were grumbling pretty bad. Thus, we went to this sandwich place called “The Oil Shoppe” that is a cult location amongst American students. I got this ridiculous meatball sandwich that was so good I felt like I was having an out-of-body experience after every bite.

After Oil Shoppe, the Guido had to peace out for an hour to go to class (nerd). So I walked around the famous San Lorenzo market and got some gifts for my friends and family. It was cool because I refused to speak English to the vendors who, after seeing I was obviously an American, wanted to speak English to me. Three different vendors complimented me on my Italian. I must say, I’ve gotten pretty good at speaking Italian since being here. That alone has been such a great by-product of my abroad experience.

Finally, Guido was done with class and we headed for the Duomo. I’ve been here three months and today was the first day I went in that freaking cathedral! It was pretty vanilla inside; I thought it would be more extravagant inside considering how immense the Duomo is. After being inside, we took the steps to the top; all 462 of them! It was a hike, but, much like Cinque Terre, the struggle was oh-so definitely worth it because of the view at the end. It was awesome looking over Florence at dusk.

While looking over my home for the past 3 months, I couldn’t help but get sad knowing that I will be gone in 3 weeks. I love it here so much. I love the Italians and their way of life and I have loved trying to assimilate with them since being here. There is so much more that I could say but I will save the mushy gushy sentimental post for when I get home. Regardless, I love Italy.

When we were done with Il Duomo, Guido and I said our goodbyes and I headed back to Sesto for dinner at the villa. This was such a great time. I must admit, things have gotten pretty stuffy in the villa and it was wonderful to get out and just breath fresh air with my old friends. I’ve truly come to realize that they, along with family (obviously), are the most important people you have.

The last time I saw my Grandpa before he died, I remember him asking me if I had a lot of good friends. I basically told him “yes” (how arrogant of me) and he simply replied: “then you are a very rich man”. Confused, I asked him how a person could be rich if they had no money. In a very grandfatherly way, he told me that, in due time, I would understand what he meant.

It’s days like this that make me feel like the richest man on Earth.

Take care, everybody.

Peace,

Greg