The things you didn't think about beforehand...

While the west coast is just starting up there day, it's just about nine at night here in Italy.

The weather has turned. When we first arrived in Florence it was stiflingly hot and humid with temperatures up in around the 80s and 90s. Felt a bit like an eternal summer, now the last couple days it has been cooler, less humid with the occasional bit of rain. I actually saw a flash of lightning walking back from a trip to the supermarket. My assumption of the eternal summer may have been a bit much.

Things I didn't really think about before I left though...

1.  Bringing a planner. After learning to use one in high school and continuing to get one in college, I forgot this necessity at home. This is includes other school supplies like folders.
   
2. The cost of water. Europeans like their frizzy water aka carbonated water, I've decided to call it frizzy because in Italy carbonated water is called "frizzante" which literally (according to google translate) translates to fizzy. I accidentally bought a bottle in Germany of it and did not like it.
   So if you want normal, flat water you have to pay for it. At restaurants where you'd pay for either type of water regardless and out and about. Luckily though today I found I can buy 2 liters for .17 euro. Major win.
   
3. Mosquito bites. I've only been here 6 days and I've been bitten all over. Not pleasant.
   
4. Getting sick. After being on buses, hotel rooms, tours, etc around the same 200 people for 10 days, one should be kissing the ground if they escape sans illness but it seems that I am not so lucky. I have the sniffles, sneezes and a bit of a cough. Boo.
   Might be time to break out the one packet of cold meds Mom sent along with me.
   
5. Gelato. 

   

   The first gelato, strangely airy but delicious. Chocolate & Meringa(?). It was good, that's all that matters.

   The shops are EVERYWHERE. Literally at least one on every street and corner.
   I cannot lie I've had it every day I've been here, aside from one. Which is only 6 days, but still. I'd feel guilty if I wasn't walking everywhere.
   Since it just dawned on me I should have taken a picture of every favor I had while here, I'll keep tally here and start taking pictures from now on.

That's all I can think of for now.

Today marked the beginning of the first week of classes. I had forgotten that part of this whole deal, you mean I'm not on a 4 month vacation?! (Just kidding Mom!)

Pictures from Opening Tour are still coming... someone hold me to that.

For now enjoy a picture of the Brandenburg gate in Berlin!

Gelato tally: Chocolate, Meringa (?), Berries, Lemon, Caramel (and two I can't remember, it'll come back to me).

Now I'm off to have gelato again to cap my night, have a great rest of your day everyone!