So, Entering into the third week at La Pietra, many things have improved. My italian is slowly creeping towards understanding.
I met and talked to a nice young man named Gabrielo the other night, we spoke in Italian, Spanish and English all in the same conversation and it was the most exhilirating thing. Almost as cool as the 12 mile walk we took from La Pietra up on the hill across the Ponte Vecchio and back.
Never did I think i would possibly be able to burn off all the carbs i consume here.
The Tuscan bread is to die for, with the right toppings. Some oil, vinegar and vino make for a fine snack. but otherwise its a little rough around the edges.

today, my roomates and i took a little train ride over to the town of Viareggio for a day of sunny beach fun. It was just the perfect temperature, and the men in speedos prancing around us in all directions wasnt too bad either.
it was very touristy-- but not in the conventional american sense. It was obviously for europeans and other italians. The beaches there aren't free, but instead you rent a blot of beach that contains a lounge chair and a fancy personal sun blocker gizmo. It is very close to the very clear water and it was generally a very euro-friendly trip. we left at 8 AM, got there at 11-- beached 'til 5:30 or so, all getting a nice crispy tan... and then come just in time for the last 2 minutes of dinner. not before we got too impatient for the bus and decided to walk the 3 kM up the hill to school. It was awesome, running through the streets of Florence with a giant bag, a sandy bottom and a sunburn is what every girl wants, obvs.

anyways: here's my pictures....

the seaside....

in case i drown in the 3 foot deep water.

ahh, il mare

ahh, the tuscan countryside