Sono Andata alla Partita di Calcio, Ale Viola!

Yesterday was an exciting day.

After 2 hours of Italian we went to Gusta Panino next to Eurocenter where we got Panini's to carry out so we could make it to Santa Croce in time for our architecture class. I got a 3 euro panino on a whole wheat foccacia with pesto, brie, prosciutto, pomodori, e rucola. It was quite good to say the least, and it was ONLY THREE EURO! Great deal!

On our way to Santa Croce we stumbled upon the Guide Book renowned Gelateria Vivoli. Since it was in all the books we decided we had to try it. We paid for our 2.50 euro (smallest size) gelati at the counter then went to choose our flavors. We were shocked to not have the option of getting a cone, and after being served our 2.50 euro gelato in a cup we were extremely disappointed by the very tiny portion and the gelato itself wasn't that great... never going back there again!

Our Santa Croce site visit with Mauro was actually very interesting. We learned a lot about the architecture of the different columns and different basic designs that were then licensed and changed progressively but all have the same basic foundation. We learned of the few vaulted ceilings/domes that have been named after Brunelleschi and his architectural revelations.



On our return home to the house Sam and I split up. I went with Alex H. to get him a ticket for the soccer game we would see that night. I waited in line for a little with him then went off to find a supermarket and walk back home. I found a Conad near SMN, and bought a 4 euro bottle of red that Sam and I would share.

At home Claudia asked us about dinner, then she ended up packing us a cute little panino picnic because she knew we were going to the soccer game and we would have to leave before Italian dinner time. We left the house around 5 of 7 and headed to meet everyone at Piazza Liberta. Sam and I were the second ones to arrive, but everyone began filling in. I mentioned if everyone had their tickets... good thing I did because Avery had forgotten his and had to run home quickly to get it. We all hung out in the piazza while waiting for Avery to return and the arrival of the others and once we were all there, we started our walking journey to the Stadio. It took around 30 minutes to walk there, and all of us were getting so excited to get there and watch the Inter vs. Fiorentina show down!

The streets outside the stadio were lined with porchetta trucks and shops selling Fiorentina purple knickknacks, shirts and souvenirs. We tried to get into the stadium as fast as we could, and we assumed our seats among all of the fans who had bought the cheap 8 euro free for all seating. All the Fiorentina fans began singing songs and cheering and I tried SO hard to understand what they were saying but couldn't for the life of me figure it out. I attempted to ask a neighboring Italian what they were saying, but he seemed to interested in the game and didn't really wanna figure out what I was asking him. None the less the experience was fantastic. We got to see a well played game of soccer and experience the culture of the stadium and tha crazy Italian soccer fans. Luckily we were not stuck in any riots, and I felt safe at all times (that's for you ma).

At the end of the game we were all a little disappointed Fiorentina had lost, but it was okay. We headed out of the stadium, Avery and I craving salt as we past the porchetta trucks with lines up the house, I snuck and weaved through the line and got us two porchetta sandwiches relatively quickly. They weren't nearly as good and hot and fresh as from the panino truck in Sora, but they were just the perfect end to a really fun day.

Munching on our sandwiches we walked back home toward the outskirts of town, and arrived back home before 12. Pooped from a long eventful day, I feel asleep immediately after my head hit the pillow and slept soundly until my alarm went off this morning.

Had a make up italian class today, so we had 2 hours as opposed to our usual 1 hour class on wednesdays. We got Gusta Panino for lunch again, this time I got Prosciuto, funghi spread, carciofi spread, provolone, melanzane, zucche and rucola... FOR THREE EURO... still blows my mind, and has yet to disappoint. Anna, Sam and I walked to the bridge to find sun and enjoy our sandwiches then we decided we wanted to do a little shopping so we walked toward San Lorenzo and the Mercato Centrale. I bought a real leather cross body bag for 15 and then we went inside the food market where we stood in awe at all the great italian creations. Such a beautiful place, who knew how aesthetically pleasing looking at hanging prosciuttos and balls of cheese could be to me. I loved every second of it and Anna and I planned to eat there for lunch tomorrow.

We returned home, I went on a run, showered, did a little homework and took a nap before dinner. The knock on our door for dinner to be ready brought us with a delicious Pasta Carbonara and some vegetables. Not an 8 course meal, I was thrilled. After dinner Sam went to go do her laundry, I did my homework and Alex H came over so we could write our italian retelling of the 3 little pigs together. We debated on going out, but then decided we would just go out for gelato at Gelateria de Medici and then go to sleep early so we could wake up to photograph sunrise :o) So gotta go to bed so I won't be dead tomorrow!

I'll update on sunday, Friday morning we leave for Venezia, to explore and to attend our professor's gallery opening, so should be a fun filled weekend! A domenica!