As of yesterday, I have been living in Scandicci for a full week, but already I feel as though I have been here for years. Italy feels like home to me in many ways, with the rush of Florence to the brain.

The villa, aka Il Palazzaccio, is a lovely home with a rightfully classic feel. The distance from Scandicci is just isolated enough for concentration, though the hill leading up to the villa is infamous. [Didn't seem so bad the first time, but after so many times in the sun, it's not my fav.] Living with forty[ish] people has been interesting, though not too different from the dormitory, except that this dormitory was built in the 16th century.

A point worth emphasizing is that of classes. This is not just a pleasure cruise—this is, regretably, a campus. Classes are just as real in Italy as in the States, unfortunately. My 16 hours are keeping me running, literally and figuratively, though I try to find the time to savor the culture over the scholastics.

Florence is by far one of my favorite “big cities.” I am usually repulsed by an overabundance of touristiness, but I have not been bothered too much. I believe Florence is so antiquated and rich, it has become impervious to some of the modern annoyances. Not entirely, but a grand place to be.

My Italian visit has so far been contained to Florence and Scandicci, but I would be happy if it were nothing more. Rome, Cinque Terre, and free travel are on the horizon—more reports imminent.