414 steps.

So, I'm still a day behind but yesterday (Saturday) was another gorgeous day. I'm sorry to hear of all the horrible weather that you all are having and hope that you all get your power back soon but I knew there was a reason I came here and there's a reason why I need to live somewhere warm. When the sun is shining, people are happy. The sun with all its Vitamin D powers is such a mood lifter, it just makes you so much happier and you notice it around you too because everyone is out and about and you can hear a sense of cheer in the air. People are just sitting outside and enjoying the warmth of the sun and the gelato shops are busier than ever. We went to Ganzo for brunch (the best brunch ever!) We had salmon, eggs, warm rolls, eggplant, and fresh fruit. I honestly do not know what we do without our Ganzo vouchers. I feel very spoiled and I know that when I go back to Endicott I will be very disappointed in their brunches compared to the buffet that we have here.

We took advantage of the beautiful weather and climbed to the top of the Campanile which is 276 feet high and there are 414 steps to the stop with no elevator lift. The Campanile is the cathedral bell tower in all of my pictures of the Duomo. We climbed to the top, all 414 stairs. In the beginning we started off really fast and by the time we reached the first level we were already huffing and puffing so we slowed down a bit so we could make it to the top. (Not recommended for people with heart problems). Even though I was a bit out of breath, it made me that much more grateful of the healthy heart and lungs that I have and was able to make it to the top to enjoy the incredible views of the city. I know that I have seen a lot of view points but this was probably one of my favorite vantage points because you could see the rooftops of buildings and a closer view point of familiar buildings because we were not looking from afar but we were right in the middle of the city so we were able to see everything from a different perspective. I plan on going to the top of the Duomo sometime this week.

Moments like that when I was at the top of the tower, I sometimes have to pinch myself because I forget where I am and that I am actually in Italy and have been here for four weeks. People often tell me that the one thing they regret is not studying abroad when they were in school. It truly is an experience and something that everyone should do. I know that not everyone is cut out for studying in a foreign country and I'll admit I was a bit hesitant before I made the final decision to come but I am so glad I did and I'm glad I did it during my sophomore year because if I want to go abroad again (which I am thinking about) then I have the opportunity to. The language barrier and currency exchange rate are a bit discouraging but I'm managing to get by.
I promise as soon as Facebook cooperates, more pictures will be posted.