How lucky am I?!

Even though it felt like I would never get here, I am currently sitting in my room at the Santa Chiara Center. Wow.

Our first flight to Newark, New Jersey was delayed due to a snow storm there. There were rumors that our flight was going to be delayed four hours meaning that we would miss the only flight to Rome for the day. Thankfully we were not delayed that long, and our flight to Rome was delayed a bit as well. We landed in New Jersey and had to run to our next flight. Unfortunately the last 30 minutes of our flight was filled with turbulence and a shaky landing where I thought we were going to crash into the airport, so I was feeling a bit air sick. I thought for sure I would throw up during the take off. I guess that is the only reason why I wasn't terribly upset that we had to wait over an hour to get out of the gate and then another hour to de-ice. The first part of the flight was filled with turbulence, including when we were trying to eat. It probably wasn't a big deal to most people, but since I had only been on an airplane once before I was a little terrified. I kept looking around to see if anyone else was scared while trying to hide my own fear.

Pulling into Castiglion Fiortentino was seriously so exciting after all the traveling. As we were driving through the town I kept thinking to myself "how lucky am I to get to live in this town for a whole semester?" It is straight out of movie and all I want to do is explore the town. My room is all set up and my roommates are Tyne and Courtney. They are so much fun and we’ve already bonded a bit. I was so scared to come here without really knowing anyone but they have made it so easy. THANKS GIRLS! The view from my room is so incredible. As soon as I can upload pictures I will!

The food is so great here! Tommy- I promise pictures will be coming soon. I can’t upload pictures on here anyway, so it’ll be difficult. Also, the internet connection is really rough. I get kicked off a lot, so if you try to facebook chat or skype me, I’m not trying to ignore you!

This is just a quick update, and I will do a more detailed one with pictures on Sunday. I think Tyne and I are going to go find a place with a reliable internet source.  I just wanted to let the people that read this know that I made it!

-Also, please please please don’t text me. I get charged for every text I get and send, so Facebook will have to work when I can get on. Thanks guys!

Until Sunday! (hopefully)

Am I really leaving in 2 days?!

Well, I have decided to write a blog to update anyone who wants to read about my life in Italy this semester. It is mainly going to be used to take pictures of food for Tommy and the Italian men for all of my girl friends..;)

I honestly cannot believe that I have packed up everything and am leaving so soon. I still don't feel like I am going and probably won't until I get there. I am so nervous and so excited.. so I sang a song called "Nervous but Excited" -shout out to Camp Taylor!

This last weekend I went to College Station for the last time. I spent it seeing people that I wanted to see before I leave. It was kind of overwhelming trying to fit it all in such a short amount of time and I'm sorry to those I couldn't see! Thankfully though, I have an incredible boyfriend, Tommy, and incredible friends Amanda and Ross who planned a surprise going away/ 12th birthday party for me! I honestly was 100% surprised! Thanks also to Channing and Drew for that! They even got some UT friends to come into town! It really was so sweet and I absolutely loved it. Thank you to everyone who came! All of you guys are so special and you make leaving for a semester hard to do!

In case  you've ever wondered what my reaction is when I'm surprised :

Apparently I can't tell when my hair is in my eye and turn red..


A few more from the night-

That's all for now. Hopefully I will get this all figured out soon!