Buon giorno!!

I have arrived! Not quite sure where to start, the past couple days are a blur. It is currently 1:40 PM Italy time, which means 7:40 AM America time. Weird.

After flights, layovers, more flights and a long bus ride, we ended up traveling for almos t a full 24 hours. We arrived in Montepulciano around dinner time last night (Italy time). Dinner was provided at a local restaurant that I cannot pronounce the name of. I made the mistake of filling up on the first course, not realizing there were 2 more coming. We were all so tired we all passed out right after dinner.

The weather is cold and rainy, good thing I packed a million skirts and sundresses. But the views are amazing. It is such a quaint little town, it doesn't even seem like it's a real place. One it stops raining I'll take some pictures and post them. You are are just going to die when you see it here. Especially you, Mom.

I haven't gotten a chance to get one of the local cell phones, I'll try to get one next week. Just a trip to the market was enough for one day. The lady at the register was not too fond of my lack of Italian speaking skills. She kept asking me something in Italian and all I could do was stare blankly at her and say "I have no idea what you are saying". Over and over. Holding of the line. I will have to avoid her register next time around.

I also have no idea about anything I bought. Is it detergent? Is it softener? Is this milk or half and half? I guess we'll find out.

Our team leader Professor Keene took us on a tour this morning and is about to take us to the train station to show us how to buy tickets, etc. He is pretty great and has been here a few times. Plus he totally looks like Gandalf from Lord of the Rings.

I'm living with 4 other girls, all using one bathroom. And we haven't quite grasped how the hot water heater works. So for now, cold showers for everyone. I don't really know how to explain our apartment. It has very dated furniture and smells like the lake house in Montgomery. We have a balcony that overlooks a 'courtyard' which is really just the backs of the other apartments. It has a very Italian feel. Cold and smooth red brick floors. Once again Mom, you would love it. I'll post pictures of the place as soon as I can. Probably in a week or so.

The wine is super cheap and super wonderful here! I still don't feel quite adjusted, and I'm very out of my element. But I'm thinking in a week or so I'll feel more adjusted. I'll be updating every chance I get, but there are only 2 spots in town with wi-fi. Both of those 2 places are closed now so a bunch of us are sitting on the steps surrounding the building trying to pick up remnants of a signal. Such a sight.

Ok everyone thanks for reading and stay posted for more! This is only the first day we've been here so I'm sure I will have much more to tell over the next few weeks.

Love you all!