Firenze Part I.

Here's a quick story about the adventure Russell and I ventured on when getting to Florence.  First of all, we took a train from Rome to Florence.  Once we arrived in Florence we realized there was no address on our hotel reservation.. and no internet or phonebook at the train station!  So after looking at each other with an "ooohh shiiit" look on our faces, we took action.  Russell, being the mule, carried our bags around while I ran around searching for internet.  Across the street from the train station I found a McDonald's.  I ran in there and found a man with an iPhone, so he was able to look up the address to our hotel.  Russell and I had a cooking class in an hour, so we needed to hurry. We figured taking a taxi would be the most efficient way. Buuutt, of course, there was a taxi strike ha.  After running around the train station for awhile, we got on the correct bus we needed.  THEN we got off the bus two stops too early :)  At this point I became extremely stressed.. I looked back at Russell-- he was smiling and shrugged his shoulders.. and said  "Well!"  He was cool as a cucumber.  After telling him he had the worst idea in the world (regarding what we should do next), I broke out in laughter.  He was completely composed and going with the flow.  Finally, we arrived at our hotel-- which was in an extremely small, unmarked alley.  On the entrance of the hotel was a note, "Sorry, we're out.. call the mobile!"  I would like to add that we did not have a cell phone ha.  Luckily we found a woman that lived near by and asked her to use her phone.

After we finally got into our hotel I looked at Russell and said "Russ.. I need an adult beverage, something to eat, an espresso, and somewhere to sit."  "Jesus Bailey, anything else?"  "Yeah, I also need a cigarette."  Once I realized how ridiculous I sounded we both broke out in laughter and were ready to take on Florence.  After all, not much more can go wrong after that.  

Ohh international travel.  Always dealing with the unexpected!  I love it.

Anyways, Russell and I took a cooking class the first night we got to Florence.  It was a blast!  Here are some photos--

Our chef and a French woman cutting the homemade pasta.

Cowboy cookin'.

This is Ragu' alla Bolognese.  

Pollo all' Aretina.

Dolce al Cioccolato.  HEAVENLY.

While cooking I kept looking at the Italians and making big hand gestures.. saying Perfecto!  They immediately knew I was American :)

After cooking, all of us students sat down with a bottle of Tuscan Chianti, along with our delicious meal we prepared, and talked about our traveling experiences.  It was such a lovely time.  I will remember it forever.