Well, it's been one week and one day since I arrived in the beautiful city of Florence. I have to say, it seems like so much longer, but I suspect that may be because after all the hustle and bustle of London, I am suddenly on 'holiday time'. The days seem to go so much slower here! I'm not complaining though. I have managed to settle in relatively easily and things that I had thought may be a big headache, like getting an internet connection, have, in fact, (contrary to previous experiences in Italy) been hassle-free.
My apartment (not really big enough to be called anything other than a small studio) is cute and although when I arrived it was pretty grotty, I spent the weekend cleaning and generally making it home and now I love it. I did have to spend the first night and next day without any gas or hot water though, because although the agency said everything was turned on, it turned out to be a big fat Italian lie! I spent hours trying to find where I should be turning knobs and switches (there are so many), and eventually by a process of elimination managed to connect both (although I must admit to being a little scared of the gas). So, all was well and, except for the electricity's strange (and annoying) quirk of cutting out every time the washing machine goes on spin cycle or I turn my hair-dryer on 'high', it is a great little place. It is in an amazing spot only about a 10 minute walk to the epicentre of Florence - the Duomo. Apparently my landlord lives right across the hall from me but I haven't yet met him as he has been away on his own holiday; but I am sure I will meet him when the rent comes up to being due.
Every day I am discovering new ways of getting around and slowly the city's geography is beginning to sink in. In the mornings I get up early and go out for an hour-long walk. Each day I am taking a different direction and just walking to wherever it takes me. It is a fantastic way of working out where I am in relation to everything and I am finding all the highlights of the city by accident rather than by design. I have purposely not bought a map because I want to work it all out as I go - which may or may not be a smart idea, but that's what I'm doing!
Amazingly, for me, I haven't taken one single photo yet. I think I am a little put off by the amount of tourists still here snapping away as if their lives depend on it. Still, tomorrow all that will change and I intend going on a little early-morning photographic expedition; so watch this space!
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