Tu Vuò Fa' L'Americano

Ciao i miei amici! We are in Italy. Florence (Tuscany) to be exact. Made famous by many things: Botticelli's Venus, birthplace of Leonardo Da Vinci, El Duomo, extra virgin olive oil, Michelangelo's Statue of David and now apparently lots of souvenirs with poor Davey's  genitals. Leave it up to the 21 century to be a total 6th grader about such a respectable piece of art. So let me know if you'd like a pornographic apron or some totally awkward boxer shorts...mmm-k.

Then there is the food. OH the food! Any calories i saved passing on the paella in Spain, i've made up for by eating my weight in thin crust pizza, gelato and croissants dipped in nutella. Without the constant walking i would be doomed!

Then there is the obligatory Pisa shot where you hold it up like you are gonna fix it to be cute and silly, and even if you don't want to conform you know just standing in front of it the picture is too dumb so you do it anyway. And then you do one where you hold it up with your tounge ...and then your head just so you feel a little more original (you're still not) and then you get squeezed out of the way by a group of old Asian ladies.

All the vendors here want your attention too (of course) But instead of gimmicks they rely on romantic flattery. "Ciao Bella" they'll say. But then when you don't buy their 15 euro mini camera tripod you are not only not beautiful but you should also go "eff yourself". Very short relationships these Italians ;)

(my little brother won best "italian plank"

He actually walked up the wall like that!)

Really though, a lot of Italians are pleasant, emotional, but pleasant. And to be fair, the tourists here are like rats. I even saw one walk obliviously right out in front of a local guy riding his bike which cause him to flip forward onto the street. poor guy. dumb tourist. 

So far hasn't been uncommon to see local strangers arguing on the street (big exaggerated arms included) and then so many others kissing cheeks and holding hands with their old mothers. Many speak very good english...and also pop their collars (I don't think its as douchy here as it is in the US)

Basically Italy is exactly as you imagine it would be. Everything is picturesque! Boyfriends ride their girlfriends sidesaddle on the cross bar of their bicycles, sounds of old men playing accordians in the streets, young men arm in arm chanting Italian "fight songs" holding their team flag on their way to a Calcho Historico (a hybrid game of ultimate fighting and soccer. yikes) held in the city center. Plus today I saw a MIME! It doesn't get more cliche than that. Except maybe in France...we'll see.

p.s. my orange boots have turned out to be the only shoes i packed that my feet aren't vehemently rejecting so please excuse the fact that i wear them and a fanny pack (it's SO practical!) in every picture.

team Boo ♥'s you