EPIPHANY

January 6th, also known as Epiphany, is a celebrated holiday here in Italy. Many shops and restaurants are closed for the celebration during the day time. But a lot of places remained open in Florence, especially on Ponte Vecchio and around the down town area.

RENAISSANCE EPIPHANY FESTIVAL

For the holiday, a parade is organized by the city of Florence and its surrounding regions. Each region is represented by its regional colors and regional flag bearing its coat of arms. All of the parade actors are dressed in Renaissance style costumes. You're surrounded by Kings and Queens, jesters, ladies in waiting, drumers, flag bearers, knights, peasants, horses, hawks, and oxen etc. It was an exciting afternoon time travel into the Medieval.

THE KING & QUEEN

For more information on the Florentine Epiphany, CLICK HERE

AT DINNER

Last night we went out to dinner with a group of students. It's awesome getting to know everyone. Today Kalea and I went out shopping with our new friends; my roommate Amanda and my friend Caroline. We shopped down the streets at the small vendors and made plans to take a train to Venice for the upcoming Carnivale celebration. We got gelato at a small store a few blocks away from the Duomo.. delicioso! One of the small jewelry stands gave the four of us friendship bracelets. I love the two of them already and I hardly know them!

SUITE-MATES:

KALEA, JARED, AMANDA & DAVE

I've spent alot of time getting to know some of the people here in my pensione. I already feel at home but I miss everyone! I can't wait for my Mom and little sister to come visit in March. I leave for Rome tomorrow (Opening Tour for my Gonzaga-in-Florence program) so I probably wont have time to write for the next couple of days, don't miss me too much while Im gone