First Day and Jet Lag

I am now in Firenze after a long trip that started in Chicago, took me to London and Rome, and finally here. 

The view from our hostel, the Luna Rosa the first night.

This is definitely a gorgeous city and my mind is having trouble comprehending it all with a combo of jet lag, culture shock, and general confusion.  The important part is that we made it here without any big hitches, lost no luggage, no one was pick pocketed (after hundreds of warnings), and the weather is gorgeous.  It's about time for bed now.  We check into SACI in the morning and are assigned our apartments in the morning. 

Ciao!

Packing and Preparation

It is three days or so until I head out of the country and fly to Italy.  The time has come to pack and figure out what I need to bring to Europe.  I suppose the last thing most want to read about is a list of junk I am bringing overseas, but that is what I will be doing regardless.  Plus, I need to write out everything I am bringing in order to organize.

Stuff I Am Bringing to Europe
-MacBook (to keep this up to date and upload pictures)
-Selmer Series III Soprano Saxophone
-Sony A290 DSLR Camera (this was my little treat for myself before leaving)
-Notebooks/Pens/Papers and other junk I need since I am actually taking some classes
Kindle, Wi-Fi, Graphite, 6" Display with New E Ink Pearl Technology - includes Special Offers & Sponsored Screensavers (this is a must)
-Assorted clothing (I am thinking a few pairs of jeans, shorts, t-shirts, concert blacks, etc...)
-A couple pairs of shoes including some new TOMs and some Adidas kicks

Things I'm NOT Bringing to Europe
-Cell phone
-Sonicare toothbrush
-Fruits and vegetables...since customs would most likely tackle me then give me a cavity search
-The Chicago Manual of Style: 16th Edition (seriously, that's the last thing I want to think about)
-My Xbox 360
-A fake mustache
-A murse (man purse)
-Amy :(

Check back later and I will upload some photos of the packing process.  It should be messy.