Gli italiani sono pazzi per calcio

Last night, Accent hosted an aperitivo mixer for us and students from KU studying here in Florence. It was at Zoe, a swanky establishment in the oltrarno (south side of the Arno). They served Asian dishes, which was a nice shift from bread and pasta. Many places here do aperitivo. Essentially, once you've purchased a beverage, the buffet is free reign. You can have seconds, thirds, or even fourths as long as you bought that first drink (usually runs about 8 euro/drink since it includes food). So it is great for college students on a budget!

Afterward, we ventured to Kikuya, which has become our go-to hot spot. Unbeknownst to us, Fiorentina was playing Milano away, so every Italian went to pubs to watch il gioco di calcio. It was so fun! The whole pub was fixated on the television and so enthusiastic about every movement. I used to think soccer was somewhat of a slow sport, but last night definitely changed that!

My weekend has started...We are taking a day trip to Siena tomorrow with Accent and the KU students. Then, Saturday we are taking a day trip to Venice for the world famous Carnivale celebration! We are not staying the night because it is quite expensive right now to get even a hostel anywhere near the citta centro. So the there-and-back bus ride will have to do. I cannot wait to get a genuine Venetian mask and take my first gondola ride!

Until then, though, I have to pass the time somehow. I purchased the Amici degli Uffizi (Friends of the Uffizi) pass last week. It was 40 euro and gives you unlimited access to every state-operated museum in Florence. There are at least 15 museums, gardens, and attractions on the list (including the Boboli Gardens, the Uffizi Gallery, and L'Accademmia). So perhaps I will find a museum to explore. It is damp and chilly, so indoors would be best!