Scavenger Hunt and Religious Center

Today started off with a bus strike, so we got a ride in one of the HUF vans to the tram stop. Apparently they strike quite often in Europe, so that's inconvenient. The scavenger hunt was very fun and very easy. My group had to go from Santa Maria Novella to Santo Spirito. There were three churches we got to see and tour and a plaza and random side of a building that used to be a palace. We ate our sack lunches on the steps of a beautiful church, we have no idea which one - it wasn't on our list and there weren't signs. We ran into Antonio Acunto in the piggy market! Also we ran into some of the Jersey Shore people today near the San Lorenzo market, I'm just hoping that they don't make Italians think all Americans are that way, but who knows? Then we shopped in the markets and some stores. I got some souvenirs! Be excited :) I hope people will like what I bring back, but I'm weird so who knows? Lol. Also then after lunch and all our shopping and scavenger hunting, we met back up at the "Gates of Paradise" on the Duomo. Then we had our first onsite class where we got to tour the baptistry and inside the cathedral and then the museum of the Duomo. It was very informative, but it was a lot to pack into one day. My knee has definitely not been this tired since my junior year of high school when I was playing club and doing off season for school at the same time. I'll probably end up tearing my ACL more, but oh well. Then we ate at the club house which was ok. We had bbq chicken wings as appetizers and then pulled pork sandwiches and fries for dinner. I think I'm more of a fan of pasta, but that's ok. I'm sure I'll get some of that tomorrow. Also I actually did some homework today for the first time this semester - I looked up the answers to study the info for a quiz we'll have tomorrow in humanities 273. Also I've read a chapter in my Bible text and have answered most the questions - I think I have 2 more.

Also we randomly happened to be right on the bridge over the river Arno when there was a parade/celebration going on. It was some kind of holiday. There were drummers and girls in white that threw flower petals into the air and water. There were also very funny looking outfits with feathered hats on a few guys. It was really cool.

Tomorrow morning we have the hiking/trail-cleaning project with the young Italians. Hopefully my knee will be calmed down by then. Also I'm hoping the weather calms down and isn't so insanely hot! Then we have a cookout with them and then we have classes here at the villa. I'm pretty sure I have vb class tomorrow...that should be interesting if my knee is still like it is. Oh well, hopefully everything gets better and stays awesome!

PS - If there's something specific that anyone legit-ly wants from over here, let me know and I'll see what I can do :)