Goodbyes & the Flight

Saying goodbyes

I have been waiting for this day for a long time. Ever since high school I have wanted to study abroad. So it began at 8AM. I woke up and got ready and finished packing. Around 9:30AM Mom and Dad took me to the airport. I checked my large suitcase that I had jammed pack full of enough clothes to last me four and a half months. I had weighed my suitcase at home and it weighed 62lbs, meaning I would have to pay $60 since it was over 50lbs. When the lady weighed my bag it came in at 65lbs! But then she said she would check my bag all the way through to Florence for no charge! I was SO glad! Soon enough it was time to say goodbye. I hugged Mom and Dad and was on my way. Flew from Indy to New York (JFK). I thought I had reserved a seat by myself in my own row but turns out I was sitting by this buisnessman. Good thing the flight was only 2 hours. Landed in JFK and then tried to find the Air Train to get to terminal 4. It took like 15 minutes to find the Air Train. Then I got on the first one that came and after it had taken off I realized the train was going the wrong way. So I took a little tour of the JFK airport for about 20 minutes. Finally found terminal 4! 

View of the Swiss Alps from the plane

Checked in with Swiss Air and got my boarding passes. Walked all around the airport trying to find food. Decided on a slice of pizza. Walked around the terminal and people watched for about six hours until my plane was boarding. Went through JFK security and then met up with some of the other Accademia Italiana students at the gate. Flew from JFK to Zurich (ZRH). It took about 8 & 1/2 hours to get there. Swiss Air had the best service ever! Got to Zurich and had a 2 hour layover. Met up with more students from Accademia and then we took off for Florence! The flight from Zurich to Florence was only about 50 minutes. We flew over the Swiss Alps which were covered in snow and so pretty! Landed and went to find our luggage. So glad my luggage made it! Went through customs no problem and met up with the Accademia staff. They transported us by bus to the apartment. The city is so pretty just like in the pictures.

The famous Ponte Vecchio bridge 

Got to the apartment and met two of my roommates Chouree & Kelsey. I unpacked my stuff & then went exploring around Florence for a bit. Went to the Ponte Vecchio bridge... so neat! Met up with other Accademia students and walked to dinner. Ate a delicious five course meal at Trattoria 4 Leoni. I am loving it so far!