The plane ride from LAX went as smooth as possible. I definitely recommend Swiss United Airlines for anyone traveling to Europe.
Each passenger had their own television located on the back of the headrest located directly in front of them upon which they could watch their choice of a number of movies, challenge another passenger to game of battleship, or view one of two cameras attached to the body of the plane!
It was a ten-hour flight to Zurich where we caught the second half of half of the Germany v. Spain World cup game during our layover. Two hours later, my suitemates and I were fearing for our lives in the back of a taxicab on the way to our flat at 43 Via San Niccolo, (Saint Nicholas) in Florence.
Our apartment is a three-bedroom abode nestled on the third floor of a 500 year-old building. I have one roommate, and four additional suitemates who share the common living room and kitchen. 
Our historical home is the closest to school but nearly a 15-minute walk to the other apartments! Every day, we cross the ancient Arno River, over the Ponte Grazie, and into the heart of Florence, the eternal city.
On average, it has been 92 degrees with 59 percent humidity and as charming as our home is, it lacks air conditioning. On average, we are taking four showers a day just to bear the weather!
For the 4th of July the majority of the group converged at a bar that was hosting a celebration for the American holiday and which was situated in the famous Piazza del Duomo. It was a great icebreaker for everyone to get to know one another.
Tuesday afternoon we visited the spectacular town of Pisa, including the leaning bell-tower and accompanying cathedral and Baptista.
The leaning tower is a magnificent sight and absolutely takes your breath away. The cathedral is just as fascinating although not as boisterous. While the 13th Century bell tower leans a whopping 12.8 feet from where it would stand if it was coreectly vertical. The neighboring cathedral is coolly undertoned. A close look at the exterior reveals recycled stones that were plucked from the Roman ruins that once stood in nearly the same location.
Later in the afternoon we took a charted bus to the medieval town of Lucca where we rented bicycles to ride.
This was by far my most favorite moment yet! The overcast weather provided a bit of relief from the suffocating humidity. 
We rode our bikes atop the ancient walls that surround the city and were originally built to provide protection.
Provenienti da italia, con amore, Katie
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