Counting to 21!

It was crowded and I was trying to find someone I had never met before. I was weaving in between clusters of Italians in tuxedos and Gucci gowns, asking for information of this mystery person, but no one could speak English. With sudden realization I remembered that I needed to meet another person on the balcony. As I began racing up the stairs, I abruptly awoke to the sound of Hilliarys voice....far too disoriented to function. We had 20 minutes until we needed to be on the steps of the Duomo to meet Larry and his wife.

Surprisingly we arrived at 8:55, five minutes early. Unfortunately Larry had told us to meet him at 10. Not 9. We reasoned however, that being an hour early was in fact better than being on time and proceeded to stay upbeat about our promptness.

Lar, his wife and Sarah Noles (sp?), a recent grad from TCU who now lives in Florence, took us up to Fiesole. Oh ps- Sarah was a French minor, who chose Italy over France. what what! Anyway, Fiesole is this beautiful little town in the hills above Florence. Although it was much bigger and prestigious than Florence 400 years ago, this little town is now a peaceful rejuvenation from the madness of the city. Lar took us into an outside “museum” so to speak, that boasted incredible views of little countryside towns (note: one of which Salvatore Ferraegamo designs and creates his shoes) as well as some ancient bathes and a theater hall. Contrasted against the historical architecture was a vivid contemporary sculpture that added an interesting element to the scene.

After some photo musings, we climbed an oh-so steep cobblestone road to the most outrageous view of Florence. Lar told us about the history of some of the buildings and encouraged us to donate a villa to TCU when we start making our fortunes.

After Lar bid adieu, the 7 of us roamed around to grab lunch. Star-struck by fresh produce, Maria and I each ate a ridiculous ripe tomato and shared a box of wild strawberry. No words. After Fiesole, some of us went to one of the super tiny grocery stores to get some food for our apartments. It was only after walking out with 2-3 huge bags each, that we realize the difference in market culture. Unlike most of the US, where grocery stores are a good 5 minute drive, Florentines have at least 2 in a 5 minute walking distance. So whereas Americans stock up as if preparing for hibernation, Italians buy food when they need new ingredients for a meal. I also believe this to be the reason Italians are so skinny: no opportunity to snack.

Embodying the typical fat American, we dragged our heavy bags home and now have a delectable fridge of cheeses, fruits, wine, and prosciutto. :)

My birthday extravaganza was perhaps the best birthday experience I have had to date. Let me begin with a delicious dinner courtesy of Mary and Harry (not Larry). Not only was this dinner accompanied with wine (Harry scoffed at the notion that TCU should restrict us from the drink of Italy’s culture), it also came complete with a pink birthday candle in tiramisu. A gesture I found very heartwarming. A great way to start off the evening.

Proceeding our quaint dinner was as follows:

1)free shots at Obio

2)wine and convo at Claire, Cam, Katie, and Allison’s flat

3)more free shots at Obio

4)TAKEN scare (see bottom for details)

5)long lost walk to Glass, in which it was determined that everyone knew everyone that everyone knew. shocking.

6)finally found Eddy along with his 2 friends

7)recieved orange VIP bracelets

8)on our entrance, met group who had another birthday girl. told them to find us and I’d get them into VIP

9)walk through trashy, sweaty dance floor to the front of the crowd

10)flash bracelets, walk up stairs to VIP dance stage, overlooking crows

11)walk up a couple more stairs to glass doors into VIP section

12)bottle service

13)HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY JENNA flashes on the flat screens around the club

14)my birthday is announced from DJ

15)dance on tiny platform next to DJ’s

16)Meet Miracle, another promoter...become quite close

17)champagne toast

18)See the group of girls I met earlier, find out I in fact cannot invite them into VIP

19)name still flashing on screen.

20)lots and lots of dancing

21)Alison spends over 350$ (250 euro) on Grey Goose

22) fall alseep at home in my club clothes.

BEST BIRTHDAY EVER.