So, I had to extend my stay in Firenze last week because my research was not going well and I needed a couple extra days. Unbeknownst to me, the two extra days I needed were the exact same as some Pitti fashion show, so all of the hotels were booked. The only thing I could find was a student housing arrangement where four rooms shared one bathroom with NO SHOWER CURTAIN! Plus, there was a big sign that said guests were obligated to keep the floor dry at all times... next to a mop in a bucket. Excuse me!? So, you can only imagine the primitive bathing experience, one hunkered over in a tub with the hose, afraid to touch anything because 12 other people share this bathroom - so who knows how filthy it is, not wanting to douse the floor with water, but taking a bath was out of the question. One morning I woke up and had to go, but the bathroom was occupied straight for over an hour. Ouch! It was disusting for other reasons I won't describe here. Then, if for one moment you think that I live glamorously, dismiss that thought and picture me, walking to the train station with extremely heavy luggage (because taxis in Italy are too expensive... for us students at 35 years old), including the rented laptop from the university, that keeps toppling off my rolly suitcase whenever I should strike a cobblestone at the wrong angle (every 10 seconds or so). I also have posters in tow, a purse, and a backpack, so the going is slow and tedious. AAARRRGGGHHHHH!!! When am I going to be a dignified dentist's wife and I can afford taxis and reasonable accommodations!!!??? That day is not today, my friends. I can only hope that I have given you a litle laugh at my own expense.
