If you read my last article, you would see all of the things that I learned in my first 7 days in Florence. I've been here for three weeks and it feels like I lifetime since I left South Carolina. I've started classes and stuff now obviously but the observations never stop. Here are 7 more things that I have learned while I've been here.

1. ITALIANS LOVE LITTLE RAT DOGS

It's a rarity that you see a majestic golden retriever walking down the street but let me tell you, I can't even count how many little rat dogs I see on a daily basis. By rat dog I mean any dog that looks small enough to be blown away in the wind AND/OR has legs that resemble chicken wings. I've inserted a picture above for reference.

2. No one will move for you on the sidewalk

Nobody thinks to move out of the way so if you're on a busy street you pretty much play a game of chicken trying to figure out who's going to move otherwise there will be a collision.

3. The Netflix is BANGIN'

I know in my previous post I was upset about losing my go-to shows but turns out they have about every movie I've ever enjoyed (including She's the Man, 500 Days of Summer, We Are The Millers, etc.) on here as well as some great Italian shows that I would never have seen if I was in the U.S.

4. IT RAINS ALL THE TIME

When I was researching places to study abroad, I was really looking forward to spending springtime in Tuscany. Sounds lovely right? Well, instead of the sun, it's constant rain and cloud cover (not to mention freezing temperatures). The sun came out yesterday when I walked to class and I literally stopped in the middle of the Piazza Republicca and just absorbed it for a second.

5. EVERYONE SMOKES ALL THE TIME, EVERYWHERE

When you're walking down the street, don't be surprised when someone blows a puff of their cigarette right in your general direction. This is the reason I have to wash my hair every day when I get back from class!

6. FRESH PASTA CANNOT BE COMPARED TO THE KIND THAT COMES IN A BOX

I can't stress this enough. My life is complete. Will I still eat boxed pasta three times a week when I get home? Most likely. But for right now I'm #thriving. The above photo is the best pasta I've ever had in my entire life.

7. There is so much more to see than just the Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery!

Sure those things are incredible, but there are so many cool things to see in Florence that I had never heard about until I got here. I went to Boboli Gardens this weekend and it was amazing, I never knew it existed until I arrived. Also, all museums are free on the first Sunday of the month so catch me there!

Every week I'm learning more and more! I'll probably post another one of these soon- before you know it, I learn all that there is to know about our cultural difference and become a true Italian.