Birthdays and Bikes

Hello from Florence.  It has been a slightly odd week for the city with the UCI World Cycling Championships taking place.

Interesting language as always in the local newspapers.

There were various predictions of doom and gloom in advance of the event, transport chaos, lack of emergency services and so on, similar in some ways to all the pre event talk of the London 2012 Olympics.  Yet, many residents are asking what all the fuss was about.  Journeys to work have been easier and the city feels a much more pleasant place to live simply because they have got rid of much of the traffic, particularly the motorini...

Anyway, Monday came around with a chorus of Happy Birthday for Florence Program Co-ordinator Sophie Monkman.

Birthday girl Sophie Monkman chats with the Pasadena City College students at the weekly meeting.

All of the Pasadena students are well, some of them made the most of the weather and ventured to Forte dei Marmi for the day on Saturday to take in an Italian beach experience.  The Art class were busy on Tuesday getting to grips with the Easels, Prof. Rigon keeping a close eye on their technique.

Prof. Rigon gets the group started using Easels.

On Tuesday evening, Marta took the group on a passeggiata to the Southern area of the city, in the Oltrano.  They admired the view from San Miniato al Monte and Piazzale Michelangelo before descending and enjoying a tradition aperitivo.  A very pleasant Italian tradition, "opening your stomach" for the evening ahead.

Caleb, Martin, Austin, Brittany, Caroline and Fernando from Pasadena City College

A chance to relax and reflect upon the first week in Italy.

Of course, while classes were taking place, including a visit to the Bargello for the Art History class, bicylce races were taking place meters from the AIFS Partnership office. The Mens Elite Time Trial passed by on Wednesday.

USA rider Andrew Talansky passes by the AIFS Partnerships office.

2012 Tour de France winner and Olympic Gold Medal winner, Sir Bradley Wiggins passes by the office on his way to second place behind Tony Martin of Germany.

Further races are taking place today, with the main event on Sunday, the Elite Mens race with 208 riders from all over the world taking part.  The entry list is here.

Also this week we have organised some language exchanges between our students and local people.  We've been out and about putting up flyers in local Universities asking for volunteers.  Our students have been keen so far, so we're trying our best to fix them up with a language partner.

Some of the students have decided to head up to Cinque Terre this weekend, once again making the most of the weather before October is upon us.

We also have a small group from Oregon arriving on Saturday, so we're looking forward to welcoming them.  Have a good weekend and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email us - florence@aifs.co.uk.