The Last First Day of School

Everyone has posted their "last first day of school" statuses on Facebook (including me), and it got me thinking.  I graduate in about 4 months.  I've cast some lines out to companies I want to work for, and I have interviews coming up in 2 months.  Life is about to get real.

Just a few cover letters

While job hunting is a stressful and scary process, I am simultaneously making an effort to enjoy my last semester at Baylor.  There is so much to look forward to this semester, and I know it is going to fly.

I think it is only appropriate that I give my thoughts on the upcoming semester after two weeks.

Let's talk about these classes.  Taking 13 hours should be a breeze, right?  Well, I thought it would be.  It might as well be 18 hours with the demands of some of these classes....aka Advanced Reporting and Writing.

I'm just going to shoot straight--this class is scary.  I've never been more intimidated of a class in my life.  The workload and orientation to the news room was overwhelming.  Two stories, four-six interviews and 50 plus pages of reading are all mandatory for each week.  My professor said, "Treat this class like a job."  

I stumbled.  My schedule is filled with sorority meetings, SING practice every night, other classes besides this one, life and soon, my internship starts up again.  Ahh!  It was hard to fit everything in and get everything done.  Basically, I don't stop.  I go from 8 a.m. to midnight on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 9:00 a.m. to midnight on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays.  

FIRST PUBLISHED ARTICLE OF THE SEMESTER

It's been a learning experience and will continue to be until I get the hang of this.  

My other classes are Beginning Golf, Nineteenth Century Literature, Creative Writing and Media Design.

Let's start with Golf.  Ha, if you know me well, I bet you're wondering why I'm taking that.  I normally take a dance Human Performance class, but I wanted to be spontaneous.  (Plus, jazz didn't fit in with my schedule.)  We start putting on Monday.  I'll let you know how that goes.

Literature and Creative Writing are my last two classes I need to complete my English minor.  Well, you know how I feel about Literature classes, so not much to say there except lots of reading and analysis.  Creative Writing isn't too bad.  I can't remember the last time I wrote a piece of fiction, but I will be writing plenty of it now.  Approximately 60 pages to be exact.  

I bet you can guess my favorite class...Media Design!  Look out.  I've got some new business cards on the way!  I love learning more about InDesign and improving my graphic design skills (even if it's at 8 a.m.)

In other news, I survived recruitment 2013!  Being a Gamma Chi was such a blessing!  I loved every minute of it, and it was awesome to experience a completely different side of recruitment.  (Fun fact:  I don't wear my glasses a lot, but I do sometimes when I'm tired or have a long day ahead. I wore my glasses almost every day and became known as "the Gamma Chi with the glasses." Too funny.)  

I'm looking so official at 7 a.m. with the name tag, fleece and mandatory watch.

My chapter embraced me with welcoming arms on Bid Day.  It was like my own Bid Day all over again!  I'm really excited to be involved as an affiliated member this semester.

Bid Day with some of the best

New Alpha class

Our diamond family

I'm thankful for many things in life because God has truly blessed me.  These past two weeks have shown me what friendship, grace and peace that surpasses all understanding look and feel like.  Although, I'm still adjusting to the challenges of this semester, I am confident that God will take me by the hand every moment and show me the sunshine at the end of each day.  I will celebrate every day for what it is and live this semester as if it's my last.  Because it is.    

Brooke Bailey Photography

Brooke Bailey Photography officially opened for business December 4, 2012!  After taking several photography classes over the years, working as a staff photographer at Camp Ozark and interning with a top local photographer in Waco, I am taking clients.  During my last semester at Baylor, I will be specializing in senior sessions.  

I feel so blessed that I am realizing this dream.  All of my learning and photography experiences in the past years have culminated into this moment.

This past month has been amazing, and I am looking forward to all of the great photo sessions this semester.  I am proud of this business and cannot wait to see where it takes me in the coming years.

Let's take some pictures.

www.brookebaileyphotography.com

https://twitter.com/BBPhotography_

https://www.facebook.com/BrookeBaileyPhotography

Email me:  brookebaileyphoto@gmail.com

Snapshots of Snow and City Hall: Christmas Break 2013

Christmas break was a success.  I spent four long weeks in Little Rock with my family enjoying good food and quality time.

The first week got off to a rocky start, though because half of my family got sick.  Consequently, my sister and I were quarantined to our house and couldn't visit our grandparents or uncle.  Although that was a bummer, I accomplished a lot of work on my photography business.

Christmas rush came the following week, which is always one of my favorite times of year.  I love watching Christmas movies, wrapping gifts, cooking delicious treats and going to a candlelight Christmas Eve service.

Can you believe it?  Little Rock had a white Christmas!  Not freezing rain or messy sleet...heavy-duty, thick snow.  It was truly a winter wonderland outside.  Unfortunately, this winter storm resulted in long power outages and treacherous streets.  As you can imagine, the cabin fever started to mask the beauty of the snow after about 24 hours.

New Year's was incredible, too.  My family and I attended the swearing in of my granddaddy, Gene Fortson.  He is a Little Rock City Board Director for another term.  I am so proud of him.  After the ceremony, our family enjoyed a delicious brunch of baked bananas and sausage casserole.  Later that afternoon, I took pictures of the lovely Alyvia.  We had so much fun, and the pictures turned out great!

The rest of my time at home consisted of cover letter writing, converting VHS tapes to DVDs, four-wheeling in Humnoke and managing Brooke Bailey Photography.

One of My Favorite Traditions

No where else can you experience a massive bonfire, pep rally, the largest collegiate parade, and great football--all in the same weekend.

What I love most about Baylor Homecoming is the long, rich history of tradition.  To date, Baylor has celebrated Bears coming home for 103 years.

It's my senior year, and I can't help but to get a little emotional when I think about the past four homecomings I've experienced.  Freshman year, I went to Freshman Mass Meeting.  I learned about the  significance of the Immortal 10 and stayed up way too late dancing to Michael Jackson music, while building the bonfire with some of the girls in my dorm.  I was a little sleep deprived the next morning in Scriptures class.

Immortal Ten Ceremony
Freshman year

Freshman Mass Meeting
Freshman year

Building the bonfire with my roommate, Stormy
Freshman year

Building the bonfire
Freshman year 

Bonfire
Freshman year

Bonfire with my friend Lauren. We both lived in NORO.
Freshman year

100 year celebration
Freshman year 

At the Homecoming parade with Corrin and Lauren
Freshman year 

Running the line
Freshman year

Corrin and I with Bruiser
Sophomore year

Meagan and I at the parade
Sophomore year

At the bonfire with Momal, Hannah, and Mom
Junior year

ADPi's float:  The Mad Tea Party
Junior year 

ADPi's float with Lauren and Kaitlyn
Junior year

ADPi's Float with Hannah
Junior year

Every year is different in its own way, but the homecoming celebrations remain constant.  At the pep rally, Patt Neff shines bright green as shimmery fireworks explode from the side of the building.  The bonfire's heat is strong and visible as orange and yellow flames reach to scary heights.

Fireworks at the pep rally
Freshman year

The family at the bonfire
Senior year

The bonfire
Senior year

The next morning, the cool crisp early air hits your face, as you leave your apartment in pitch black to reserve front row spots on the curb for your family and friends.  Then there's the rush of excitement and anticipation of waiting for your float to come sauntering down 5th street.

 Memories of messy paper mache, monotonous "pomping" of bright colored tissue paper, and tireless cutting of cardboard leafs all culminate to this one rush.  I'm snapping all the pictures I can from the sidelines, trying to take it all in, and making sure my family gets a good look at it, too.  I'm also sizing up the other floats...they get credit, but ours is always the best to me.  After looking up at all the floats for a couple of hours, it's time to go the game.

ADPi's float:  Baylor in Paradise
Senior year 

The family at Floyd Casey Stadium
Senior year

A Bear Dog with mustard and relish, accompanied by a Diet Dr. Pepper serves for lunch.  Then it's sic 'em bears and a beautiful performance from the band.  After we win, we go scout out more food.  George's is always a game day favorite; you can order a Big 'O everything.  Another Baylor homecoming has passed. 

The family at Floyd Casey Stadium
Senior year

When I go to Baylor Homecoming next year, I will be an alumnae.  The year 2013 will be very different, but I'll come back home to Baylor, and it will all be the same.  Sic 'em.

Pep Rally
Senior year

Reasons I've Had a Good Month:

I haven't blogged in a month.  If I were to give excuses they would all be summed up with one word:  busy.  Like most students, it's that time of year where everything seems to hit you at once: tests, papers, presentations, etc.  That's what I'll be working on the next 9 days before I head home for Thanksgiving.

To recap the past month, I've been overwhelmed by God's provision and grace.  Here's a glimpse of some positive things that have been going on in my life:

1.  The website that I've been working on for my sorority since January went live on Tuesday, October 9, 2012.  I'm so excited to finally see it come to life and share it with everyone!  Check it out: www.bayloradpi.com.

2.  I love my internship.  I'm so thankful that God brought this opportunity into my life.  I've learned so much and really enjoy what I do.  My job is always a highlight of my week.  My passion for photography has only grown.

3.  Generosity.  I received a couple of surprises from some people that absolutely made my day.  I'm inspired and reminded to do kind things for people.

4.  I got a card in the mail from my mom the other week.  It's the little things.

5.  We had a Parents' Weekend tailgate, which was so fun!  Shout out to Lauren and Kaitlyn for doing such a wonderful job!

6.  I've had really great conversations with my roommate.  She is such an encourager!  We are silly because we have dance parties all the time and always find reasons to laugh; we are daring because we made plans to be.  (And we might have carried some of those plans out...)

7.  I went to a shower for one of my good friends!  It was great to share some of those fun moments with her.

8.  I got a new lens!  It takes beautiful pictures.

9.  I auditioned for SING 2013 and made specialty dance!  I love dancing and performing, and it will be such a blessing to perform with my sisters in Waco Hall again.

10.  Homecoming was such a blast!  My family came down, and I had so much fun sharing Baylor traditions with them. 

Basically, I'm just a really happy girl.  Can't praise God enough for such a wonderful life.

A Blessed, Blustery Day

I am so thankful for today.  My attire consists of boots, jeans, and my Patagonia....and I'm completely comfortable.  I've got hot expresso in my Baylor Tervis Tumbler that I brewed this afternoon, and although I'm writing an eight page paper that's due at midnight, this is the most relaxing thing I've experienced in two weeks.

 In the last 14 days, my immune system has succumbed to the stomach flu, a sinus infection, and bronchitis.  On top of it, I've been a busy girl with school work, photo sessions, float, and p.r. stuff.  My body has been screaming for rest.  Today is the day that I give in and take it easy.  Stressing about a big paper doesn't sound like an easy day, but considering what I've been up to lately, it totally is.  Plus I'm not stressing too much because I'm too relaxed, and I'm determined to knock this thing out as quickly as possible.

Today is chill, and I'm so thankful and happy for that.  Praise God.

The Week of Espresso!

This week has been a blessed blur.  My time has been dominated by studying, reading, working and other random requirements and meetings.  Espresso has been essential.  Ever since my grandmother loaned me her two-cup coffee maker, I've been an addict.

When I was studying in Italy, I adopted a taste for Italian espresso.  Back in the states, I find myself taking my coffee stronger than I used to (espresso, some creamer, and a little Sweet n' Low).  It's funny.  I've never brewed coffee on my own until this year...I've always relied on Starbucks or Common Grounds for that.  Making my own cup of espresso somehow makes me feel all grown up.  I get a sense of achievement when I start my coffee maker at 8:30 most mornings.  I know it's silly, confirmed by my Dad's laughter, "Yeah, it's real complicated to make coffee isn't it?"  Well, I feel like a big girl with my coffee.

To get through this week, I've relied on my espresso to keep me energized and focused.  Thank goodness it's Friday.  After a Journalism law test and a Jazz quiz on choreographers and contributions, I can finally breathe.

Blessings of this caffeinated week have included some awesome photo sessions.  I had my first newborn session yesterday, and today I get to go to a three-month session.  I am absolutely loving all the things I'm learning in my internship and all of the experiences I get to have.  I also had my first Gamma Chi meeting this week, and I'm still so excited to serve as a Gamma Chi!  Sic 'em greek life!

Birthday Bash, Baylor football and Sunday Studying

One of my dear friends, Miss. Lauren, turned 21 this week, so we had to celebrate.  Her sweet momma treated us to dinner at Showgun on Friday night.  We laughed and had fun, while we enjoyed some yummy Japanese food and the chef's humor.

Saturday was game day.  Kaitlyn, Lauren, Ellie, Breanna and a few other friends tailgated pre-game and then cheered the bears on.  We stayed the entire game (even though it was slow), but I'm glad we did because they won!  Final score:  48-23. Sic 'em bears!  It also hit me hard, while I was singing "That Good Ol' Baylor Line," that I only have four more home games left to experience my senior year.  I'm pretty sure I'm going to bawl when I'm singing that same song at the end of the last game in December.

Sunday has been a great, relaxing day.  It's been raining all day, which made getting up for church hard, taking a nap easy and getting Starbucks wonderful.  The only down side is studying.  I have my first two tests this Friday. At least my soy latte is helping a little with the studying.

Overall, a great, rainy, football-filled weekend.

Oh Hey, Senior Year

Catch up time!

After three weeks, I'm finally getting a hold of my schedule and adapting to a new routine.  It's apparent that this year is going to fly.  Like, I just finished my third week....what?

First day of school!

So how can we categorize the beginnings of senior year so far?  

Let's start with my classes.  I don't know how I got so lucky, but I'm only taking 13 hours, which is super nice.  Despite the low number, I've managed to find something to do with every single minute.  In other words, I'm incredibly busy.  This semester I'm taking Law and Ethics, Intermediate Jazz, Advanced Expository Writing, Modern American Novel, and Photo Internship.

Let's back up...Law and Ethics is great.  It brings out my inner lawyer. Intermediate Jazz makes me feel like an old lady.  Somewhere between last spring and the present, I lost my dancer coordination and have yet to relocate it.  Aka...no, I cannot throw my legs in the air, kick my face, do a jazz split, or roll around on the floor and get back up very easily.

Then there's Advanced Expository Writing (whatever that means) and Modern American Novel.  The only reason I'm taking these classes is because at Baylor, if you are a Journalism major, you have to have a minor outside of your field.  That's the catch that is absolutely killing me...outside of your field.  I chose an English minor thinking it was probably the best choice and the closest thing to my major.

Here's the deal and please don't tell.  Confession:  I do not like to read.  I know, I know. It's a complete outrage, and I'm an awful journalist person.  Yes, I've heard it many times:  To be a good writer, you must be a good reader.  I absolutely love writing; I really kind of sort of hate reading.  Let's just say it has to be a really good book.

Me....trying to read.

You can imagine.  These English classes are not my favorite.  There's too much reading (even in the writing class.)  We're talking 200 pages every other night--that's really hard.  Not only that...I've always enjoyed my English writing classes, but this type of writing is so different than what I've been practicing the past three years as a Journalism major.  I like concise.  I also hate page number requirements....can't we just go with the good ol' "mini skirt theory" (long enough to cover the subject; short enough to keep it interesting)?  

And don't even get me started on that reading class....the teacher is great, but he loves to call on everyone multiple times to contribute.  That's good and all, but half of the time I don't know what's he's talking about.  I thought I was analytical, but I guess I don't know myself well enough.  I'm pretty literal compared to this teacher and the rest of the class (who are all English majors.)  Why is bull fighting sacred? What is Faulkner trying to achieve by making no sense and writing in a passive voice? 

Beats me.

Okay, let's move on to my favorite:  Photo Internship!  Oh my gosh I'm in love with this internship.  I am working for Ashley Munn Photography to fulfill a three hour course requirement.  This internship has been the biggest blessing of senior year so far.  My duties include writing blogs, maintaining social media, conducting research, and of course, taking pictures!

Today, I had my first photo session.  The shoot was with a precious one-year-old girl.  Tomorrow, I shoot my first wedding! I am so excited to shadow and see how it's done by the pros.  I'm also working the Photo Booth at the reception, which will be so much fun.

I'm looking forward to the things coming up in the internship as well.  I'll get to work on my portfolio, learn editing techniques, improve my photography skills and see how a business is run.  I could not be more excited or thankful for this awesome opportunity.

There it is.  The major components of my senior year so far--work and school.  Other happenings include being a Gamma Chi (nonaffiliated Panhellenic mentor for girls going through rush), sorority obligations like Float and P.R. chair, and a little social time with friends.

Fun fact: I learned how to brew coffee this week! You're looking at my first pot of coffee ever. Exciting stuff.

Cheers to Fall 2012!

    

Afsaneh--An Iranian Italian

Afsaneh Ferdosi Milani

I may have met the biggest walking contradiction in Florence. 

Afsaneh Ferdosi Milani says she lives by a daily routine. She writes pieces of her thesis every day, and during the weekdays she attends Florence University and works at a gelato shop.

This woman says she is engaged to her husband, believes in herself and is intent on pursuing the highest degree of education.

Born in Tehran, Iran, Afsaneh grew up with strong support from her parents and siblings. Now, this auburn-headed firecracker with olive-toned skin spends her days working and studying in Florence.

“Always my parents said to us, if you want to be an independent person, you have to study. The more informed you are, the more independent [you will become], and character will form within yourself,” Milani said.

Her sisters and experience at an artistic high school influenced her move to Italy, where she is currently working on her master’s degree in Intercultural Studies. Milani plans to pursue her Ph.D. in the U.S.

Milani’s interest in education started at a young age. “Fortunately, I had a very open family and read books.”

Although she experienced the luxury of having support from her parents, Milani says her childhood in Iran was not always easy.

“I was born in 1983. I can’t say I didn’t have a difficult life. I had to have the hijab when I’m out of the house. You know there are many things you want to do, but can’t because the government denies it to you,” Milani said.

This influential time of growing up as a young Iranian woman resulted in a curiosity about other countries and a determination for independence and change.

“When I decided to leave, I saw the difference between that country and this country. I saw what they were doing to my people. I’m always trying to improve the situation in Iran because they have to know what is going on in Iran,” Milani said.

Her life in Florence is strikingly different than the stereotype of an Iranian woman. Milani enjoys going out for dinner and drinks on weekend nights in Florence. “I am very sociable. I try to talk to people.”

Milani met her husband eight years ago in Iran just before moving to Italy. The two met each other after both winning their respective divisions of a climbing competition. Although they partook in an official wedding ceremony, she introduces him as her fiancé.

Milani says once you’re in love, you stay in love. “It doesn’t change anything if you get married. It doesn’t change because of a signature. I have a problem with the wife and husband titles,” Milani said.

Milani says her fiancé is Diest, and despite her Islamic upbringing, she cannot believe in anything but herself. “I am atheist, and on my Iranian card I am Muslim,” Milani said.

Milani shakes her head in disbelief when she recalls how long she’s lived in Florence. It’s been five years.

As she plans to start the next chapter of her life in the U.S., Milani says, “I will miss Florence. It becomes your second country. You know the language, culture and you establish a life here.”

In Tehran, Milani’s father runs a small coat factory for men. She says her mother is just a simple housewife, but Afsaneh Ferdosi Milani is anything but a typical Iranian woman. Milani is a strong, independent dreamer in pursuit of knowledge and freedom from restrictions.

Savvy Student Shopping

From artisan products made of leather, metal, textiles and paper, to big retail goods, Florence makes a unique shopping capital. Getting to know the local shopkeepers and understanding the authenticity of products they sell will make anyone a happy shopper.

Florence specializes in leather. Passionate craftsmen are excited to show you what they have created with their hands. Of course the best time to shop is when studying abroad. Take advantage of your student status and receive heavy discounts. Merchants love students. (You can receive anywhere from 5 to 100s of Euros off leather.)

Hidden in the heart of Florence where few tourists roam, you can find metal workers turning out artistic beauty for reasonable prices. Some of the shops are exclusive, though, so you may need to make an appointment.

I visited a small metal shop with the Baylor in Florence study abroad program. Our local guide knows the owner and gave us a unique experience. Shiny objects and bulky machines filled his basement workshop, where he demonstrated the process of copying an intricate print onto square pieces of metal.

The master of the shop creates pieces for Christian Dior, Neman Marcus and other famous clients.

The products for sale were reasonably priced, and a seashell-shaped salt and pepper shaker made for Dior was even available. Drawers and shelves filled with compacts, flasks, pins, jewelry, picture frames and pillboxes were all for sale.

Another unique find in Florence is Lisa Corti Home Textile Emporium located just 10 minutes away from Florence University of the Arts. This gem is packed with bright middle-eastern tones splashed on bedspreads, bolster pillows, table clothes, napkins and placemats.

It’s a little pricey, but well worth it. The products are made using ancient techniques and are unique in every respect. Lisa Corti has six locations, including three others across Italy. This store cannot be found in the U.S.

Globally, making paper products is a dying art. In Florence, it is still well alive. Homegrown stationary can be found in shops on almost every other street.

One of the more popular Florentine paper stores is Papira. On Ponte Vecchio, they demonstrate the process of painting paper with striking colorful swirls.

Clothes and shoes also run rampant across town. While artisan shops consume the local venues, commercialism doesn’t escape Florence. You can find fun European chains like Zara and H&M, high-end designer stores such as Louis Vuitton and nice specialty shops. These mall-type stores can be found in the heart of the historical district, where the Duomo is located.

Gold and other precious gems are valued over the Arno River. Local merchants protect Ponte Vecchio, so you can be assured that everything is authentic. The bridge is a historical must-see, but a fair warning: the prices are high. For students, window-shopping is the best way to experience this bridge.

One other piece of advice: don’t buy illegal or fake merchandise. It sounds like a no-brainer, but you can be an easy target if you haven’t been to Florence before.

As a general rule, the open markets sell fake goods. Leather, hats and scarves are best bought in a shop and not on the street.

Avoid the men with Chanel and Vuittons strapped around their shoulders. It is illegal to buy from them.

Blankets that line the pavement are a bad sign, too. Thin cloth sheets spread in the streets with sunglasses or jewelry lined up in rows are stolen. Italian law prohibits buying or selling these goods.

The combination of artisan craft and hip commercial stores creates a unique shopping experience for buyers. While in Florence, shop. Nowhere else can you find the same set of products. Students should grab the good deals and buy the souvenirs that will create memories for a lifetime. You only study abroad in Florence once.

Secrets of Vecchio

After a weekend in Venice, we came to back to an uncomfortable heat wave in Florence. High nineties was the forecast for the week. We don't have air conditioning. We were in need of a fan. Thankfully, after asking three pharmacias, some local non-English speaking police, and a Tabacchi shop owner, we found a place to buy a fan!

Earlier that day, we toured Palazzo Vecchio, Florence's city hall and home to the Medici family for a while. I was completely surprised. I didn't expect to climb inside a secret door that looks like a cabinet!

The main hall: the large covering to the right is an on-going project. Art historians have found a famous Da Vinci painting behind the Vecchio architect's painting. The architect left a few inches between the two paintings.

Upon entering the place, you see huge paintings that cover the walls and ceilings and an original Michelangelo statue. Our guide Stefano is legitimate and intelligent. He told us that he would take us through the rooms of the royal Medici family and a few other cool places, where he knew secrets that he would share with us.


Stephano grabs a set of keys and pulls back a velvet rope to quickly let us in. It's a tiny room, so only 10 people of our Baylor group are allowed in at a time. 

This room was a private workshop. Filled with beautiful paintings, we soon discover that each painting symbolizes what was kept in each cabinet. Yes, it turns out that each panel is a cabinet. But it gets better. One of the panels is a secret door! 

Inside the private study

Cabinets are behind every painting.

Secret door behind a painting panel.

Our jaws dropped when Stephano twisted a key, and a door opened to a mysterious staircase. He nodded us to go in. What?! We get to go in? Ah, I felt like a princess in a movie. We climbed the stairs in child-like wonder and entered a private study. 

 

The three colors of tiles symbolizes the unity of the three regions of Tuscany.

Cabinets inside the study

The private study

We didn't exit the same way we came in. Instead, Stephano made us figure out which of the panels in the study was a door, and we exited that way back into the workshop.

That wasn't the end of our adventure. Our tour time was technically over by this point, but Stephano is so passionate about this stuff that he extended our tour for 45 minutes.

We climbed another narrow staircase behind a velvet rope, while other people looked at us in confusion. When we reached the top, we saw the infrastructure of the ceiling. We could see where the paintings frames were and the original wood and metal that hold it all together. 

The very top of Palazzo Vecchio

Our journey continued as we toured the public rooms of the family. When we got to the room of maps, another cabinet turned into a door, and we proceeded through. This led to yet another door with a balcony and to the Duchess' private room. This was her own space, where she could escape and get away from everything. This room connected to a public chapel we saw earlier.

The room of maps 

A secret panel turns into a door.

The balcony attached to the Duchess' room 

The Duchess' room

The door to the chapel

The coolest part was the secret window. Back in the Medici era, events and meetings would be held on the main hall. The Duchess had a hidden window that overlooked the hall, so she could spy on people and see what was going on. 

Hidden window

View of the main hall from the window

Think Princess Diaries 2. You know, the scene where Mia is spying on the parliament in a secret passageway. Yeah, I pretty much totally did that, and that mind of thing definitely existed in Medici times. 

Who knew that this stuff was real? This definitely goes on the 'Top Ten Coolest Things I've Ever Done List.'

After the tour, we had class a couple hours later. I actually learned a lot in that one hour. We had the opportunity to use the photo lab at FUA. We got to learn about lights and how the studio works in general. It was so interesting and really fun. I definitely want to explore studio photography more.

Then I got to see Lauren!...all the way in Florence! Catherine and I had dinner with her and some other Baylor business students. I was so excited to see her! It's pretty awesome to meet up with your best friend in Firenze for an Italian dinner!


Fan, secret passageways, photo lab, and Lauren...overall this day was awesome!