Jerinze

As if there weren't enough young Americans in Firenze, MTV has decided to make this city of art and culture and Renaissance history the backdrop for the third season of the Jersey Shore. Not being a Shore enthusiast myself (to put it lightly), I was mortified at how this would change the modern image of Florence-and Italy in general-for Americans. I mean, think about it: Jersey had a bad enough rap before the Situation came on the scene, and I don't see them bouncing back any time soon.

Nevertheless, I can't say I wasn't excited when Gio and I ran into the cast and crew at a club called Space in the city--it's still always a trip to see famous people in person (this is my third in a month-what's up with that?). Here's Snooki and the girls chillin':

Plus, Gio watches the show religiously, so you can imagine her excitement.

I can't say they appeared to be having the most wild night of their lives (and who comes to Florence for the nightlife, anyway?) and so after a couple gin & juices, I felt no inhibitions in walking up to the bar with Snooki and talking to her. Transcript:

Me: You must get so bored here.
Snooki: Ugh, it sucks.

And that was my encounter with Nicole Polizzi. Who knew we'd ever agree on something?

Since that night they have continued to wreak havoc on and consume many a dinner conversation in the area. My new summer students have already encountered them once at a bar called Astor and I think I stumbled upon their lavish apartment around the corner from the Duomo last week, as the corner was thronged with bodyguards, random paparazzi, and eager young Americans vying for a glance of a bump-it. In other news, Snooki crashed her Panda car into a police escort vehicle a few days ago, so things are looking up.