Ciao tutti!
In a weeks time I’ll
be packing up my belongings and leaving Florence, Italy. That realization has
not quite hit yet. This semester in Florence has been an amazing experience to
say the least. I feel as though I’ve just started to settle into the pace of Italian
life and living and now its almost time to leave! During my time here in
Florence as well as on my travels through Europe I’ve learned a lot about
the similarities and differences between cultures, the importance of diversity,
and how to push myself out of my comfort zone. However most, if not all, of my
learning and experiences came from experiences I brought upon myself
independently outside of the program and outside of school. While the program
hosts amazing internship opportunities as well as numerous activities and field
trips to neighboring cities there is quite no experience that can live up to
traveling and relying on yourself. Even wandering the streets of Florence is a
wonderful opportunity to get lost and explore where the winding cobblestone
streets take you. The beauty of Florence is never-ending from the aerial view
of Florence from the Piazza de Michelangelo to the countless museums full of
beautiful works of art from Renaissance masters such as Leonardo da Vinci and
Michelangelo.
The food is a central
component of Italian culture and that is one aspect that rubbed off on me
quickly. I’ve always enjoyed cooking and when I discovered the central market
bursting with fresh produce, meats, fish, handmade pasta, cheeses, and wine I
was beside myself. I’ve enjoyed the process of cooking with only the freshest
of ingredients and have found a passion for food! No big surprise there though.
One
of the most challenging aspects of life was the adjustment to the slow pace of
life, which challenges my speed walk to class daily. However, after realizing
the relaxed nature of Italian life I’ve recently come to accept and even
embrace this pace. I find myself noticing more of my surroundings and even
letting myself wander if I have the time.
I can happily say that I’m forever
sleep deprived from early morning train rides to our city or country of choice
on the weekends and even busier weekdays filled with exploring the city of
Florence. This semester has brought me on a whirlwind adventure tossing me completely
out of my comfort zone into unchartered territory. However, this unchartered
territory has led me to discover some of the most unbelievable food, works of
art, and people I couldn’t have imagined possible. Its unbelievable my time
here is coming to a close. Hopefully, I’ll be able to return in the future to
the city that changed my perspective on so many things.
