Sense of Place

Wow, I can’t believe I am writing the final blog post of the semester. As I look back on the last four months, my mind gets caught in a tangled web of thoughts. Last night, I was sitting on the rooftop of Meet, a hostel in Garda, talking to a few people who were staying there as well. They asked my friend, Maddi, and I what our favorite place in Italy was. We both looked at each other with blank stares and all that could come out of my mouth was the word, “ummm…” I’m sure the guys who asked the question thought it would be a simple answer, but they really did stump us. My mind went blank and I couldn’t even remember all the amazing places I had been in order to give them an honest answer. That was when I realized how necessary it is to reflect on my time in Italy and how I am going to use this blog as a way to organize my muddled thoughts. Although I can’t say I will be able to choose a favorite city in Italy even after writing this, I hope to gain some clarity on other aspects of the experience.

Every time we met in class this semester we were assigned to write down something we read and heard during the previous week. The very first class, instead, we were asked to write down why we enrolled in this class. I wrote, “I want to be able to fully appreciate Florence and figured the best way to do that is learn all about it and its culture.” Meeting every week in classroom F along with roaming around the city, gave me just that and so much more.

The first thing I want to mention is how much I have grown in this last semester. Being abroad gave me a new kind of independence. Not the kind of independence where you’re living on your own and are going to have cereal for dinner, just because you can. Rather, the kind of independence where you are forced to make decisions that will alter your entire experience. I have had to struggle to communicate in broken Italian, gotten lost in countless cities, missed WAY too many trains, tried amazing (and not so amazing) foods, made new friends, and so on. The list could go on and on, but all of this has led me to learn something either about myself or this world.

I thought that I had a pretty good grasp on who I was, what I liked, what I needed, etc. Being abroad has put me in so many situations where I have been forced to dig even deeper into who I am. For example, I realized that I am way less of a planner than I thought. My parents always used to joke about how organized and prepared I was for everything. A family vacation was never complete until I had thought about every detail. However, my trips while abroad have been the complete opposite. The extent of my planning was pretty much booking the transportation tickets and lodging, and leaving the rest of the weekend up to fate. Often times I was traveling with others who had researched the city, finding the best restaurants, attractions to see, activities to try, and more. Learning that I am more spontaneous that I thought has led me to realize that following a strict plan can stress me out more than just winging it. I truly enjoy living in the moment and taking things as they come. Some of my best memories were the ones that were least expected.

Lastly, and most importantly, being abroad has showed me how incredible this world is. I feel so blessed to have been able to spend the semester learning about Italy and all the people in it. Although life in Italy is different than in America, which is different than life in Switzerland, and different yet from life in Amsterdam, there are still ways in which it is all alike. Finding the small connections between cultures is what bonds us as a world. A smile is universal, attempting to understand one another is appreciated, and respect is necessary. People are people no matter where they’re from.

This class has truly helped me in this entire learning process and finding my sense of place in Florence. It has opened my eyes to new perspectives and to finding all the quirky, diverse, and charming qualities of this city. I hope to take this new outlook and all I have learned back home with me. Despite my excitement to see my friends and family back home, I am so sad to see this semester come to an end. It truly was a once in a lifetime experience, filled with joy, growth, challenges, and more. As cheesy as it sounds, I aspire to travel the rest of the world someday to see what else I can learn about myself and this beautiful planet. Unfortunately, I am still unable to choose a favorite place in Italy. The entire country is captivating and every part of it will hold a special place in my heart.

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Here is a link to another blog post describing six lessons this person learned while studying abroad. https://viva-mundo.com/en/noticia/post/6-lessons-learned-while-studying-abroad

Yesterday, we took a tour around the east side of Florence, where some of the students in our class were able to show us around their neighborhood. The theme of the tour was residential areas in Florence. The guides encouraged us to pay attention to the transition from the tourist areas to the more residential places we were about to visit. In order to help us do so, they provided a handout with four of the locations listed on it. We were asked to write down some of the senses we experienced while at these stops, especially the sights, smells, and sounds. I was excited to see where this tour would lead us, hoping to discover new areas of Florence.

We began the tour at the Basilica of Santa Croce. Similar to the Duomo, it is a basilica of the Roman Catholic Church. However, my experience standing outside of Santa Croce was much different than if I were to be in the proximity of the Duomo. It already felt more residential. Although tour groups filled the piazza, it was much quieter. The guides shared some interesting information with us about the significance of the church. For example, it is the burial place of many famous Italians such as Michelangelo and Machiavelli. I have walked past this church on numerous occasions but never took the time to learn much about it. I was happy to see that it was the first stop on the tour!

The tour continued down the quiet side streets of Florence’s east side. Our next stop was Sant’Ambrogio Market. This was one of my favorite locations on the tour. I had been to the market once before, but for some reason never noticed that there was an entire indoor section. We had around five minutes to explore on our own, so I went inside and got a coffee with Michael (thank you, again!) at one of his favorite bars in town. After a quick cappuccino, we met back up with the group to continue the tour. This market truly felt local. It was obvious that this was a place that almost only residents of Florence went to purchase fresh produce, bargain for a new coat, or grab a quick cup of joe. Opposite from Mercato Centrale, it seemed like very few tourists went there. Once again, we were reminded to pay attention to the senses we were experiencing. I particularly noticed the smell of food and sight of fresh produce. Here is a link to the market’s website if you are interested in learning more about it! http://www.mercatosantambrogio.it/

The last stop of the tour was at the Chiosco Amici della Zecca park. On our walk there, we could see the transition from the residential area back to a busier part of Florence. This park is located right on the river where many tour buses drop off their groups. One interesting observation that our guides mentioned was how the tour groups who get dropped off at this location always walk in the direction of the Duomo and other main tourist attractions, rather than exploring the quieter parts of the city. I thought this was a great example of how this tour differed from the usual.

This tour reminded me a lot of our discussions on place-identity. There are so many aspects of a neighborhood including landscape, architecture, and character that makes it unique. This place-identity is directly related to the significance these places have on its inhabitants. The east side tour was focused was on residential areas and the places they showed us all contribute to the Florentine’s sense of place and identity. Overall, I really enjoyed this tour. I was happy to learn about new places in Florence from the perspective of other students.

This week I read an article by Wolfgang Schivelbusch called Railroad Space and Railroad Time. The piece was all about how the creation of the railroad system annihilated space and time. More specifically, it discusses how, despite the fact that it opens up new places that were not accessible before, it also destroys the space between the two destinations. That in-between area between destination A and destination B is no longer relevant to the traveler. While reading this article, I was immediately able to relate this idea to my time abroad.

I have spent numerous weekends traveling to various cities in Italy. Whether I am headed north to Venice or south to Naples, my go-to form of transportation is usually the train. It gets me there safely and efficiently. However, while on the train I strictly spend my time writing, listening to music, or looking at photos. I rarely even glance out the window unless there is a beautiful view that catches my attention. If I do happen to look outside the train car, it is quick and without much thought. I do not try to figure out what city or region I am looking at, or even how far along I am in my journey. Schivelbusch states, “The railroad knows only points of departure and destination.” Although it would be impossible for me to see every square inch of Italy, the train system neglects me from truly seeing the space between the two cities I am traveling. Next time I take the train, I will try to enjoy the view from my window more often. On the bright side, the train allows me to take trips to cities I never would have been able to visit without it.

Not only did the article make me realize how much of Italy I am missing by taking the train, it also made me realize how much walking around Florence has allowed me to really get to know the city. Although being forced to walk everywhere can be frustrating and time-consuming at times, I have never appreciated not having a car more. Similar to my life in Madison, I walk everywhere here. I walk to class, to the grocery store, to restaurants, etc. Unlike my experience on the train, I walk with my eyes wide open, fully appreciating my surroundings. Doing so has allowed me to discover the little things about Florence. Here are some things I find most interesting about Florence that I would not have noticed without walking:

1. The street art. Like we talked about in class, the street art in Florence is phenomenal and something so different from home. The graffiti on the walls, refurbished traffic signs, and painted buildings all add so much character to the city. It definitely would not be the same without it. Here is the link to an interview with the anonymous street artist who creates the underwater scenes. http://tianakai.com/2014/12/street-art-florence-interview-with-blub/
2. The doors and windows. If absolutely love the intricacy of these standard building features. It seems as if none are the same, adding uniqueness to every path I walk.
3. The people. People-watching is one of my favorite parts about traveling somewhere new. I find it so interesting to watch the interactions, gestures, and customs of the Italians. It truly brings the city to life.
4. The interiors. Yes, the outside of many Italian buildings are stunning, but often times the interior is just the same. Without walking, I would not have the choice to stop in a random restaurant or shop to view the inside.

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Those are just a few examples of how walking around Florence has forced me to get to know it even better. Although I wish I was able to experience every city in Italy in the same way I have experienced Florence, that is simply not feasible. Therefore, I am thankful for the train even though it may destroy some of the space between destinations.

This week I am writing my blog post in response to the article, People Who Live in Glass Houses by Alice Friedman. I chose this piece of writing after hearing about it last Monday in class. Not only did the architecture of the house spark my interest, but also the ways in which the owner was forced to lived in it. I wanted to read the article to learn more about the blurred line between public and private space that this house created.  

The Farnsworth House was completed in 1951 by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. It is located in Plano, Illinois, a suburb about 50 miles west of Chicago. The owner of the house was a doctor and single woman named Edith Farnsworth. Edith had wanted a weekend home for awhile before she met Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, a German architect. Edith decided to hire Mies to make her dreams of having a getaway house come to life. However, their ideas about the home were not aligned, causing Edith’s desires to be buried under Mies’s dreams as an architect.

There were a few elements of the house that immediately shocked me. The first was simply that it is in the midwest. After hearing about the popular architectural masterpiece, I assumed it was located in warmer climate with views of the ocean and exotic plants. I had a hard time picturing an all glass house in Illinois, especially during the winter. Another aspect that shocked me was the years that it was built. The design and construction process lasted from 1945 to 1951. Due to the fact that the main material used was glass, I thought it was a more recent project. It even looks modern for today!

In addition to those random surprising aspects, I found the way in which Edith’s life was affected the most interesting part of the article. Since she was an unmarried woman, there was already somewhat of a spotlight on her. In the 1940s, it was very rare for a person, specifically a female, to be single. It was thought that they were not fully living up to their role as a woman. In addition, many assumed they were mentally unstable or gay. A house is really important for many reasons, one of them being separation from the outside world. Coming home should feel safe. It should be a place where you are free to do whatever you want, without the lingering eyes of others. In Edith’s case, it was the exact opposite. She had constant visitors coming to see the famous piece of architecture, and therefore getting a clear view of her life. This space that is supposed to be private quickly became public. I can’t image the lack of privacy she felt. Sometimes I don’t even like it when the blinds of my bedroom window are open, afraid a neighbor might see me dancing around, changing my clothes, or some other kind of “embarrassing” act. The creation of a house consisting of all glass walls certainly blurs the line between private and public spaces.

Overall, I found the article to be a pretty good read! Here is a link to the Farnsworth House website if you want to know more. https://farnsworthhouse.org/

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This morning I decided to start my day with a run, so I laced up my tennis shoes, grabbed my headphones, and was out the door. One of my favorite things about running in Florence is the ability to cover more ground in a shorter period of time. I get to experience many aspects of the city that I never would have been able to by just walking around. Making time for a run is not only a great way to get a little activity in, but it is also a whole new way of perceiving a space.

A took a path that I have ran before, but this time my curiosity took me farther than it had in the past. Rather than turning around once I got to a certain time or mileage, I continued on, wondering what was beyond my normal route. This led me to climb a long hill, hoping that a great view was at the top. I stopped every once in a while to take in the scenery around me, as it kept getting better the farther up I went. Eventually I made it to the top and the first thing I did was pause my music and take out my headphones. I wanted to be present in the moment and take it all in. That was when I realized how much of an impact hearing Florence has on me. Simply looking at the view was not enough, I also wanted to be able to hear it. Hearing a view doesn’t really make much sense, but the act of overlooking onto the city wouldn’t be the same without it. I was able to hear the strong winds and birds chirping. It truly completed the experience.

The rest of my run I decided to keep my headphones out of my ears and my running experience changed drastically. I was less focused on the act of running and more on the details of the world around me. There was this one street that stuck out to me more than the rest. It was lively with Italians starting their day. In addition to the sound of my footsteps on the pavement, I heard a rooster crowing in the distance, the sound of singing birds and angry crows. I heard the slamming of work truck doors as men unloaded their deliveries and vespas zooming past. I looked up and saw an old man opening his creaky window to let light and fresh air into his home. I even heard the sound of kitchen utensils against a metal bowl which I assume was someone making their breakfast. I experienced all of this simply because I ran without headphones in.

This week, our readings discussed the idea of “public” and “private” places. The article by Iveson called, Putting the Public Back into Public Space, led me to wonder what kind of a space this street was and how the sounds contribute to its culture. It is clearly a public road, but how does it limit its inhabitants and activity? What kind of people are welcome there? What kind of cars are able to fit down the narrow path? What shops are appropriate to open? What history does it have? What sounds are welcome? Sound has a huge impact on the impression of a space and what is welcome in that space has a huge impact on the sounds produced. Although I cannot answer all of these questions, I hope to go back to the street on my next run and consider its inclusive or exclusive sound culture. Perceiving Florence through sound is a whole new way to experience it and I can’t wait to take my next run without headphones!

If you’re looking for a great view, here is a link to the best places with scenic views in Florence! https://foursquare.com/top-places/florence/best-places-scenic-views

Home. This is a tricky word to define. Is home the house you grew up in? Is it the feeling you get when you are around your closest friends and family? Or is it simply a state of comfort? Section five of our textbook, The People, Place, and Space Reader, is entirely dedicated to the meanings of home. I do not think there is not a single straightforward answer to the meaning of home, but rather it is an individualized concept. For me, home is where I feel the most myself. Therefore, it is usually surrounded by the people, places, and objects that I love. Not only does the house I grew up in feel like home, but after spending three years at UW-Madison, now that too feels like home. In Macgregor Wise’s article, Home, he discusses his theory of the word. I found most of his essay to be true, but what stuck out to me the most was a quote stating, “It was not the space itself, not the house, but the way of inhabiting it that made it a home…” This quote really resonated with me and with my experience abroad.

Being homesick was my biggest fear before coming abroad. I knew that the change in people, food, convenience, etc. was going to be a big adjustment for me. At first, I was scared to be myself in this foreign country. I wanted to blend in, be one in the crowd, avoiding any sort of attention or judgement from the locals. However, after a few weeks I found this to be extremely draining. Exhausted from the constant character change, I decided that was not what was going to make this experience the best it can be. I needed to create a sense of home here and in order to do so I had to embrace the culture differences. I had to inhabit Florence in different way than the Florentines. Creating a home in Italy meant ordering the coffee that I like instead of an espresso, finding places to study, and spending time with people who are happy to be here. I needed to find a good balance between embracing the culture around me and staying true to my own. Although it was out of my comfort zone to act differently from those around me, I have found it to be the most rewarding.

Creating a home in a foreign place does not come easy. Just as it took me awhile to adjust to life in Madison, finding comfort in Florence was just the same. However, when I travel to new cities or countries on the weekend, I find myself excited to go “home” to my little apartment in Florence. Walking up the steep hill to my creaky front door now somehow gives me a feeling of ease. It is still crazy to think that I have created a sense of home in Italy and I am so excited to see how that expands as the semester goes on.

Here is a link to the Facebook page of one of the coffee shops that I’ve found comfort in! https://www.facebook.com/GelateriaVivaldi/

I wanted to dedicate my blog post this week to further the conversation of one of my classmates, Lizzie. Lizzie had previously posted a blog discussing her recent dérive experience. According to Guy Debord’s article, Theory of the Dérive and Definitions, a dérive is “an experimental mode of behavior linked to the conditions of urban society: a technique for hastily passing through varied environments.” I interpreted Debord’s definition as a sort of wandering, drifting, or floating, a form of travel leaving the mind and body at ease, ready to expect the unexpected. I loved reading about Lizzie’s little adventure exploring Florence, and it sparked a realization. I realized that one of the main reasons I love to travel and why I am currently sitting at a café in Florence rather than Madison is because I love to dérive.

To be honest, at first I found this concept a little pointless. The idea of walking somewhere without a purpose seemed useless, like a waste of time. However, after learning about the true value of a dérive and participating in a few myself, my opinion has shifted. I often find it difficult to fill my time with things that will not bring me one step closer to the next deadline, goal, or finish line. I rarely let my mind just wander, to be curious or creative. However, when I travel I let go of my worries and stresses. I release my mind from an invisible cage. The liberation that overcomes me is unlike the feelings I experience in a usual day and a kind of euphoria takes over. The aspects of traveling that I associate with this feeling are in parallel with the purpose of a dérive, or what I found to be purposeful about a dérive.

In Lizzie’s blog, she describes not only places in Florence she had not yet discovered, but also feelings. She mentioned that at one point, she was the only person standing in the piazza, something she had not experienced in the usual hustle and bustle of Florence. I think that this sort of exploration leads to so much knowledge. Not the kind of knowledge that you learn in school, but the kind that is only gained by partaking in activities such as travel. Lizzie would have never discovered this part of Florence if she always had a destination in mind. There is something about being spontaneous and enjoying exactly where you are.

I have gained so much from this study abroad trip already. Not only have I learned about Italian food and wine, but also about the value of culture, history, and acceptance. The only reason I was able to discover this is because I allowed myself to wander. I took the time to observe my surroundings, try unfamiliar things, listen to new perspectives. If I distance myself from the usual, great things are usually right around the corner (literally right around the corner in the case of a dérive).  To sum it up, Lizzie’s blog post allowed me to realize why I have a passion for traveling and why it is so valuable. As I mentioned earlier, my brain is not turned off, but is free to be quiet, creative, or inquisitive. I can’t promise this realization will follow me back to reality in Madison, but I sure hope it does.

Here is a link to Lizzie’s blog post if you want to read about her dérive around Florence! https://lizzieinflorence.home.blog/

The images below are things I never would have discovered without a little exploring.

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One of the first things I noticed upon arriving to Florence was the difference in the architecture and design of buildings. Walking the streets, I am surrounded by varying shades of tan and gray, textures of stone and brick, and blurbs of bright colored shutters and doors. This is really different compared to back home in Wisconsin. Therefore, even after three weeks of being here, I catch myself looking around at the beautiful buildings, taking in the new view.

Not only did the exterior architecture surprise me, but also the interior spaces. Interior spaces tend to go unnoticed unless you are a professional whose job is to make a space beautiful and practical in use, such as an interior designer or architect. For those of us who do not have professions such as these, interiors usually have to be different or unexpected in order to catch our eye. For example, in a famous church one might notice the colorful stain glass windows and the intricate woodwork of the pews. A bright colored wall in a café might attract the attention of someone else. Another person might notice the unusual layout of a restaurant. Either way, something was peculiar, catching the eye. 

An article by Harold M. Proshansky, Abbe K. Fabian, and Robert Kaminoff, called Place-Identity, describes the idea of place-identity as a “cognitive sub-structure of self-identity.” The feelings, ideas, attitude, memories, etc. all relate to the physical setting and vice versa. This article led me to think about the differences between interior spaces in Florence and Wisconsin and how these differences relate to the community’s culture.

One of the first differences I noticed about interior spaces in Florence is the size. Shops, cafés, and especially restaurants in Florence are much smaller. The tight quarters emanate feelings of intimacy and acceptance. I think this is quite telling of the Italian culture. I have consistently noticed strangers (from what I could tell) stopping to greet each other and quickly chat before going about the rest of their day. Back in the US, it is pretty rare to stop on the street or in a coffee shop to have a short conversation with someone you do not know. This is something I really admire about the Italian culture.

Additionally, establishments in Florence seem to be built for a purpose and used solely for that designated intent. For example, you hardly see an Italian studying or working on their computer at a coffee shop. A café was built as a place to sip coffee or snack on a croissant, not a place to work. In Wisconsin, it is more rare to see a coffee shop filled with people strictly drinking coffee than it is to see one filled with people occupied by laptops, books, etc. Not only does this further explain the traits I mentioned earlier, but also the leisure lifestyle Italians embody. Days seem to be filled with a series of events, one after the other, rather than trying to accomplish a million things at once. Being a busy body, this lack of multitasking is something I am still not used to or comfortable with. I am hoping that by the end of this semester, I can learn to slow down.

All in all, the spaces in a given location portray more information about a culture than what simply meets the eye. Not only has this given me insight into the Florentine culture, but also into my own.

Here is a link to a short YouTube video about place identity!

One of my classes while here in Italy is called Florence and the “Sense of Place.” The goal of this course is to understand the city of Florence from all perspectives and angles. The exploration is aimed to give us insight into the culture, identity, and history of this breath-taking place. During our first class meeting, the two professors generously took us to climb the Duomo, a monumental landmark of the city. After entering the cathedral and going through security, the hike up the stairs began. We maneuvered through tight corridors and spiral, steep staircases. The air was damp and chilly, however after a quarter of the 463 steps to the top you no longer noticed the cold. Standing on the 463^rd step, my head poked out into the open air, finally reaching the dome’s platform.  Less than a week of being in Florence and we were already viewing it from a completely different perspective than any of us had seen before. Observing the city from the top of the Duomo allowed us to see it in aerial view, and the strenuous climb to the top gave us the means to appreciate it.

Observing Florence from above through the eyes of a tourist was somewhat overwhelming. I had a limited sense of direction (not much different from life anywhere else, I suppose – I am notoriously known for getting lost) and a lack of knowledge on Florentine landmarks. Although the view was astonishing, a resident of Florence would have a completely different experience participating in this activity. For example, when I climb to the top of the state park tower in my hometown, I am able to orient myself amidst my surroundings. For better or worse, a foreigner’s perspective can often be naïve. Not only did I lack geographical knowledge, but I also had not yet made personal connections to what I was viewing. A huge part of what gives a city its character is the attitude and relationship the residents have with it. In our textbook, The People, Place, and Space Reader, Debord’s article quotes Chombart de Lauwe who states, “an urban neighborhood is determined not only by geographical and economic factors, but also by the image that its inhabitants and those of other neighborhoods have of it.” This is an important concept when determining a sense of place.

My personal map of Florence is much different from a Florentine’s. As I slowly make connections with restaurants, shops, and landmarks, my psychological map will grow to become a beautiful masterpiece. At the end of the semester, I want to climb to the top of the Duomo again to see how my perspective has changed. After four months of Florence being my home, I wonder what kind of intimate relationships I will make with the land and the establishments within the city walls. I am excited to see how the connections I make change not only my perspective on Florence, but also on other places I inhabit. I hope to learn to actively engage with and appreciate the qualities that make a city unique.

Here is a link to the Duomo website in case you want to check out the tours! https://www.ilgrandemuseodelduomo.it/

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Before going abroad, I would regularly Google “Florence, Italy”, anticipating my arrival. Blog posts such as, “20 Best Things to Do in Florence” and “Florence Travel” would pop up (I linked some below if you are curious). Those sites were where I would find images of narrow cobblestone streets and big cathedrals, the tourist attractions of course. I knew Florence was in the region of Tuscany, but those two words sparked completely different images in my mind. When I heard the word “Tuscany”, I envisioned rolling hills and sunny vineyards. Florence, on the other hand, made me think of picturesque shops and restaurants. Soon, to my surprise, I find out that I am not all that wrong. I was excited to see how it all fits together, the puzzle pieces of Italy.

https://www.thecrazytourist.com/20-best-things-florence-italy/

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C5ACMJ_enUS520US558&biw=1161&bih=743&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=M7JUXKTLLbKvgweRrZmoDQ&q=Florence+italy+streets&oq=Florence+italy+streets&gs_l=img.3…5597.6815..6943…0.0..0.0.0…….0….1..gws-wiz-img.vZRSGoLB_FE

I stepped off the plane and the air was much warmer than I expected. I saw rolling hills in the distance, a surprising feature to a city I assumed as flat. A slight drizzle fell from the sky but even the weather could not tame my excitement. As I entered the airport I heard the mutter of Italian all around me and felt the stares of strangers identifying my foreign nature. The airport was small and quaint, with a coffee shop as one of the only food and drink sources. Soon, I find this to be very telling of the Italian culture. The CET staff member called a cab for a friend and I, exchanging quick Italian utterances with the driver. Next thing I knew we were riding through the city. The cab driver made sharp turns and jerky stops to maneuver through the traffic. It was more crowded than I anticipated, with countless pedestrians, bikers, and cars. The centerline of the road seemed to be suggestion, as did the numerous stop signs that were hardly yielded for. Looking out the front window only make me giggle with anxiousness, so I kept my eyes gazing out the passenger side at the unfamiliar: immense stone buildings, colorful window shutters, the strong sense of history looming in the air. The cab driver dropped us off a few doors from our apartment. We were stranded on a cobblestone hill in the rain with our over-packed luggage and new surroundings. We laughed as we struggled to drag our belongings up the steep road. Finally, I saw the number 20. My eyes lit up as they scanned the gigantic, intricate wooden door. I had never seen such beauty in a simple home necessity. I stumbled with the keys and fidgeted with the door handle, entering a new home of mine. I had finally made it.

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Florence was nothing shy of meeting my expectations. Although the images online tended to focus on the big attractions, it really does look as beautiful in person as it does through a computer screen.  My expectations were high, but this magical city I get to call “home” for the next four months certainly lives up to them. As I begin to learn the language, streets, and culture of Florence, I know my excitement will only grow.