Beautiful Italia. The first foreign country to become my home for the summer. Guys, I'm not going to lie, Florence, Italy was not my first choice for my study abroad. When I thought of Florence, I imagined the most touristy city on earth. I felt as if it were one of the most basic places a college student could go. BUT my angel of a roommate, Summer, convinced me to choose this magical place to go with her, and man am I glad she did!
Of all the places I've ever traveled, Italy has now stolen first place as one of my favorite destinations. There's a joy that's indescribable in the air, beauty lies in every direction your eyes fall, and the feeling of home overwhelms you in each stranger's smile.
I started my first week out in Italy with no cell phone, as the pick-pocketing capital of the world kept its high rankings, and Barcelona added my little iPhone to its batch the week before. Of course this was hard as a millennial (me), who had become so accustomed to taking photos of everything and refreshing my feed each time I got Wi-Fi. But, guys, let me tell you what a blessing in disguise it was to not have a phone for a week! Everything around me became a thousand times more vibrant... The fresh smell of the croissants escaping the Italian bakeries, the cobbled streets, the conversations I had with strangers that I would have never started, had I had my phone. I truly have never realized how addicted I have been to my phone until that week. I challenge you to try, even just one day, leaving your phone at home and enjoying the now. Enjoy the people who are right in front of you. See all the beautiful, little details around you, that your phone unconsciously makes you miss.
So - back to Florence, it is impossible to find words to describe my time here, but I will try my best with pictures :)
Between tasting, and sightseeing, I was actually going to class at the Florence University of the Arts, and I took two classes - Sketch Book, and Travel Writing. The photo below, is one of my most cherished moments. A little boy was watching me sketch for one of my assignments, and was mesmerized as I was working, and asked if he could give it a try.
It's the little things in life like that moment, where I find the most eternal joy.
Here's what I want you to know about Florence, Italy :) -
$ - Euros
Time Difference - 6 Hours ahead (East Coast)
Language - Italian
T H I N G S T O D O:
Hike Michael Angelo at sunset, and have a picnic
Tour the Duomo
Walk the streets, and venture in all of the unique Italian stores
Hit the Leather Market (don't forget to bargain here! Never settle for their first price, they will lower it :) )
Go wine tasting in the Tuscan Hills (vespa tours & horse-back riding tours through the vineyards are SO worth it)
Ponte Vecchio (this Famous Bridge holds all the shopping spots)
Galleria dell' Accademia (where 'David' is at!)
Definitely buy locally grown produce from a market
F O O D:
Gelato - La Milkeria (the BEST gelato in all of Florence)
Healthy Food - Shake Cafe (this place has a TON of healthy vegan options -which is very hard to find in Italy - it is super yummy) I went here every day :)
Restaurent Recommendations -
La Menagere (cutest place in the world, in love with the amazing food and coffee they had)
La Giostra
II Prufeta
Buca Mario
Quattro Lionee
Acqua Del 2 (the BEST Truffle Ravioli)
Santo Spirito (the BEST Truffle Gnocchi)
So in Italy, they have this thing called, Apertivo - they have it at many places, and it is where pay about the equivalent of $8, and you get wine and multiple dishes to try! It is super cute, definitely cheap, and a great way to experience more of the Italian culture.
B A R S / C L U B S:
Flow - an outdoor club that overlooks the city
Space
Red Garter
Westin Excelsiore (Rooftop Bar)
Continentale (Rooftop Bar)
and last but not least....
C O F F E E S H O P S:
Artigianale (but really any coffee shop - you seriously can't go wrong in Italy!)
xx
