I am incredibly excited to be studying abroad in Florence, Italy this summer. Some immediate impressions I have of Florence include its walkability, every restaurant and attraction being a quick, 10 minute walk away from our apartment. This is in great contrast to the US, where a car is needed to get around most places. However, the roads and sidewalks in Florence are incredibly narrow, so you have to be on the constant look out for traffic (a lesson I keep learning the hard way).
Time is not of the essence in Florence. Businesses open much later and close much earlier than they do in the US. For example, I went looking for gelato on a Saturday night. That sounds achievable, right? Wrong. Most gelato shops were closed, despite a Saturday evening being an ideal time in my American mind to have gelato.
I am also amazed by how old the city of Florence is. This was put into perspective by a trip to the Florence Cathedral, where our tour guide described the cathedral’s facade, which was finished in the late 1800s, as “the new facade.” This name made sense as the cathedral’s construction began in the 13th century, but as someone who is used to comparatively modern American architecture, I was blown away.
Another notable difference between Florence and the US is the dining experience. Although you have to pay for water, bread, and sometimes even the privilege of sitting down, these cons are far outweighed by the benefit of simplified tipping. With a small service charge added to your bill, you do not have to think or do math, which is always a good thing.
Through this study abroad program, I hope to gain a global perspective. I have already learned so much in just a week, and adapting to another culture has been a joy and a challenge.