It's crazy to believe that exactly 4 months ago, I was nervously boarding a plane from LA to Florence. I remember how scared I was about this upcoming experience, yet excited at the same time. Now it's over and I would give anything to re-live each and every moment of this journey.
This past week I was forced to reflect on my time here in Italy as one of my teachers asked us if it is possible for study abroad students to completely immerse themselves into a different culture. In many ways I feel like the answer to this question is yes. In the short time I was here, I was able to interact with so many Italians and learn all about their way of living. At first, it seemed weird for me to go to the grocery store 3 times a week or to cross the street even when the red pedestrian sign was up (with no cars coming of course!), but now it is completely normal. I am grateful for the friendships I have made with people at the Mercato Centrale where I buy my produce and vegetables weekly, as well as Massimo the leather man and Fillipo from Gustapizza. If I realized one thing while being in Italy, it is that italians have a sense of loyalty to one another. There are so many family businesses here that rely on each other for support to make it through each and every day. My experience here has made me mature in a way that I didn't expect. I've definitely learned that patience is a virtue and that Americans need to slow down and enjoy every moment of life. Everything in Italy is at a much slower pace, from their customer service to their meals, but now I have learned to embrace the relaxed style.
At the young age of 20, I feel so lucky to have already traveled to 8 different countries and over 20 cities in Europe. I wouldn't trade this experience for a lifetime and I know it wouldn't have been nearly as amazing if I wasn't here with my two best friends.
Despite being separated for 2 years in college in 3 different states, we were able to take this semester and live in Florence together. Not only did we live in the same apartment, but we lived in the same room together for the entire four months here. At times it got a little crazy, but I know that this experience only made us closer and showed us how special our friendship is. If it wasn't for them, I'm sure I would have felt homesick at least once during this semester. Through it all, we were each other's rocks and support systems, which was so great. I love them so much and I'm so grateful to have the world's most amazing best friends.
I know that when I come home, most people will ask me what my favorite part of studying abroad was. Although I loved many things about this experience, the answer to this question will be traveling! After exploring 8 different countries, I've realized that as I get older, I want travel to be a priority in my life. The different parts of the world have so much to offer and I want to see it all. This past semester I was able to go from:
Ireland --> Amalfi Coast --> Germany --> Venice --> London --> Paris --> Prague --> Barcelona --> Rome --> Amsterdam
& many other cities in Italy!
Here is one thing I loved about each of these places:
IRELAND
My favorite place in Ireland was the Cliffs of Moher. This was truly one of the most beautiful places in the entire world. I could spend hours here just looking at the scenery. I must go back here someday!
AMALFI COAST
Swimming in the legendary Blue Grotto was one of the coolest things I have ever done. The water illuminates this gorgeous aqua blue color and we spent a good half hour just swimming around and enjoying it. Our little paddle boat man had to practically drag us out of the water because we wanted to stay in here forever.
GERMANY
The Oktoberfest experience in Munich was absolutely unreal. I have never been in a place with so many people from all over the world who were so happy and friendly. No matter what language you spoke, someone would come up to you and cheers you with a smile on their face. This was one of the best weekends by far!
VENICE
I can finally check a gondola ride in Venice off my bucket list! This was the most beautiful way to see the city of Venice at night.
LONDON
Whoever said London had terrible food must have eaten at the wrong places because we had a great experience. I have always wanted to try fish & chips...and what better place to try them than in London? Site seeing and shopping in London was a ton of fun, but I fell in love with the adorable Borough Market.
PARIS
I would be lying to everyone if I said my favorite part of Paris wasn't visiting the Eiffel Tower. This was the most exciting part of the trip for me. The Eiffel Tower was even bigger and more amazing than I could have imagined. If I hadn't studied abroad in Florence, I think Paris would have been the place for me. I loved this city!
PRAGUE
The John Lennon Wall in Prague was absolutely unreal. So much incredible artwork and talent is displayed all over this wall in honor of the Beatles Legend.
BARCELONA
The energy in a Barcelona Soccer game was unlike anything I have ever experienced. It was so much fun to be here with all my Cal Poly friends decked out in our soccer attire. This was an abroad experience I will truly cherish forever.
ROME
I never expected to fall in love with Rome the way I did. The Colosseum was by far my favorite site in this ancient city. The outside was breathtaking but the inside was even more amazing. It's crazy to think about all of the history that has taken place here.
AMSTERDAM
The last trip of the semester couldn't have been better. I was with my three favorite people in such a fun and beautiful city. It was really neat finally seeing the famous "I amsterdam" sign and taking a bunch of pictures here!
With all my traveling, you may ask yourself...Did this girl ever stay in Florence? And the answer is yes. I feel like I really made Florence my home for the past semester. Even though I loved traveling, I was always relieved and happy to come back to Florence. I can't imagine studying abroad anywhere else in the world. There are so many things I will miss about this beautiful city. First and foremost, I will miss the delicious food. More specifically, I will miss my sandwiches from Antico Noe, my pizza from Gustapizza, my gelato from La Carraia, my dried fruit from the Mercato Centrale, my tiramisu from La Giostra, and so much more. I think I definitely studied abroad in the best country when it comes to amazing food. I will also miss my school and my teachers. I am thankful that I was able to learn Italian and Art History this semester from wonderful teachers. I think at this point I could take just about anyone on a tour through Florence and tell them all about Michelangelo's David in the Academia or Botticelli's Primavera in the Uffizi Gallery. I have learned so much in my classes and I hope to take at least a little bit of my knowledge back with me to the states.
Now, I just want to express my gratitude to my wonderful parents who supported me through all of my adventures. I couldn't ask for two more loving and amazing parents. I feel so fortunate to have been able to study abroad because I know that not everyone is given this opportunity. I love my mom and dad so much and this journey has made me gain an even greater appreciation for them.
So now the time has come, I must go back to the United States. I can't wait to be back with my family for Christmas and the New Year! It's hard to say this, but I'm ready to go home. I know I will always have a special place in my heart for Florence and I will reminisce on my times here often. Although this journey is over, I know that the memories will stay with me forever.
"Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends...The mind can never break off from the journey." - Pat Conroy
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