After living in Florence for four months, I consider myself to be something of a gelato expert (check out this post about my favorite gelaterias.) While it might seem easy enough to get gelato, there are some things you should know in advance. 1. Don't be tempted by the colorful mounds: seek silver tins Any... Continue Reading →
First, we need to establish two facts. Number one, ice cream and gelato are not the same. Gelato is churned at a slower rate, making it much more dense and flavorful than ice cream. Number two, Florence has the best gelato; this is probably because gelato was invented in Florence in the 16th century by... Continue Reading →
The out-of-sync blinking of SEPTA trains getting ready to leave their platforms, the waving of four large American flags outside of a train station that could be confused with a capital building, travelers lined up down the block waiting for their Mega and Bolt buses. This is now the life outside of my window.... Continue Reading →
As my semester in Florence comes to an end, I'm filled with emotions reminiscent of my high school graduation. Things that were once mundane and unexciting are now filled with nostalgia. I'm constantly met with "this might be the last time I..." The things I walk past everyday and have never done (like the Bargello... Continue Reading →
I've known that I was (probably) studying abroad in Florence since October of 2016--fifteen months before I headed to Europe for the semester. Susquehanna's required study abroad program makes the process a lot longer (and more complicated, in a way) compared to other colleges and universities in the United States. What I'm trying to say... Continue Reading →
While this is my first time living away from home (other than living on campus, of course), it was my third time spending Easter out of the country. My sophomore year of high school I spent Easter Sunday on a flight home from Germany; my senior year of high school, I was in Rome. When... Continue Reading →
In Florence, reminders of the Renaissance are everywhere, from art to architecture. The National Archaeological Museum offers visitors a break with Etruscan, Roman, Greek, and Egyptian archeological artifacts.Artifacts on display at the National Archaeological Museum.Despite the fact that the museum offers artifacts and insight into time periods unrepresented in Florence’s other museums, the National Archaeological... Continue Reading →
On the first day of orientation, a woman (whose name escapes me because the day was a blur of jet lag and exposure to a new culture) stood in front of the new students at Florence University of the Arts. She explained, rather dramatically and over-exaggerated, that studying abroad was two parts: study and abroad.I... Continue Reading →
Calcio storico in Florence's Piazza Santa Croce!Before I came to Florence, I made a presentation on the local culture for my GO class. Part of the project highlighted calcio storico, Florence's five hundred year old sport. Unfortunately, the tournament takes place in June: I wouldn't be seeing the rugby-soccer-wresting sport live.The 'field' appeared (and disappeared)... Continue Reading →
