A visit to Paris is incomplete without a visit to the Louvre, pictures at the Eiffel Tower, and a walk along the Seine. What happens when you've seen the essentials or want to do something unique? Or worse, when the things you planned are doing were closed? We were facing a little bit of all... Continue Reading →
Within the past four days, I have been in three different countries: Italy, Spain, and France. Prior to studying abroad in Italy, I had very minimal Italian skills. I tried to use Duolingo, but wasn't diligent. Had I been consistent, it would have taught me so much. That being said, I've been trying to speak... Continue Reading →
There's no doubt: this week was the most stressed I've been since I was getting ready to leave for Florence. Again, my travel backpack (an Osprey Farpoint 40 that I absolutely love) slowly made it's way from under my bed to the corner of the room to sitting on my bed, waiting to be meticulously... 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 →
I decided relatively last minute that I was going to go to San Marino: I had the day off of class and why wouldn't I want to visit the beautiful tiny country? The views are phenomenal and it's called the "Country in the Clouds" for a reason.A few days later, I was visiting my Italian... 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 →
Since I was deciding where to study abroad, I have been interested in the Florence University of the Art's Italian Family Club. Going to a school where study abroad is required, I had heard stories of great experiences of people with homestays, but there were certain perks to living in a dorm or apartment instead.... Continue Reading →
A gondolier holding a panino, someone dressed in Carnevale costume, laundry hanging from the window, and the canal. Could a more Venetian scene exist?When I managed to find reasonably priced bus tickets to Carnevale, I knew I couldn't pass up the opportunity of seeing the Venetian tradition in person...even if it did mean waking up... Continue Reading →
