Italian culture is known for enjoying everyday life. Italians are in no rush to get to a destination, they often just want to reflect on the moment at hand. Everywhere you go, there are people simply just enjoying themselves. You can oftentimes find people sitting at a cafe and enjoying their cup of coffee, reading a book along the Arno River, listening to musicians in the street, or chatting among friends.

The most difficult thing for me to adapt to is the slower pace and living in the moment. I feel like I am always in a rush to get somewhere, whether that means class, errands, sightseeing, or traveling to another destination. There are so many things to explore in Florence, that it makes it hard to focus on the present. I am constantly planning for the next activity I am doing in Florence, like buying tickets for a museum, making a reservation at a new restaurant, or shopping at an Italian market. Additionally, I am still thinking about things going on at home, either making my schedule for the next semester or researching internships. There is so much to do in such little time.

One thing I have done to adapt to Italy’s slower-paced lifestyle is simply to just walk slower and enjoy my surroundings, it also makes me look like less of a tourist! Stopping for a few minutes to take photos slows my pace down too. I try to take the time to reflect on my experiences either through journaling or calling friends and family. For anything that’s a must-see, I try to book in advance so I don’t waste time waiting in lines. When I find a place I like, I try not to repeat my trips there too many times. There are so many places to try and I have to keep an open mind so I make the most of this opportunity. It is really helpful to do your research and have a guide or recommendations prior to coming here, that way you aren’t trying places that aren’t worth it. Additionally, I try to plan a couple hours into my week to work on things for the future that don’t really relate to my time here, that way I am not feeling overwhelmed. Finally, I try to prioritize what I want to do most, even if everyone else is doing something different, because I don’t want to regret something I wasn’t able to do.