Ciao! 

It has officially been four full weeks of living in Florence as a study abroad student! I have a hard time believing we only have two more weeks in this beautiful city before our time abroad comes to a close. While the passing of time means an impending end of a chapter, it also means that I have had more time to navigate and understand the deep culture of Florence and of myself as well. 

Of Florence’s deep culture, I have resonated with specific elements such as enjoying meals with loved ones and living a slower paced life. My roommates and family at home rarely eat together because of varying schedules, but I have taken to prioritizing sharing meals with my roommates and friends here. It has brought me a lot of enjoyment. I identify closely with the belief that meals should be eaten slowly and in the company of others. Eating is an experience and should be shared among loved ones because it enhances the food and the time together.

I have also really come to embrace the slower paced life that Italians live. This was an initial shock, and truthfully a bit frustrating, during the first week because of delayed meeting times. However, as my time progressed, my appreciation grew. My admiration of this relaxation tells me that I may have needed a break from the typical fast paced life that I live at home, and that I should cut some time out for leisure when I return home.

During our day trip to Siena, our tour guide had shared that there are a series of parties and gatherings for the young members of each of the seventeen districts, which strengthens the bonds of the respective districts’ members. This anecdote made me recognize the lack of community in my hometown. After introspection, I realize that in my own life there are things I can do to strengthen the communities I am a part of, and these observations fuel me to take action.

Despite the differences in culture between the United States and Italy, I believe I am navigating these cross-cultural situations the best I can. I think I have embraced these differences and taken them as they are in order to assimilate into the culture and get the most out of my experience abroad. Acceptance and embracing the unfamiliar is one of the most effective ways to learn more about yourself. 

See you next week!