I am shocked to be almost hitting the halfway point in my abroad journey! I am still on such a high here just as much as I was the first week. So far abroad has been one of the most challenging and exciting experiences I have dealt with.

With all the enjoyment that is paired with abroad, there are definitely some difficulties tacked onto it. One challenge I have faced is the language barrier. While the majority of Florentines speak English because of tourism, it can sometimes be difficult to communicate. This can lead to a bit of frustration. Luckily, with my Italian course, I am able to learn the basics of navigating communication within the city!

Navigating Florence is difficult at first. The streets are easy to get lost in, considering they look so similar, and you think you are turning down one way and end up far from your destination! The sidewalks get so narrow sometimes it is one foot in front of the other toe to heel! I was able to quickly find my way around the city, and each street became more recognizable by the day. I was able to stop using Google Maps to take me to class shortly after my arrival. The city easily started to feel like home. The overwhelming busy streets with tourists, locals, and cars definitely is something I have had to adapt to. It is very different than the commotion that happens in Pittsburgh. I think this is because of the narrower streets and sidewalks, which makes everything feel more enclosed.

This is not my first time being alone because Pittsburgh is not my hometown, but it did feel as if I was restarting college all over again. All the nervousness and anticipation for what was to come had come back, reminding me of my first night in Bruce Hall! I am lucky enough to be here with a great support system of good friends from Pitt where we can help each other out. Having these people has made any feeling of uncertainty go away and made me feel less alone.

Being almost halfway done this semester has me ambitious for what is yet to come in the second half. For how amazing this first half has been, I know it will get even better. I don’t want my time in Florence to end any time soon! Thankfully I am left with 9 weeks!