It has been nearly 2 months since arriving in Florence and over that time I’ve had some unique learning opportunities and challenges. Before coming to Italy, I knew that there would be some differences in my day-to-day life, but some of them I never thought of.
Walking is the main mode of transportation in Florence, which I’ve enjoyed a lot. However, one thing I’ve had to adjust to are the narrow streets and sidewalks. The street I live on is roughly a mile long and is filled with traffic, parked bikes, and work zones. The sidewalks in some areas around the city are barely large enough to fit 2 people, so I’ve had to adjust by stepping down onto the road or letting groups pass by. To add, cars and motorcycles drive fairly quickly around the city and don’t usually slow down for pedestrians walking. It is important to be alert when getting around the city because it seems to be much easier to get struck by a vehicle. Despite this challenge, I’ve been a big fan of walking around the city because I have the chance to explore more and find new areas.
Another challenge I’ve faced is with the dining culture in Italy. In Italy, when you get a meal at a restaurant, the server will not continuously come over to your table to check in on how you are doing. They typically will only take your order and deliver your meal. It is expected that you either wave down the server to get your check for you or you have to go to the front of the restaurant to request it. There is no rush or expectation in terms of how long you plan to stay for dinner. It is a much more relaxed environment. To add, many restaurants I’ve been to don’t usually split the bill between people at your table. This has been an adjustment because when you go out with a large group of people, you have to figure out how to pay afterwards. In general, I think the dining experience is more enjoyable in Italy due to the slower-paced environment. It has allowed me to spend more time speaking with my friends and family.
It has been a fantastic learning experience trying to adjust to the Italian culture. Thankfully, I’ve been able to do most of it with my friends, which has made me feel more comfortable trying new things. Additionally, the CEA CAPA faculty and staff have done a great job at helping us adjust to living in Florence by giving us recommendations and tips regarding travel, dining, and typical day-to-day activities. I am excited to see what else I will learn over the semester and hope to share it with you!
Until then, Ciao!
