Dear Colin,
You probably thought the highlight of this semester would be the weekend trips. The chance to hop between countries, see famous landmarks, and experience new cultures sounds very enticing. But looking back, it wasn’t the travel outside of Italy that stuck with you the most. It was Florence.
What really made this experience meaningful was getting to know the city on a deeper level. The everyday activities, like learning the rhythm of local life, morning espressos, walking through the markets, and recognizing the way the city feels different depending on the time of day. Florence became more than a study abroad location—it became a place you felt connected to.
Some of the best moments of the trip were the random corners of the city you found that hid some of the most enjoyable parts. From the riverside tables, to enjoying aperitivo in Santo Spirito, or the cafes on Via Ghibellina, you enjoyed getting lost in your home city and discovering something new as often as possible.
One of the biggest things you gained was perspective. From traveling and observing the way people live, both in and out of Italy, you learned the values that shape a culture and how different ways of life can be. It made you reflect on your own assumptions, and forced you to slow down, be more present, and appreciate little moments.
One of the biggest lessons you didn’t expect to learn was how to slow down. Life in Florence moves at a different pace—meals are longer (you have to ask for the check), you can sit at a cafe for as long as you like, and people are always walking leisurely instead of rushing. At first, it felt strange to not always be doing something “productive.” But over time, you started to appreciate the value in simply being present. That shift in mindset changed the way you experience your time, and it’s something you want to maintain in life back home.
So, the biggest takeaway wasn’t a checklist of countries or tourist sites. It was learning to fully understand a place, and learning from it in a positive and reformative way.
Best,
Future Colin