A Final Word on Firenze

So I’ve been home for a little over 3 weeks now. I knew that I would need some time after I got home to be able to properly reflect on last semester. When I left to go to Florence in January I had no idea what to expect. I was nervous because not only did I not know the language, but I also had no real idea of how a new culture would affect me. Turns out I couldn’t have made a better decision. Since I’ve been home, I’ve discovered that it is incredibly difficult to explain what I experienced in Florence. I have no words that can truly describe what an incredible four months I had whilst abroad. The closest I’ve come to, is describing that time as the best experience of my life. To think that I was 20 years old and traveling around Europe is something that still blows my mind. I can’t express enough, how blessed I am to have been able to do that. I have the greatest parents in the world who would do, and have done everything to make sure that I can get the education that I want. I’m not saying that it was easy the whole time I was their, because I did have some struggles. There were times that I was incredibly homesick, times that I was uncomfortable or frustrated with some of the facets of Italian culture, and there were times when I struggled with learning things about myself that I hadn’t ever known. All of those moments and struggles were well worth it. I feel like I’ve grown so much as a person. My time in Italy will forever contain some of my favorite memories.

Having said all of that, the memories I have of Italy would not have been so incredible if it had not been for the people that I shared them with. Being able to share my time abroad with two of my best friends (Max and Sam duhh!) is something that I will forever be grateful for. Those boys were my backbone while I was abroad, and we all became so much closer through this experience. My time in Italy would’ve also not have been nearly as amazing without the help of my incredible roommates. I was blessed to have been put into the same apartment as some of the best people I have ever met. Whether it was me and Samantha commentating (harshly and hilariously) on everyone in the living room, everyone arguing about nicknames and Harry Potter, complaining about the treacherous stairs and the jungle woman next door, or walking home from class eating paprika pringles, some of my favorite memories in Florence happened right in Pellicceria with my amazing roommates who I hope to create more memories with.

OK OK enough sap I'm done now. Hit the jump to see some pictures of my time abroad. (BTW the pictures enlarge when clicked upon)

Journey to Florence

One side of the NYU Florence Campus

So this is my first time being in Europe, and let me tell you, it wasn't easy getting here. To start off let me make it clear that I absolutely DESPISE flying. This probably has a little bit to do with the fact that I'm afraid of heights, but it probably also has to do with the fact that flying, in general, sucks. And trust me I've tried other methods of travel and they have all failed. The most recent failure being, Apparation . To make a long story short, I was once again forced to fly, and by the time we landed in the Florence airport, I had successfully not read any of the books I had planned to read, listened to hardly any music, spilled an entire box of tampons on Sam's head (this was a total accident.....and a long story), and been harassed by the security at the Rome airport (slight overstatement). About 30 hours later ( a good half of that time involved sleep) I was roaming through the beautiful city of florence trying to take it all in, which led me to be slammed in the face with Culture shock. The likes of which have not worn off one bit. But I must say, that our brilliant campus, with all its regal glory, is starting to help with that......at least a little bit.