View of Florence from the Overlook | Photo by Rachel Ison
Sunday we said Farewell to Rome and Hello to Florence! We found way more tourists in Florence than Rome. Americans practically outnumbered the Italians! And even more solicitors attempted to sell us bracelets, handbags and a number of gadgets. We learned to ignore them as we made our way through the beautiful streets of Firenze (proper title of Florence to natives).
We lived minutes away from the Duomo, one of Italy’s largest cathedrals, and the largest brick dome ever constructed. Each time we passed we admired its intricate architecture and beautiful shades of green. The inside did not reflect the elaborate exterior. This was the first cathedral I had seen with white walls. The sculptures and murals of Christ and other Catholic figures were carefully crafted and amazing nonetheless.
We lived minutes away from the Duomo, one of Italy’s largest cathedrals, and the largest brick dome ever constructed. Each time we passed we admired its intricate architecture and beautiful shades of green. The inside did not reflect the elaborate exterior. This was the first cathedral I had seen with white walls. The sculptures and murals of Christ and other Catholic figures were carefully crafted and amazing nonetheless.
The Duomo Cathedral | Photo by Ellie Weeks
During our second full day in Florence, we naturally checked pizza and gelato off of our agendas first. After brunch we split up. Some enjoyed a wine tasting in the Tuscany countryside, others toured the city and I relaxed at Piazza de Pitti with two IAU students.
One student, Janine called her friend studying in Florence to meet us. We exchanged study abroad experiences as we sunbathed on the Piazza de Pitti. Yes, I went sunbathing. I tried to explain to my blonde-haired friend why I usually don’t. I told her I used to run away from the sun in the summer because I wanted to preserve what I thought was prettier skin tone because it was lighter. For the first time in my life, I purposely soaked up the sun. We all left a few shades darker. I have to admit; I love my richer complexion. It finally felt like a vacation. And I came to understand why people tan. It’s relaxing and the results are beautiful.
Rachel at the Ponte Vecchio | Photo by Ellie Weeks
While leaving the piazza, Janine’s friend told us how hard it was to improve speaking Italian because so many people speak English in Florence. She complained that her program houses students in apartments with only American students, so it’s hard to meet Italian-speaking people. We told her we often find ourselves speaking English amongst each other as well. Luckily, the home stay at IAU allows us to speak French everyday with our host families.
Janine’s friend also explained the significance of the bridge near the piazza. Ponte Vecchio, which literally means “Old Bridge”, is the only bridge in Florence that was not destroyed in WWII. Therefore, it is the oldest lasting bridge in Florence. Our new Florence friend led us to a small restaurant for dinner – away from the tourist areas. This time we managed to avoid pizza and indulged in pasta and salad instead.
The next day we resumed tiresome hiking throughout the city – a habit we picked up in Rome. After losing ourselves searching for Florence gardens, we finally caught a glimpse of the entire city from its highest point. The hill at the Piazza Michelangelo is called the Overlook. It gave us this magnificent view and became my favorite site in Florence.
Florence also gave us a taste of home. We went to this restaurant called “The Diner.” We ate pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs and bacon. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end our stay in Florence.
Janine’s friend also explained the significance of the bridge near the piazza. Ponte Vecchio, which literally means “Old Bridge”, is the only bridge in Florence that was not destroyed in WWII. Therefore, it is the oldest lasting bridge in Florence. Our new Florence friend led us to a small restaurant for dinner – away from the tourist areas. This time we managed to avoid pizza and indulged in pasta and salad instead.
The next day we resumed tiresome hiking throughout the city – a habit we picked up in Rome. After losing ourselves searching for Florence gardens, we finally caught a glimpse of the entire city from its highest point. The hill at the Piazza Michelangelo is called the Overlook. It gave us this magnificent view and became my favorite site in Florence.
Florence also gave us a taste of home. We went to this restaurant called “The Diner.” We ate pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs and bacon. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end our stay in Florence.