My Florentine Family

When I began my study abroad journey over three months ago, I never could have imagined how much I would do, how many places I would see, and most importantly the quality of friendships that I would build here. Back then, I was unbelievably nervous about leaving my family, friends, and university where I felt extremely comfortable and happy; but it was an inexplicable and undeniable urge to go out into the world and travel that led me to decide to study abroad. It has turned out to be the best decision that I ever made.

Stepping across the threshold of my Florentine apartment for the first time in January was the beginning of an incredible adventure. Upon walking into my new home, I met seven unique and wonderful women, who I have been lucky enough to live with and share in this adventure together. Some of my best memories have been with these girls in our apartment in Florence and also traveling around Europe with them. From taking a trip to celebrate Carnivale in the seaside town of Viareggio, to hosting an art gallery show in our apartment and our famous potluck aperitivos, my roommates and I have shared unforgettable experiences. And that was just the beginning. Through traveling, classes, and other friends, I was able to meet a variety of people from all across the world and build what are sure to be long-lasting friendships.

As I am preparing to leave Florence and begin my journey to backpack across Europe for the next month, I am saddened at the thought of leaving my friends, or more accurately, my new family. However, I can only be sad for a short time because then I begin to think of how blessed I am to know them and have them in my life. I look forward to us all going our own ways and watching my new family blossom and continue to grow and achieve great things. Though we will be apart, we will always share what we had here in Florence and reuniting will be a highly anticipated event. It gives me comfort to know that I can always look back and remember the best times of my life and the people I shared them with. Here are just a few!

One of the first nights in our apartment

Meeting my roommate

Exploring Florence at the top of Piazza Michelangelo

Meeting the neighbors 

Celebrating Carnivale in Viareggio, Italy

Learning about Grappa in Bassano del Grappa

Aperitivo at Ganzo with the roommates 

More friends and more aperitivo

Hanging out at the "urban beach" AKA Palazzo Pitti

Hosting aperitivo at our apartment

Relaxing in Versailles

Eating gelato from De Neri

Ready to take the train to Rome 

Building forts in our living room

Neon mask photo shoot - recreating the last supper. By Lynn Golan

Notte Bianca

Every year on April 30th, Florence celebrates the night before Labor Day by hosting a city-wide party from 6 pm to 6 am. Notte Bianca, which literally means the white night, is a sleepless night for all of Florence. The businesses, including the bars, restaurants, gelato shops and stores stay open until the early hours of the morning. Even the museums stay open until midnight for those who would like to explore them for free. The piazzas are filled with crowds of people who have gathered to listen to the different themed music in each square.

Luckily for me, last night was Notte Bianca, and I was able to experience on of the best nights in Florence. Walking home from class around 8 pm, the music was already beginning and people were out and about. By the time my roommates and I ventured out on Notte Bianca, the piazzas were so crowded that we could barely walk through them. The music was lively and people of all ages were dancing in the streets and enjoying the atmosphere. We walked from piazza to piazza and made our way to the bridge near the Ponte Vecchio. We sat on the bridge and watched as people released giant white lanterns from the bridges. The filled the night sky and looked like brilliant stars. Then we walked to Pitti Palace where we were shocked to see a wildlife movie being projected onto the side of the famous palace that was once home to the Medici family. We sat and watched until we couldn't stay awake any longer. After a long night, we headed home while the rest of Florence continued to party on.

Crowded streets near Piazza Signoria 

White lanterns being released from all the bridges

Animal World being projected onto the Pitti Palace