It’s been a little over two weeks, and I already decided I am never leaving. Just kidding, but seriously, everything about Florence, or just Italy in general, makes me happy.

I already notice a bunch of different things here compared to Pitt. First off, Florence is a very walkable city. There are not many cars on the road, and people are always biking or walking. They also sort their trash into recyclables a lot better than we do. Something as simple as that is so easy to incorporate into our lives at home, yet we don’t. Florence food is also just so much better than the food at home. Everything is locally sourced and not processed. Eating pizza and pasta every day is normal here because the food here is not created in factories, but grown on local farms! I would say this is a sustainable city, and although we are trying to get there at Pitt, we haven’t quite reached their level yet.

As for the similarities, Florence is right on the Arno River, so there are many bridges, and Pittsburgh has that too. I am also unfazed by the city life and the amount of people around because we live in a city at school.

A typical day here is far from a day in the life at Pitt. I have 5 hours of class a day (I guess that is similar to home), but in between them and afterwords you will find me with a gelato or panini in hand! The atmosphere here is very relaxing, especially when you when you drink your morning cappuccino, or sit down at dinner for hours just enjoying each others presence. At home I am always in a rush with places to be, but here I have been trying to take in all of the delicious foods, views, and understand the history and culture that lies here. While being here, I still do try to cook some of my own meals, run and workout, and make time for myself. I enjoy reading by the river or going for walks to explore new places.

I have seen so many beautiful structures and paintings, and I am happy that I get to learn about these works simultaneously in my Renaissance art history class, because I actually understand what I am seeing and the meaning behind it.

Italy is making me look at life differently. I don’t always need to be in a rush. Sometimes it is nice to just put away my worries and allow myself to spend time with friends and family over a good meal.