I have officially been back home for a bit over a week now, and I have most of my time digesting my study abroad experience. Most days, its hard for me to believe that past four months really happened — it feels like a different version of myself was studying in Florence. However, even though it still feels like some kind of dream, I continually find myself thinking that I had the best adventure, and I am so lucky to have had it.
It was just a matter of days ago that I would enjoy aperitivo with friends, go for long walks along the Arno as the sun went down, stop by the cafe for a pastry between classes, and casually stumble into a church from the 11th century. Every single day in Florence showed me a different aspect of Italian culture, and I found myself falling in love with the city’s charm and people. It truly felt like there was always something to do or see, and there was absolutely no shortage of adventures to be had or memories to be made this past semester.
One of my favorite memories is actually from my very last night in Florence, which just so happened to be Liberation Day, in which Italy celebrates their liberation from Nazism and Fascism. The celebration started late, and my closest friends and I took to the piazza right by our apartment to enjoy live music, dancing, and fireworks. All 4th of July celebrations I have attended pale in comparison to the events of an Italian Liberation Day celebrations. There are countless bands on street corners and hoards of people out celebrating their freedom and culture. There were mosh pits of teenagers and a punk rock band blasting heavy metal, and the party was just getting started.
I feel like it was that very last night as I danced surrounded by friends and those celebrating that I truly realized what I was about to lose when I returned to the United States. The feel of Florence is one that is care-free, one that is very relaxed and upbeat. The city’s citizens are incredibly welcoming and patient, and I found that many of them had an unwavering positive attitude and a commitment to finding something to celebrate. Even though I was very sad to say goodbye to the city that afforded me so much in such a short amount of time, I find comfort in knowing that there will be certain aspects of Italian culture I’ll keep with me for years to come.
Florence, you were everything I could have wanted and then some. Until next time!
-Tessa