One of the things that I immediately noticed that was different about Florence was how small and compact the city is. The first thing we did after we landed was take a cab to our apartment, and the roads felt so different from the expansive multi lane highways we have at home. While in the United States most people need a car to get around, in Florence a car almost seems like a hindrance. I always see people driving on these one way streets that barely have enough room for a tiny Fiat, nevermind a truck or SUV.

Because of this, most people opt to walk or bike everywhere. No matter where you are it only takes 15-20 minutes to walk anywhere you need to go, which makes the city really nice and accessible. There is also a certain harmony that I notice when I walk around. The city is always bustling with people walking, pushing strollers, pulling suitcases, riding bikes and motorcycles, and driving cars and buses. This sounds very chaotic at first, but somehow in Florence it just works.

I wish that the US was more like this. The city being so small and not having to rely on a car makes getting around so much easier for the average person. I am able to get gelato, go to class, go to the grocery store, get a coffee, or go to the post office, all within a 5-10 minute walk from my apartment; not a 5-10 minute drive like at home.