Now that I’ve been home for a couple weeks reflecting on my month in Florence feels like remembering a strange and wonderful dream. It’s vivid and indelible, but it also feels surreal, as if it was an adventure someone else went on, or a movie I recently saw. Although it feels paradoxical, I would say…
Tag: Taya Hoetzlein-Sirman
Taya’s Travels: the Observations of a Political Science Student
As a Political Science student who is interested in urban form and development, Florence was an absolutely fascinating place to live. From a sustainability standpoint, Florence seemed to be a model for urban spatial organization. For one thing, Florentines themselves seemed to be much more cognizant of waste and feel more personal responsibility to avoid…
Taya’s Travels: Navigating a New Environment
While in Florence, I was subjected to both daily culture shocks and a shocking sense of continuity. I know very little Italian so it was jarring for me to be in a country where I could not readily communicate with the vast majority of people. On my first day I wandered around, feeling like I…
Taya’s Travels: Tourism in Florence – Suggestions and Advice
I think when traveling, especially in the age of social media, there’s a lot of pressure to get everything done. This means making lists and itineraries, compiling must-sees, and trying to visit every gelato place that TikTok insists is the best you’ll ever have. It can be really overwhelming. That’s why I tried to make…
Taya’s Travels: Introduction – Taking on Tuscany
Hi! My name is Taya Hoetzlein-Sirman, and I am a rising junior in the Frederick Honors College, pursuing a double major in History and Political Science, and a minor in Literature. I’m currently enrolled in Pitt’s Food Studies program in Florence, Italy, and I’m excited to share my journey with you guys! I chose this…