“La Dolce Vita” by Cassandra Santoro
My perspective on Florence, different than many others…
When I first started college I never thought I would have the chance to travel to Europe like many other students my age were doing. A dedicated athlete, I spent my college semesters training, practicing and participating in field hockey games all year around. The thought of leaving my team was not even a thought in my mind and at the end of my four years of studying, I felt a bit of regret. However, the great thing about regret is that it is never too late. Upon my graduation I began my internship adventures. By December of 2005 I have completed three internships and I decided my final one will be in Europe. My search was unsuccessful and I almost gave up until one day a “pop-up” advertisement for a student travel agency came up on my computer and the next thing I knew I was on a flight to Florence, Italy.
Upon arriving in Europe, I didn’t know what to expect or how I would feel. I only knew of what I have read in books, seen on TV or heard from stories of my relatives. Of course I thought the obvious, great “vino”, delicious food and beautiful scenery. But the feelings I got from here were something that not one book, person or television show could prepare me for.
Italy was difficult to adjust to at first. For starters, most stores close for three hours during the day, which is completely unheard of in New York and would probably cause a mini-riot. If I was looking for a low-priced, healthy salad, it was sometimes impossible to find, but I did see lots of bread and pasta. What about if I just wanted a regular cup of American coffee??? While many of these things seemed so important to me at the time, these feelings of disappointed quickly faded after my first visit to the countryside. The beautiful hills of Tuscany followed by a scenic walk with my new friends made me realize where I was. I now grasp the fact that Americans are pretty much spoiled, we have the luxury of getting all kinds of food, at all hours of the night, or traveling without daily strikes, and going up the block to a convenience store on a Sunday. All which I love, but America is lacking one thing that Italy has, spirit. While New York is constantly moving and stressing about everything, Italians are enjoying their lunch with their families, taking their time to drink a glass of wine and welcoming tourists from all over the world.
For those of you coming into Florence, I would recommended the obvious, “take the road less traveled.” I’m sure you have heard that a million times, but its easy to forget. While I understand that it is a lot less complicated to speak English or find the American bars and café’s, you will not come back with the same experience. Go to that paninoteca down the alley way out side the center, take the time to talk to Italians on the street (except of course the ones that are yelling “Ciao bella, che cosa fa stasera….”), try a Florentine steak or soup, drink Chianti wine on a Chianti wine tour!! It may sound clique but that is what you are here for, you can go anywhere in America and order a McDonald’s coffee or salad with chicken, enjoy the culture while you are here.
As far as night life, its almost impossible to escape the American atmosphere, but hey we are Americans right! We are all here for the same reason, to meet new friends, travel and have a good time. There are many places to go, my advice would be to check out different areas of the city and choose a place that fits you best!
Travel when you can, however remember that you are in Florence to live, get to know your city! While its all personal preference, I would at least recommend knowing the name of the street you lived on, how to get the nearest grocery store, your favorite coffee shop, a good place to watch a baseball/football or soccer game (by the way Red Garter, has all American Sports Live!) and where to shop for some new clothes! Italy is all what you make of it!
Now that I’ve been here for three months and I’m preparing to leave in two weeks, I’m feeling just like all of you will feel prior to your departure back to the United States…full of emotion. I will be returning to a new world where the question “C’e sono domande” will only get me blank stares and “no questions” and finally I will be able to get that American coffee but only “imitation” café’s. My Italian, Swedish, Brazilian, Mexican and even new American friends will be thousands of miles away (that’s right now its miles not kilometers anymore!) and all of our laughs, journeys, stories and inside jokes will all be just a memory. Sounds depressing doesn’t it? Imagine how I feel! But at the same time, I’m going back with a whole new perspective on Europe, Italy, Italians, culture and people in general. You will realize that everyone in the world thinks, acts and talks the same as you deep down inside. I’ve never had more fun enjoying a beer then when I was with my Italian friends in the center of Siena or cooking pasta in my apartment with my roommates that are literally from all over the world. And have any of your friends at home got to sing U2 songs with a Japanese or Austrian person? After all this the thought of eating a New York “panini” or a Friendlys ice cream seems almost impossible, but the fact is, that is reality.
The best part about being travelers and adventures like ourselves is that we can always come back, be sure to keep in touch with your new friends and use this to your advantage, it’s a way to continue to travel with a free place to stay! While I probably could of done more of the tourist attractions such as the museums and churches, I don’t regret it too much because I have a different view than many (especially those people you will see on the street with the rolling suitcases). Everyday I would pass the Duomo on my way to work, walk through Piazza Republica for my favorite gelato and drive past the Fortezza da Basso on my way out of town. I’m happy with all that I’ve done and make sure that you are too. Also, make sure to have your camera handy and keep a small journal, you’ll be thankful at the end of your trip! We are lucky individuals to have this chance so remember “Climb up, up in the trees, every chance that you get, is a chance you seize.” Know that in Florence, Italy you will truly be living “La Dolce Vita.” Enjoy!
Ci Vediamo,
Cassandra