Exploring the Road Less Traveled in Florence
After only one month in Florence, I have grown to love the city and its culture. The great thing about being abroad for three months is that I am able to really escape the touristy areas and explore off the beaten path. While I do really enjoy seeing famous attractions such as the Duomo, the statue of David, or the Colosseum, I get the same enjoyment out of walking down cramped little streets and experiencing the true culture that Italy has to offer. In medieval towns such as Florence or Siena, every street is picturesque, and you can sense the history everywhere you go. Even with my mediocre Italian skills, the locals have been extremely hospitable and welcoming. Every interaction begins with a friendly “ciao!” and everyone has been appreciative of my attempts to speak in their native language.
Perhaps my favorite aspect of Italy, and Europe as a whole, is the walkability of the cities. It is so easy to explore and get lost in the scenery, but it is just as easy to find your way back due to the historic landmarks spread throughout every city. Even in Rome, which is much more car-oriented than Florence, I was comfortable navigating and exploring without a map in only a couple of days. Similarly, inter-city travel is made extremely simple through the convenient train and bus systems. This allows for day trips that can be planned on a whim. With Florence as a hub, I have already visited Rome, Pisa, Lucca, Fiesole, and Siena. Additionally, I have plans to visit Lake Como, Bergamo, the Amalfi Coast, Switzerland, and Morocco, all thanks to the simple and effective public transportation system.
The food, as expected, has been spectacular. Although Tuscan cuisine is very carb- and meat-focused, I still feel healthy and fulfilled due to the amount of walking I do in a day. Similarly, gelato is a near-nightly indulgence for me. I love trying the expansive flavors available to me and then walking along the Arno River at night. Likewise, trying more regional dishes such as supplì (fried rice balls) or pinsa (flatbread-style pizza) in Rome has been really fun. The weather in Florence, although often cloudy, is a wonderful escape from Connecticut’s winter.
On the education side, all of my professors are extremely personable and great for advice on good spots to visit. My Italian class, although very difficult, is great for improving my conversational abilities and allowing me to be more confident with other Italians. All of my classes tie into Italian culture in some form, which makes me feel very involved in learning about the history and makeup of the country I am living in.
Finally, my social life has flourished while in Florence. Everyone is outside of their comfort zones, which makes this a great way to bond. Working together in classes, going on excursions, and heading out for dinner and drinks have all been extremely enjoyable with my friends. I can’t wait to continue exploring, connecting, and learning abroad.
Contributed by: Michael Ventresca ’27
