Getting around Florence took some getting used to. Most days, I walked to school, but sometimes I would take the bus. I had to learn how to ride the bus, which bus to take and how to purchase tickets. For example, buses do not automatically stop at each bus stop. If you want to get on the bus, you have to wave at the bus driver as he gets near the bus stop. This lets him know you want to get on. If you do not wave, the bus will pass you by!
Bus tickets can usually be purchased on the bus, at cafes or from little machines located at train stations or at major bus stops. You can purchase a 90-minute ticket, a 10-ride ticket, a monthly pass or a yearly pass. I usually got the monthly pass, which would cost me €30. Tickets need to be stamped once you get on the bus or you will have to pay a fine.
I also rode a bike around the city. Although I often ride my bike in Sacramento, riding a bike in Florence was a little more intimidating. Florence has bike lanes like in Sacramento, but I had to watch more carefully for cars.
If we wanted to visit other Italian cities, my friends and I would simply hop on a train. Train tickets can be purchased at the train station or, in advance, online. When we traveled to cities that were farther away, like Venice, we would take the fast train. Fast train tickets cost more, but the trip is several hours shorter.
While learning to get around Italy, I made a lot of mistakes. At different times, I have missed my train, gotten on the wrong bus and spent time lost, searching for the right bus stop. These experiences were frustrating, but I eventually learned how to get around.
