Of course, living in Italy also means trying all the food! I’ve already had pasta, pizza, and gelato, but there are so many more dishes to explore. Fun fact: I am a picky eater, but I’m trying to explore more and expand my food palette. Food here isn’t just something to eat quickly, but something that Italians believe people should enjoy slowly, often together with friends and family. That has been one of my favorite parts of experiencing Italian culture. One of my favorite things so far was visiting a popular affogato shop here in Florence. The word affogato means “drowned” in Italian, because the gelato gets “drowned” in coffee! I had a hazelnut affogato, and it was so delicious--creamy, nutty, and strong all at once.
Florence has taught me a lot in just a short time. It is busy with tourists and full of life, but at the same time it has a calm, timeless feeling when you stop and take it in. Walking across the river at sunset or standing in front of a Renaissance painting makes me feel connected to something bigger than myself.
I’m so excited to share this journey with you! I hope you’ll enjoy following along as I explore Florence, learn more about history and culture, and experience both the bustle and stillness that life in Italy offers.
