Last weekend I left the Netherlands for the first time during my trip here and returned to my summer 2017 study abroad location: Florence, Italy. Let me first start by saying I don’t even know how I managed to strategically plan this weekend trip (on a budget, might I add) including buses, flights, trains, lodging, etc. and actually manage to make it work, but I cannot even describe how happy I am that it did! To be completely honest if I asked a pre-PIRE version of myself to make this trip alone, she would think that I was absolutely crazy, but I have definitely gained a new sense of independence and confidence during my time abroad and for that I am so grateful!
My first ever trip to Florence was during my senior year of high school which was a day trip from our host city of Genoa. After spending 7 weeks in Florence last summer, I completely fell in love with the city all over again. When I found out that my PIRE location would be just a short plane ride away AND that one of my best friends would be there for the summer, I figured that “the third time’s the charm” and that I had to somehow make the weekend trip work. Did I mention that I returned to Flo town (how all study abroad students affectionately refer to Florence) exactly one year after I left?! Even though, to be honest, it felt like I had never even left. It was especially nice to have done all of the touristy things already because I was able to just enjoy the weekend without being on a schedule (although of course I had a list of my favorite foods that I had to eat, c’mon this is Italy after all – see below).
I spent a lot of the weekend just strolling around and taking in the surreal reality that I was back in my favorite place. The Italian major in me was ecstatic to be immersed in my favorite romance language once again! I also strategically planned my trip around “San Giovanni Day” in Florence, which is a celebration of Florence’s Patron Saint (Saint John the Baptist) complete with parades, mass, & fireworks! Another tradition included the final match of “Calcio Storico”, a historical Florentine soccer/rugby/wrestling-type sport that has been tradition in Florence since the 16th century!! It’s a pretty violent game, although it gets really intense to watch (almost as intense at Penn State football). Last year I was able to watch one of the preliminary rounds, and this year I was able to see the final game! Not to say that I’m a good luck charm or anything, but Rossi seems to do the best when I’m there for support 😉
As a perfect end to the weekend, I sat on the edge of the Arno Fiver and watched a fireworks display over the Ponte Vecchio with one of my best friends. Overall, another incredible trip to the magical heart of the Renaissance! Alla prossima, Firenze!