Overseas discoveries no. 1

*I wrote this post when I first arrived in Florence (January 2017) for five months of studying and living in Italy. Everything was so new and exciting and I love looking back on this. I wrote several for this series, and will be continuing it.*

I received a lot of advice from friends before leaving for my semester in Italy, and with their advice a lot of invaluable tips for life and travel in Europe. A lot of it I have remembered and followed so far, but some I’ve found I have to learn on my own. They didn’t give me a step-by-step guide after all, and who wants that when this semester is supposed to be about ultimate independence and self-discovery? I thought it’d be practical to make my own list, not only of things I’ve learned, but of observations about culture, food, etiquette, etc. for while I’m here, living la dolce vita.

And so with that, I launch the first of a new series…

ONE. Tuscany is a beautiful place.

I have joked at least three times this week that my favorite thing about Italy is their trees. The Mediterranean climate produces vegetation unlike anything I’ve seen, and I love how it’s a little bit like California desert meets Minnesota’s northwoods. I couldn’t help but smile as I saw Tuscany with my own eyes for the first time, as my flight hovered over a green Florence, on the brightest, bluest day.

TWO. Dairy tastes different after being vegan for 11 months and deciding to be a little less strict on my diet.

I wasn’t sure going into this experience if being vegan would be possible, or if I would miss out of things if I stayed vegan. After going to a restaurant and visiting the supermarket (where yes, all ingredients are in Italian), I decided to loosen my dietary restrictions so I could try everything Italy has to offer. One of the biggest parts of their culture is the food, and the emphasis they put on the quality and preparation of every meal, not to mention the time spent around the table sharing conversation. Nonetheless, I’ve found myself shying away from dairy still because of its taste, and I have stayed vegetarian with just a few exceptions. Some things are hard to change!

THREE. Wine should accompany every meal???

No explanation necessary here…

FOUR. The Duomo is breathtaking.

My friend and I stumbled upon the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore our second day, when we were purposely getting lost in our new city. WOAH is the only way I can begin to describe seeing such a monument in person…and I’m still in awe I get to walk by it everyday on the way to class. I’m one lucky girl!!!

FIVE. The experience of getting an espresso (un caffe) is magical.

The way Italians drink coffee was one aspect of their culture I was very skeptical of, coming from the states where I would make coffee in a french press every morning, and dose it with a good amount of coconut milk creamer. But, I tasted espresso and I never want to go back. They come in the cutest ‘lil cups, and with the right amount of sugar they are the perfect shot of warm, bitter perfection. Plus, the caffeine kicks in immediately. Enough said.

SIX. Pickpockets are real.

And this is one of those things I unfortunately (and unintentionally) learned for myself, within the first week.

SEVEN. Italian is one of the most beautiful languages spoken.

I wish I had learned more before I came, but I have to say it’s both fun and extremely intimidating to be thrown into a new language. I’ve been trying to learn as much as I can, from professors and bar (coffee shop equivalent) workers alike, and all are willing to help if you are gracious about your lack of language knowledge.

EIGHT. Walking is a lovely way to get around, all the time.

Thought I’d miss my Jeep, but when there’s something new to be discovered around every corner, walking is the best form of transportation. My great aunt said it’s all like one big museum, and it’s true. I’m happy just walking around and observing it all!

NINE. Italy’s national sport is women…

…according to the Police Commissioner of Florence, who was invited to our first day of orientation to scare us about pickpockets, drug pushing, and of course, flirting Italian men. Duly noted.