ABC's of Florence

A

Arno River. Going on SAI trips and excursions means walking along the river at 7:00AM but it is my absolute favorite time to visit the Arno River. It is one the most peaceful and beautiful sights—the way the orange sky reflects on the water... breathtaking!

B

Boboli Gardens. So magical that my roommate MacKenzie got engaged there!

C

Churches. Santa Maria Novella, Santo Spirito, Orsanmichele, San Lorenzo, Santa Maria del Fiore, San Miniato al Monte and many more! Florence has an abundance of churches and cathedrals, if you believe that “if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all” … try not to because although it may feel that way, each has its own unique footprint and history.

D

Duomo. 463 steps to the top, thanks Brunelleschi. The Duomo is the most well-known attraction in Florence at the heart of the city and the largest masonry dome on Earth! Fun fact: before dying, Brunelleschi burned all drawings and plans of the architectural masterpiece leaving architects and engineers in question for the rest of time—it is still a mystery to this day how Brunelleschi and his masons achieved an impeccable structure with vast precision. Thank you again, Brunelleschi, we love a good mystery.

E

Electricity. You can’t run a load of laundry while you roast veggies in the oven. Running appliances in Florence is a skill you ought to master to avoid blowing fuses on the daily.

F

Fiat. No, Jennifer Lopez isn’t the only person who drives and looks good in a Fiat. These cars are everywhere! Back home I would see more Fiat cars on TV than I would out on the street! With reason of course, Fiats are made at the Italian Automobiles Factory in Turin, Italy.

G

Gelato. Suitable for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. If someone tells you that you’ve had too much gelato refer to J on this list.

H

History. Florence is an open-air museum, everywhere you go has an amazing rich history!

I

Italian. To study abroad here you don’t have to be fluent in Italian, but knowing a few words here and there will get you incredibly far. Locals love and appreciate your efforts always, on multiple occasions a dinner outing has resulted in a mini Italian crash course from our waiters!

J

Justify. Justify everything with the fact that you’re in Florence and you’re only here for so long.

K

Knowledge. Know the do’s and don’ts or Italian culture, remember that you are a guest in their country. Florence will never adjust to you, you must adjust to Florence.

L

Leather. You can find leather on every corner you turn in Florence. The leather markets are a great place to hit to get a good bargain! Scuola del Cuoio. Florence Leather School is a real operating leather school where you can watch apprentices meticulously craft leather goods which can also be purchased. Perfect for gifts and souvenirs!

M

Mercato Centrale. Here you can find the freshest of the fresh, whether it be fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat or pasta! Definitely worth a visit! One of my classes went on a tour to the Mercato Centrale, there we were able to watch how pasta is freshly made followed by a delicious tasting!

N

Nutella. Italy loves their Nutella, whether is be in gelato, a donut, a crepe or even in their coffee!

O

Oltrarno. Oltrarno translates to on the other side of the Arno. On this side of the Arno you can find a slower pace atmosphere in hectic Florence. Here you can find more authentic, family-run restaurants and a large amount of antique stores!

P

Paninis. Panini Toscano. All’antico Vinaio. Pinos.

Q

Quarters. Florence has four historical districts: Santa Maria Novella, San Giovanni, Santa Croce, and Sant Spirito.

R

Ravioli. Ravioli can be served in so many different ways with ranges of flavors and fillings. A recent discover of mine: lemon cream sauce ravioli with ricotta filling. DELICIOUS.

S

Secret Bakeries. I have still yet to check this one off my Florentine itinerary, partly because I’m not out on the streets at 2AM, which is when secret bakeries open. These bakeries are wholesale bakeries that supply the cafes and restaurants all over Florence with freshly baked goods evert day. Meaning they are hard at work during the late hours of the night to provide bright and early.

T

Trains. I had never been on a train prior to studying abroad. It’s the best way to get around because its extremely accessible and affordable making it perfect for day trips!

U

Uffizi Gallery. With over 2 MILLION visitors a year, the Uffizi gallery is home to masterpieces such as the Birth of Venus, Medusa and many more!

V

Vespas. Vespas seem to be the best way to get around town and the small streets of Florence.

W

Wine. It can sometimes be cheaper than water which is a little heartbreaking to me as I don’t indulge much, but it has certainly influenced me in acquiring a taste for wine here and there. I have also learned that some cheap wines are better than expensive wines—just don’t ask me which ones, I’m no connoisseur.

X

X-change rates—they get ya!

Y

Y… would anyone ever want to leave?

Z

Zero regrets because you're having the time of your life