It is difficult to succinctly synthesize my feelings toward my experience studying in Florence. The streets are poetic. The people, romantic. These things are tender, slow, instinctual. The buildings emanate history and a spirit that is only found in the monuments made to meaning.

I lived in Altrarno, near the Boboli and only minutes from school. I made friends with the local barista and my vicino, who took me on bike rides and made me feel like family. I cooked with two lovely women who helped remind me to simply, enjoy. I visited museums and small towns nearby with friends and visitors. Anche, ho imperato un po d’italiano.

The Boboli gardens, only steps from my flat, was one of my favorite places to take a walk and enjoy. 

Visiting Impruneta with Julia and Katherine meant learning about the milling of olive oil and the creation of large terre-cotte vessels. We were invited to a local feast, which we accepted the following evening. 

Visits to Fiesole were fresh and pleasant in the fall air, especially when my uncle came to visit. 

The city was lively, with warm people who took the time to enjoy life and provide for their neighbors. 

I spent a lot of time making art, translating my sights, and drawing my environment with presence. 

One of my first sketchbooks there, I filled within two months. Along with my journal, I always carried it.