First Days in Florence

Last Wednesday, I packed up my life, said goodbye to my family for five months, and started my Italian adventure. I haven't even been here a week yet and I already know it is going to be some of the best months of my life. 

Do you know how cool it is to think back to your 9th grade history project on the Duomo and now see it from your apartment window? It's pretty freaking cool. I am surrounded by art, history, and amazing food wherever I go. It's a dream come true.

My first day here, I got to my apartment and took a much needed (and deserved!) nap after 13 hours of travel and about 3 hours of sleep over the last 25 hours. My roommate wouldn't move in until a few days later, so I had some time to myself to wander and get acquainted with the city. What's so wonderful about Florence is that it's a fairly small and compact city, so you can walk pretty much everywhere! As someone who hasn't done a lot of walking lately (other than from my couch to the fridge), it's been an adjustment. I also live on the 4th floor of my apartment building with no elevator, so if I don't end this trip with the nicest legs you've ever seen, I'm going to be slightly upset. 

Later that day, a girl I had connected with arrived, and we met up for dinner. It was great having someone to talk to and wander around with that was doing exactly the same thing as me. 

So far I've seen the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Galleries, Palazza Pitti, the Medici Apartments, and a never ending supply of gorgeous architecture and art while I wander around the city. The art history nerd in me has never been so happy. 

I'm starting to get my bearings around the city too, being able to walk to certain places without the need for a map is extremely satisfying - even if it is pretty much just a straight line. 

While I'm excited to start my TEFL course tomorrow and meet the rest of my class, I'm hoping I'll still have plenty of time for exploration! My roommate and I are even talking about going to Venice for Carnival next month. 


If you have ever considered visiting Florence, I highly recommend it. I've only been here a few days, but cannot imagine what else is in store!