I walk out of my apartment and stare directly into the bright sun. It’s the perfect day for a walk in Florence and in this walking city there is no shortage of places to travel. The sun is beating down and with a haze hanging in the distance I start on my daily walk. I step over the crooked walkways and cross the street, dodging cars and pedestrians alike.
I still dart through the thin crowds turning as I go into the rowing club looking for Alberto.
The small dark green door is easy to miss at first sight, but behind the doorway is something worth looking into. I walk down the wide stairs and open the glass doors below. The lady inside greets me, “Buongiorno!” she says. I inquire about Alberto, who has promised to meet me. She then tells me Alberto is currently out on the water. “Come back in one hour,” she says clearly.
I decide to spend my time strolling along the banks of the river.
Upon arriving in Florence, Italy as a study abroad student, it is easy to get caught up in the beauty of the churches and cathedrals, the smell of the croissants, the taste of authentic Italian food, and the feel of the air as you walk along the Arno River.
What we tend to have difficulty accepting though is our fifth sense, the sounds that result from the hustle bustle of the city, most particularly the emergency vehicles. Living near the hospital, my ears do not stop ringing from the sirens of ambulances that pass on the hour, and if I am lucky, I will get to hear church bells chiming at 4am as well.
These sounds caused so much annoyance for me that I actually forgot to appreciate the true sounds of Italian culture, its music.
Before I came abroad, I had a friend who pointed out her fondness over street performers, and little does she know that if it was not for her, I do not think I would have ever experienced the true sounds of Florence. These musicians, although all separate groups, are collectively so incredibly talented that they attract large paparazzi- like groups who video and snap pictures of their performance.
Jokes on them though because listening to these street performances does not require electronic devices, just ears.
Whether they are playing on string instruments such as violins or guitars, blowing into a trumpet, or singing, these artists deserve the attention of our ears. They are a true representation of the culture here in Florence as they liven up each street corner and square with their melodies and songs. Although this is a different take on music, especially because the way in which music is created and performed is different in each country, it is worth unplugging the headphones from your ears because experiencing tunes so authentic and natural will come few and far between in the future. Too many of us students get so fed up with sounds of the bustle of the city that we forget to enjoy listening to a large part of the Italian culture that is present around each corner for free!
