Living – Page 11 – Finding Florence

Florence Through the Eyes of a Local

By Morgan O’Reilly

When first arriving in Florence, it’s normal to feel like a tourist. Here are some tips on how to live like a local.

Florence, upon first glance, can overwhelm its visitors as they crane their anxious heads above the sea of selfie sticks and open maps, search for a restaurant sans menu photos, and squeeze through the awing crowds in the main squares of the city. Among the excited tourists, it’s important to keep in mind that a majority of people you pass by call this city home.

Firenze has so much more to offer than temporary housing for weekdays. Culture and favorite cafes and park benches with carvings live here. Children and dogs play in the streets as their parents chat with the friendly market booth owners. Familiar calls of “Buongiorno” ring through the narrow alleyways, artisans flaunt their daily food creations, and 20somethings socialize on the steps of Santo Spirito.

Learning to see Florence through the eyes of a local

Appreciating Firenze as a home can help create an authentic study abroad experience. Finding the best panini places and venturing past the piazzas will come with time, but there are some things you can do to help feel like a local in the city.

Talk to your professors

Even if not all of your instructors were born in the city, chances are they have lived here long enough to be considered a local in terms of their favorite activities. A short conversation about their ideal day will provide great insider tips while getting to know your instructors on a more personal basis.

Strike up conversations with small business owners and workers

On your next pit stop for lunch, whether in Italian or English, introduce yourself to the people behind the counter. Step out of your comfort zone and ask them how they are doing, if they have any recommendations, and what their ideal day in Florence would be. Forming relationships with local italians can immensely help authenticate your Florentine experience.

Search online for local advice

Although forming relationships with locals will prove incredibly helpful, the internet is also full of blog posts, reviews, and ‘top 10’s’ for the exact purpose to share local knowledge. Some great places to start are The Girl in Florence blog, filled with restaurant reviews and things to do off the beaten path, this Unusual Florence guide, and even Tripadvisor (Making sure to measure opinions carefully. Try the place. Do you agree with other clients’ opinions?).

Tips from a Florentine local:

Native Florentine and Marketing professor Paolo Fiorini kindly gave some insight in creating an authentic experience.

What would be your ideal day in the city?

Go out in the morning with my family to the Central market and buy typical food products. Stop at a restaurant/panino place and eat then walk in the center of the city looking at exhibition or other events

What eateries and activities would you recommend for someone visiting the city?

Well, this is a complex question. It depends on what you want to eat. If you search traditional food like lampredotto or trippa for me the best place is Il Magazzino, pasta at La casalinga, bistecca at Pandemonio, wine and cheese at Le Volpi e l’uva, and then other hundreds of eateries. Place to visit: Galleria dell’Accademia, Galleria Palatina at Palazzo Pitti, Palazzo Davanzati, exhibitions at Palazzo Strozzi, and all major churches

In closing, he shares that the best way to make your experience unforgettable is try to live as a Florentine. Buy traditional food and cook it with local people, learn basic Italian and try to speak it, relax and understand our “lifestyle.”

From personal exploring, I have stumbled across a couple great places, including Sandwichic on Via San Gallo, which provides delicious and different sandwiches and a bottle of water for €2,50 with your FUA ID, and Da’Vinattieri, with a fennel spread that will change your life. Other recommended places I have yet to venture to include Amble, an eclectic lunch spot where you can buy the vintage furniture at the cafe and Ino, another seemingly awesome spot that uses top-notch ingredients.

Although you may only inhabit Florence for a few short weeks or months, putting in the effort and opening yourself up to new, authentic experiences can turn your perspective of this city from the eyes of a tourist to the eyes of a local.

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Seizing the Florentine Moment

Facade of the Basilicata di Santa Croce — Examining the detail of the Santa Croce church, photo by Morgan O’Reilly

By Morgan O’Reilly

It’s 8:30 on a February morning as I swiftly dodge bikes and local pedestrians on my way to class. The damp chill of Florentine air jostles my bones as my tired eyes stare downwards at the passing cobblestone. The frigid gust of wind and the loom of tardiness pick up my weary feet and hurl them toward the next stone, until suddenly a crack on the sidewalk catches my foot and I trip. Only then do I look up from my monotonous routine and spot a little, hidden bakery; a woman laughing with her daughter; the incredible detail on the Santa Croce archways; and a side of Florence I had neglected to notice.

Falling into a routine comes naturally when settling in Florence: you find the quickest routes, the cheap panini places, and a couple go-to evening spots. Although finding some favorite places will help with your acclimation to the new environment, it is also important to keep exploring the city and appreciating new sights each day. Yes, many weekends will be spent crossing off travel bucket lists, but weekends should also lend themselves to new Florentine discoveries. The city cannot be fully appreciated in one, momentous layer. It opens itself up to its guest every day; tripping and confusing its inhabitants and then strategically placing a hidden gem right in their winding paths

Finding a new sight a day, or moreover, appreciating a new sight a day, can transform the city from a world renowned bustle to a personalized home. Form a realistic plan of things you want to see, do and eat, and try to knock off a few each week. Reach out to your professors and locals for their recommendations. Even on your walk back from class, pay extra attention to the detail on the Duomo; the finely cured meats at your favorite panini spot; the muffled italian chatter in the Oblate Library; veins on statues; love locks on fences; foam on your cappuccino. Explore the Uffizi over and over again, visit Oltrarno’s gardens, grottos, and local eateries, and find those special details and locations you would have overlooked if you hadn’t payed active attention.

The simple act of opening one’s senses to new discoveries can not only act as a mantra for an immensely enriching Florentine experience, it also lends itself to a life of new discovery and appreciation. Begin to notice, to see the overlooked, and to experience the little moments that make Florence so unprecedented.

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A Taste of Florentine Markets

By Leanora Karnath

In Florence, venturing into the market isn’t simply about buying food, but it’s also about being part of an authentic experience. You’ll be surrounded by Italian speakers, vibrant colors and something new on every corner to indulge your senses. Vendors can tell you the origin of the foods whether an item comes from the northern regions of Italy or right here in Tuscany. You’ll develop a deeper appreciation and closer connection to these Italian products. Markets are also a great place to observe local life and even practice the language.

You probably heard about the popular San Lorenzo Market before even stepping off the plane to Florence, but there are many more options to purchase groceries in the in the city center.

Sant’Ambrogio
Designed by Giuseppe Mengoni and built in 1873, the Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio is home to a selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and fish, breads, and pasta that may offer more advantageous prices than the San Lorenzo Market. The market is both indoors and outdoors, open every day 7am-2pm except on Sunday. It’s about 15 minutes away from the Duomo.

Santo Spirito
Every third Sunday of the month, the square hosts an organic food market from 9am to 7pm. You can browse through various stalls of local food purveyors.

Fruit and vegetable grocers: Fruttivendolo
Around the city you’ll find fruttivendoli or ortofrutta shops specialized in fruits and vegetables. Everyone has their favorite based on their neighborhood or shopping preferences, try asking professors or new acquaintances at which shops they like to buy their frutta e verdure (fruit and vegetables)!

How to Shop – An Essential Guide

Be sustainable and bring along a reusable grocery shopper bag.
Bring cash instead of relying on a credit card as most vendors only accept cash.
Don’t touch the fruits and vegetables without asking. Tell the vendor what you want. They’ll either give you it or hand you a plastic bag to pick it up before it’s weighed.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for seasonal fruits and vegetables. Eating seasonally is key to Italian cuisine and the market is a great place to experiment with products that vary as the weather changes.
Know how much you want and how to say it. Although some vendors will know English, this won’t be the case in all situations.
I would like… Vorrei…(i.e. I would like 2 apples. Vorrei due mele)
Can you give me..? Mi da…? (i.e. Can you give me 2 apple? Mi da due mele?)
One Uno
Two Due
Three Tre
Four Quattro
Five Cinque
1 pound= about a half a kilogram Mezzo chilo
For cured meats, the etto, or 100 grams, is a common unit of measure.

Common Food Items, Translated
Grapes Uva
Lemons Limoni
Limes Limes
Oranges Arance
Strawberries Fragole
Raspberries Lamponi
Apples Mele
Tomatoes Pomodori
Lettuce Lattuga
Spinach Spinachi
Mushrooms Funghi
Onions Cipolle
Potatoes Patate
Peppers Peperoni
Asparagus Asparago
Carrots Carote
Cheese Formaggio
Ham Prosciutto
Chicken Pollo
Turkey Tacchino
Beef Manzo
Pork Maiale
Garlic Aglio
Bread Pane

If you don’t see something on the list that you want to purchase, look up the translation and write it down. Don’t worry if you’re having trouble saying something in Italian, or indicating the item that you wish to purchase.

Shopping at local markets is a great option for making dinner at home with friends, preparing fresh packed lunches to enjoy in between classes, or to have healthy snacks on hand such as perfectly ripe fruit. In addition to shopping locally, you can also check out the Apicius CiboChat blog for student reviews of local restaurants, bakeries, gelato shops, and much more.

See more of Florence and Italy at FUA’s FB, Instagram, and Twitter.

Your First Steps in Florence: A Guide

David statue in Piazzale Michelangelo — Photo by Morgan O’Reilly

By Leanora Karnath and Morgan O’Reilly

Welcome to the beautiful, bustling center of the Italian Renaissance. Upon arrival, your bags will be full, your feet tired, your stomach empty, and your mind racing. To ease the initial shock, here is an essential survival guide to help you through your first few days in this incredible city.

1 – Get to know your apartment

When you first walk into your new apartment, you’ll probably feel a mix of emotions. One of these will be excitement, but another one might hit you: confusion. Apartment living may be a little different than what you’re used to at home. Italians value conserving electricity, water, and heat. Turning on too many electrical appliances at the same time can result in a power surge. Don’t expect to take long showers because the hot water will run out. Remember to space out showers between roommates to conserve the hot water and turn off lights when you leave a room. Be environmentally friendly!

Electrical outlets are also different, and it’s very important to use the correct converter/adapter to avoid damaging your devices. Ladies, don’t use your electrical hair tools unless they’re dual wattage and compatible with Italian outlets.

Appliances like ovens, stovetops, and washing machines work differently than what most study abroad students use at home. Carefully read your apartment manual to figure out how the appliances work in your individual apartment. If you find that they aren’t working, don’t panic! Simply visit your MyFUA account and fill out a Housing Troubleshooting form to have the issue resolved in a timely manner.

Pro Tip: Scope out if your sleeping area is facing an internal or external part of the building. Like in any city in the world, facing street-side can get noisy at times, consider whether you may need earplugs or not.

2 – Get to know your area

At first, living in Florence might seem overwhelming. Don’t worry. It’s normal. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it is to get around the city. Begin to walk around the area near your apartment to familiarize yourself with the markets, cafes, and restaurants. You never know, there may be an awesome panini joint right under your apartment.

Take photos of different landmarks for reference when you need help remembering how to get somewhere. Pay attention to your surroundings! Think: how far away is this place from a main square or easily recognizable landmark? Organize a walking tour with roommates or newfound friends. Find the best routes from your apartment and your classes, and it’s also a great way to get to know the city! Knowing where you can grab a quick bite or grab groceries will help Florence feel like home.

Once you become more acquainted with the city, it’s time to find your favorite study spot in addition to the quiet study areas at the FUA Main Library. Head over to the bookstore La Feltrinelli in Piazza Repubblica. You can grab a quick bite to eat from the cafe to enjoy while completing your weekly assignments. There’s also a large selection of books. It’s open all week 9:30am-11pm. If you need a quieter place to do your work, Oblate Library is located near FUA’s J School. Take a study break and head to the top floor where you can find an aperitivo buffet. Peek out the window, and you’ll see a great view of the Duomo! It’s open Monday 2-10pm and Tuesday through Thursday 9-12am. In addition, make sure to explore Florence’s wide array of coffee shops, book stores, and other nooks to find your perfect study area for the upcoming semester.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to take a picture or carry around a physical copy of your updated registration to avoid walking into the wrong class.

3 – Get to know FUA’s Facilities

Florence’s bustling, crowded piazzas and countless street corners can make anyone feel bewildered upon stepping on this giant historical landmark. One of the most effective and easiest ways to get to know the city lies alongside many of your classes. The Student Life office in Corso Tintori offers events, tours, trips, and free campus facility services. Attending events like the Welcome Reception, walking tours, weekend trips, or free gym classes, can open up possibilities to meet the faculty and staff as well as some fellow study abroad students. After a long day, grab a pastry or some aperitivos at the campus pastry spot, Fedora, or FUA’s student restaurant, Ganzo.

Pro Tip: Exercising at FUA’s gym will not only give you the most for your money, but it can be a great stress reliever for the hectic first week. Also, attending a free class can be a fun, social way to burn off last night’s third scoop of Gelato.

4 – Get to know Italian dining/social culture

In your first few days in living in Florence, you will probably realize that there are some serious culture differences, especially around food. Italians generally sit down for dinner around 8:30 or 9. If they eat out, it is not generally for convenience, but rather as a treat not to be rushed through. A good Italian waiter will never rush a customer, so it will be your responsibility to ask for the check. Here, dining establishments can generally be categorized by three types: Osteria, Trattoria, and Ristorante. An Osteria is a less formal way of eating out with food served at shared tables. A Trattoria serves as the second “level” of Italian dining. These serve inexpensive, regional home cooking. A Ristorante tends to be a little more formal and expensive of the three. But always do a double check if possible, as the names and price ranges nowadays are interchangeable.

Other types of establishments include the Pizzeria, Bar, and places for Aperitivo. We can conclude that pizzerias serve pizza, and they might serve other food as well. The best usually have an actual wood burning oven. Pizzas in Italy are generally individual dishes rather than family style. A Bar in Italy is a cafe, a place for people to grab a quick espresso and a small sandwich or pastry. Aperitivo is usually a pre-meal beverage served with snacks and appetizers, and the popular buffet-style has become a quick, informal way to enjoy dinner and wine with friends. Keep in mind that wine with a meal is an Italian social activity, but excessive drinking is not.

One last note is that tipping in Italy is not a common practice. Waiters and retail employees earn a regular salary as opposed to working for tips, so a required service charge and possibly rounding up a euro or two will more than suffice. This being said, if your service is exceptional; for example if they make you laugh, cry of happiness, or if they pull out their best magic tricks/acrobatic techniques, then by all means tip as you see fit.

Pro Tip: If you want to find a local Italian restaurant, stray away from the main squares and keep your ears open; if the customers speak Italian, it’s a good sign that the experience will be more authentic.

5 – Get to know some Italian

Learning some Italian phrases will not only help you communicate with the locals, but it will also help you better assimilate into the Italian culture. Don’t be afraid of pronouncing things wrong. The locals will appreciate your effort! Practicing each day will improve your skills.

Hello Ciao/Salve (formal)
Good morning Buongiorno
Good afternoon Buonasera
Good night Buonanotte
Good bye Ciao/Arrivederci (formal)
Please Per favore
You’re welcome Prego
How are you? Come stai/Come sta? (formal)
I’m fine Sto bene
Excuse me Mi Scusi
I’m sorry Mi dispiace
I don’t understand Non capisco
How much is it? Quanto costa?

Pro Tip: Check out your Student Manual for other helpful phrases. Download a translation App to your phone when you need help reading a menu or communicating with someone. Or, keep a small notebook to jot down other commonly used words.

Soak up the rich history, enjoy authentic cuisine, and admire the amazing views. Living in a new place might feel scary at first, but Florence will start to feel like home sooner than you expect.

See more of Florence and Italy at FUA’s FB, Instagram, and Twitter.

Fitness in Florence!

FUA soccer activity

By Chris Hartman

As a Florence University of the Arts student, you have multiple options to experience fitness in Italy, especially through soccer. The first, which is available to all students, is sports night. Every Tuesday night at 8:45pm, we meet at at the FUA fashion campus (FAST) to walk over to the two fields. Lead by Fabrizio Polloni, a former professional soccer player and professor at FUA, we divide into teams and play! It’s perfect for any level of player, from beginner to advanced, and such a fun way to socialize with your fellow classmates and get some exercise.

Another beneficial way to understand the importance of soccer in Italian culture is the Italian Soccer Experience course. Professor Polloni teaches you the basic skills needed in the game, while also giving you a history of soccer in Italy. We traveled to Coverciano, which is the official training area for the Italian Football Federation. There is also a museum which houses the World Cup trophy from 2006 and other historic memorabilia. Through on-field training, classroom discussion, and field trips, each student receives an unique experience on what soccer means in Italian culture.

FUA Student Life & Development tip:

For those interested in other types of fitness activities, check out the Mind & Body activities on designated Fridays or the FUA gym class schedules. And don’t forget, you can always work out at the gym during open hours if you prefer a solo session to an organized activity. Check out MyFUA for upcoming fitness activities and write to sld-studentservices@fua.it for any questions.

See more of Florence and Italy at FUA’s FB, Instagram, and Twitter.

The Balance Between Traveling and Staying in Florence

View of Mediterranean sea

By Juliana Guarino
Photo by Josh Berendes

When deciding to study abroad in Florence had two huge components to it for me – living in an Italian city to try to adapt to the culture, and also traveling around Europe. Many students who choose to study in Europe have the intention of traveling the continent. Some come with a “list” of must sees, and sometimes students plan each weekend down to a T before even arriving.

Upon coming to Florence, I was struck with a dilemma. I wanted to fully immerse myself for the full three and a half months, learn some Italian, even embrace culture shock in its entirety. Because “when will I ever be able to do this again,” right?

How do you find the right balance between staying in your host city and traveling the world?

First of all – you don’t need to travel every weekend! Some students really jam pack every single weekend they have here, which is fine on one hand, but some of my favorite weekends were the ones spent here in Florence.

On top of that – you don’t always have to travel outside of Italy! There are SO many amazing places easily reachable from Florence, even for a day trip. Some examples of places I went by train or bus include Parma, Milan, Rome, Venice, Lucca, the Amalfi Coast, Perugia, Tuscany, and Siena. Going to these spots was a great way for me to balance traveling/seeing new places and immersing myself in the Italian culture.

Also, it’s o.k. if you don’t make it to every single spot on your “list.” This was a huge thing for me to finally realize. In the beginning I got so caught up on all the cities I needed to see as if I was never ever going to come back to Europe. You will be back. You won’t make it to every city you heard is great – there are waaaaay too many in Europe to see in just three and a half months.

As I looked back at my experience a few weeks before departing, I was thankful to have no regrets about how I spent my weekends. I think I found a great balance traveling in and outside of Italy. So see a few different cities, prioritize the ones you want to see most, or don’t and just wing it. Either way, you’ll go back to those spots you didn’t get to see this time around. That doesn’t sound too bad right?

ps, Looking for local travel ideas? FUA’s Educational Field Trips Department are organized by the Student Life office over several weekends in the semester. The planning team includes FUA faculty who regularly teach culture courses so you’ll get to experience the best of experience and learning about Italy. Check out the current trips online or at the MyFUA portal.

pps, For food exploration starters during your time in Florence, check out the food blog of Apicius, the hospitality division of FUA!

See more of Florence and Italy at FUA’s FB, Instagram, and Twitter.

Italian Family Club: Home Away from Home

Students meeting their Italian families — Students meeting new families at the Spring 2015 Italian Family Club welcome dinner

By Kristyn Laviola
Photo by Lauren Fromin

As a study abroad student in Italy, I wanted to immerse myself into the Italian culture. Luckily enough, FUA offers an Italian Family Club (IFC) in which students get “adopted” by a Florentine family where both get a hands-on experience of each other’s cultures. Students and families are “matched” according to their common interests and shared characteristics. The application process was simple and quick. All I had to do was attend the first meeting, fill out a one-sided sheet of paper of basic information about myself, and then have a one-on-one interview. When I read the email saying that I was accepted into the program, I was ecstatic!

I was introduced to my family in the beginning of the semester at a group dinner. At first I was nervous and anxious to meet them, but once we sat down at our table, the conversation immediately sparked. My Florentine family consisted of a mother, father, and a younger sister who is seventeen years old. We asked questions about one another trying to learn as much as we could about each other. I thoroughly enjoyed my whole time spent with them that evening.

Throughout the semester, we have met up several times. I have joined them for dinner, watched movies, and we both have helped each other with learning our native languages. Their warm hospitality made me feel welcomed and joining the IFC was one of the best decisions I made here. My Italian family has become my home away from home and I feel as if I could reach out to them for anything and everything. I strongly recommend any student abroad to step out of their comfort zone and find ways to meet the locals of the city they are studying in. The Italian Family Club has enhanced my study abroad experience and I have made amazing connections that I will never forget!

Have questions about the Italian Family Club? Get in touch with the FUA Student Life team at sld-studentservices@fua.it.

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Adjusting to Life in Florence

Panoramic view of Florence from the Oltrarno

By Chris Hartman

For many students arriving in Florence, adjusting to a new country can take some time. A new language and atmosphere can sometimes create moments of culture shock or homesickness. There are many tips to help with the adjustment process and embrace life in Florence, and the FUA Student Life Department is a great resource for a comprehensive and detailed approach to experiencing your term abroad. In the meantime, here are a few immediate yet easy and essential tips for all students, regardless of how long you’re staying in Florence!

Make an effort to go out of your comfort zone! There are plenty of restaurants and areas that are designed towards tourists, but push yourself to find more localized restaurants and nightlife. It can be very rewarding and help you feel like less like a tourist. This also forces you to practice Italian phrases which is the only way you will ever start to feel comfortable with a new language.
Do something new every day! Florence is a small city, but it is filled with different activities and things to do. Do not let yourself let a day go by without enjoying all that is around you! Your time here is short. (Suggestion: Try a thematic approach, like a street or a square per day of exploration, or bookshops and/or minor museums. Have the day to yourself? Florence can be beautiful when enjoyed in solitude!)
Stay off social media. Staying in touch with your friends and family back home is obviously important, but if you find yourself aimlessly browsing Facebook timelines or Instagram feeds and watching Youtube videos, it’s time to shut it off.

Life in Florence is such a great experience for students. It is important to transition as quickly as possible so you can spend your time enjoying what is around you. Hopefully these first tips provide a little insight into the transition into Italian culture. Have an open mind and have fun enjoying life in Florence!

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A Day Alone in Florence (Winter Ed.)

By Kevin Coccoluto
Photo by David Weiss

Every so often, I have found myself all alone in Florence for a day and struggled to figure out what to do with my time. Either my roommates were away or friends would have different class schedules, and I would have time off by myself. For the few times that this may happen to you, and I have some great suggestions that I’ve tried myself when planning for a day alone in Florence.

If you haven’t fully walked around the city by yourself, I strongly recommend doing so. Go discover new parts of Florence that you haven’t seen before (I promise there are hundreds of them). The best part about walking throughout the city alone is that you get to follow your own path and instinct, and you don’t have to follow others. It is really fun just getting lost within Florence and seeing where you end up.

Florence can be enjoyed any time of the day, during any season of the year. If you’re a warm beverage lover, I suggest stopping in several coffee or tea shops along the way and picking a favorite place that you would want to come back to. The same idea applies for restaurants, relaxation areas, or anything else such as bookstores, shops, a monument… There are thousands of choices in the city. There is no way you are ever going to see them all in an entire term, but time alone will definitely help shorten the list in one of Italy’s most beautiful cities!

***

FUA Student Life suggestion: Whether for art history classes or city excursions planned with friends, you probably have already planned to see major museums such as the Galleria dell’Accademica, the Uffizi, and Palazzo Pitti. A day alone in Florence is perfect for smaller discoveries, so here’s a winter edition mini-itinerary from our staff as a starter. Create your own and share it with us!

Am: Visit a lesser-known monument such as the Biblioteca Laurenziana at the San Lorenzo complex, designed none other than Michelangelo for the Medici family. Or any of the “small but big” museums of Florence, starting from the La Specola natural museum that features not only animal and mineral specimens but ancient Florentine human anatomy wax models.

Lunch: The Sant’Ambrogio market is smaller than the central San Lorenzo market and features several lunch options inside the market and around the area. Inside the market, Da Rocco is an inexpensive local favorite.

Afternoon: Browse a teahouse such as La Via del Tè or Tealicious or a boutique bakery like the Cantinetta for a warm snack.

Pm: Head over to a bookstore early pm around 5 or 6 to browse titles. Larger bookstores include Feltrinelli Red and IBS, but also check out smaller and artsy spots like Todo Mondo or the Gucci Museum bookshop. Afterwards, you’ll just have to decide where to dine, or you can have a cozy meal at home with roommates and friends on their way back:)

See more of Florence at FUA’s FB, Instagram, and Twitter.

Street Art: Letting Go

By Patricia Hoban

In the Renaissance city of Florence, home to the Uffizi, one of the largest and most famous museums in the world, and pilgrimage site of artists and art lovers alike, I was impressed not only by the greats such as Michelangelo, Masaccio and Masolino, or Giotto, who I was able view just a few minutes from my apartment. I was especially fascinated by street art, and specifically with an example that I attributed as “the girl with the balloon.”

As I walked to class, I often passed by the image of a stick figure with a hand outstretched, grasping at a red balloon. I have studied Banksy at my home university, and know this to be a copy of his work. Banksy, for those of you who are unfamiliar with him, is an anonymous street artist who uses the city as his canvas. The art he creates sends a message to its viewers and brings attention to the problems that are silenced or ignored by society. What does the balloon symbolize, and is the stick figure reaching for it, or letting it go? Each day as I walked by the piece, I juggled with possible meanings.

I, a student who was studying in a foreign country, interpreted the piece to be a girl lost somewhere between holding onto her cultural habits, childhood, and comforts, and letting them go to adopt a new Italian lifestyle. In the beginning of the semester in Florence, I almost always saw the girl reaching for the balloon and holding it tightly. However, as the semester progressed and as I became more confident in providing tourists with directions and grocery shopping at my neighborhood supermarket, what I saw was not a girl reaching for a balloon, but one letting go.

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