Category: Living

Italy From the Lens of Media, and the View From Reality

written by Alex Daggett for SPEL: Journalism

Italy has become one of the most popular and sought after destinations for travelers in the past decade, and this tourism boom has been heavily contributed by depictions of Italy and Italian culture in American media. However, the way that this representation in popular movies, pop culture, and television shows has portrayed the country does not accurately reflect the current landscape and culture of Italy. After living and studying in Florence for the past 10 weeks, I have sought to examine the differences in expectations set by the media, and the reality of the country. 

One of the main reasons that I had such an affinity for Florence and Italy was the rich history, the art, and the culture that I have been studying and reading about for years. However, it is becoming more and more common for people to travel to Italy because of the images and ideas of the country that have been pushed out and popularized by American media. The issue of this is that these depictions are not accurate, and portray a romanticized version of the culture and country. Thus, leading to travelers who seek these unrealistic expectations being left with disappointment, and an unfair resentment for the true Italian culture. Some of the common tropes and ideas that I have seen being pushed come from very popular movies and television shows, such as the romanticized version of Northern Italy in the film, ‘Call Me by Your Name’. 

While many go to Italy expecting to see the same lush landscapes and sprawling villas that are portrayed in the feature film with Timothée Chalamet, they are confronted with the fact that Italy is not the perfect utopia that is depicted in the film, but rather a real living country, with a diverse and intricate community from all walks of life. This is not a bad thing at all, and part of what makes Italy so special to me, but to many who have watched this film, they are expecting reality to align with Hollywood. When they are inevitably confronted with the truth of the situation, they unfairly direct their anger at the country and the people who did nothing but get stereotyped by Hollywood. In my personal experiences, I have found some amazing small towns and beautiful surroundings, that are nothing like what is shown in movies, but are even more amazing than the cliche scenes in movies. Seeing actual vineyards, with real farmers, and to see real homes that you can tell people actually live in rather than just decorated like they are in magazines is so much more personally fulfilling to me, and I wish that was what was shown in these movies, rather than an idealized version of reality.  

The language barrier is also something that many tourists are not prepared for, as in films such as ‘Call Me by Your Name’ or the hit series ‘The Sopranos.’ In these forms of media, characters are portrayed as speaking mostly English with a vague ‘Italian’ accent, and that is the image that is seared into the brains of the viewers, setting them up for disappointment when they realize that most Italians speak their actual native tongue. That is part of the immersive experience, to try and learn someone else’s language, while you are in their country; it is selfish to expect the opposite. ‘The Sopranos’ also paints a scene of Italy where everyone is connected in some form to the Mafia, or organized crime, and this is also simply not the case. 

The problem also lies in expectations set by Italian-American culture, that many have internalized as just purely Italian. The most obvious example of this would be the differences in food, and dining culture. While many Americans think that the dishes of Spaghetti and Meatballs, thick and creamy Fettuccine Alfredo, and Chicken Parm, are dishes that they can find that are native and from Italian culture, they are actually creations from the blending of Italian immigrants and American culture, that only exist in the states, and are not actually from the country of Italy itself. This culture shock is often hard to adjust to for many travelers, and unfortunately many restaurants have started making these Italian-American dishes exclusively for travelers to eat because it is what they expect of Italy, causing many tourists to completely miss out on proper and authentic Italian cuisine. This is defeating the entire point of traveling. The failure to appreciate true Italian culture is heartbreaking to see, as I have found so many amazing dishes that I could never find in the United State. These dishes have actual history and roots from the country of origin, and are not portrayed nearly as often in American media. There is a large disconnect between what is portrayed in the media that is classified as ‘Italian’ and what you actually find in Italy, which is sad to see, because the real Italy is far more interesting than the version that is shown to Americans in the media. In order to appreciate the true beauty, one must set aside past baisers from media, and experience the culture authentically. 

Four Nights in the Desert

written by Lily Carroll for SPEL: Journalism

Working and studying in Florence the entire summer has been a great mix of work and play. As the workload began to grow, I decided to plan a trip I could look forward to and motivate me to work extra hard. On the day of our last exam, I could barely contain my excitement. With my pen on paper, I felt both prepared and full of excitement. I knew that whenever I finished my test, I would be bound for Marrakesh. Five days and four nights in the desert, a guided, group tour through Viaje en Marruecos. I had some friends go on this trip in the past, and they said it was the best trip they took. When the opportunity presented itself, I jumped on board immediately. I find that sometimes I can get overwhelmed planning, and feel like I’m frantically picking what to do. It was such a luxury to be able to be completely present, having all activities taken care of. 

We landed in Marrakesh Friday morning, and were brought to our first hotel of the trip. The heat outside exceeded my expectations, so I was elated when I saw the crystal blue swimming pool outside. The first day was spent relaxing in the sun and water, taking in the gorgeous views around us. We reflected on the things we have accomplished in our courses and internships, and how rewarding this day felt. Only a few short weeks and we would be back in the United States, preparing for the next semester at our University. With rosy cheeks, we left the pool and eagerly got ready for the morning ahead, where we would meet the rest of our group, and venture deeper into the desert. 

With a group of students from all over the country, we ventured to a small village just between our Marrakesh and the Sahara desert. We observed all sorts of tradition and craftsmanship as we explored the desert. People in small huts painted with natural materials, permanently sealed by fire. We visited the location where Hollywood films and shows have been recorded, such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Then, we climbed to the highest point in the village. This was no easy feat, but so rewarding to take in the beautiful architecture and desert scenery. Finally, we sat down for our first authentic Moroccan meal. We were showered with delicious bread, vegetables, and fruits of all kinds, and the most delicious chicken I’ve ever had. Kittens roamed freely and joined us for our table scraps. With picturesque stops along the way, we continued on to our hotel of the day to relax and get to know our tour group. Together we swam, shared a meal, and swapped stories of our summer travels. It was so moving to share such a unique experience with people ranging from Minnesota to Mexico that quickly became good pals. 

Finally, we embarked onto the main event: camping in the Sahara desert. A long, windy drive up and around mountains through whirling sand built the anticipation for this incredible opportunity. We stopped along the way at a small boutique with kaftans, pashminas, and all sorts of authentic Moroccan crafts and garments. We took pictures in the traditional outfits, received henna tattoos, and got our own pashminas to wear in the desert. Then, we dropped off our luggage at a hotel that had the most gorgeous pool with a view of the sand dunes. After a few hours of swimming, it was time to ride camelback into the desert for a night of camping.

As I slowly admired the Sahara on the back of a camel, I was taken aback at the magnitude of this desert. Enormous, mounding sand dunes as far as the eye could see made everything else seem so small. Ten feet in the air, my head was on a constant swivel, completely awestruck and overcome with gratitude. I felt almost as if every twist and turn this summer had led me to this moment. The thousands of photos could never do justice to the sights to behold in the desert, and the powerful emotions this place evoked. The camels knelt down as we approached a row of buggies for us to ride through the dunes. I could not contain my excitement, kicking up sand as I ran to meet the passenger seat of the very first one. 

Through laughter and the sandy breeze, we zoomed over and around the dunes. A terrible driver myself, I was extremely nervous to switch into the driver’s seat. When I finally did, I felt more free than I ever have. With sand in my eyes, I slammed the accelerator and my inhibitions melted away. We came upon a steep dune, where we slid down on a snowboard, and climbed all the way back up. This adrenaline-packed day wore us out, and after the sunset, we finally arrived at our campsite. Small tents with beds housed us for the evening, with a gathering area where we joined for meals and a drumming performance. After the performance, we were welcomed to play along. We laughed at our mismatched rhythms and were in utter disbelief at all the adventure one day could hold. We stayed up until sunrise and tired ourselves out for the nine-hour bus ride back into town. 

Heading back for our last evening before our red eye, we rested and daydreamed about all that we had done in the days past. We caught up on our sleep and were on our way back to Florence. It’s trips like these that have enriched my study abroad experience so much. Expanding beyond Italian culture has been so impactful, and has made Italy feel more and more like home each time I come back. This trip gave me the opportunity to interact with a myriad of cultures, those of which I haven’t gotten to experience in Italy yet. Being able to integrate into multiple countries’ ways of life has been incredibly humbling. Engaging with locals and their way of life has been the best part of traveling, especially with such a rich culture as Morocco. With their patience and understanding, I continue to learn just how much personal and intellectual growth arises from immersing oneself in another culture. 

Behind the Scenes of the Palio

written by Alex Daggett for SPEL: Journalism

The light falls onto the street in harsh shadows, with the sounds of crowds and cheers mixing with the sharp rhythmic noise of hooves clacking. Antonio Mula is no stranger to this scene, as he has grown up surrounded by the Palio race and all that goes into it. As he prepares the racehorse, Estupendo for his trial run, he lets out a quick breath to calm himself down. Mula closes his eyes to prepare, letting the world quiet as he focuses on the task ahead. Together, horse and man become one, and they take off down the street. 

The Palio di Siena is one of the oldest horse races in the world, taking place annually 45 minutes south of Florence. The Palio is such an important part of Italian culture because of how far back the history of it goes. Officially starting in 1633, this race predates the entirety of the United States. I have never been involved in something that stretches back so far in time, which gave me a new appreciation for the event. There are trials and parties in the days leading up to the official race, which occurs on July 2 every year. This was explained to me by Mula while he gave Estupendo a shower following their practice. 

In my time in Florence, I have had the chance to be involved in this historic event, getting a glimpse into this cultural experience. Every horse has a sponsor, and since I am interning with one of the foundations that is sponsoring a participating horse, I was given a first-person vantage point into the race’s preparation. 

A month before the event, I took a trip out to visit the race horse, Estupendo, as well as his rider, Antonio Mula. Heading off into the Tuscan countryside from Florence is like taking a car ride into a different world, with a large expansive sky, rolling hills, and fields and fields of grass and vineyards in every direction. The ranch was located about 15 minutes north of Siena, and tucked away in the hills, only accessible by a seldom used gravel road. The ranch itself houses several different horses, as well as goats, cows, and a number of different animals, all roaming the property.

While meeting with Mula, I got to see him take Estupendo out for his practice. The pair galloped across a small track, going in all kinds of different directions and speeds to prepare for the Palio. 

What really stood out to me was how much care was put into the animal, and how traditional everything was. Mula always rides bareback — a bizarre feat to me — and does everything very old-school in terms of horse raising.  

After Mula finishes hosing off and brushing Estupendo, he leads the horse back to the stable, where he gives him some hay to munch on. Mula takes a great deal of care when it comes to Estupendo, as this horse has never competed in a Palio before. To see the behind the scenes elements of what goes into everything to make a horse ready to race was truly an eye opening experience to me, and it would not have been possible if I never came to Florence. The Palio is such a unique event, and while it has many controversies surrounding it, I hope that it never goes away and we can continue to hold onto this historical event. 

The Magic of the Florentine Neighborhoods

written by Ashley Rodio for SPEL: Journalism

Neighborhoods. Something both Denver, my home city, and Florence are all composed of, yet have such different meanings. In Denver, a neighborhood is just where you live. Maybe you are attached to a certain local food joint or park. But in Florence, a neighborhood is where you live. There is an intense sense of pride that comes with the neighborhood you live in as a Florentine, and it’s apparent in every aspect of life. They have personalities, different charms and offerings to locals and tourists alike. 

Santa Croce 

I live in the Santa Croce neighborhood. It’s my beating heart of Florence, and I can feel the pulse in everything. Below my apartment lays a square of restaurants, vibrant as ever but only at night; it waits to come alive. I hear words in every language, see people of every decent, and smell the vast arrays of cuisine on display. Here lies the Santa Croce Basilica, where I pass on my way to class everyday. I have seen proposals, polo matches, and every celebration under the sun. I sit on the stoop with the painter who lives next door to my apartment. We sip cappuccinos and pet the dogs that trot by, and he tells me about his life in Yugoslavia. 

Santo Spirito 

I could never write enough about the Santo Spirito neighborhood, the area I frequently brave the cross-river trek to enjoy. My favorite tradition, Sundays in front of the Basilica di Santo Spirito, stems from this neighborhood. At the Sunday market I meet the Florentine vendors. I hear the stories of the lavender man, with fields long spanning the Tuscan countryside. He shows me the lavender soap covers his wife spends hours making. She couldn’t make the trip to the city. The Santo Spirito neighborhood holds the esteemed Pitti Palace, the Boboli gardens sprawling along the rear. I leave this place with a sore neck for days, as I can’t tear my gaze away from the intricate ceiling artworks in the Palace. 

Santa Maria Novella 

The neighborhood that first greeted me when I stepped out of the train station: Santa Maria Novella. My first introduction to the city I have been calling my newfound home. It stretches beyond the Arno River’s right bank, fitting, as the neighborhood flows with art and culture. Florence’s main exhibition center lies here, forming the Palazzo dei Congressi, the Palazzo degli Affari and the Fortezza da Basso. In front of the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, the keeper of medieval renaissance art, I sit on the curb and sipped cappuccinos. I watch locals and tourists alike flit by. A new perfume aroma fills the air, presumably from the perfumery. Here, I feel peace.

San Giovanni 

The San Giovanni neighborhood, the real beating heart of Florence. The neighborhood with, arguably, the most tourists. This isn’t a bad thing. I watch people who have spent their entire lives saving to experience the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, mouths agape as they take it all in. The marble of the cathedral gleams as I pass by. I can never take enough pictures. I hear children laugh as they go round and round on the carousel in the historic Piazza della Repubblica. At night it comes alive, with music filling my ears and lights lining the streets. 

The first time I really understood the neighborhood pride of Florence was during Calcio Storico, the classic Florentine sport. While violent, the game brings local comradery to light, displaying long fostered honor to the tourists. The parade, held before the first Calcio Storico game, marched through the piazza while I was on my way home. I remember being frozen, so intrigued by the chants, the Italians dressed in their neighborhood colors. Reds, blues, purples flash by, people from the streets joining in. Flags waved, and young children ran alongside their parents, gleaming at who they might one day become. It was incredible. Although I am an American, I was so proud of these people and what they were standing for. It was more than just a game, it was family ties. 

I may have only lived in Italy for a couple of months, but the importance of the Florentine neighborhoods has become increasingly prominent to me. This pride, these charms, are irreplaceable, and I’m so lucky to have experienced a piece of each location.

Traveling Alone to Study Abroad: SAY YES!

Studying Abroad Alone: My Fears, Making Friends, and Why You Should Do It

written by Margaret Hann for SPEL: Public Relations

I’ll admit, I was scared. Studying abroad in Florence would be my first time leaving the United States, and I would be traveling completely alone. However, studying abroad has always been a dream of mine since I was young. My mom studied abroad in London for a semester during her college years, and ever since she shared her experiences, I have dreamed of doing the same. I knew I wanted to make my dream a reality, but the prospect of doing it without any of my friends joining me, on the other side of the world, was daunting.

Regardless, I signed up for the six week summer program at Florence University of the Arts – The American University of Florence. I wanted to experience the world and fulfill my dreams. Although I was nervous, I knew it was something I had to do. To make the most of my experience abroad, and to meet new people before settling in Florence, I also enrolled in the pre-week travel course, Cultural Introduction to Italy. I scheduled my flight – Detroit to Philadelphia to Rome – and began my preparations. Despite my best efforts, I never felt fully ready; it was simply a leap of faith. 

Airport Trouble

I hit my first challenge at the airport. Navigating an airport can be daunting, especially when you’re alone and it’s your first time out of the country. Even before I arrived, my flight had been delayed, and my connecting flight had to be rescheduled. Once I went inside, I checked in my large suitcase and asked the attendant about my new flight information. I was now rescheduled to go from Detroit to Philadelphia to London and would end in Rome. I inquired further about my options in case of additional delays. The woman mentioned there were flights with more transfers, but in the worst case, I might have to stay overnight in a hotel and wait for flights the next day if international flights were unavailable. I waited at the gate for departure and made sure to keep an eye on all of my stuff. When traveling alone, it’s scary. It’s nerve wracking. I tried to remind myself that I know more than I think I do, to trust my instincts, but still not be afraid to ask for help. 

When I arrived in Philadelphia after my first flight, I had already missed my new connection due to continued delays of my flight. Myself and two others I had met on the plane were in the same predicament – we were all supposed to be on the London flight that we had now missed because of maintenance. We stuck together to talk to guest services to try and get our flights rescheduled. When we talked to them however, they said there were no more international flights that night for them to put us on, meaning that the worst case scenario had happened. Thankfully, the airport supplied me with a hotel and money for food until my flight the next day at 6:40 pm. 

I arrived at the airport early since the hotel checkout was at 2:00 pm. I made sure to keep in contact with the FUA-AUF support team in order to update them on my flight and when I would be arriving so I could meet up with the class. Finally, it was time for my flight and the beginning of my study abroad journey.

The Beginning: Travel Week

After landing in Rome at Fiumicino Airport, I collected my checked luggage. Thankfully, my professor for the Travel Week class had sent me all the necessary information regarding which train to take, the hotel address, and the restaurant I could meet the rest of the class at for group lunch. Navigating the train system was difficult, being from a place without public transportation, but the airport had workers throughout that I could ask for directions or assistance. The machines which sell the tickets are able to be translated to English in order for easier navigation. 

Luckily, our hotel was a few minutes walk from the Roma Centrale train station. I was able to check in, drop off my luggage, and change before going to meet the rest of the group for lunch. When I arrived, the group was already seated at the restaurant. I was filled with nervous energy from all the chaos from the flight, navigating the train, and walking to find the group all on my own. Despite this, I pushed myself to introduce myself to my professor, his assistant, and the rest of the students at the table I had joined. Everyone was very friendly and open to meeting new people. This theme was carried throughout the rest of the week, as the group of people I met in the class had become increasingly close and bonded over our adventure together. We all exchanged numbers and shared where we were from, what university we attend back home, and compared what classes we were taking in Florence. After our meal, we continued on to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Imperial Forum. Our class had a guided tour through the three landmarks, and we were able to listen to our guide with headphones. The history behind the sites was extremely interesting; we learned the myths behind some of the architecture, and were able to discuss as a group and ask the guide questions.

During the week-long course, we visited many Italian cities throughout the central region of Italy. We were given the opportunity to travel to different landmarks and unique Italian sites. We traveled north from Rome to explore multiple Italian Renaissance gardens such as Villa Farnese, Villa Lante, and Sacro Bosco. We learned of the historical meanings behind the structure of the gardens and the different statues. As a group, we continued north along the coast to visit Viareggio: the city of Carnevale, and two of the cities in Cinque Terre, Vernazza and Monterosso. Each day, we were allotted free time to explore on our own or with others in the group. All of us grew extremely close and would often eat dinner together, even if it wasn’t an official group meal. Throughout the entire week-long trip, we had visited 15 different cities in total and had arrived in Florence with long-lasting friendships.

My Classes at FUA-AUF 

When selecting my classes for study abroad, I knew I wanted to immerse myself in the Italian culture and community in Florence. Luckily, FUA-AUF offers a range of classes that enable their students to connect to the culture, the food, and the local community. For FUA-AUF, it is extremely important for students in all of their classes to be interconnected with the Florentine community. One of the classes offered is the Food, Wine, and Culture in Italy course. Through this course, we learn about the history of Italy, regional differences, and of course, the food and wines of Italy. 

The class takes on a very interactive approach, as it is considered an experiential learning course. This means we learn in a hands-on learning environment, allowing us to cook historical dishes, taste local wines, visit restaurants in Florence, as well as work a shift at FUA-AUF’s student-run restaurant, Ganzo. 

The class typically consisted of a lecture followed with an interactive experience. The class encourages the students to explore and interact with the city. We visited local restaurants, markets, and were able to sample classic Italian foods such as arancini and cannoli. Another part of the class we enjoyed were the cooking labs: we were able to both cook and taste dishes from different Italian eras. Two of the Renaissance Era dishes we made were Pollo alle Prugne and Schiacciata Bianca Cappello. 

I also decided to sign up for the Special Project: Experiential Learning in Public Relations (SPEL PR) course which resembles an internship. For this course, I was put on a team with other students in the PR course where we would work together to manage the image of FUA-AUF. We would attend events hosted by FUA-AUF in collaboration with the local Palazzi Community Center. As a group or individually, we would write press releases advertising the events to the public as well as write articles about the topic. Some of these included a story from a woman who had survived WWII, and a discussion on society and artificial intelligence. As a team, we also managed FUA-AUF’s alumni Instagram account. We planned the posts, researched our audience, and determined a posting schedule. 

Making Friends While Abroad 

I have to admit that my biggest fear about coming alone to study abroad was that I would remain that way. I was nervous that everyone else in attendance would have come with their friends from their universities and would not be interested in meeting new people. However, once landing in Rome for my pre-week travel course I was delightfully surprised. Many others that I met had also had the courage to travel across the world alone to study abroad. Regardless if others came alone or with others that they knew previously, everyone was very open to meeting new people and making new friends. The travel week prior to the beginning of the session was where I personally made most of my friends as that week helped us to form bonds and friendships. I also made friends with people in my classes and friends of friends I made while studying abroad. 

Exploring Europe

Everyone knows that one of the main reasons people come to study abroad is to travel on the weekends. With the different friends I made while in class, during the pre-week, or through other people, we would get together to schedule weekend trips. Throughout my time abroad, I traveled to Amsterdam, Lake Como, Milan, Switzerland, the Amalfi Coast, and Barcelona. Each of these trips I went on was with the friends I made at FUA-AUF. I found that I liked best to travel with other people, however other people that I met had no issue traveling alone. It all depends on your personal preferences. 

Regardless, one of the main things to do before traveling is set your expectations, budget, and boundaries. If you aren’t comfortable with leaving Italy, then don’t feel pressured to. Due to Florence’s centralized location, there are many popular Italian cities nearby where students will often participate in day trips and weekend trips to. Using the high-speed trains makes it easy to travel to landmarks such as Pisa, Venice, Milan, Lake Como, and Cinque Terre. You can often find people that you may not be close with who are traveling to places that you want to go, even if your friends are going somewhere else. Part of the experience is that traveling with someone you may not know as well is that it can bring you closer. Before setting your expectations, it is important to research the different countries and cultures of the places you plan

to visit: the currency, the food, the landmarks, and the cost. Cost is very important, and it’s necessary to understand that everyone has different financial situations. Do what works best for you and consider others’ needs as well. An important few things to note is that plans often can change, and it is smart to have a backup plan and be willing to be flexible and schedule loosely. You may not get the chance to travel to every place on your bucket list, and that’s okay!

Studying Abroad Alone: It’s okay

Despite all of my personal fears and the different obstacles I faced, I would not change my experience abroad for the world. The challenges and opportunities are what made it my own. During my time abroad, I experienced personal growth, cultural immersion, life skills, and above all, empowerment. I learned so much more from studying abroad than just what was in my class lectures – living in Florence provided me with so many opportunities to immerse myself in both the city itself and the culture while still having the safety net of the help from FUA-AUF and their staff. They provided me with so many resources and were beyond helpful with navigating the city, traveling, and day-to-day life. In summary, in my time of studying abroad alone, I learned that it is not only okay, but is an experience that I would not change. It has offered me so many unique opportunities for personal, academic, and professional growth which have helped me to become more confident, adaptable, and independent as an individual.

From a Smile to Friendship: Florence’s Small Moments

written by Gia Woodfolk for SPEL: Public Relations

My time in Florence has been full of newness: new people, new streets, new food, and everything in between. However, the element I have most enjoyed is the new smiles. Throughout my time living in the heart of the city center, and taking the daily walks to coffee shops, classes, and my internships, I have realized what I most look forward to is not the incredible grandeur of the city, but rather, a simple interaction. 

Living in a smaller town in Virginia, I have to drive everywhere. I do not have the opportunity to build relationships with shopkeepers and restaurant owners through the act of walking by them as I begin or end my day. However, Florence has provided me with the natural occurrence of relationships fostered through the mere existence of a small, walkable city. 

One of these relationships happens to be with a local leather shopkeeper whose store stands next door to my apartment. Every time I leave my apartment, exiting the sprawling wooden doors, I greet my neighbor.

Since the first “ciao!” was exchanged, there have seldom been days without this meaningful interaction. It became a part of my day I looked forward to. And, eventually, the “ciao!” turned into a “how are you?” As time has passed, on good days and bad days, a consistency I can count on is this exchange of words. I soon began stopping by for conversation for a few moments to learn a bit more about the man downstairs.

I eventually learned he hails from Bangladesh, and, through each interaction, he has told me bits and pieces of his life story. Although I may have expected us to be very different individuals, I came to learn we are more similar than I originally thought. 

Each moment I strolled by his shop, the conversations brightened my day. I cherished each hello and goodbye and felt more integrated with the community through getting to know such a unique Florentine individual. And, most importantly, these interactions helped me understand that what matters is not what is on my phone or computer screen. Rather, it is the people in front of me in this present moment. 

The lack of presence is something that transcends global populations; with the rise of technology and the capitalist drive that permeates our world, billions of humans are preoccupied with the future or materialistic aspirations.

Living in Florence, however, has made me realize that taking a moment to put down your phone, look around you, and say hello to a stranger is incredibly important. Because of a singular moment I was present, a stranger became a friend. And now, every small interaction provides more internal happiness than anything a screen could provide. 

Ultimately, Florence is known for its large attractions, from the Duomo to the Uffizi and Piazzale Michelangelo. But, it is the little moments that make the city so special. Florence is filled with people from diverse places who have many stories to tell; I am eternally grateful to have been able to meet and get to know one of these individuals.

My Family in Florence: Bringing One Home to Another

written by Lily Carroll for Special Project: Experiential Learning in Journalism

When I chose to study abroad in Florence for the entire summer, I took a giant leap out of my comfort zone. Back home in Minnesota, my family is my whole life. As the sixth of seven children, my siblings and parents are my absolute best friends. My few experiences traveling have always been with at least one family member, with the exception of going to and from my campus in Missouri. Being someone who experiences lots of anxiety surrounding separation and travel, I knew that this opportunity would challenge me in the areas that have always restricted me.

Going to school outside of my home state was my initial step toward overcoming my struggles, fostering strength through vulnerability. I grew my independence a tremendous amount and became accustomed to the environment at school. I had gotten so comfortable with my friends, my boyfriend, and my apartment, that the mundane became almost irritating. However, the idea of adventure seemed exhausting. The decision to spend the summer in Italy came with the hopes that some of my loved ones could share in this experience, and I was elated to hear of my family’s plans to visit.

The distance and time change caused me to miss my family very much upon arrival, but in the back of my mind I was already working towards seeing them again, showing them all I’ve learned since being here. Knowing that in a few short weeks I would be able to give my mom a hug and show her my new home would be what I looked forward to most. What I didn’t know was how quickly it would come — in all of the excitement of meeting new people, discovering a whole new culture, and falling in love with my internships and courses, the time flew by. 

Comfort washed over me when I saw my mom’s sweet smile, and I was so relieved to see a familiar face in a place I’m still getting to know. My mom and brother arrived, and I was home again. Together, we ventured to Venice, where we prioritized quality time, relaxation, and taking in the beauty of the water surrounding us. We came back to Florence, and I got to play tour guide for a few days, exploring the things I’ve seen and the things I still had yet to discover. 

We toured the Duomo and Galleria dell’Accademia, bringing life to the landmarks I’ve been passing by for over a month. My family got so excited over things I have gotten so used to. This gave me a newfound appreciation for the city around me and served as a good reminder of how lucky I am to have the opportunity to call this place home for a short period of time. While I am sad to see them go, I feel so lucky to have been able to show them around and combine my two homes for a week of love and appreciation. I will forever cherish our time together, and I can associate this place I love with the people I’ve missed so much.

Lived Moments

written by Valerie Tiscareno for Special Project: Experiential Learning in Journalism

This is a collection of photos showcasing places, things, and experiences that I would have liked to share with my dear friend who passed away in January. He passed away pursuing what he loved: photography. He was 19 years old when the accident happened, 4 months away from his 20th birthday.

We had always talked about the adventures we would go on as photographers. Our aspirations of working for National Geographic, traveling the world and seeing what it had to offer. I had told him my story of giving up my Quinceanera in order to travel in Europe.

I remember one of my last calls with him. I had told him I was finally going to Europe. I remember seeing his smile for one last time. The way his mouth curled up and the indents on his cheeks. That call felt like we were both going towards the path we had both talked about.

Here now, I am filled with memories of him, of things I wished to tell him. This collection of photos are my last adventure with him.

These photos were shot either how I think he would have taken them, or as photos I would have been excited to share with him. These all have been shot on the camera I met him with.

I remember him meeting me and the first thing we bonded about was photography. The next weekend he drove 4 hours to be able to take photos with me. I remember he thought my camera was a film camera and the disappointment on his face when I told him it was a digital camera.

This project is a reflection on the experiences we take for granted as living, but even more so, as lived moments. I challenge viewers not to think about the personal stylization or the absence of people; rather, look closer at how we as people decide to live our lives.

Hidden Gem: Locally Owned Gym in Florence Provides Much Needed Solace

written by Alex Daggett for Special Project: Experiential Learning in Journalism

Tucked away on the quiet street, Via del Leone, with a modest sign and entrance, Gym & Tonic is a true, classic testament to athletic performance and bodybuilding. Built on the first floor of a residential building, the space extends to the back with free weights and old school machines adorning the right side. Under a skylit converted garden is a dance studio and boxing area. Certificates, awards, records, and trophies for mens physique occupy the walls everywhere the eye can see, and a sense of community is felt. 

As soon as I arrived in Florence to study abroad for the Summer, I immediately sought after a gym so I could stick to my workout routine.  After some research, there still weren’t any gyms that stood out to me. By pure chance, I happened to walk by Gym & Tonic while exploring the south side of the city, and decided  to take a look around. Immediately upon entering, I was shocked by how seamlessly the whole space was integrated into the classic architecture, nothing looked out of place. I was so used to the concept and sights of large scale commercial gyms where everything looks the same, and this was far from it. Despite the rustic nature of the machinery, everything was clean, and practical. I have been to a non commercial body building gym only once before, and this evoked very similar emotions and feelings, while offering an Italian twist. 

“I’ve been in charge for 26 years, since I inherited the gym from the man who owned before me,” said owner, Francesco Borghesi.

Despite the establishment being older than himself, Borghesi is synonymous with Gym & Tonic in the current date.

“I’ve been lifting weights since I was 15,” Borghesi said. “It’s what I love.” Borghesi provides not only customer relations, but also teaches various courses.

“I am thankful to have many good teachers in my time,”  Borghesi said. “So I try to provide the same to others.”

When I met Borghesi, he was teaching a patron a boxing lesson. Once he was finished, he told me all about the gym. I then bought a membership and got a workout in that day. Since then, I have gone every day and have yet to find a flaw in the gym. The hours are from 10:00 to 20:00, and every time I’m met with an immersive environment full of lively locals. Working out has always been a great escape and opportunity for self focus and reflection, and this is the perfect place for just that. Every time that I go to a commercial gym, it always just feels so clinical and uninviting, but Gym & Tonic offers such a different environment that is refreshing. I am very glad that I found this spot, as it made this international transition a lot easier. 

While it may not be on any travel destinations, or top ten lists, I think that adds to the charm of such an establishment. A place that is largely untouched by tourists offers a level of immersion and authenticity that is hard to come by. For that reason alone, Gym & Tonic is worth checking out, and they even offer day passes for people looking to get a quick lift in. A true hidden gem of Florence, located at Via del Leone 10.

Navigating No Meat in Florence

Written by: Isla Herring

When I stopped eating meat at 11 years old, I never anticipated the challenges it would hand me while in a foreign country. As someone studying abroad who speaks limited Italian, shopping for food and ordering at restaurants is a difficulty I did not quite prepare myself for. 

Italy is commonly recognized for its food, whether it is pizza, pasta, cheese, sandwiches, or soup, the list can go on. I have always heard amazing recommendations about food from Italy and it was something that excited me when looking into studying abroad. Once I arrived here and was faced with menus in languages that I could not understand, I began to worry about how I would manage my diet in Florence. 

My first night in Florence was an experience that has lingered in my head for all of my meals since. I was attempting to read the menu and decipher the codes for allergies that are provided at the end of the page. I saw a number that told me if dishes contained fish, a number for eggs, and many numbers for other allergies and sensitivities, yet I saw no indication that meals contained meat. I decided that my best option would be pasta because I was famished and had hoped that it would be simple enough to understand if it contained meat. 

When the server set my plate down in front of me, my stomach immediately dropped. What I had ordered, thinking it was just a version of a red sauce, contained lumps of meat that I didn’t recognize. I told myself not to panic because this was just a meal, but from the stress of my travels, the lack of food in my body, and being in a place where the servers hardly understood me, I did indeed panic. 

I said to my roommates once the staff had walked away that my food had meat in it and I did not know what to do. Everyone looked at me with a face of concern as they could read the overwhelming emotions coming over me  in that moment.

“Trade with me,” was the first response that I heard. Luckily for me, my roommate ordered a meatless pasta dish and offered to switch with me so that I could get some food in my body. I knew then that going forward I had to make a conscious effort to improve my understanding of the language and vegetarian options while abroad. 

My first step  was to search for how to say, “without meat,” in Italian, which I learned is, “senza carne.” I knew this term would come in handy for me going forward. I also searched for, “fish,” which is, “pesce,” and practiced the pronunciation of these terms. 

After some basic terminology lessons, I wanted to find more places in Florence that were vegetarian or vegan friendly. Although now I felt confident that I could avoid meat, I still wanted meals that were more than just a noodle or a bread. I wanted to find options that still offered me protein and vegetables. 

I did some basic web browsing to see some places that were close enough for me and decently affordable for a student on a budget. The first place that I found was called “#Raw Vegan Firenze,” a restaurant that offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options for a reasonable price. They have many juice options as well and focus on clean and healthy ingredients. 

The next place that I found was “Brac,” which offers Mediterranean food. It can be slightly pricey, but has many accommodations and vegetarian options for more of a sit-down dinner experience. They are recognized for their vegetarian and vegan options, along with gluten-free accommodations. 

The last place that I want to mention is one that I discovered on my own when strolling around the city. It is called “Shake Cafe,” and it has many options for acai bowls, salads, and wraps that I very much enjoyed. They focus on healthy cuisine, sustainability, and high quality ingredients. The place is very cozy and welcoming and the staff were very understanding and kind. I ordered a falafel wrap that came with onions, beets, greens, hummus, and a lemon vinaigrette.  

I found that there are many places here that offer vegetarian meals that are more than just a salad or a carb. Some quick research immediately made me feel much more comfortable in this new city I call home. I began to make a list in my notes of places that I discovered were viable options for my diet. This way, when I’m in a pinch for food, I know I have places to go to on hand now.

I also did some more research on quality vegetarian protein sources and began to compile a list of these foods as well so I could search for them at restaurants, and grocery stores when cooking for myself. The top searches were foods like, seitan, tofu, lentils, beans, sprouted grains, oats, nuts, and eggs. These have become foods that I focus on when preparing meals and dining out to ensure that my diet is staying balanced with nutrients and substance. 

Overall, the transition to new food is a challenge for everyone, and for those who have dietary restrictions, the process can be even more strenuous. My advice is to do some research and stay optimistic because there are people everywhere who share your same struggles, regardless of language and location.