From Da Vinci to Mac: Creative Connections

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Tuscans like Leonardo da Vinci created a connection between the arts and sciences that continues to inspire global brands like Apple.

Leonardo da Vinci was one Tuscan who blurred the boundaries between the worlds of science and art. Little did he know that the world would be referencing his great work well into the 21st century.

His influence on brands such as Apple began with his use of the “golden ratio,” a ratio that dates back to the 3rd century BC. The “golden ratio” is a concept used to achieve, what is considered, perfect balance and beauty. This concept is still used today in order to create precise and relative designs. Apple is known to have used the ratio in several of its products, such as the iCloud logo. The company logo is also thought to have been designed with the ratio in mind but a Quora  discussion online seems to debunk this theory.

Leonardo Da Vinci, Dante Alighieri, Brunelleschi, Michelangelo, and Galileo, are some Tuscan names that can be identified internationally through their renowned works that have all held an impact within the modern-day use in the arts and sciences. These individuals were able to blur the boundaries of cultures by studying profusely and realizing the subtle connections between the inspiration that had been sought by artists, and the teachings that are required for educating oneself. Their ability to wonder, think, and ponder the scientific ideas they were posed with, broke barriers and created bridges between two very different disciplines.

The culture of art and science that Italy has to offer has made a strong impact for the world and its future. Maybe you too, during your term abroad, can develop such studies that will break boundaries and bridge the two worlds of arts and science. Inspiration is everywhere, even in FUA’s very own DIVA campus where Michelangelo’s Tondo Doni was originally housed before its permanent installation at the Uffizi!

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Image credit: Venn diagram image courtesy of the Imaginary Foundation.

A Walk a Day: My Firenze

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By Katherine Meis

Surprisingly, my favorite part about living in Firenze was my walk to class. I took five classes in three different buildings spread across the city. The first building was home to my food and wine classes, the second my Italian class, and in the third, the main campus, I took my writing courses. I lived on Via di Santo Spirito on the other side of the river, so each walk to class took approximately 10-20 minutes. For each building, I had a different route that I gradually learned to take without the use of a map. Though the path I took to each building was different, each route had something in common: I got to walk over the Arno River and pass by multiple beautiful and historical landmarks along my way. This is why my favorite part of living in Firenze was walking to class. It produced a unique experience every single time.

On my way to class on Mondays, I crossed the river and was rewarded with the view of the Ponte Vecchio backdropped by hills in the distance. I then walked through the Santa Maria Novella square and got to see the masses of Italians and tourists coming and leaving the city. Just the other day, I was walking through the square when a group of approximately two hundred Italian soccer fans (as I deduced from their jerseys) walked by me, singing boisterously. I thought to myself, what an exciting place I live in – everything is happening here!

On Tuesdays, I walked along a similar path as Monday and I was treated to the same sight of the mist rising over the Arno River that seems to come straight down from the hills. I usually stopped in a small café to practice my Italian in a short conversation with the barista while ordering a cappuccino and blueberry muffin. While enjoying coffee in Italy is already such a different experience than having a coffee back home, it is made even more unique by the sights and smells of this city that I absorb while sipping my cappuccino.

On Thursdays I took an entirely different path to class. While crossing Ponte Vecchio, it is easy to forget that you are even on a bridge, unless you are in the center where you can see the water on both sides. A thought that has always astounded me while crossing this bridge is how my simple and direct walk to class takes me over the only bridge in Firenze that survived World World II. A simple walk to class became so much more to me, each day of the week.

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Italian Food Culture: Not Just Pasta

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Imagine dining on the top floor of a department store, overlooking a famous Piazza in one direction and a historic Church in the other. Imagine walking into class and technically analyzing a glass of wine. Imagine sitting around a kitchen table, with a home-cooked meal, made by you and your roommates. Now imagine all three of these combined, that picture is only a part of the food experience in Italy. Italy is not defined by endless pasta dishes and bottomless cappuccinos, but by the ingredients. The ingredients may play a small part in these dishes and drinks, but together they are a recipe for inexplicable taste .

Over the weekend I ventured out of Florence to meet my family in Sicily. After touring Mt. Etna, our tour guide recommended we try cannoli at a nearby pastry shop. I do not normally like cannoli. However, one bite out of my sister’s pistachio cannoli, and my dad was reaching back into his wallet. The quality of the ingredients here are incredibly high, the palate is continuously discovering new flavor dimensions.

My roommate had a vegetable vocabulary of broccoli before coming abroad. Now I like to cook, and when I do I always pair my fish or poultry with a vegetable. She has taken pride out of sending her mom a picture of each new vegetable she tries and they laugh because who would’ve thought something so raw and natural could taste so good. But paired with DOP extra virgin olive oil, almost anything tastes good. It will be a challenge when I go back home and have to invest more time in testing which brands taste the best.

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Homesickness? Fight It!

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Homesickness. It’ real. Even in the most beautiful city in the entire world. I know it doesn’t seem possible with all the culture, including its culinary side, at your fingertips, but sadly it is. When times get lonely and you see friends snapchat stories from home it’s easy to succumb. Here are tips to help you realize how lucky you are to be living the experience abroad and why being homesick is not worth your time!

1. Meet a new friend! No, I’m not suggesting walking around the streets of Florence until someone acknowledges you. However, step out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to do a weekend get-a-way or event offered by the institution without your roommates. If you find something interesting, then go do it.

2. Look at how much you’ve done! Whenever I am just sitting around the house on a rainy day I feel the pang of being homesick the most. I found that reflecting on the amazing experiences I’ve accumulated so far changes my perspective. It’s as easy as looking back at photos, or thinking of the laughs I’ve had with my roommates and the places that I never thought I’d experience. It helps me to realize how happy I am being here.

3. Go outside! There is not a doubt in my mind that Florence is one of the most BEAUTIFUL cities in the entire world.  If you’re missing home then you need to put down your smartphone, go for a walk, rent a bike for a day, and look at something you haven’t noticed before. Florence is full of secrets, you just have to go look for them.

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The FUA Student Experience

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So you’re thinking about living in Florence? After only a few months of study, some students have collected their favorite out-of-the-classroom moments to share with you. This is living in Florence, the FUA student experience.

Growth shocks: “Studying in Florence has been an experience like no other. Growing up, I didn’t travel much and had never left the country. I was eager to arrive, but my cold feet settled in as the days got closer. I’ve always been able to anticipate the setting and alleviate some of the shock, but it was my first time in Europe. Experiencing the streets of Florence has been my favorite experience thus far. The difference in culture is evident, starting from the way people stroll daily through the streets and squares. I admired a sense of looming simplicity, sense of tranquility, inspiring architecture, and provoking street art. My initial cultural shock was by far my most awakening moment, which fuels its importance to me. I attribute all of the growth I have made directly to being an FUA student”
– Student from Bogota, New Jersey

Seeing from a new heights: “A memorable experience of being a student at FUA would have to be taking the first hike up to Piazzale Michelangelo.  It was pretty steep going up and the views become progressively beautiful. When I first arrived, I was questioning whether or not my decision to study abroad had been a good one, but when I saw the view, I realized that this is where I was going to be living and I knew I had made the right decision.”
– Student from Pound Ridge, New York

Mediterranean blues: “If I had to specifically pick a favorite moment of my Italian experience so far it would have to be swimming in the sea off of the Amalfi coast in southern Italy. I have never seen water so crystal clear, or so blue. I was in awe of the natural beauty and charm abundant in the Mediterranean. One of the best weekends of my life.”
– Student from Dallas, Texas.

Being a student abroad certainly allows you the ability to travel around Italy as well as out of the country, but for many students their best experiences happen locally right here in Tuscany:

Learning directly from the source: “My most memorable experience while studying abroad at FUA has been learning about the wine culture in Tuscany. I had the opportunity to visit a historic winery called Abbadia Ardenga in Montalcino, an area south of Florence known for the production of the renowned Brunello di Montalcino. The owners made us feel like we were old friends and that is what I truly appreciate about the hospitality here.”
– Student from San Diego, California

These are just a few examples of the experiences lived thanks to the Student Life opportunities we have here at FUA, that span from travel and exploration to matters related to personal and academic growth.

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