florence – Page 9 – Finding Florence

Put your Phone in your Pocket (and get lost!)

By Madison Landau

Walking down the streets in an unknown city in a foreign country can seem very overwhelming, especially in Florence’s winding neighborhoods. A great rule of thumb is to let yourself get lost and put your phone away…in trying to find your way back home you might just discover something new.

When arriving in a new country, my first instinct is to take my phone out to see if I have cell service or Wi-Fi. Arriving in Florence for my study abroad semester at FUA was no different, and I held my phone in a death like grip for the first week of living here.

Even though I was provided with great maps of the city by FUA, I still felt as if my phone was my lifeline here in Florence and that without it I would get lost forever among the streets of the city center. Little did I know how much nicer and productive my first week being here would have been if I had just allowed myself to actually get lost.

I had my face buried in my phone, looking at my maps instead of actually taking in my surroundings and understanding the streets of Florence. I didn’t want to feel uncomfortable in this city, yet I was so new to my surroundings that I refused to listen to everyone around me encouraging me to get lost.

My presence here in Florence was artificial in a sense that I really didn’t focus and appreciate where I was until I put my phone away and learned the streets of Florence.

Don’t get me wrong, I was still capturing and recording my moments here in Florence as much as I could. But instead of having my maps app constantly open, I had my camera open, or the TripAdvisor app open.

The difference between being too consumed within your electronics and being just consumed enough is a very delicate and thin line. While you want to photograph and remember every moment you can while you’re here in Florence, it’s so important to make sure you’re actually appreciating where you are and not just focusing on surviving.

Trust me, put the phone away when possible. Don’t just survive day to day while you’re abroad; thrive as much as you can here. Grow as much as you can. Put yourself in a world that you’re not familiar with, and learn to be okay with it.

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

A Slimmer Suitcase in 3 Steps

By Aidan Loughran

Whether you’re packing for a semester, quarter, or single short session, these suitcase-slimming tips come in handy for everyone and may even provide a head start to making new discoveries at your destination.

As I was preparing to depart for Florence to study abroad for a semester, my main concern through the pre-departure process was how and what I was going to pack. A semester is a long time to be away from home and it is hard to know what will be needed in a new country that you’ve never been to. I know myself fairly well and I knew I would over pack, but I also don’t want to leave anything behind that I may potentially want to wear. Once I started filling up my suitcase, I realized that there were many things I wouldn’t wear and by limiting myself, I ended up packing much lighter than I originally would have. Here are three main tips you may find useful while packing.

1. Slim Down: Buy Vacuum-Sealed Ziploc Bags

These bags saved my life! While I had a decently large suitcase, being a girl, I still packed more than I needed (of course!). I was able to fit about ten, thick sweaters in one of these bags and it shrunk them down a crazy amount. It took up very little space and made ten sweaters look like two.

2. Remove When in Doubt: Toss Any “Maybe” Items

When packing, I have always had the problem of packing “maybes” or “options.” By this I mean packing clothing items that I think I may want to wear, but usually never end up doing so. DO NOT bring these items. You will not end up wearing them. If you don’t wear them at home, you won’t while abroad. Limit yourself.

3. Buy There and Make New Discoveries

Unless you are going to a country that has little access to grocery stores, pharmacies, salons, etc., do not buy your toiletries in advance. It is a waste of space and you can get anything abroad that you will need. Sure, bring along that face or hand cream from your favorite niche brand but otherwise wait to buy items such as mascara, eyeliner, and hair products until you get to your country. Florence for example has Sephora, salons, beauty stores, and interesting local brands. For the guys, there are bespoke barbershops and well-stocked men’s sections at stores. Checking out what’s available can also lead to local discoveries, such as the antiche farmacie, the historic pharmacy shops that produce their own collections, or contemporary perfume makers that you’ll only find in Florence.

I hope these tips will provide you with a simple, easy and slimmed down packing process. Enjoy!

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Lose Yourself, Find Your Way

By Abby Moran

Embrace the uncomfortable, enjoy the bewilderment of studying abroad.

Studying abroad may have been the most difficult thing i have ever done. 21 years of figuring life out, myself out and now a new culture is an incredible adventure. To step away from all that is familiar, to acknowledge that you will get lost mentally, emotionally, and physically but all of this will make you grow in ways you could never imagine is daunting. After a couple weeks in Florence, I am less afraid and regaining pieces of myself I thought would be lost back home forever.

Being in a situation where in order to save time, effort, and my roommate’s energy involves being outgoing, assertive, and confident in new situations has turned out to be the absolute best scenario. I love it. I love walking in the rain here. I love the puzzle of streets that could lead anywhere but often times lead me to the Duomo, that I’ve come to see as a safe haven. I love the different languages filling my ears. The uncertainty of who and what can be encountered around the next corner. Gucci, Prada, Valentino, your shop windows bring a spark of life to my longest walks. Even in the most unfamiliar places we find objects to cling to, people to relate to, and places to become accustomed to.

Home is truly where the heart is and when we open our hearts to the culture and lifestyle of others we are given a priceless gift. Be scared, intimidated, and get completely lost because it is there, in this state of initial uncertainty where we find our strength. Find your home away from home is what study abroad offers, despite the voice in your head that says “but it will be hard.” It’s often said that nothing good comes to those who wait, so let’s proactively reach for that which seems the most intimidating. Find your landmark, in my case the Duomo, and learn something about it instead of just passing through the piazza.

Don’t shoot for the stars, shoot for the Duomo.

Home is Where the Heart Is

By Amber Wright

If you asked me how many places I’ve called “home,” I would say four – I grew up in California, now live in Washington, worked in Northern Ireland for a few months, and am now studying for four months in Italy. I’ve had to make a home where I am three times since I’ve left where I grew up, and each time my concept of home has changed.

When I first moved to Seattle, it was easy. My close friends in California had all moved, so it was generally painless for me to leave. I found all the things that made me feel comfortable and things that were familiar to me. I found my groove, and I made as many new friends from school as possible to surround myself with.

When I moved to Belfast, it wasn’t so easy. I was very secluded and separated from people where I lived, and the most familiar place I could go was Starbucks thirty minutes away. I hardly met anybody my age while working there and often spent days alone.

As excited as I was to be in Florence for a semester, I was nervous about moving to a new country again. With moving to Florence, I would be here longer and there was an added challenge of the language barrier in trying to make friends. How was I going to meet anybody? I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to make a home for myself here like I wasn’t able to in Belfast.

Three months later, Italy now feels like home just as much as Seattle does. When I first arrived, I had no idea what to do. I went the first week eating out every night and using a tee-shirt to dry off because I had no idea where a supermarket was or where I could buy a shower towel. Now, after traveling to amazing places like Germany, Croatia, and Spain, I get a sense of comfort, something I never got in Belfast, arriving at Santa Maria Novella Station, walking past the Duomo, and entering my apartment.

Italy has been very different from anywhere I’ve lived before, landscape, language, and climate-wise, but it has become normal and comfortable for me. However, this sense of comfort hasn’t come from knowing where to buy food or from decorating my room, it’s come from the community I’ve been lucky enough to form here. “Home is where the heart is,” “home is where your family is,” and my mother’s personal favorite, “home is where your momma is,” are popular phrases for a reason. Feeling at home is about the people surrounding and supporting you in that place, whether that be friends or family.

My study abroad program staff and the institution have done an excellent job of bringing students together and creating a community that people feel at home in. From taking day trips to having Thanksgiving dinner together, my program has become my family who I lean on for support.

The relationships you form over study abroad are quick and wild. You form friendships immediately because you all know you’re in the same position – a new country where you don’t know anybody. You go to dinner together that first night, then to Piazzale Michelangelo the next day, and then before you know it you’re exploring Florence with these friends every weekend. These friends will be the ones you climb to the top of the Duomo with and also get lost trying to find that one osteria in the far outskirts of city center. You’ll struggle though your Italian language class, and celebrate together when you have your first successful conversation with a local. You’ll discuss the culture you’re immersing yourself in, and also reminisce about the few things you miss about home. Finally, it’s three months later in December, still with two weeks to go, and you’re already crying thinking about leaving these people and leaving what and who has been home for the past few months.

Home isn’t a thing or a place, but a feeling that you get from the people by your side. My time here in Florence is intertwined with the people I spent it with, and I won’t be able to think about Europe without thinking of them. When I’ll look back on living in Italy and how much I felt at home here, it won’t be because of my apartment on Borgo Pinti. It will be because of the amazing friends and community I had surrounding me here making it feel like home.

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

Florence in the Rain

By Jess Pitocco

A typical day in Florence looks like this: the Duomo is never shrouded by clouds, the sun always makes the bronze ball on the top of the cupola shine like gold, the streets are filled with bustling people, and in each doorway, a new delicious smell entices you. Florence may seem like just another city of dreams; however, what does it look like when it’s raining?

The contrast can be quite stark, actually. The streets slowly get less crowded as the sky opens up. Ponchos and umbrellas are sold at every corner. The whole city feels like it is in a shadow as people try and find shelter from the storm. And just as the rain pours down and splashes you, the sun peeks through the clouds and you see blue sky. But only for a moment. The rest of the day is cloudy, on and off rain, making the Duomo as gray as the sky.

I find solace on these rare rainy days at small cafes, preferably on a side street. I usually throw on sneakers and try to get through the puddles without making my socks too wet. The rain boots I bought for this occasion have a hole in the sole and are useless when it gets stormy outside. I fast-walk, bringing my backpack and hope that the wifi works today.

Depending on how I feel, I get a cappuccino, coffee, hot chocolate, or tea. It makes my hands sweat and fogs my glasses, but it’s so comforting to me in my soggy clothes that I don’t care. I usually get a snack while I sit and do homework. Sometimes I read, or just relax. At home, where I’m from, rainy days are designated movie/cinema days. Here, I will happily settle for a cute cafe, some sweet treats, and a good book.

Florence, before arriving, had never seemed like a cold season city to me (a fellow FUAer shares how to spend a winter day alone, btw). However, a rainy day can sometimes bring a fall-like atmosphere to the city. People bundle up, briskly walk back and forth to escape the rain; it reminds me of the snowed-in streets of New England where people do the exact same with snowflakes. Either way, some of the gloomiest looking days in Florence make me feel most connected to the city. I found a good reading spot, my favorite coffee, and a comforting ambiance to a city that is most of the time lively and exciting. Rainy days here aren’t sad; they are calm, introspective and more enjoyable than you’d expect. What’s your favorite rainy-day spot?

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

Filistrucchi: Fake Beauty, Real Tradition

By Melissa Maize

Filistrucchi is a Florentine institution that makes the ordinary, extraordinary. FUA Digital Writing students recently visited the historic theater makeup laboratory and shop.

If you could be anyone, who would you want to be?

If you could swap faces, swap lives, even for only day, who would you choose? A Duke, a Duchess, Abraham Lincoln? Lady GaGa? At Filistrucchi, you can be anyone.

We all have little things about our appearance we’d like to change- smaller nose, thicker hair, higher cheekbones- and Filistrucchi was built on that need. Established in 1720, it catered to Florentine nobles, providing wigs and make up to suit their stylistic needs. It then developed into one of the leading make-up and hair providers to the Opera and stage, and later cinema. Gaining notoriety as masters of their trade, their clients soon spread as far as New York and Boston.

Perusing photos of their work, the shop owners recount stories of how they transformed men into women, women into men, old into young, the transformations often so complete that the clients’ families didn’t even recognize them.

It’s amazing to think that all that stands between you and complete anonymity is a few layers of make up. It seems to me that Filistrucchi has survived three hundred years and two epic floods not because beauty is timeless, but because the desire to look beautiful is.

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

Art History: A Different Perspective

Visitors at the Uffizi. Photo by Jessica Pitocco.

By Nicole DeCosta

Alicia Deakin from London discusses how being in Florence has had a first hand impression on her perspective on Art History.

After the first half of the semester here at Florence University of the Arts, the students seem to be settling in nicely to the bustling lifestyle of classes during the week and exploring on the weekends. Sitting down with 21-year-old Alicia Deakin from Suffolk, England we discussed how she has had to adapt to this cultural change and new lifestyle.

With classes taking place Monday through Friday, Deakin said that her art history class is held twice a week.

“I’m happy that the class meets twice a week. Originally I found myself comparing my schedule to other semester students taking once a week classes, but I quickly realized just how much I enjoyed the class,” said Deakin. “I was feeling super lucky to be able explore the city of Florence and take part in the included field learning city activities offered through the class.”

Taking an art history course through FUA, Deakin said how amazing it was to experience this much raw culture within a class. When asked why this class was her favorite, she said how inspiring it was to be amongst some of the most amazing artwork she’d ever seen.

“Offering me new skills that I have not used in sometime, because I had taken a few years off from University, this class provides me an opportunity to study a new topic that both interests me and excites me,” said Deakin.

Noting the high quality education being provided to her through FUA, Deakin said, “the difference in my classes here from in London are so drastic, it is important to see how much the professors want to engage with you as students, while also wanting you to have the best possible experience in Florence.”

Since Deakin has never studied art history prior to coming to Florence, she said her favorite part is the novelty of the class, learning new topics, while also being placed within the Florentine environment. Knowing she is able to see the art firsthand, Deakin is thankful for the opportunity that FUA has provided her, and being here has allowed her to open her cultural perspective.

Offering students an opportunity to receive a strong education, while also an experience of a lifetime, including travel, cultural exchanges, and new opportunities, attending FUA, Deakin says, “is a once in a lifetime experience!”

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

Stepping Back from the Lens: Florence Through My Eyes

Palazzo Corsini from the Arno River, photo by the author.

By Ryanne Doherty

We all take photos. It’s a part of living in the digital age; everyone keeps a camera right in his or her pocket, and we can capture and share memories in an instant. As convenient as this is, there is a drawback.

Seeing the world through a camera lens can take away from fully experiencing a moment. It causes a person to merely see an image inside a cropped area. By focusing only on the visual, the sounds of a city, the smells of bakeries, and the feel of the air on one’s face are often overlooked.

I am just as guilty of this practice as anyone else. I will walk around Florence’s city center and take a picture of the Duomo or Santa Croce and ignore all other surroundings. For a Writing for Digital Media class assignment, I was actually required to get lost in the city and look only for the visual aspects of Florence. Through this, I was able to see in more detail but unable to fully feel the atmosphere around me.

For an hour, I explored new parts of Florence, but it’s hard to describe where I was. Taking pictures on my old Canon was my only focus and goal. This goal, I believe, caused me to miss out on a full Florentine experience as a new resident of the city.

The following day, however, my focus changed. With my class, I had the opportunity to experience the Arno River with the I Renaioli association. I took a few photos, but for the most part I tried to concentrate on more than just what I could see.

It was a sweltering day in September, and I had already broken out into a sweat on the walk to the riverbank. After a couple minutes on the water, however, a cool breeze shielded the hot sun, and I cooled down significantly. This was a breeze as I had never felt in the city center. Here, I realized the one of the coolest places in Florence at any time may in fact be the surface of the Arno, and I regretted not having taken this excursion earlier.

Paolo, the association representative who rowed the small wooden boat named the Ghibellino, recounted the Florentine history that surrounds the Arno. Some of the history was familiar to me, like the path of the Vasari Corridor through the Ponte Vecchio. Some information was new, like the history and utility of Palazzo Corsini, which is best seen from the Arno. Paolo’s voice was punctuated by the trickle of water as the oar cut through the river or his occasional whistles to rowers ahead of us as we made our way under bridges.

We docked again after an hour or so on the boat, and it was then that I decided I should step away from the camera from time to time. In the week that has passed since then, I have found myself trying to focus on the entire atmosphere of where I am – while it’s nice to have the photos, it is the desire for a new experience that drives us to have an adventure.

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

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!

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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.

Spring Semester Packing

When coming abroad to Florence for the spring semester, there are a few fashion do’s and dont’s that can come in handy for packing. In every country, dress codes are distinct from that of other cultures and in Italy, well, style has always been a celebrated element! When living abroad, a part of your cultural immersion can also benefit from observing customs related to dress and style habits.

Some general packing tips can be find in our “How Do I Pack?!” post. As for the spring season, here are some tips from fellow FUA students to dressing practically while looking stylish in one of the most iconic Italian cities over the next few months:

1. No workout attire when out of the house: Sweats are a no-no. Locals tend to wear workout attire when they are actually going to exercise. Ladies: during cold weather, stores like Calzedonia carry inexpensive tights with a cashmere blend to pair with a skirt or dress!

2. Shirts with logos: You may feel the urge to bring your favorite club organization or sports team shirts abroad but leave all of that at home. The Italian style is simple but sophisticated; shirts covered in logos will be a huge giveaway.

3. The first portion of the semester may be extra cold. Fitted down jackets/coats are perfect for the cooler weather in Florence, which can get pretty damp in the winter. They keep you warm while still looking stylish like the locals. Streamlined winter wool coats thrown over a nice sweater is always chic as well!

4. Scarves and layering: Bring your favorite scarves from home to throw on with a cute winter sweater or cardigan. Scarves as well as hats add an extra pop to any outfit. Layering also comes in handy as often it can be very cold outside but warm inside school buildings.

5. Once February and early March pass by, the city starts to warm up. Springtime can be fickle so an extra-light umbrella will be handy for the last few months of the semester.

6. Light slacks or springtime pants and jeans are comfortable and stylish choices when paired with a good shirt. Shorts are usually worn in the summertime and in casual situations such as going to the beach rather than in the city. If it’s just too hot and you really want to wear shorts in the late spring, then we advise tailored versions paired with clean-cut sneakers or spring sandals.

6. Flipflops are immediately associated with tourists. When the weather gets hot as summer approaches, open-toed shoes, lighter sneakers, and elegant sandals are some options to consider.

And remember, it’s not too late to tweak your wardrobe once you’re here. You’ll be receiving the FUA student manual that also includes tips on where to shop:) Once in Florence you can also check out the FLY store managed by the students and faculty of FUA’s fashion department FAST where you can find high quality vintage, professional emerging designers, and items designed by FUA students. The coat in the featured image is from Bastah, a recent emerging designer that exhibited at the store.

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