Ciao! I am back with another inside look at studying abroad in Florence, Italy. As I close up my second week abroad, I feel more at home than just on a week-long vacation.
This week was very much about finding my place here, and not feeling like a tourist. I got much more involved in the language, history and the food. I started to venture off on my own, doing things a local would do. I went to get my weekly loaf of bread at a forno, the Italian word for a bakery which directly translates to oven, instead of the supermarket.
I tried my best to speak Italian, but when I did not know the words, I was able to speak in English. The woman at the counter easily sold me on a slice of Schiacciata alla Fiorentina, a Florentine classic.
This soft orange cake topped with powdered sugar is a specialty of Florence during the Carnival season. It is often decorated using cocoa powder with the Lily, or Giglio, the symbol of Florence.
The sweet treat was originally named “Schiacciata delle Murate” referring to the convent of Murate where it was prepared by the sisters. After the convent was converted into a prison, Schiacciata delle Murate was served as a last meal to prisoners before executions.
I just finished my first week of classes, which excited me for the coming weeks. In almost all of my classes, my professors set aside time to take the whole class on walks around the city, tell us the history facts of a certain location, and the best place to get a morning cappuccino.
During my first Travel Writing class, we were given a writing prompt which turned out to be quite eye-opening. I was asked to write why I “needed to be in Florence.” At first thought, I wasn’t sure if I needed to be here, I felt I was more so here to take classes and accompany a friend.
However, I had to think harder. I realized once I had decided to come here, it was the perfect opportunity to improve myself and further my career. Although I had to leave my family and my long-distance relationship in the United States, I know being here will boost my courage and independence.
A historical fact I learned during our class walks was the word Florence translates to flourishing, or prospering. While the city was given this name for its proximity to water sources and the Roman festivals for the goddess of flowers, I find it connects to what I hope to get out of this journey. I needed to be in Florence at this point in my life for the best parts of me to flourish.
So, as I continue to navigate the cobblestone streets and find the best Tuscan eats, I am excited for the weeks ahead, knowing each experience will be another step in my journey of self-discovery and flourishing.
Lillian Hendel can be contacted at
lhendel@kscequinox.com
