Meagan Whalen
Florence, Italy
I had nearly four months to prepare for leaving the country.
That gave me plenty of time to think about where I wanted to travel and what I wanted to see. Then there are the logistical things to consider; what will I wear—how will I communicate when I don’t speak Italian?
Then there are the many details you don’t think about until the last few days before leaving, such as, “how will this all fit in my suitcase, how will I get money and communicate with family at home?”
The things you don’t think about are the ordinary mundane details you just assume will be no different.
For example, when arriving in Florence I was so excited to see the Duomo and take in this beautiful city that I lived without soap for a few days because I had no idea where to get it.
I arrived at my apartment where there was only one roll of toilet paper— when that was gone, I decided I had better figure out where to go for these necessities.
Contributed Photo:
KSC junior Meagan Whalen is currently studying in Florence, Italy, for the spring 2014 semester. This carousel located in Piazza della Repubblica is one of the many attractions in Florence.
The culture in Florence is so warm and friendly.
There are many small bakeries, leather stores and jewelry shops where the owners are cordial and talkative even if they barely speak English.
These shops are great for wandering through the city on a nice day and purchasing one-of-a-kind souvenirs, but this hardly helps meeting day-to-day needs.
Where should I go for these ordinary items and my groceries, I wondered?
That is such a simple task in the U.S., you just walk into Shaw’s, Walmart or Target and get everything you need. That is not the case here in the heart of this ancient city.
In all of the guide books I read and maps that I have, no where does it say how quickly milk will spoil (due to the lack of preservatives) or how to use the washing machine (with too many unfamiliar options).
The first couple of trips to the market I stood there paralyzed watching, trying to figure it all out.
Upon my first trip, I quickly learned that Italians go about purchasing produce much differently.
For example, do not select your fruits without first putting on a glove. I learned the hard way that is this frowned upon.
I guess by the time I go back to the U.S. I will have figured all of this out.
Once I figured out how to meet my basic needs and found how to get to my classes, some weekend fun was the next order of business.
Contributed Photo:
Whalen “holding up” the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Pisa, Italy. Above photo: Whalen in Venice, Italy at Carnevale di Venezia throwing confetti as part of the annual tradition.
We spend time out at local pubs and coffee shops, and we have met many friendly Italians and other interesting tourists.
I have experienced different venues, from local breweries, to live-music hotspots.
There are so many things to experience; half the fun is just trying something new, whether it is a new route home or an unfamiliar cuisine.
For me, this has been an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone. I have always had a fear of getting lost.
Here being lost is part of the excitement because I’m guaranteed to stumble on something new, like a chocolate festival or an abandoned church.
In the U.S., we are all about getting where we are going and getting things done. Here I am embracing a new, relaxed way of life. It is more laid back and I can enjoy the simple things.
Having only been here for three weeks, there is still so much of Florence I have yet to see, as well as other parts of Italy and Europe I hope to see. I wouldn’t trade a moment of this exciting, sometimes scary and confusing adventure.
I have three-and-a-half more carefree, fun-filled months of traveling, seeing sites and learning the ins and outs of a new culture—but most importantly learning about myself.
And, maybe, I will do a bit of studying here and there.