Prior to arriving in Florence, we were filled with excitement. The three of us had a joint countdown and we anxiously awaited the day of our departure. We could not wait to touch down in Florence. We dreamt of endless gelato, cappuccinos, Aperol spritzes, and limoncello. However, to be completely honest, the first couple of weeks were slightly harder than we had originally expected.

Thankfully, we had each other. We were all feeling the same way which allowed us to understand each other and be there for one another. Although this feeling was unexpected, it was comforting to know we weren’t alone. However, it was this original feeling that shaped our experience abroad and made it so much more meaningful.

As time passed, those simple daily routines we missed so much were soon replaced with new people, places, and things the beautiful city of Florence had to offer. We enjoyed our peaceful walks to our 9 am classes, grabbing coffee at Ditta Artigianale, and spending time with our new friends!

At the beginning, everything was so new. New is good, but it can feel overwhelming. We were all so used to easily finding our way around Penn State. However, our once familiar college campus had been replaced with an unfamiliar city. We had to learn how to navigate our new home. Simple acts such as grocery shopping, finding bath towels, and even using the oven became challenges that we did not anticipate. We missed walking our dogs, going to Target and driving our cars. There were nights when we wanted nothing more than to be eating Chick Fil A back in Pittsburgh. It felt strange to be in the loveliest place in the world and be missing the most ordinary activities.

Little by little, these small everyday habits helped Florence feel like less of a vacation and more like a home. We found a sense of familiarity in getting iced lattes from La Milkeria, breakfast bagel sandwiches from Mamas Bakery and shopping for Goldfish and Kraft mac and cheese from Vivi Market. We tried new foods, learned a new language, and made the most unforgettable memories along the way. These different aspects created the perfect blend of hominess and a new adventure.

As this semester comes to a close, we have spent a lot of time reflecting on the past four months. We’ve been thinking a lot about everything that has happened during our time abroad. We have all grown so much and none of this would have been possible without this opportunity. We have learned how to feel comfortable with being uncomfortable. We experienced some ups and downs along the way but wouldn’t have changed this experience for the world. We are walking away with a newfound appreciation for change. We have learned to appreciate the slower pace of life in Florence as well as everything else that made this city so special. We have realized that home is so much more than just the place you live. Home is the people you love and the moments that stay with you wherever you go. We feel deeply grateful to have had this opportunity and will carry a piece of Florence with us forever.

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Written By:

Kate Muchnok

Mila Cribbs

Camryn Cioppa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camryn-cioppa-219b91380?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios