I have learned so much from studying here in Florence, Italy and the time is flying by way too quickly! The Red Foxes will be flying back to the U.S. of A. come May 17th and in the meantime, I’ve compiled a list of the little things I have noticed from studying here. So without further adieu, here are 13 random things you will not know until you study abroad in Florence, Italy!
1. The thirst for wifi is real…actually, it is a drought.
2. Change is relevant here, so don’t lose it.
3. Accept the fact that your clothes will never be fully dry or clean.
4. Pigeons are just as forward as the men (proceed with caution).5. Do not expect to be confused for an international celebrity.
6. 80’s music. 80’s music EVERYWHERE.
7. Climbing stairs will cancel out all of the gelato you eat. Or at least you can tell yourself that.
8. Pharmacies may as well be Sephora, so unless you want to pay twenty-five euros for shampoo, buy your toiletries at the grocery store.
9. It is ok to fantasize about Starbucks/Chipotle/your favorite pizza place from home even though you are in the food capitol of the world.
10. If you start a conversation with “Do you speak English?” in Italian, you will earn much more respect than automatically speaking in English.
11. A reliable water bottle and pair of shower shoes will become one of your most cherished purchases.
12. You will inevitably forget what American sirens sound like.
13. And those annoying conversations with your family will become a lot less annoying.