Name: Joe Guida
Grade: Junior
Hometown: Saint James, New York
Major: Business Administration with a concentration in Finance
HC: What made you choose to study abroad in Florence, Italy?
JG: I am one of four children. My older brother, Louis, graduated from Marist in 2013 and unfortunately could not study abroad. The biggest piece of advice he gave me when I was a scared and shy freshman, was to study abroad in a foreign country for a semester. Why? Because most of his friends studied abroad and would not stop raving about the amazing experiences they had and countless memories they created. Furthermore, I chose to study in Florence, Italy because it has always been a dream of mine to visit Italy and travel throughout Europe. I personally felt that Florence was the place that would best give me that opportunity.
HC: What has been your favorite part about studying abroad?
JG: My favorite part about studying abroad has to most definitely be interacting with people from foreign countries. Whether they are Italian, or any descent of the many countries I have visited, learning their culture and way of life only expands my knowledge and appreciation of foreign day-to-day living. Thus, this makes me appreciate my own culture and the background I come from, since it is very different than European cultures.
HC: What is the coolest thing you have done abroad so far?
JG: I would have to say that the coolest thing that I have done abroad so far was when I traveled to London with a few friends for a weekend and was able to go to the New York Jets international game. As a die-hard Jets fan, I knew this opportunity does not come around often since the Jets play in London very scarcely. Because I was a little homesick in the beginning of October, getting off of the plane at the London airport and seeing signs that were in English, talking to people that understood me and seeing my favorite football team was surreal. It was all I needed to get a little taste of home. In addition to going to the Jets game, we had three days to tour London and become familiar with the culture. So not only were we able to see the Jets win, we also toured one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
HC: What is the coolest class you are taking abroad?
JG: The coolest class I am taking here in Florence is my Food and Wine Pairing class. In this three credit course, we are taught about the various regions of Italy pertaining to food and wine. Each class we are lucky enough to cook specific Italian dishes under the guidance of our professor. After we cook the meal, two glasses of Italy’s best wine are poured for us and we get to enjoy the meal together. Yes, this is still all during class. While eating the delicious food and drinking the tremendous wine, as a class we discuss the flavors and pairings the wine brings out in the food. Examining this and the proper way to drink a glass of wine will only help me in the future, whether I’m out on an important business dinner or relaxing with my family over a nice glass of wine.
HC: Out of all the places you’ve traveled to so far, what has been your favorite?
JG: My favorite place I have traveled is when I took a three hour train ride north of Florence and stayed in a very small, Italian village on Lake Como for a weekend with a few friends. Unlike Florence, nobody spoke English and the pace of life was like no other. In this village of Mandello del Lario, the populace were very friendly, laid back, and seemed to have the secret of enjoying life. They would close their shops for three hours during the day to simply walk to the lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Being from New York, this seemed foreign to me and was a part of culture that I wish I can bring back with me.
HC: What is the biggest cultural difference you’ve noticed?
JG: The biggest cultural difference I have noticed so far is the change of pace as opposed to New York. Here in Florence, most of the population is relaxed, works at jobs they are passionate about and loves to eat. In addition, there seem to be less laws here as opposed to the States. One might think that would mean more mayhem, but from what I have noticed, that is not the case. Most people here are very respectful and laid back and would rarely think about anything else than having a good time. This will be something I will miss very much when I return home.
HC: From my experience studying abroad, I know everyday is a great adventure, so what did you do today?
JG: Today, Nov. 10, was one of the most special days of my life. After waking up and getting hot chocolate from my usual spot, Michelangelo Caffeteria, I went on a field trip with my Art History class. We were lucky enough to visit a museum in Florence and were taught how to paint frescoes. After class, I went to the best panini place in town, Pinos, and ate lunch. Today was a very unusual day in Florence because Pope Francis was paying a visit to the city. Because we were very anxious and excited to take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity, a few other friends and I lined up along the streets of Florence for a few hours to see him pass by on his Pope mobile. The moment I saw him coming down the road, moving very quickly, I knew it was do or die. I had to take the selfie of a lifetime. Fortunately, I was able to snatch a few shots and still turn to admire the Pope standing five feet from me. This felt like a dream, with the whole crowd cheering as he continued down the road. After this encounter, I quickly gathered my bags and ran to my Food of Italy class, where we made Saltimbocca alla Romana, better known as veal with prosciutto and sage. Since this class is later in the day, the veal served to be my dinner which works out awesome with my tight budget. After class, I came home and hung out for a little bit, facetimed with my parents back home and caught up on my New York sports. Since life is very casual in Italy, a few of us went out for some cocktails and a good time. This leisurely lifestyle is most definitely something I will miss about Europe when I arrive back home in the States in a month.
HC: What do you miss about Marist?
JG: I miss Marist a lot, however being with 100 other Marist students here in Florence makes it a little harder to miss it. I definitely miss the Marist fall and the beautiful scenery along the Hudson. I also miss the greenery and campus feel. Florence is a city with no trees and grass, and as a Long Island guy from a small suburb, I do miss my grass. I also miss the camaraderie of Marist and the Marist students. The friendliness and cohesiveness of friends at Marist is like no other, and I am definitely looking forward to getting back and feeling that again.
HC: What will you miss most about abroad life once returning home?
JG: I will certainly miss the ease and convenience of traveling every weekend. Traveling throughout Europe is so simple and affordable, so we try and take advantage of that just about every weekend. For example, during our weeklong October break, we traveled to five different countries in ten days. This is obviously something one can never do when at home. While my bank account is taking a hit, it is worth every penny to take advantage of every opportunity presented to me thus far.
HC: What is the best meal you’ve had so far.
JG: That’s a tough one, but I would have to say the famous Florentine steak paired with Italy’s famous Chianti red wine. This meal is very famous and popular here in Florence because it all comes from villages that surround the Tuscan region here in Italy.
HC: American Girls or Italian Girls?
JG: Since many American students from various colleges are studying here in Florence, the number of Italian girls I have met are very few. Also, my mom wouldn’t be too happy with me if I decided to stay in Italy beyond December because I was dating an Italian girl. So I would have to go with American girls.
HC: Favorite spot in Florence?
JG: By far the most amazing place here in Florence is the Piazza Michelangelo. This is a location here in which one can go to the “top” of the city and look out in the distance on all of Florence. Of course, the famous Duomo is the main central point of the eye, a view that will never get old no matter how many times one visits it or how long one stares out at it.