Dear Florence, I Love You: A Letter To My Study Abroad Home
Dear sweet city of Firenze,
When I first arrived I was filled with butterflies and anxious feelings and nerves but was excited to see all you had to offer. Soaking in the lavish and stately Duomo for the first time nearly took my breath away. I could stare into the depths of the beauty and intricate details for a lifetime, and oh how I wish that I could!
As I settled into daily life and began to feel like this was home and not vacation I became more comfortable with the streets and exploring past direct routes to and from home. I shopped at the central market for my groceries and did my best to order in Italian, albeit rough Italian, but I was trying.
I began traveling to other cities, regions and counties. Whenever I arrived in a new city and would immediately fall in love with this new place I began to feel guilty; I almost felt like I was cheating on you my dear Florence. However, every Sunday night I would return home to your soft colors and sweet smells and knew I was safe and I was home.
Now, with less than a month left here I feel like I need to be preparing myself for the heartbreak I will feel when I leave these cobblestone streets. For now, I don’t want to think of leaving, instead I want to cherish every bit of our time together.
I promise you to sit in the parks for a little longer, sip my cappuccino a little slower and always order an extra scoop of gelato.
Florence, thank you for making me feel so at home. You have given me countless reasons to smile as I walk past the Duomo at night, watch the sun set from Piazza Michelangelo, and even when simply sitting, watching the Arno flow by. I can never thank you enough for the endless trips to secret bakeries, for the lesson that laughter is universal through all languages, and for teaching me the true appreciation of quality in all aspects of life.
You’ve given me the opportunity to take a step back and delve further into history than I thought possible. Studying abroad in this city of incomparable beauty, soaking in its art, food, and history, has been a serene experience beyond words.
Thank you for teaching me, loving me, letting me grow and inspiring me. Florence you will always have a place in my heart, and I believe the best way to express my true feelings to you is simple, the feeling is this:
“il mio cuore rimane mentre i miei piedi vagano”
“My heart stays while my feet wander.”
Grazie Firenze, for the best time of my life. Cheers and ciao for now!
This post was written by Kyndell White, a senior at Washington State University- Go Cougs! She is currently spending her last undergraduate semester studying the finer things in life such as wine and chocolate in Florence, Italy. Follow along with her experiences traveling throughout Italy and beyond on her blog, Wanderlust and Wine or Instagram.
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BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!
Isn’t it?