As I write this blog post I currently have the warm summer sun illuminating my funky italian room, my host mom is preparing our amazing and fresh dinner, and our 20 year old cat is snuggled up next to me. Who would have ever thought that I would find such a new meaning of the word “home” in a random italian home? Me, I knew I would! the past two weeks have been the most eye opening and rich weeks of my life. I have made the best community, between my daily panini shop stops at my favorite shop to say hi to the old Italian owner and to the expresso shot that is always ready to go at my local cafe, Florence has truly become that home away from home! The local people have been so welcoming and gracious which has made my experience so enjoyable. I have had the opportunity to visit the most extravagant museums, artisans studios, an learn to cook hands on from the best cooks in Florence. The UA Language And Culture program has first hand given me the tools and opportunities to fully immerse myself life the life of the Florentine people and for that, this has been the riches experience of my life! I have visited the most wonderful sites surrounding Florence on the weekend as well, Milan the first weekend, Venice the second, and beach hopping trip to Castiglioncello! I am so glad I planned a trip through the Language And Culture program at UA because the program has made me present and focus on being fully immersed in Italy as a whole!
