After a wonderful first week settling into life in Florence, I already feel like I’ve begun to adapt to the Italian lifestyle. From walking the historic streets and sipping espresso in local cafés to learning the flow of daily life here, the transition has been exciting and surprisingly smooth. Class at the Scuola Leonardo da Vinci has been an adventure in itself as my classmates are of all ages from tons of different countries and my teacher only speaks Italian! Just as I was beginning to feel at home, my classmate and I made a spontaneous decision that turned out to be the highlight of our week: a weekend trip to the island of Ischia!
We booked everything last minute, unsure of what to expect, but it ended up being the greatest weekend adventure so far. Ischia is stunning—lush green hills, clear blue water, and charming villages at every turn. We explored different parts of the island using the local bus system and spent time at various beaches, each with its own unique vibe. My favorite part had to be stumbling upon a thermal pool paradise in Forio!
The food was absolutely incredible. From fresh seafood to island-style pasta dishes, every meal was a new experience. We even stumbled upon a family-run restaurant with a view of Castello Aragonese that served the best gnocchi I’ve ever had!
Now that we’ve returned to Florence for our second week of the program, it feels like coming home. It’s amazing how quickly a place can begin to feel familiar. We are rested and rejuvenated…and even more excited now for what’s to come—new classes, more weekend travels, and more adventures with my classmates and this beautiful city.
