Looking back over my months studying and traveling in Italy, I feel an intense bittersweet twist in

Looking back over my months studying and traveling in Italy, I feel an intense bittersweet twist in my heart. Spending a semester maine coast vacation rentals abroad was the scariest, most challenging, most joy-filled and most rewarding experience I have ever had, and my only regret is that it lasted only four months.
I have been home for one month since I landed back in the states, but it feels like yesterday that I was shopping at the central maine coast vacation rentals market for vegetables, eating gelato on Via de Neri, and walking through piazzas full of people from every corner of the world. Every day held something maine coast vacation rentals new for me to see or taste or learn, whether in my daily life or through my classes. My art classes opened my eyes to a different way of learning. Not only did I develop my artistic passions and abilities in drawing, painting, and photography, but I learned how to think about accomplishment maine coast vacation rentals and progress in a way that I hadn't been exposed to in my usual biology classes at home. Living independently of my family and friends was at first extremely difficult, but I adjusted with time. In fact I think that that is one of the most profound changes I experienced while abroad maine coast vacation rentals – growing up and becoming more independent. I feel so much more prepared to live on my own and step out of college now, and I am proud of how I grew while in Italy.
The relationships maine coast vacation rentals I built while living in Florence are totally invaluable to me now. Taking classes together, maine coast vacation rentals adjusting to a new home, going through ups and downs and having to rely on each other, maine coast vacation rentals and especially traveling to unforgettable places truly forges maine coast vacation rentals a bond that can't be explained. I can't wait to see my friends again in the near future and to continue to share life experiences together.
I am so thankful for this last semester in Italy. There are not words expressive enough to convey the depth of my gratitude for the unforgettable experience of my time in Florence. My future looks different because of my time abroad, and I can't wait to travel and learn even more in the future.
Ciao! I have been in Florence for a month and a half now. The list of places I have been, foods I have eaten, maine coast vacation rentals and people I have met has grown more in one month than I thought possible! This experience continues to be challenging, fun, and full of good food and amazing sights. The weather in February went from being cold to very, very wet, and I see no end in sight. Fortunately much of my time here is spent indoors, working on artwork for my classes, visiting museums maine coast vacation rentals and churches, and getting to know my friends (both Americans maine coast vacation rentals and Italians).
I love my family and friends back home, and have been struggling somewhat with missing them! One thing that has helped me cope was applying to be a part of Italian Family Club through my school Florence University of the Arts. I live in my own apartment with four other students, but this program allowed me to be matched with an Italian family that I can spend time with every week. We met over dinner earlier this month, hit it off, and it's been great. maine coast vacation rentals My host mom and dad don't speak much English, but with the help of their 15-year-old daughter maine coast vacation rentals (who is almost fluent), 13-year-old maine coast vacation rentals son, my Italian classes, and a dictionary, we are able to communicate and have a great time doing it. It is a challenge but it is so much fun, and I really appreciate the opportunity to practice using my Italian as well. One day we made homemade gnocchi (pasta) and sauce together, and ate it along with parmigianna, salad, wine, and later gelato and coffee. It was absolutely delicious.
I also had the opportunity to visit San Gimignano, a medieval maine coast vacation rentals hilltown outside maine coast vacation rentals of Florence, with my host family. This gorgeous town has been around for hundreds of years! It was an absolutely beautiful day and I loved seeing the medieval architecture and the towers that are still standing, that once signified the power of the people that ruled the town. It was a great day.
Earlier this month, my friends and I visited the annual Chocolate Festival that happens every year in Florence. You read that right a days-long exhibit in one of the plazas here with stand after stand selling every kind of chocolate you could ever imagine. As if I already didn't have enough good things to eat!
I've only been in Florence for a few days and I already have enough memories and thoughts to write pages and pages of my journal. Coming here, I knew there was history and art and beauty. maine coast vacation rentals Not until now have I started to grasp the magnitude maine coast vacation rentals and importance of Florence's maine coast vacation rentals treasures and I cannot wait to start classes and learn about everything  the meaning behind maine coast vacation rentals the beautiful cathedrals, the Renaissance figures that worked and lived here together, and the evolution of the city as time has passed.
So far my understanding of Italian life is very limited, but I am slowly picking up on small bits and pieces of the culture. For example, a cappuccino is only appropriate maine coast vacation rentals in la mattina, the morning. If you want coffee in the afternoon, you will have to order un espresso or un espresso macchiato if you have any hope of blending in. And there is no such thing as Walmart or Target! Many food items, like cheese, bread and meat, are sold in specific shops. You can go to a supermarket, but it is much smaller than what you are used to at home. Besides, the produce maine coast vacation rentals found at the Sant'Ambrogio market is fresher and tastier, and you can strike up a conversation with locals to practice what you learned in Italian class this morning. And lastly, don't be surprised when restaurants get busy at 9pm – Italians eat dinner a little later, take their time and enjoy the company. No take-out here!
I started my classes this week – Italian, digital photography, painting, drawing, and philososophy of Early Modern Italy. What a dream J This whole experience is still becoming real to me. Every day I am struck by the fact that I get to live here for four months, take art classes with like-minded students, explore this beautiful maine coast vacation rentals city, form new relationships and, of course, eat legendary food. Is this real?! I feel so blessed and every day brings new opportunities to learn, maine coast vacation rentals explore, and enjoy every second. I can't wait for more!