The beautiful duomo I have the pleasure of passing by every time I explore Firenze. This building is so majestic, both in the day and at night.

It’s so hard to describe the crazy emotions when you first arrive in Firenze. My first breathe of fresh air was so… liberating. The air here feels so clean. The atmosphere is significantly different from home, in a good way. Firenze has hills that make you feel like you’re in the country, but then not too far away is the city. The streets here are very narrow and mostly one way, if you’re driving. People are walking EVERYWHERE! Including on the cobblestone streets where the cars and motorcyclist drive on. The weather was beautiful the first day I arrived, however, it was shockingly cold. Being from Texas, I’m not used to the chill here. Luckily I brought lots of layers to accommodate the weather here.

My first time on the arno in Firenze. Not a cloud in sight! The sun was shining bright and I finally got to see the other side of the river. Didn’t get to make it over there, but will be looking forward to it next time.

When I was first dropped at my apartment, I was greeted by a very friendly and helpful Italian local who was there to assist me to my home for the next four months. I got dropped off at Mercato Centrale (market) so I was glad he was there to help. Did I mention he was easy on the eyes? He said that he has never been down the street I lived on, even though he is from Firenze. I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the door to the 8 flights of stairs. Luckily I didn’t have to carry my 50 lb. suitcase up to the apartment door by myself. When we finally got to the apartment door, I was greeted again to another flight of stairs. This time, it was really narrow and led to my actual apartment living room. I am so lucky to have been assigned this apartment, because it is beautiful! I has a great view and plenty of windows to let in lots of sunlight. The apartment had a terrace as well! How lucky was I? I would have to get used to the hang-drying and no microwave thing, but it’s adjustments that I am ready to make.

I am lucky enough to have an apartment with many windows. This is the view we have in our kitchen!

Biscotti, biscotti, biscotti! The Mercado Centrale had an array of different types of biscotti. Everything looked tasty!

I’ve always heard it’s easy to make friends when you study abroad and I can strongly vouch for that statement. Within the past three days of being here, I’ve met so many different people from all over the States and have made friendships that will make my time here that much more significant. I can’t wait to see how far we will have come at the end of our journey, but am looking more forward to the adventures I will make with them here in Firenze now.

Having great company in Firenze makes your trip ten times better!

It is a lot to soak up the first few days you’re here. Everything is changing so quickly and learning to adapt can be difficult, however, I have never been more blessed to be given an opportunity like this. I can’t wait to start class on Monday and meet my classmates and professors. I still have so much to explore about this beautiful city and what it has to offer me. I hope this honeymoon phase never goes away!

As far now, ciao baby, ciao!
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Christina is a student at University of Houston studying at Florence University of the Arts through SAI Programs during the Spring 2014 term.