Florence Christmas lights in the street

This past month in Italy has been a lot of me wondering through the streets and soaking everything in. My time here has passed so fast I can’t believe we’re all going home in a week. Florence during the winter is such a magical experience. The streets are all lit up with festive lights and decorations. I love seeing all of the different types of lights that each street has. Living near Santa Croce has turned out to have many pleasant surprises.

Santa Croce Christmas markets

The Christmas Markets are a five minute walk from apartment and I get to see them almost every day when I go to class. They sell all sorts of cool things from all over the world and also have yummy international foods. On Thanksgiving I treated myself to some hot wine and a sugary pretzel, it was so delicious. My first Thanksgiving away from home was very interesting and memorable. I went to a highly recommended restaurant called Trattoria Anita and had the most amazing spicy spaghetti with Italian bacon.

The arc on an adventurous winter night

I was disappointed in myself for being in Italy for a few months and still not having managed to go to Boboli gardens, so I finally set out to do it. My friend Kim and I went to this really yummy panino place called Pino’s, then spent the afternoon venturing through the gardens. All of the statues and flowers were so beautiful, I only wish I had gone when more of the flowers were in bloom. From the top of the garden there was a beautiful view of all of Florence across the Arno River, with the duomo’s top peaking out. This month I also spent a lot time in art galleries admiring some really interesting art pieces. One of my favorites were from a gallery where the artist’s focus was on life like statues of swimmers. They looked so realistic, even the hair!

A beautifully lit building

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Jasmine is a student at Gustavus Adolphus College studying at Florence University of the Arts in Italy during the Fall 2013 term.