Many people wonder why I have such a love for Italy, being that I am 100 percent Irish. My response to them is that Italy is a country you cannot describe, rather one you must experience for yourself.
The people, the beautiful countryside, and the appreciation for the laidback lifestyle are unique aspects of Italy, which are, in my opinion, not found anywhere else in the world. I am now studying abroad in Florence and this is my third time in Italy. However, this trip has proved to be completely different from my other visits. Aside from seeing more of the beautiful sights Italy has to offer, meeting new interesting people (and sampling new flavors of gelato), the experience of living here for an extended period of time has opened my eyes to the more simple pleasures that exist here (making my experience more rewarding).
First of all, it is very easy to speak only English the whole time studying in Florence because it is a city that caters to tourists. When I go into a store or business and ask them something in Italian, sometimes they will answer me in English, which can be discouraging. However, when I explain to them that I would rather speak in Italian, their expression of surprise and delight is enough to make me not speak another word of English until I step foot back into America.
Italians appreciate the effort put forward by students to learn their language and culture. Being able to have a conversation in Italian has become more satisfying and exciting for me than anything else I could have done with my day because it is at that moment I feel like I am living here rather than just visiting.
Secondly, living in a country that takes a two hour break in the middle of the day, and seems to be 15 minutes in delay for everything they do, has reminded me to take things slowly. Learning and living this lesson are two different things and I.m beginning to think it's necessary to live in Italy in order to adopt this outlook on life. There must have been at least four major strikes since I have arrived here, which have resulted in buses and trains not running, stores and business closing, and I.ve never seen people go about their day with such ease. Living the Italian life is so refreshing and relaxing, but it is a lifestyle that may try your patience everyday.
For all those students who are traveling to Florence for the spring semester, I would say to them, get ready for a life of .go with the flow,. where you have free time to spend your days however you like. I encourage all of you to just get ready to relax and enjoy the view, because it is one that will take your breath away.
