Date leaving: June, 25, 2011
Date returning: Aug. 6, 2011
City and Country: Florence, Italy
Course: Italian, and Italian Food and Culture
Year in school: Junior
Major: Philosophy, and Women's and Gender Issues
Hometown: Puerto Rico
Entry No. 4 | July 20, 2011
Ciao USF,
My trip to Pisa was pleasant and memorable. I arrived with three of my friends, who are also USF study abroad students. As we approached the main entrance to the inner city, which was only one block away from our bus stop, we could see the ancient stone wall walkway leading us toward the Duomo, and the Pisa Tower impressively dominated the sky line.
The front lawn surrounding the tower was covered by people trying to make the right pose in order to achieve the traditional photograph that looks like one is holding up the tower; everybody was holding their hands up in the air; it was a very funny sight. After admiring the Pisa Tower we had lunch and then took a look around the city.
The girls and I decided to rent a four-wheel bicycle that enabled us to quickly view the different streets and sites. When we decided to head back to Florence, we were able to see the beautiful river that surrounds one part of the city. In addition, there were a few very interesting buildings along the way, which provided an entertaining landscape for our 20 minute walk toward the train station. The experience of witnessing the Pisa Tower was unforgettable. I truly recommend it.
Ciao!
Alicia
Entry No. 3 | July 15, 2011
Ciao USF,
I thought I would share with you some of our day-to-day experiences. There are six of us (USF students) that share an apartment on via dell’ Albero, 13, which is located in the city of Florence. The street is in the heart of the city, near by the main train station, Stazione S.M. Novella, the bus stations, and many locally-owned businesses; I included a picture of our street.
In Florence most of the people walk or rides bikes to their daily destinations, such as school or work. There are very few cars; in fact, there are no gas stations in the city of Florence. Those who need to purchase gas must buy it from a nearby city. The weather is hot, hot, hot, so no jeans! It is best to wear cool cotton dresses with open toe sandals. One learns very quickly how to "scope out" the shady parts of the roads and side walks while walking through the city.
In the mornings, we enjoy walking amongst the locals as we go to school, and many of us stop on our way to have a typical Florentine breakfast: a “caffe” espresso or cappuccino and a pastry. Also, there are great “panini” (sandwich) places where one can have lunch while indulging in the views, smells and tastes of many choices of magnificent Florentine breads, salamis and prosciutto, among other options.
Well, this is all for now. I just came back from a beautiful trip to Venice, so next time I will be posting some picture from that trip.
Ciao!
Alicia
Entry No. 2 | July 3, 2011
Ciao USF,
Well, it has been a long week! Getting accustom to the change of pace -- and I say that literally since we walk everywhere, no cars or bikes for us students -- as well as learning were everything is in Florence has been very interesting and fun. I think that the hardest thing is getting down a routine, after one has accomplished that, everything falls into place. I’m very anxious to tell you all about our day-to-day, but because this is my first post in Florence, I thought I would share some sight-seeing pictures I took.
1. The “Ponte Vecchio” -- The Old Bridge, which was constructed in 1345, crosses the Arno River. It is the only original of six bridges that survived the WW II bombing. Initially, the bridge served as a meat and fish market, but since Grand Duke Fernando I, having to pass by the bridge every day, was repugnant by the smell, so he banded the food market and restricted its use to a jewelry market.
2. The “Duomo” -- The Dome, famous for its “cupola,” was built between 1420 and 1434. The topping of this building dominates the sky of the whole city with its terracotta color contrasting with the beautiful light colored marble; it is truly breathtaking.
3. The Cathedral Saint Mary of Flowers’ construction was commissioned in 1296 and ended construction in 1436. Its marble coating was not finished until the late 19th century.
4. View from a monastery on the north side of Florence overlooking the South side.
Oh, did I mention that all of these marvelous places are only 10 minutes away from where I am staying? Awesome! This is all for now; I will be posting some new things this week. Look forward to reading about: “Florence, the Real World,” what happens when six girl students live in one apartment.
Ciao!
Alicia
Entry No. 1 | June 23, 2011
Hi, my name is Alicia, and I'm a USF junior majoring in philosophy and women's and gender iIssues. I will be leaving to Florence, Italy this Saturday, June 25 and returning on Saturday, Aug. 6.
The reason I chose Florence for my first study abroad experience is because my father's family is from Italy. I want to experience the Italian culture: their foods, their language, their countrysides, their people. More importantly, I want to learn more about the Italian women, their lives, what they love about their customs and what social challenges they are facing in order to compare them with issues that women are facing in the United States.
The two courses I will be taking while in Italy are Italian, and Food and Culture. I know very little Italian, but I think I'll do just fine because my home town is Puerto Rico, my primary language is Spanish; We have similarities in our cultures.
-Alicia