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| View of Florence, Italy |
Florence, Italy. It is known for some of the most renowned art and architecture of the Italian Renaissance, arguably the best Chianti wine in the country, and some of the finest leather goods in the entire world. In a region so rich in food and fashion, I found it extremely amusing when I spotted Mike “The Situation” and Pauly D roaming the streets of Florence as they filmed their upcoming season of the hit MTV show Jersey Shore. The group of rowdy hooligans ventured all the way from New Jersey to embrace their Italian roots, yet something tells me the refined Florentine locals are not so welcoming of their presence here. They’ve already racked up hundreds of dollars in parking violations and Snooki has already been arrested.
After a tiresome day of shuffling through airports to make three connecting flights and hopeful prayers that our bags would not get lost in transit, me and the NC State University study abroad group finally arrived in the Firenze, Italy airport. As our Florentine taxi driver zipped through the narrow, winding streets of this city nearly running over dozens of aloof tourists, I knew we were in for an unprecedented journey. At each twist and curve of the cobblestone lined road we passed sights I have only read about (or pretended to read about better yet) in history textbooks.
Gelatarias housing mounds of silky gelato topped with fresh fruit were on every corner. Pizzeria’s that gave off the aroma of freshly baked margherita pizzas topped with plump, vine-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil were enough to make your stomach scream with hunger. The streets were adorned with lavish buildings and cathedrals with a mix between intricate gothic detail and renaissance architecture dating back earlier than the 13th century. I had to pinch to myself to make sure I was not dreaming when I walked up the 18th century stone steps to my quaint, Tuscan apartment on “Via San Gallo.” Although the apartment has no air condition, the gas to the ancient oven needs to be ignited with a flimsy lighter, and clothes are hung up to dry on a line, I think I could get used to peering out on my balcony at the breathtaking views of this rustic, Tuscan-Italian town. Now, the secret to enjoying all of this Italian cuisine without gaining 20lbs…
Florence, Italy. It is known for some of the most renowned art and architecture of the Italian Renaissance, arguably the best Chianti wine in the country, and some of the finest leather goods in the entire world. In a region so rich in food and fashion, I found it extremely amusing when I spotted Mike “The Situation” and Pauly D roaming the streets of Florence as they filmed their upcoming season of the hit MTV show Jersey Shore. The group of rowdy hooligans ventured all the way from New Jersey to embrace their Italian roots, yet something tells me the refined Florentine locals are not so welcoming of their presence here. They’ve already racked up hundreds of dollars in parking violations and Snooki has already been arrested. 
After a tiresome day of shuffling through airports to make three connecting flights and hopeful prayers that our bags would not get lost in transit, me and the NC State University study abroad group finally arrived in the Firenze, Italy airport. As our Florentine taxi driver zipped through the narrow, winding streets of this city nearly running over dozens of aloof tourists, I knew we were in for an unprecedented journey. At each twist and curve of the cobblestone lined road we passed sights I have only read about (or pretended to read about better yet) in history textbooks. 
Gelatarias housing mounds of silky gelato topped with fresh fruit were on every corner. Pizzeria’s that gave off the aroma of freshly baked margherita pizzas topped with plump, vine-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil were enough to make your stomach scream with hunger. The streets were adorned with lavish buildings and cathedrals with a mix between intricate gothic detail and renaissance architecture dating back earlier than the 13th century. I had to pinch to myself to make sure I was not dreaming when I walked up the 18th century stone steps to my quaint, Tuscan apartment on “Via San Gallo.” Although the apartment has no air condition, the gas to the ancient oven needs to be ignited with a flimsy lighter, and clothes are hung up to dry on a line, I think I could get used to peering out on my balcony at the breathtaking views of this rustic, Tuscan-Italian town. Now, the secret to enjoying all of this Italian cuisine without gaining 20lbs…
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