Trying local foods and dishes and learning about the culinary traditions of Tuscany, has provided me with a unique, interesting, and cultural experience during my time in Italy. Tasting different wines, gelato, cheeses, meats, and traditional dishes has enriched my academic and personal life. I made sure to sign up for as many wine tastings and food street tours as I could. Each event was worth attending; not only did I have the opportunity to try delicious foods but I learned about the history behind it as well. This blog highlights the interesting experiences I encountered that broadened my cultural horizon and the memorable mark it left on my study abroad adventures.

One of my first interesting encounters with Italian culture was Gelato. The first place I stopped by in Florence was a Gelato Shop in Ponte Vecchio. Gelato is unlike any ice cream I have tasted before. The texture is much smoother and enjoyable for my liking. It’s more than just a treat in Italy, it’s a cultural experience. Each city in Italy I’ve visited has its unique flavors of Gelato. There are endless flavors from fragola, pistachio, limone, tiramisu, and so on. Gelato is my favorite treat from Italy because it holds great sweetness and my friends and I made many memories eating it every other day while in Florence.

The first wine tasting I attended was with Florence’s famous sandwich maker, Pino! He provided attendees with a comfortable space to interact with others and amazing wine. Pino taught the students to smell the wine, hold the glasses, and much more. He taught us the history behind each wine we drank and what they were made with. Not only did I try different wines, but cheeses, and meats. Overall, it was a fun and interesting learning experience! Each wine tasting I attended provided me with great insight into the wine culture of Italy and how much pride and joy goes into making wine. The Food Street Tours introduced me to the more adventurous side of Italian food culture. We visited multiple hidden gems in Florence. Most of the restaurants were in places I would never look to eat at so it was nice visiting these tiny restaurants with such delicious foods. Each restaurant we visited had amazing and kind staff so this made the experience more welcoming and enjoyable.

Overall, trying new foods was quite an adventure and cultural education. When traveling, I believe it’s best to keep an open mind and be willing to try new things. With this mindset, I’ve tried numerous foods and wines I have never come across in the United States. I took this opportunity to broaden my knowledge of different foods from different cultures. Through each culinary experience, I gained more appreciation for Italian culture and foods. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to explore Italy’s culture and cuisines. As I reflect on my time in Italy, the flavors of each cuisine remain vivid and heartfelt, reminding me how the impact of food can have such a memorable experience.

Written by: Amaya, Summer 2024 Florence student from The University of Mississippi