I cannot believe that my time abroad is coming to an end! I feel as if I am waking up from a dream that I will never forget! These past two days have been the most magical days of my life. Last night Florence celebrated “Notte Bianca” or white night. The streets were full of amazing artists, music from street concerts and performers filled air, and. businesses that opened until the late hours of the night. The best experience was finding a door that lead down to the Arno river where crew boats were offering rides to the public on the Arno! The boat filled with lively people and the men of the Fiorentine crew team rowed us through the ponte vecchio and back. The Ponte Vecchio looked beautiful from the water. For the occasion lights were strung on it and they read, “BE HAPPY”, and I was!

The following day was May Day and the festivities just kept coming! In walking around the city we stumbled upon a flag throwing and music competition that was happening right in front of Palazzo Vecchio! Different flag throwing teams come from different parts of florence to compete in this prestigious and traditional competition. Men and women dressed in multicolored costumes fill the square and wave the flags of their team to a choreographed fight. The teams strive for the most skilled performance and best music. It was absolutely incredible, and a fantastic way to wind down our time here in Florence.

Italy has so many secrets that I have yet to discover. Although this trip is over it is merely the beginning of my travels. This trip has shown me that there is so many cultures, religions, lifestyles, food, traditions out there. There is so much world out there to see!  I have so much to learn from the world. Its going to be so hard to say goodbye, but it’s not goodbye, its a see you later.

– Maday, Parsons The New School of Design