Buongiorno from Firenze!  So far getting settled into the city has been an amazing and great experience.  My apartment has a fantastic location; it is just a street over from the Fiume Arno (Arno River) and is not even a ten minute walk from the city center.  One thing that I noticed about my apartment is that it is a lot bigger than I imagined.  I was expecting to have a crowded and limited area, but it is just the opposite.  Just down the street is a local grocery store, a café, a church, and numerous restaurants.  It is nice because really anything in Florence is within walking distance.

Seeing the Basilica of Santa Croce for the first time.

My first impression of Italy was that it was of course beautiful! When flying into Florence, you are able to see the Italian landscape at its finest.  I could not believe I was actually here! As for Florence, walking around and experiencing something I only dreamed of for so long was like I was actually in a dream.  Being physically there and experiencing sightings such as the famous Il Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and hearing the Campanile ringing, was such a surreal moment that I was actually going to be living within walking distance of these places plus even more.  I was worried that I would have a hard time getting around Florence because I am not the best when it comes to direction, but I am already learning the streets only after three days and I already am able to get to certain areas without a map.  Even if you do get lost, locals are almost always willing to help.

Palazzo Vecchio during the walking tour.

The Arno River during the walking tour.

My orientation was very helpful.  We went over things that you may not even think of while living in Florence.  The most helpful thing I found was during a walking tour that we could sign up for.  Before this tour, I was confused about where certain places were located.  After the tour, I had a good understanding of where everything was and how far away these places are from each other.  All in all, this first week has already been an eye opening experience and learning things that I would never expect as well!

Italian landscape from airplane when flying from Munich, Germany to Florence, Italy.

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Anne is a current student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania studying at Florence University of the Arts in Italy during the Fall 2014 term.