![A beautiful view of the sun setting on the Duomo. You can only catch moments like that when you’re walking!](http://www.saiprograms.com/wp-content/uploads/131-300x159.jpg)
A beautiful view of the sun setting on the Duomo. You can only catch moments like that when you’re walking!
I remembered telling myself to keep an open mind about the lifestyle here, in hopes that it would alleviate the culture shock. I luckily haven’t experienced much of a culture shock that many other students might have. There are definitely some differences that I experience every day, such as opening a door. Here are just some of the few things:
- You push instead of pull to get inside of doors
- There is no tax when purchasing items
- You have to pay an extra charge to have your groceries in bags
- Most, if not all, stores are closed on Sunday on Monday
- Hang drying your laundry on a clothes line
- No microwaves
- Walking is the main source of transportation
The lifestyle here is simplistic. At first, I didn’t know how I was going to go about a kitchen with no microwave and a laundry room with no dryer. Making meals was hard the first week, but gradually got easier. It’s such a huge blessing in disguise to not have a microwave. Luckily I live a few minutes from one of the biggest markets in town and get my produce, cheese, and meats all fresh on the day I need it. I also get to cook more often too with fresh ingredients.
![Pasta Carbonara I made in my own kitchen! I got the prosciutto from the market close by for only a euro](http://www.saiprograms.com/wp-content/uploads/210-300x225.jpg)
Pasta Carbonara I made in my own kitchen! I got the prosciutto from the market close by for only a euro
Walking is also a huge bonus! Coming from a huge city (Houston), I never get the chance to walk anywhere. Now, I can freely go anywhere I want in the city within 30 minutes. It gives me the chance to discover more hidden gems within Firenze. Plus, walking helps me burn all the pasta and bread calories I consume throughout the day. On a sunny day, I sometimes wish I had a bicycle to stroll through the city. The traffic here in Firenze is a little intimidating though, so that idea probably won’t happen until I’m really comfortable with the streets.
![On sunnier days, I try to spend most of my time in the outdoors. The Boboli Gardens is a perfect place to be when suns out. I would recommend bringing a picnic blanket and a few snacks when you go. Get lost in a book or bring a writing journal. It is so tranquil in the gardens.](http://www.saiprograms.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_3846-300x225.jpg)
On sunnier days, I try to spend most of my time in the outdoors. The Boboli Gardens is a perfect place to be when suns out. I would recommend bringing a picnic blanket and a few snacks when you go. Get lost in a book or bring a writing journal. It is so tranquil in the gardens.
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Christina is a student at University of Houston studying at Florence University of the Arts during the Spring 2014 term.
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