An exhibit at the Strozzina Gallery in Florence, which is part of the temporary installation, “Unstable Territory.”

Studying abroad has deepened the level of appreciation for both the American and Italian way of life. The time in Italy has been broken into general phases. For the first part, I was in awe of the new way of life and focused on adapting. Then I went through the phase of anticipating visitors: my brothers and my boyfriend. After the visitors left, I went through a phase of homesickness. I began to wish for all things American: the people, the way of life, my pets, driving a car, and the food. I even went out to an American diner for dinner. The combination of bidding loved ones farewell and knowing I would be spending Thanksgiving away from my family made me miss home. But I did not allow myself to get down. While I missed home, I also love Italy. My appreciation for home grew out of realizing how much I miss little things like going out to the movies, being around my pets, and going out to coffee with close friends. But my appreciation for Italy also continued to grow.

A place I frequently visit to enjoy nature is Boboli gardens. To get to the gardens, I enter through Pitti Palace which is the former home of the Medici family.

After spending months living in Florence, I have developed rituals and little things unique to Italy like having a favorite café where the owners recognize me, buying tea from a little shop around the corner, strolling through Boboli Gardens (the Medici’s estate) and having museums so readily accessible. I realized how I have set up a little home away from home.

Italian food is delicious but after months away from home, a burger and fried chicken from an American restaurant in Florence hit the spot and lifted my roommate and my spirits when we were feeling homesick.

With only a couple weeks left abroad, the mixed emotions have kicked in. Part of me cannot wait to be home and part of me knows that I will miss Italy immensely. An amazing chapter is ending but I have a new beginning to look forward to. The holiday season intensifies emotions. Thanksgiving was a memorable day in Florence.

My roommates and I made a lovely meal and a friend from home who is studying in Spain came to celebrate with us. Even though none of us were used to breaking from tradition for Thanksgiving, we were still able to make the day incredibly special and festive.

The Christmas Market is a festive atmosphere and great place to buy Christmas gifts for friends and family.

I frequently stop at the beautiful Christmas market just down the street from my apartment to add to the holiday cheer begun at Thanksgiving. The holidays make me nostalgic for home and look forward to spending Christmas in Wisconsin. I certainly have a lot to be thankful for in this season of gratitude.

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Elizabeth is a student at St. Norbert College studying at Florence University of the Arts during the Fall 2013 term.