My Mother and Aunt saying their prayers when we went to Portofino.
On September 12th I left my home in Boise, Idaho, to start my new life in Florence, Italy. Since my program was not starting until another 2+ weeks, my Mother, Aunt, and I were off on “holiday”. Due to the fact that my ticket was a one way, and theirs’ was a round trip, we were on separate flights except for our 1st departing flight. In Seattle my mother gave me the address of the apartment that we had rented, though she said she would be there when I landed (my Mother and Aunt were arriving nearly 6 hours before me). However, upon arrival she was not. After waiting for almost 20 minutes I figured something had happened, and decided to get in line for a taxi. With my large trekking pack (filled) strapped to my back, my large rolling luggage (at 48 lbs.), my carry on (with laptop, large digital camera, iPad, external hard drive, and all the power cords required for them), and purse I waited in line. It was at this moment that I realized I had no money except $6 USD. My Mother had told me she would get some Euros from the bank prior to departure, so not to worry about exchanging, only she forgot to give me some (and I forgot to ask). I must have had an angel watching over me because the couple (a man and woman) behind me asked if I wanted to share a taxi. I told them that I wasn’t sure where I was going, and that I had no money. I honestly was not scared; a year prior when I visited Thailand a tuktuk (mini Thai taxi) dropped me off in the middle of nowhere, but I still found my way. After a conversation with the taxi driver we were off.
I’ve always had a fascination for mourning art, and cemeteries. The photo of Rosselli is actually a post mortem photograph (a photograph that is taken of someone after death). In any of these photos the dead was dressed and posed as if they were alive. I search for these in old cemeteries and antique stores.
The man was so kind to arrange the taxi to take me to my destination (theirs’ was just a short walk from mine) and pay the fair. He said when we arrived I could get some Euros from my Mother, or ATM, and we would just split the fair. Well, after getting dropped off in the city center, right next to the Duomo, I rang the buzzer of the apartment…nothing. I tried several times…nothing. I found an ATM, and repaid the man. He was quite concerned that I wasn’t sure where the rest of my party was, and did not want to leave me alone. I assured him I would be fine, and took his number in case I needed to contact him for help. With my belongings as close to me as possible, I perched myself on the apartment’s exterior steps. I opened the strange sandwich I had saved from my last flight, and right as I took the final bite the door opened with my Aunt behind it. My mother had left to get me, but she left the apartment the same time my flight had landed. 62 steps up (my Aunt had counted) we reached the apartment. A few hours later, and 62 steps up, my mother followed. She was so frantic.
This is the view from our “Holiday” apartment in Florence. Being this close to the Duomo is beautiful, however when you’re not use to hearing bells every hour it can take its toll.
Needless to say the rest of our trip was full of ups and downs. As family we bickered, but also loved and supported one another. We went on Tuscan bike rides, zagged on buses, drank a lot of vino, and consumed more bread with olive oil than we thought possible. At moments I could not wait for them to leave so I could really start living in my new home. When the day came to say goodbye it was a lot harder than I thought it would be. My family is a huge support in my life, and I would not be here without them. I can’t change the fact that they are back in Boise now, but I can do my best to make them proud.
And now this is the view from my window. It’s no Duomo, and there are no bells (well they’re really faint) but I love it all the same. Here your not allowed you change the external color of you house, and therefore Florence shall always remain the same. It my sound crazy, but it makes sense. People come from all over the world to see this city, and its nice that it will be preserved.
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Kelly is a student at Carroll University studying at Florence University of the Arts during the Fall 2013 term.
