It’s hard to believe that it is my last week here in Florence. It seems like just yesterday I arrived at my home stay with all of my luggage completely exhausted from the journey. I am a different person than when I first arrived. I am independent and I can navigate public transportation like a pro! I now have this obsession with food, wine, and fashion, even more so than before.

The Arno

I have seen so many places and done so many things that I never thought possible. I walked by the Duomo every day to class, ate the most delicious food I have ever had in my life, saw some of the most beautiful churches in the world, I even live right down the street from where Michelangelo’s buried. This city is a living history book with works and pieces that some never get to see in a lifetime. And here I’ve been, the last three months, living in it. Living in what feels like a dream, my one regret is that I do not have enough time. There so many things that I have put off doing in this marvelous city. I have to come back here one day.

Even with all the beauty and wonder that is attached to this extraordinary place, it would have seemed empty and lonely if I had not met the most wonderful people. I am so thankful for the friends I have made here, my host family, and the people at SAI. Without these people my experience would have been tremendously unsuccessful. I will miss each and every one of them.

Love them all to pieces!)

Being in this city has reignited my fuel for knowledge. It has forced me to be alone and learn how to do things for myself. And it has shown me my strengths and weaknesses. I came to Florence to discover the city, but in the process I came to discover part of myself. I am forever grateful for this experience. I won’t say goodbye Florence, but instead I’ll say “A dopo”, for this is only the beginning.
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Shelbie is a student at Austin College studying at Florence University of the Arts during the Fall 2013 term.