As the weather is getting warmer, the streets are getting busier. I found myself annoyed at all of the “tourist” wandering my city. At first I was caught off guard remembering that I am one of these tourist. But at the same time I feel like a local. I know my favorite restaurants to eat at and my favorite bars to go to. I’ve made Italian friends to hang out with and sit along sides of the bridge eating my lunch next to them as well. I realize that I’m not a tourist anymore. I’m a part of this city now too. It’s a great feeling when friends come to visit me now and I can show them around a place that I’ve come to call home.

One of my favorite places in all of Florence is Piazza Santa Croce. It could be 4:23 pm on a Wednesday afternoon and I’m sitting at my kitchen table studying for mid terms with our windows open on a beautiful spring day in Florence. Kids laughter and small talk flow through my window. As I open my book to the next chapter I am met with the surprise of a beautiful flute rendition “Ave Maria” from right outside my window. This isn’t the first time I’ve heard the flute man, with his speakers and CD accompanist, but every time I hear him it reminds me of how happy I am.

This is a normal day living at the Piazza Santa Croce. It’s not always the flute man providing the background music to my life. Sometimes it’s the shaggy guitarist or the trio men who play the traditional Italian music that we’ve all come to associate (think “That’s Amore”). But regardless there is always life and happiness that prompt me to think of how blessed I am to be here.

Another great thing about the weather getting warmer is my willingness to explore the city more. We walk down the river and explore things outside the city now. When I first arrived in Florence I dreaded getting lost, now it’s a daily goal of mine. Everyday we find something new. I’ll go running with friends and we’ll take different routes each time. Our favorite path is just few bridges down from where we live. We run alongside the park and the river, there is a small waterfall. It’s amazing. We sit there and watch the old man fish, the dogs play, and the moms power walk by. I’m in awe of how much I love this city. Every day that passes makes me sad because I know that means I’m one day closer to leaving.

Stephanie – University of South Carolina