The New Beginning:
I chose to study abroad in Florence, Italy for a long list of reasons. The one that may have had the most impact on my decision, though, was the fact that every single person that I talked to about their previous experience studying abroad in Florence was a rave about how it was an indescribable life-changing experience.
The year of tasks leading up to studying abroad were more stressful and overwhelming than I ever thought they would be, but once I landed in Italy it felt like it had never even happened. Even though I hadn't slept in well over 35 hours, I somehow made it to what turned out to be my absolute best meal so far in Italy with my roommate and her parents. The appetizers of pear and cheese were the most amazing flavor combination, my ravioli came to the table still sizzling, and we somehow made room for three desserts after, including a pear and chocolate cake. I have a new infatuation for pears.
I slept until five o'clock in the evening the next day, so it was lucky that my flight had gotten changed to be a day early because I was somewhat rejuvenated by the time it was move-in day.
My apartment is just as I imagined it would be. We live on a cute little "via" that cars are not even able to fit on to drive through. Vespas line the sides, including one filled with beautiful flowers that is on my list of things to take a picture of. I didn't think much of living on the fourth floor in terms of stairs, but each floor is two flights of stairs, so by the time we get to the top we are absolutely winded (but secretly grateful and hoping that we are working off that pizza and gelato we had for lunch). Everything about the inside is small, old and quaint, and I love it. My bedroom window opens up to the backside of the Museo di Palazzo Vecchio, which is gorgeous. I am so excited by everything, and I don't think it has actually hit me that this is really my home for the next four months.

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