I studied in Florence for 4 months. While there, I met people from all around the world, explored parts of Europe I never thought I’d see, and grew more as a person than I have in the last several years. I figured I’d include a list of my favorite gems of wisdom I picked up while traveling.
Enjoy!
– Having passion for something is rare. Take advantage of it.
In my Romeo and Juliet class here at Lorenzo de Medici, I saw true passion. So many people have been enchanted by this story and created some of the most beautiful works of art to date (symphonies, operas, fashion, paintings, literature, etc). What I see in them, I see in myself for my passion for writing – and I recognize that having an obsession like that is a gift.
– Just because you don’t like something immediately doesn’t mean you won’t grow to love it.
This comes from arriving in Florence. When I first arrived, my change-adverse and comfort-seeking brain decided that I hated it here and I needed to leave immediately. As it turns out, I was just scared. I love it here – absolutely love it. I just needed to feel comfortable in my own skin in this new environment to feel it.
– Try everything once, but you don’t have to do it again.
I truly believe that it’s important to try everything once. I believe that you miss out on life by not trying the pig brains when you’re offered it, or by saying no to bungee jumping. That being said, you don’t have to do something you don’t like in the name of adventure. I faced a lot of pressure to continue eating food even though I knew I didn’t like it simply because it’s “what you do when you visit ___.” Try it once – but don’t continue to torture yourself if you don’t like something!
– Trust your gut when you meet people.
For every single person I met, my first instinct about them was correct. Several times I have told myself I’m being too judgemental, and I should get to know someone before I decide if I like them or not, but on each occasion my gut instinct was correct. Conversely, sometimes I met people, and I knew immediately I would like them – and I’m glad I trusted myself then because I’ve made some amazing friends while here.
– A balanced diet and sleep schedule control everything.
During my first two weeks of studying in Italy, I was very sick. Nothing made me feel better – I was constantly nauseous, constantly tired, had a pounding headache, couldn’t sleep, etc. It took me two weeks to realize that I was only consuming carbs (pastries, pasta, pizza) and trying to abruptly change my usually consistent sleeping schedule. Now, I feel a lot better, because I’m eating more proteins and fats, and I’m getting vitamins from vegetables and fruit.
– Pay attention to the fine print when traveling
Airbnb check out and in times. Refund policies on tickets. The list goes on. Make sure you’re planning your trip intuitively, not just trying to spend the most amount of time possible in a location. Several times, I had to check out of an Airbnb at 11 am, but my flight wasn’t until 6 pm. I had to drag my luggage all around – which is annoying but also dangerous, as pickpockets are much more common in Europe and they look for tourists or people with huge bags.
– Slow and steady wins the race.
I grew up fast-paced. I live my life at Northeastern in hyperdrive. And I choose it that way – but I’ve really enjoyed the slower pace of life in Europe. Lunch is two hours. Drinks before dinner for two hours, then dinner for three or four. Everyone is late to everything – and it’s nice. It’s nice to live slowly, and I know it’s something I’m going to miss when I get back to my busy, bustling life in Boston.
