Madeline in Florence

"Madeline's study abroad in Florence blog"

  • My first weekend adventure: Cinque Terre

    Cinque Terre was my first excursion beyond Florence. With my roommates, we learned how to navigate Florence’s train system and sightsee all in one day. We had one mission: go to the beach and see more of Italy.

    Our first train ride to Pisa Centrale was stunning. I fell in love with the mountains and vineyards of the Tuscan countryside. I saw poppy fields that made me understand Monet’s need to paint such landscapes. It felt like a movie, with an imaginary camera alternating between shots of me gazing out the window and mysteriously reading my book (a romantic comedy, of course).

    After arriving at Pisa Centrale (sadly, we didn’t stop to see the Leaning Tower), we connected to La Spezia, and I continued to enjoy the live-action painting unfolding outside my window.

    Eventually, we made it to Monterosso, Cinque Terre. As soon as we stepped off the train, we were greeted by salt air, sweet summer heat, and crystal-clear blue water. To say it was magical is an understatement. I couldn’t help but think, Somebody pinch me—am I actually on a beach in Italy?!

    Going to Cinque Terre served as more than just a spontaneous day trip from Florence. It marked an accomplishment—exploring more of Italy and making it outside of my study abroad “headquarters.” When I first dreamed of studying abroad—a dream that once felt so out of reach—I only hoped to see more of Italy. And here I was, standing on the most beautiful beach surrounded by mountains on my very first weekend abroad.

    The steps for our movie-montage-worthy beach day were simple: find something to eat, get towels, and then swim.

    We first stopped at the cutest focaccia place by the beach, where I got a fabulous olive and tomato loaf (oliva e pomodoro).

    Next door at a souvenir shop, I found the perfect blue “Dolce Vita” towel with little lemons on it—very coastal, very Italian.

    With food and towels in tow, we made our way to the beach. It was covered in smooth stones of varying colors and sizes. The area where people laid out was made of finer rocks that gave the illusion of sand. The water was crystal clear and ombré-d into a rich, deep blue. While the water alone was breathtaking, the surrounding Northern Apennines made the scene even more stunning. Colorful homes were scattered across the mountains, adding a cheerful charm to the powerful stillness of the landscape. ABBA’s Chiquitita was playing on a loop in my head.

    After eating and applying sunscreen (a must in the Italian sun), we eagerly made our way into the water. It was a crisp kiss of cool in the blazing heat. (Getting in the water had me feeling poetic—what can I say?)

    We were little mermaids out there, and I had no desire to leave until it was time to catch our next train. I truly wanted to be part of that world.

    After hours of swimming and making new friends who were also studying abroad, we decided to catch a train to another Cinque Terre village: Riomaggiore.

    Catching the train wasn’t without its challenges—delays and confusion over which line to take tested our patience. But we made it, and I learned the value of staying calm and flexible when it comes to public transportation.

    Riomaggiore was another breathtaking sight. More colorful houses dotted the cliffs, and the view of the vast ocean offered a whole new, enchanting angle.

    We stopped for aperitifs at a restaurant tucked into the side of a mountain. As we ate our caprese salads and sipped Hugo Spritzes, we took in the natural beauty of the northern Italian Riviera coastline.

    After dinner, we ascended further into the village, surrounded by orange and pink houses, wildflowers, and sailboats in the distance. We even ran into a beach cat perched on a heater, lazily enjoying the evening in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

    Eventually, we made our way back to the train station and called it a day. Cinque Terre was a spontaneous and peaceful escape—an unforgettable start to my Italian adventure.

    My journey in Italy has now come to an end, but I’m excited to use this blog as an outlet to reminisce on my travels and all the valuable lessons I’ve learned while studying abroad. Stay tuned for Siena and Lake Como!

    Ciao for now,
    Madeline

  • My Roman Empire?

    I’m now officially only impressed if I’m looking at historical landmarks or artifacts from before the Middle Ages. Rome spoiled me — blame it on the Colosseum and its ancient awesomeness!

    Last weekend, I visited Rome and Vatican City with my roommates, and it completely opened my eyes to the beauty of enduring architecture and the power of true craftsmanship. It was surreal to stand before the Forum and the Colosseum, knowing they’ve been standing since the first centuries — or even earlier.

    On the first day, we walked around the outside of the Forum and Colosseum. I was overwhelmed with awe, taking in the height and longevity of each ruin. We wandered the little cobblestone streets, and I had my first carbonara at dinner. It was delicious — I appreciated the flavor of freshly made spaghetti, the saltiness of the guanciale, and the richness of the Pecorino Romano cheese and egg yolk. However, cacio e pepe still has my heart.

    The next day, we got up bright and early and headed to Vatican City — which turned out to be a learning lesson: book your tickets in advance! While that should have been obvious (especially with the Jubilee going on), we assumed we could stroll into the Vatican, flash our passports, and enjoy all the sights. That was not the case. We ended up waiting in line for an hour, but thanks to an unstructured queue, we were able to casually filter in without walking back a whole block and wasting the entire day.

    From the museum, the view of the top of Saint Peter’s Basilica was beautiful, and the glimpse I caught of the lush gardens and trees of the city was breathtaking. We then made our way through the Vatican Museums, and this is where I officially decided: I am no longer impressed by history from the 18th century and forward. I am now, officially, a history snob.

    I saw a mummy and artifacts from Ancient Egypt — which was already considered “ancient” during the Roman Empire. The ceiling paintings throughout the museum were jaw-dropping. I kept running into people in front of and behind me because I couldn’t stop looking up in awe.

    We got to delve into the fascinating world of Roman mythology. I saw a gold statue of Hercules and many other stunning sculptures of Roman gods and goddesses. It was incredible to witness the talent of humans from so long ago.

    After hours of swiveling my head in every direction to take in the vast history around me, we finally arrived inside the Sistine Chapel. Seeing the work of Michelangelo was surreal. The detail and vibrancy of the paint covering the walls and ceiling were magical. Since photography is not allowed inside the Sistine Chapel, I was so focused on scanning the room that I completely missed one of the most iconic works of art in the world: the “Creation of Adam” — aka “the hands touching one.” I have to laugh, or I’d be too frustrated with myself… because how did I miss that?! Thankfully, I got a magnet from the gift shop to make up for it.

    After taking in the vibrant tapestries depicting Bible stories, old maps of Italy, and intricate metal and glasswork, we exited the museum and headed to our tour of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus in Rome. Around half a million Christians were buried there, including many martyrs and 16 popes. The catacombs date all the way back to the second half of the 2nd century AD. Another defining moment of my history snob era.

    We toured the second of four levels of the catacombs. I was pleasantly spooked by the chilly air as we descended. While the tombs were empty due to years of historical removals, I still felt the weight of knowing so many people were once laid to rest there. We saw ancient paintings on the walls and discovered chambers where popes had been buried. Overall, it was a fascinating look into the darker side of Roman history.

    After the tour (and two bus rides in the wrong direction), we stumbled across the cutest restaurant: Osteria der Belli. The atmosphere was cozy, and the food was phenomenal. I ordered lamb and artichoke ragu — and my life was changed. The pasta was so fresh and the ragu was perfect. Hands down, my favorite meal in Italy so far.

    On our final day, we explored the inside of the Colosseum, the Forum, and Largo di Torre Argentina — the site where Julius Caesar was assassinated. This was definitely my favorite day. Touching ancient Roman columns that date back to the B.C. era was something I never thought I’d get to do.

    We first explored the Colosseum. Being inside the ruins reminded me what a privilege it is to witness ancient history up close. The fact that people once watched gladiators fight to the death for entertainment felt disturbingly real — not just like something in the movies. I honestly felt a wave of sadness thinking about how many lives were lost there, whether for sport or punishment. I also have a deep appreciation for those in the 19th century who preserved and rebuilt the structure so we could experience it today.

    After the Colosseum, we walked through the Forum. I marveled at the intricate details of the columns and the skill behind each sculpture. When I closed my eyes, I could almost picture the bustling ancient marketplace. I tried to read the Latin inscriptions carved into marble but quickly resorted to the plaques beside the ruins to understand their significance. It’s fascinating to realize how much humans valued visual storytelling, through sculpture, even thousands of years ago.

    Next, we climbed the steps of the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II. While it was built in the late 1800s — modern history compared to the ruins of the Roman Empire — it was still a work of art. The white marble and lavish gold accents were breathtaking, and the view of Rome from the top was unreal. We sat in the shade at the top to gather our strength for the next stop: the cat sanctuary, aka the site where Julius Caesar was stabbed in 44 B.C.

    It’s wild that ruins from one of the most infamous historical events still exist — and that they now host sleepy cats. We couldn’t walk through the ruins, but the cats of Rome could. The contrast between imagining Shakespearean drama and petting purring cats? Surprisingly perfect. Ten out of ten experience.

    To wrap up our final day, we hit the tourist essentials: the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps. The Trevi Fountain was stunning — and the aquamarine water was almost too tempting in the 90-degree heat. The Pantheon was another perfect example of ancient Roman craftsmanship and fulfilled my inner elementary school mythology nerd. The Spanish Steps were an intriguing site and a hike we left for the other tourists.

    Rome wasn’t built in a day, but that didn’t stop me from trying to see it all in one! I left the city feeling sentimental, realizing that even thousands of years ago, people just wanted to build beautiful things and tell captivating stories on the big screen (ceilings and walls).

    I visited Lake Como this weekend and will recap my adventures to Cinque Terre and Siena soon! But for now… are you not entertained? (Gladiator reference, obviously).

    Ciao for now,

    Madeline

  • A Taste of Italy: Lessons, Markets, and Moments

    I am amazed by how much I’ve gotten to explore Italy in my first two weeks. Besides Florence, I’ve taken day trips to Cinque Terre, Monteriggioni, Siena, and San Gimignano, and I just spent a weekend visiting Rome and Vatican City!

    Alongside all this travel, I finished my first week of classes — and I have to say, I absolutely love both of them.

    In my Florence Bites class, I’ve already delved into the rich history of Italy, learning about the Etruscans, who were the first important civilization to colonize the Tuscany region, and then moving on to the Roman Empire. We explored the importance of grapes, olives, and wheat to the food system of the Empire.

    I also learned about the significance of Catherina de’ Medici and her influence on the way we approach gastronomy. She introduced “novelties” at the table like the fork, napkin, and individual glass. She also helped shape the early foundations of modern table service, elevating the experience of dining and contributing to the emergence of more formal roles like waiters. She also introduced the sequence of courses by separating sweet from salty — for example, fruit became the closing plate instead of part of the entrée.

    In this class, we visited wine windows throughout Florence and learned that they originated during the Black Plague as a contactless way for people to receive their wine. Thanks to social media and their “Instagrammable” charm, wine windows have made a modern comeback.

    Today, we visited the Mercato Centrale of Florence and had a cheese tasting — it was truly the best cheese I’ve ever had. We sampled cheese made from cow’s, goat’s, and sheep’s milk. Some were aged for months, some were soft and decadent, and others were dry and sharp — all were amazing.

    We were guided by a local cheese and cold cuts vendor at Mercato Centrale in Florence. I loved seeing the friendliness between my professor and the cheese expert, it showed the sense of community within the market. That idea of community was a central part of our lesson and provided me real insight into Italian culture.

    Markets are such an important place to shop here because they allow us to make connections with the people who are providing our food. Food becomes a cultural practice — reflecting the customs, values, and traditions of a place. As my professor put it: “Our choices matter, so choose wisely.”

    Local markets offer us a chance to connect with vendors who are genuinely passionate about their products. They are also serve as a space where regional and traditional recipes are passed down through generations, helping to bridge both cultural and generational gaps.

    I really appreciate the value Italians place on markets and am inspired to shop at my local farmers market when I return to Tennessee!

    As for my Luxury Brand Management class, I’ve gotten to be super creative in my projects. We’ve been analyzing the French luxury brand Jacquemus, exploring everything from its brand identity and business model to its marketing strategy, business proposition, and market insights.

    Our last assignment was to create a cross-industry strategy for Jacquemus’s expansion into the United States. My group developed a collaboration with Alo Yoga to promote modern wellness through the lens of French minimalism and fresh, modern coastal aesthetics.

    We’re now in the process of building a new luxury lifestyle brand that could become a rival to Jacquemus. I’ve honestly felt very “Emily in Paris” while brainstorming creative ideas through the lens of luxury branding.

    Now, nearly two weeks into my study abroad journey, I already feel like I’ve gained valuable lessons that will stay with me long into the future.

    I have so much more to share about my weekend adventures and look forward to giving each destination its own post.

    Stay tuned for Cinque Terre!

    Ciao for now,

    Madeline

  • Ciao, from Florence

    The city is more beautiful than I could have imagined. With each winding cobblestone road, the scent of fresh leather and pasta hits me.

    The city buzzes with Vespa motors, a medley of multilingual conversation and rich Italian history. What once felt like a dream in the far future is now a beautiful reality.

    I can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment because this opportunity is a result of my hard work and determination. After many hours of scholarship applications, advisor meetings and information sessions with the programs abroad office, this experience stands as a true testament to perseverance and the rewards of chasing your dreams.

    I am eager to learn more about the culture of Florence and the history this city was built on. I will visit museums, explore historical landmarks and ruins, and participate in cultural events. After just one day in this enchanting city, I am overjoyed to improve my cross-cultural communications skills.

    I will be taking two classes during my month-long summer term: “Florence Bites: Understanding a City through Food,” which will immerse me in the cultural significance of Florentine cuisine through experiential learning — gastronomical tasting and site visits (a dream elective!). I will also be taking a “Luxury Brand Management” class which will introduce me to the world of managing luxury fashion and service brands.

    Studying abroad presents so many opportunities to learn more about the world and myself. I will navigate language barriers, adapt to new cultural norms and grow more confident my ability to connect with a different culture. This is a journey of discovery — both internally and externally.

    With exciting weekend and day trips scheduled ahead, exciting new classes on my two favorite topics: food and fashion, a long list of unique vintage stores and countless new restaurants and dishes to try, this blog will capture my Italian adventure of a lifetime.

    So I invite you to follow along as I learn and live in this wonderful country.

    Ciao for now,

    Madeline