The opportunity to explore beyond the norm of one’s own culture often includes the stress of stepping outside comfort zones. Nonetheless many of us, like myself, stripped away this comfort to immerse ourselves in the culture of Florence. I had dreamed of that moment, my arrival on a hot August day, since I was young. To give some background, my father was born, raised, and lived in Firenze until his early adolescence. This always left a bitter taste in my mouth, knowing that I had not explored his native land.

Stepping out of the airport, I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, filling my lungs with the realization that today begins the day I am no longer surrounded by those who know me, those who love me. I was now a stranger in the life of those who have built their comfort zones here in Florence. An excitement that slightly terrified me exploded in my chest. I was ready to begin this new chapter in my life, acknowledging that this city was my new home.

Observing Florence the first several days seemed surreal. Everything appeared so picturesque. The history was alive in front of me. I no longer had to imagine the Duomo or Loggia dei Lanzi in Piazza Signoria, they stood right before my eyes. Florence as a city enticed all the senses, unlike any city I had encountered. A simple hike could bring me to Piazzale Michelangelo, where one could absorb this breathtaking city as a whole. I could snag a drink and panino and become engrossed in the scenic Boboli Gardens just over the river Arno. The availability of parks, flowers, trees within a city was heartwarming to me. I’ve never been a big city person due to the lack of green, yet Florence provided an equilibrium between city life and the serenity of nature.