by Louisa Howard, University of Virginia

This past week, ISI organized a rafting trip on the Arno River for the students studying abroad at Palazzo Rucellai and Palazzo Bargagli. I will say, I was a bit skeptical at first, seeing that the river does not move very swiftly, but now I am so glad I signed up! The title, “rafting” was a bit deceiving – it was more of an amazing canoe ride with a panoramic view of the landmarks I’d seen from the streets. I love how it offered me a new perspective of the city, allowing me to further realize the true beauty and uniqueness of Florence! We went with “Firenze Rafting,” a company that provides tours of both the Arno and Sieve Rivers. They offer tours for student groups, individuals, and families. Our tour guides were so enthusiastic and not only showed us about how to properly use an oar and guide our raft, they also taught us a bit of history of the city. We learned about the origins of the Ponte Vecchio, its adjacent bridges, and even facts about the Medici family. The most fun came at the end, when the three rafts raced from one bridge to another. It was quite a competition! Sadly, my boat did not win. I would highly recommend that anyone interested go on their website and learn more. It is a great activity to do with friends and an experience you will never forget!
Learn more here: http://www.firenzerafting.it/0eng/02-chisiamo-eng.htm

 

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Simple living

by Janae Bassignani, Arizona State University

For an entire summer, I devoted time each day to plan for a semester in Firenze. I bought guide books, read travel magazines, and asked friends who had previously studied in Florence for advice on what to expect and, more importantly, what to pack. What I got was a seven-page guide, highlighting my friend’s favorite sights, gelaterie, museums, bars and everything else I could imagine. Thanks to this friend of mine, I’m currently sitting in Pino’s Sandwiches having a Toscana, which I am convinced is the best panino ever. There is so much more to see, eat, smell, visit, explore than what Rick Steves and these guides can tell us. Once I got here I realized I couldn’t settle for the light up signs displaying the best pizza in town and especially nowhere with menus in English. I wanted to explore the most authentic ones because it’s an experience itself. The only thing that you have to watch out for is siesta. A time when Italians take a break from eating, socializing, shopping and just take it easy for a few hours before their aperitivo.

In Firenze, this essence of time is all around us; it’s the medieval cathedral and the Roman engravings in the walls that we walk past each day. I try to slow down and walk like the true, old Florentines who have canes because their knees can only take so many years on these cobblestones, but with each glance at my surroundings, my step gets bigger and quicker at the sheer excitement for what’s to come. Every step and corner I turn I’m intrigued by everything around me: the men dressed in slick navy suits at 8 am throwing their arms in the air and shouting over each other at what sounds to me like a million mph; the panetterie parallel to each other, a young and old man standing outside, both yelling inside to the bakers, probably late but unable to resist getting that last word in; the cute little old lady lugging around bags full of pane, formaggio, frutta and plenty of goodies per cena. Living in Firenze for four months is a new opportunity to explore and embrace this alternative yet simple lifestyle. We’re in the prime years of our lives, living in one of the most timeless cities in the world. Enjoy it. Live in the moment and above all, take it easy.