With love from Florence

By Sophia M.

Feb. 13, 2023



Writing a blog entry about Florence feels like writing a love letter. More specifically, a love letter to the city, the people, the language, the culture and this chapter of my life. And just like with love, there is no way to describe what it feels like.

A view of buildings from across a body of water
Along the river

Being in Florence feels like watching someone live their life through my own eyes. Like lucid dreaming. I am still surprised that almost every time I turn the corner and am suddenly struck with a monument that I have been seeing in pictures since I was little. I am moved to tears. Or when I go for sunset walks and stare over Ponte Vecchio and feel the pleading that was done to save it from being bombed in the second World War, there is a harrowing feeling of gratitude for the people who lost their lives preserving the culture of the city.

A worn, upturned doorknob with a face engraved on to it.
Doorknob details

Sitting in my classroom, I feel childlike amazement. At the same time, I learn about Italy, the disdain for Mussolini, what the Mafia ACTUALLY is, and the available food, all while surrounded by frescos on the wall and a view of the River Arno out the back.

A view of red roftops acroos the city with domes in the background
Rooftop views

I am a transfer student to the University of Missouri, and when I decided on Mizzou, I merely looked at pictures online and called it good. However, the first time I stepped onto campus to give myself a tour, I remember turning a corner and looking at Memorial Union for the first time. I turned around and saw the top of Jesse Hall. I was awestruck looking at these two buildings, and even more so when I sat down and researched what made them so cool.

The Duomo at night
Duomo at night

As silly as this sounds, I find this feeling a lot while here. I look at pictures of something and map my way there, and suddenly, a beautiful historic building is in front of me. I learn history and what it contributes to society while staring at it. And, just like in Columbia, now it is in a place that I am temporarily calling home. I don’t know how commonplace it is to be awestruck by buildings in your own city, but I think everyone should try it sometime. Life is more enjoyable with childlike wonder and excitement for sometimes extravagant and sometimes menial things. Learning more about the things you see every day and why it means something helps you find appreciation in the more minor things; it enables you to fall in love with the essential things; the people, the culture, and the chapter of your life.


Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: Florence University of the Arts