As my semester in Florence comes to an end, I have been thinking a lot about what this experience has meant to me. Studying abroad wasn’t just about classes or checking landmarks off of a list, it was about actually living there, finding a rhythm in a city so different from home, and realizing how much I could learn from being outside my comfort zone. Food ended up being one of my biggest teachers. In Italy, meals are never just about eating, they’re about slowing down, being with friends and savoring the moment. I quickly grew to love the ritual of aperitivo, grabbing a drink and small bites before dinner. It wasn’t always just a snack, it felt like a signal to pause the evening, slow down and laugh with friends. Dinner was even more eye opening for me. At home, I was used to eating quickly and not taking the time to thoroughly enjoy the food and the company. In Florence dinners stretched late into the night. They weren’t long because of the kitchen; they were long because nobody was in a rush to leave. Conversation flowed, laughter carried across the table and even the restaurant owners joined in sometimes. I will never forget how some of the local restaurant owners welcomed us like family, always remembering personal details about us and our favorite dishes. The sense of connection that I felt during dinner times was so much richer than just a simple meal. The food itself was also unforgettable. I frequently think about the pear pasta I tried for the first time, the Florentine steak that is a rite of passage and of course the margarita pizzas we frequently shared. Looking back on these meals, I know that the food was delicious, but the connection is what stands out to me. I learned so much about the Italian language by talking with locals, I learned about my abroad roommates that I just met and my connection to the city of Florence, which is the most sacred to me. Florence taught me to slow down, enjoy the small little moments and of course enjoy the food. I hold so many great memories from my time studying abroad, but more importantly, the lessons I learned will stick with me forever. Food culture in Italy showed me that the best meals are never just about what is being served, they’re about the people you share it with.

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