Florence Italy is where I studied abroad in college. This is a city I have gotten to know more intimately than many of the places I have travelled, because I have called it home. Perhaps because I lived and studied here, or perhaps because of its innate charm and inseparable connection to art history, but this city is my favorite in all of Italy. The city is full of flavors, important art and historic stories that pulled me in until the day I left. It is also one of those rare places I hesitate to revisit for fear of ruining my perfect memory of this magic Italian land full of pizza, espresso, new friends and daily doses of Botticelli.

EXPERIENCE

This site is helpful for general travel information: http://www.visitflorence.com/florence-monuments/palazzo-vecchio.html

EAT

I can now openly admit to gaining nearly 18 pounds in my semester abroad. All time not devoted to creating jewelry, painting, batiking, or studying Italian master painters, was devoted strictly to consumption. We ate and drank to excess daily and I cannot say I recommend anyone do otherwise.

Key items to indulge in include: risotto, tomatoes, balsamic vinegars, salted meats, artichokes, buffala mozzarella, pizzas, espresso, chianti, pasta Bolognese, gelato, cannellini beans, more wine, parmesan, garlic, more tomatoes, more wine…it sort of takes on a rhythm.