Written by Mia Hermansen (University of Wisconsin-Madison), Student Correspondent for CET Florence, Summer 2024
As a first-time international traveler, the list of things that could go wrong was seemingly endless—flying alone, lost luggage, language barrier, delays, missing a connecting flight. However, seeing Elizabeth (CET Florence Program Director) at the airport after 23 hours of travel reaffirmed my decision to spend most of my summer abroad.
(Left) Colossus of the Apennines statute in the Villa Demidoff garden, that is a personification of the Apennine mountains. (Right) Taken during our walking tour with our activity planners, Niccolò and Gabriele, who gave us food and drink recommendations in the center of Florence
In the first four days, our program group experienced a packed orientation schedule: lunches at two authentic Italian restaurants, an Italian lesson, a walking tour with Florentine locals, a visit to the Pinocchio Museum, a guided tour in the Villa Demidoff Garden, and rafting on the Arno river.
The program took a luxury coast bus north of Florence, where we saw Tuscan villages and the unique landscaping. Our very knowledgeable tour guide showed us the former ice cellar where ice cream was first created. We also saw the Medici ruins, servant quarters, and various sculptures, including the man pictured, a former pool used as a birdcage, and Cupid’s Grotto. In the middle of the Garden was a small café, where our group enjoyed Aperol spritzes as we got to know each other under the Tuscan sun.
My favorite adventure was the rafting on the Arno River. Although far from my previous adventure white-water rafting in Colorado, our tour guide offered an extensive history lesson as we floated under four bridges: Ponte Amerigo Vespucci, Ponte alla Carraia, Ponte Santa Trinita and Ponte Vecchio. We learned about prior floods, warfare, architecture, and the feud between Venice and Florence.
As my first week comes to a close, I’m so excited to explore the city of Florence further and experience the culture while engaging in my courses with my Italian professors.