Written by Dawn, High School/Pre-College Student Correspondent for Italian Food, Art, and Society in Florence, Summer 2018
I’ve learnt so much more about Florence over the past week. This week has been all about the Renaissance and the art history of Florence, so we got to visit many museums and palazzos that have really changed the way I see this city, as well as many historical artists. First off I would like to share a few palazzos and museums worth visiting:
- Palazzo Davanzati
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Palazzo Medici Riccardi
- Casa Buonarroti
- Uffizi gallery
- Accademia
- Museum Galileo
I came to this city clueless about its history, language, and culture, but after this week I no longer see this city through the eyes of a stranger who came to taste some food, visit some sights, and leave–but rather as someone who’s here to discover how this city came to be, to understand what life was like for people who lived here in the past, and to experience what it’s like to be where they once were. When I walk around the city now, I notice hundred-year-old family crests displayed on buildings, and it’s a truly amazing feeling to know that you’re in a place where important historical figures once lived.
We’re halfway through the program now, and apart from the fascinating things I’ve been able to learn through classes and visits, I’ve also really enjoyed the company of my classmates. Since there’s only three students in this program, we’ve been able to become pretty close by now, it’s hard to believe that we’ve only know each other for about 15 days. I came into the program a little shy and unsure, so throughout the first week I did all my written work in my room, because I wasn’t used to having people around while I worked, but to my own surprise I actually ended up working in the living room with them today. It’s so strange to me that I was able to live and work with them so comfortably this week, since I haven’t actually done this in a very long time, but it’s been great.
I’ve had another amazing week so far, and honestly, if you’re considering coming to this program, I think you should sign up right now. It’s going to change the way you see so many things, and it’s going to give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I have never once remembered this much history in my life, but this hands-on experience has made it so natural to just understand and remember the rich history of this beautiful city.