Written by Virginia E, High School/Pre-College Student Correspondent for CET Florence: Italian Food, Art, and Culture Summer 2019
My alarm went off around 7:30 this morning. After playing a game I like to call hit-the-snooze-button-ten-times, I rolled out of bed, into my clothes, then out to the kitchen. One of my housemates was furiously typing away at her iPad in her angel-covered pajamas, finishing her homework that was due in an hour. I poured myself a little cup of espresso, then headed out to the common room. The sun was shining through the windows, nicely warming the room. After a morning meeting we walked across the Ponte Grazie to class. We claimed our seats, some ran in late with an espresso from a shop across the street in hand, then class began. We discussed the idea of the “renaissance man” and learned about one of the most prolific of these individuals, Leonardo da Vinci.
After classes were over, me and some of my classmates walked over to my favorite panini place for a 12:15 lunch. It is a little hole-in-the-wall place named Come Dio Comanda. There is no room for two people to pass inside the shop, two folding chairs outside for seating, and a counter where they make your most definitely delicious €5 panini. Keep in mind that if you come before noon the shop will be closed, and if you come after two the shop will also be closed. Disregard all times posted online; they are false. However, this little window is worth the effort.
After lunch we walked over to the Uffizzi to see the paintings and sculptures we had previously discussed throughout the week, such as the Adoration of the Magi and The Annunciation by Leonardo da Vinci. My favorite artist by far in the museum is Caravaggio. His paintings are beautiful, dark, and highly emotional. I wish I had more time to study them and be washed in their emotion, but there are only so many hours in the day.
I rushed back to our apartment with my housemates to prepare for dinner with our Italian language buddies. We made our favorite foods from home such as guacamole, mac and cheese, and even a Betty Crocker cake. Our friends brought their favorite pastas and biscotti. After a fun night of eating, talking, laughing, and a little bit of rapping (in both English and Italian), we said goodnight and parted ways. As I sit and reflect upon my past day and few weeks, it’s hard to believe that I only have one more week left in Florence. I will be sad to leave this beautiful city and, most of all, the people who I have formed friendships with.
I do, however, have one more week to savor this amazing experience and a final project to complete. So now, forever the procrastinating student that I am, I will now complete my homework assignment due tomorrow.