Photos by Tessa Beazley, (The George Washington University), Student Correspondent for CET Florence, Fall 2022
In our final semester round of high, low, buffalo (something good, something bad, and something weird), I said two of my favorite things this semester were getting to draw so much the past few months and the absolutely wonderful people I have met in CET and Italy. As the last few days of the program were approaching, we were all getting a bit sad about the things and the people we would miss. So, I decided to combine both of those to make postcards for my friends, remembering all of the good times and places from their time abroad.
For Jack, I drew Virgin Rock, the local bar we have frequented the entire semester. “Let’s meet at Virgin Rock” has become our go-to phrase after a long day of classes or a weekend spent traveling.
For Elsa, I drew Piazza della Republica during Christmas time. Florence is decked out for the holidays, and so is Elsa!
For Bess, I drew the Euromarket across the street from our apartment, where she knew the cashier by name due to her frequent Diet Coke purchases. Our little neighborhood has become such a home, and this market is only one part of the street that we will miss.
For Leela, I drew Café Mario, which was a frequent (daily) visit. I mean, a delicious €3.50 egg sandwich after class every day in Santa Croce? Can’t say no.
For Noor, I drew Jazz Club Firenze, which became one of our favorite places this semester. We will dearly miss our little jazz club, hidden in a random alleyway with no signage until the little neon sign turns on an hour after they were supposed to start playing.
For Bella, I drew Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio. A lover of food, Bella was always on the search for the best meal or the most local market. Not only did CET and half of my classes take us to Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, but it truly can’t be beaten in terms of charm and delicious food.
For Grace, I drew Vivoli, a favorite gelato stop of ours. What is Italy without gelato, and what is Grace without her cafe gelato from Vivoli?!
There are so many other people and places that have made my time here so incredible (and, of course, more postcards that have been passed out). Thanks to CET and to Florence for making the age-old saying “study abroad changed me” apply to me in the best possible way!
Ciao, Florence! I’ll be back!