Traveling Pfarr

[travelinpfarr]

It’s been an amazing first month since I’ve arrived here in Italy! Learning to navigate around a new culture with a language barrier can be extremely difficult, coming from such a different country. I’m enjoying being completely immersed in the life here, and appreciate the small-town vibes of Florence. Props to people who immigrate to a new place to start a new life for themselves, I cant imagine the struggle. 

It feels like time is flying by, and I don’t really want it to. Iv’e planned several trips to other countries- Greece, Malta and Turkey so far but it still feels like I need to see more. Everyday is literally a new adventure, and my classes are all interesting! This is truly a great experience and I’m really grateful for this study abroad program offered by Kent State.

[travelinpfarr]

1/21/2019

Today after classes, I went to the Firenze Cathedral, which was amazing to be honest. I’m always surprised to see the inside of churches, because there always so much larger than what I’m expecting, or that has been my experience so far sight-seeing in Europe. I think the candle altars are so beautiful, and I can understand how people hold the place dear. 

[travelinpfarr]

1/12/2019

Its been a long week of adjustment, that’s for sure. After flying all this way, I’m just relieved to be able to settle down into my apartment, as well as recuperate emotionally and physically. My apartment is beautiful, it has all the furnishings and a real artsy vibe.

 So far, Ive been to the leather market, Il Duomo, Arno river, as well as Palazzo Vecchio. The sights here are literally breathtaking, and I plan to fully enjoy the time I have here this weekend before classes start. Thankfully, everyone I’ve interacted with has been really kind and helpful, despite my sketchy Italian speaking skills. The locals are all fashionably dressed, as I got here on mens fashion week, which means everyone is wearing their very best. I feel a little out of place, though it goes against my judgment to try to “blend in”. Overall, it’s been an amazing week of exploring. 

[travelinpfarr]

Flying over the Alps 

01/07/2019

[travelinpfarr]

So, now that I’ve finally gotten the chance to settle down in Italy, I feel more at peace to write for this blog. 

I’m so happy that I’m finally here, and I can’t believe this is where I’m going to live for the next five or so months. Florence is simply a history/art nerds dream, and I am figuratively dying to learn more about Firenze. 

Yesterday was a whirlwind of travel and stress but once I got to my apartment most of my fears about studying in a foreign country were washed away. I met one of my roommates so far, and she is friendly and basically fluent in Italian, which is super cool. We went out at night, walked by Il Duomo, pictures above. Turning the corner and seeing the architecture of the cathedral really takes your breath away, it truly is a masterpiece of art. Afterwards, we got pizza at a beautiful little restaurant, first official meal in Italy! The pizza was delicious and we got some sparkling champagne to go with. I got pizza with this spicy olive based sauce on top, which was an amazing combo.

The other roommates are expected to arrive sometime today, can’t wait! Today is a chill day, so I’m just trying to get over my jet lag and take it easy. My schedule is definitely going to pick up tomorrow with student orientation and buying materials for apartment necessities/classes. Still kind of nervous, not to lie. But, Firenze is a masterpiece and I know I’m going to grow a lot here, which makes all this readjustment worth it. 

[travelinpfarr]

Hello :)

I’m going to use this new blog to talk about my experiences studying abroad in Italy. This is for the fulfillment of one of my scholarships, as I’m required to blog about my experiences studying abroad. I hope to blog every now and then about my interactions with the culture as well as general observations of the environment! I hope that some will find this interesting, keep tuned if so!