Introduction
Studying abroad in San Sebastian, Spain, has been an incredible experience for me. I have enjoyed the local culture, food, and beach environment here. During my two-week stay, I felt like I was a different person, more open and adventurous, because of this journey. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and tried new things that I had never experienced before. During our second week, we had a chance to travel on a four-day trip. I and my friends chose to visit Florence, Italy, which was my first time in Florence. I was so excited to visit there.
First day in Florence
We stayed at a hotel in Bilbao the night before our early morning flight. When we arrived in Florence at noon, we were a bit tired from traveling, so we didn’t plan too many activities for the first day. After settling into our hotel, we went out to find an Italian restaurant. Italy has a huge variety of pasta. The restaurant was way beyond our typical restaurant in the US. The food tastes so much fresher and looks more handmade than in our restaurants here in the United States. 10 out of 10 for sure.

After our meal, we decided to explore the city. Florence’s architecture, especially the Duomo, left me in awe. The blend of medieval and Renaissance styles in the buildings is truly spectacular. I had seen pictures, but witnessing it in person was a whole different experience.

Day 2 & 3 in Florence

On the second day, we visited the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most visited museums in Europe. The museum houses an impressive collection of artworks, and seeing the masterpieces in person was a highlight of our trip. Each painting and sculpture told a story, making the experience inspiring.
The third day of our trip was a bit more adventurous. We traveled to Pisa to see the iconic Leaning Tower. It was fascinating to see this architectural wonder in real life. After Pisa, we visited two countryside cities: San Gimignano and Siena. We had a nice lunch at a winery in San Gimignano, where the scenery was just as incredible as the food. Later, we visited the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. We ended the day at a fancy restaurant in Florence, enjoying a beautiful sunset. As we were heading back to the hotel, we saw a large group of people dancing and singing in the plaza, which was really cool. Even though we were tired from the long day trip, we decided to join them and really enjoyed the moment. It made me feel like I was part of the community rather than just a tourist.

Final Day in Florence
Our final day in Florence was spent at the Galleria dell’Accademia. This museum is famous for displaying Michelangelo’s sculpture, David. Witnessing this artwork in person was truly awe-inspiring. The attention to detail and the sheer size of the sculpture are something that photos can’t capture. Our tour guide, an Italian gentleman, explained to us numerous facts about Michelangelo and the story behind every work. He shared how Michelangelo carved David from a single block of marble and how the statue was originally intended for Florence Cathedral’s roofline. Our guide also led us through an exploration of Michelangelo’s other works, offering insights into the historical context of his era.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my four-day trip to Florence was truly memorable. I wish I could have stayed in the city longer. The city’s fascinating history, beautiful countryside scenes, and fantastic cuisine made it an ideal place to explore. Being with friends made the journey even more enjoyable. This trip not only allowed me to experience a new culture but also deepened my appreciation for art and history.