Posts by Catalina
The Ultimate Study Abroad Packing List For Ladies
Packing for a a few months or a semester abroad can be incredibly stressful. As soon as you begin to pack the “essentials” your large checked bag suddenly seems to shrink, and you begin to panic. Plus, how are you supposed to decide everything you want to wear months in advance? I’ve been there before…
Read More10 Times Florence Got You A Little Too Excited For Christmas
Just in case you were thinking Florence couldn’t get any more beautiful, over the past few weeks a transformation has been taking place. A little Christmas tree popping up here, the stringing of twinkling lights there, and voilà the city I know and love has suddenly transformed into an enchanting world of Christmas cheer. I spent the…
Read More6 Factors to Consider Before You Choose Where to Study Abroad
No matter where you study abroad, you are guaranteed to have a thrilling, life changing experience. However, not all study abroad locations are created equal. It is surprising how many students pick a study abroad location on a whim, or because their friend had a great time, only to later wish they had studied abroad…
Read MoreFlorence Foodie: La Ménagère
Nestled in the center of historic Florence lies La Ménagère, a modern concept restaurant that feels like it was transported from a trendy urban neighborhood in London or San Francisco. Originally opened in 1896 as an iconic Florentine shop, La Ménagère was recently renovated into the unique space it is now. The industrial decor is created with…
Read MoreRacing Through Roma: How to Conquer Rome in a Day
Rome wasn’t built in a day, therefore it should come as no surprise that attempting to see all of Italy’s capital city in one day is, in a word, impossible. I recommend spending several days in Rome to be able to explore as much of this historic and glorious city as you can. However, if…
Read MoreA Day at the Duomo: Which View is Best, Campanile or Cupola?
This weekend, I set out to answer a question as old as the Duomo itself. Which view is better…the view of Florence from Giotto’s campanile (bell tower), or the view atop Brunelleschi’s dome? Climbing to the top of the Duomo should be on everyone’s list of Florence must-dos. The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore’s incredible white, green,…
Read More49 Signs You Studied Abroad In Florence
“Home is not a place, it’s a feeling.” After a few months living in Italy, Florence steals your heart and becomes your home. Here are 49 signs that Firenze has become your second home: You’ve mastered walking on cobblestone (or just accepted that you never will). You are well acquainted with the boldest creatures alive…Florentine…
Read MoreFlorence Foodie: Salumeria Verdi (Pino’s)
Officially called Salumeria Verdi, among study abroad students you are more likely to hear my favorite panino place referred to simply as “Pino’s,” a name affectionately given to the place due to its wonderful owner. I have been coming to Pino’s since I was a study abroad student last year, and spent a year dreaming…
Read MoreA Day Trip to “Fair Verona”: Romeo, Juliet, and Me
Shakespeare chose to set his tragic romance Romeo and Juliet “in fair Verona,” and after my visit this weekend, its obvious why. Every inch of the town is dripping with beauty, charm, and most notably, romance. The city truly is the perfect setting for a tale of “star crossed lovers.” Everywhere you look in Verona, there is evidence…
Read More6 Ways to Stay Fit In Florence
Whenever someone hears that I’ve been living in Italy, I inevitably end up answering the question “How have you not gained any weight?!” While it may seem like living in the land of pasta, gelato, and wine make this impossible, rest assured that is not the case. There are many ways to keep active and…
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