Student Journals: AIFS in Florence, Italy

Mary Dwyer
Salisbury University
Richmond in Florence, Italy

Mary DwyerMy study abroad experience can be summed up through my relationship with gelato. Before arriving in Italy I wanted desperately to not only study in Florence, but also to try the famous ice cream of the country. I was not sure how I felt after my first taste of the Italian gelato. It left a strange aftertaste in my mouth, and the texture was new to me. The same thing happened with the Italian language; it felt strange forming sentences on my tongue, and I wasn’t used to the texture of the words. Once I became accustomed to the taste of gelato, I started to crave it. I also craved the Italian culture; I began to wander and explore every nook and cranny of Florence, always with a gelato in hand. As I trotted around the city, I attempted to find a favorite place, a place I could call my own. The Duomo, Piazza Michelangelo, Santa Croce and Piazza della Signoria are all wonderful spots of interest, but I wasn’t able to pick a favorite; they are all fantastic in their own way. As I explored, I also probed Florence for gelaterias, but as like with areas of Florence, I was unable to pick a favorite kind of ice cream. Nocciolosa, fragola, limone, and caffe are all delicious in different ways. Each spot of Florence has a different flavor, a different taste. I will never be able to pick a favorite.

Mary DwyerAs my study abroad experience came to an end, I continued to savor a variety of gelato and walked around the city, enjoying each place, with whatever flavor ice cream I have chosen for the journey. No longer does gelato or the Italian language feel strange on my tongue, instead I miss the unique flavors of Italy and her people. Gelato has taught me to do something different: have a taste of something new, probe and prod every corner of an unknown place to fully understand it. This special relationship has also taught me not to get upset if some nocciolosa runs down your hand, because sometimes things get messy and confusing, especially while living in a foreign country. Just lick the drips from the tips of your fingers. Try to savor the taste while it lasts, because although the end of the cone is the best part, sticky and sweet, it will arrive sooner than expected.

Richmond in Florence

Richmond Florence Internship Program