Gotta Love Fun Traditions

Walking near (or on) the Ponte Vecchio Bridge you will see an abundance of padlocks. No…. it’s not to keep people from stealing…. It’s simply a gesture of love between people. Legend has it that if you and your loved one attach a padlock to any surface of the bridge and throw the key into the Arno River, your love will last forever. Attaching a lock to a bridge symbolizes the bonds of love by joining two sides together. Most will now write their names or initials along with the date on the lock before throwing away the key. 

There is, however, a downside to this tradition. Since an umpteen amount of tourists visit Florence… you can imagine that it gets a little crowded. Thousands of locks have to be removed each year to preserve the structure and un-clutter the area. In 2006, in response to local protests, police were urged to control this issue by fining anyone who tries to attach a lock. You will now find locks on chains and poles along the river and by the Vasari Corridor across from the Uffizi. 

I still think it is a cute tradition…. so… if you’re going to do it… make sure no one is looking!

Morning Walks

It is so nice to be back here and to walk around.... this city is so beautiful and rich with history. When I stop to look at buildings (especially the Duomo) it amazes me. I technically know how long it took to make these buildings, the materials that were used, roughly the amount of workers it took, and the process of constructing the building... I understand the history but I still cannot fathom how they did it! The buildings are so massive and have such detail! I can't comprehend the amount of planning and effort it took to make these historical masterpieces. I LOVE Renaissance art and have a huge appreciation for it. But when I think of "art" i think of paintings, statues, and sculptures...not architecture. The fact of the matter is that it really is!

It has been great to visit all the old monuments and places around the city. It's funny how some things change, but they really don't. I still recognize some of the people that are working in the shops, and there are some new stores but for the most part everything is still the same. :)

MADE IT TO FLORENCE!

I MADE IT!!! After dreaming and planning.... I finally made it to Florence! I don't really believe that I'm here, but I have a huge sense of familiarity which is great!

I am currently staying with my old roommate from studying abroad, Krista, and her husband Lorenzo. It is so great to catch up and get reacquainted with the area and have people that you know with you.

It is incredible to see all of these familiar streets, shops and massive historic buildings. It hasn't quite hit me that I'm actually here.. and LIVING here!

So far I've had incredible home-cooked dinners by Lorenzo almost every night, walked around with Krista a few times (and a few times by myself), had lunch on my old street with Krista and Ali, applied for a few jobs and have been searching for an apartment. It will be nice to start getting settled in soon.

I'll be sure to write updates as often as I can :)