Ciao ragazzi! I’m now a little over halfway through my stay
in Florence, and I must say, the concept of time truly amazes me. How have I
been spending mine? Leisurely reading countless books on my growing list,
befriending some phenomenal individuals from all over the world and most
importantly, immersing myself in the unique culture Italy so proudly holds on
to.
Florence has a unique atmosphere and historical richness
that keeps me mesmerized and curious. The city’s historical significance is
most notably attached to the Renaissance; however, Florence was also once home
to Europe’s strongest banks and still thrives off of the profitable textile and
fashion industries. This beautiful city is undoubtedly founded on artistic
innovation and creativity, which brings a great abstract perspective to my
business studies.
Italian lifestyle is very relationship driven: calm, cool,
and somewhat collected. As an aspiring entrepreneur with a capitalistic
mindset, this was VERY new to me. I was shocked to find out that most stores in
high traffic areas close at 7 p.m. when there are STILL hundreds of potential
customers willing to spend more money. Italians believe in a little something
called “going home in time for dinner is more rewarding than earning a few
extra bucks.” I had a lot of assimilating to do, so I decided to temporarily
replace my “go, go, go” non-stop mentality with a new “slow down and open your
eyes” frame of mind. With so many peaceful areas of the city to experience – my
favorites being Piazzale Michelangelo and Giardino delle Rose – switching
lifestyle pace was less conscious and more of a natural transition. Enjoying
beautiful scenery while sunbathing, studying for midterms or having a nice
picnic overlooking the Florentine clay tile roofs has been an enriching
experience. I have learned to appreciate the simplicity in Italian lifestyle
thanks to a much broader global perspective and openness to change.
My favorite aspect of Italian culture has to be the amount
of walking I do. I walk to my classes all over the city, passing through cafes
at every corner and luxury fashion brands through the center. I walk to the
grocery store daily, to group meetings, to choir, you name it. I think I forgot
what it’s like to be behind the wheel. (Warning: Stay off the road for a few
weeks after I’m back folks!) This independent method of transportation has
really helped me naturally become one with the city and its vibrant atmosphere.
Eli Garcia enjoys walking through Florence’s beautiful
historical gardens.
I wouldn’t be experiencing Italian lifestyle if I didn’t
indulge in the food culture. Heaven is now synonymous with cappuccino, caprese
salads, panino and pizza. Although this sounds generic, you truly haven’t
experienced Italian cuisine until you’ve sat down at a Trattoria to enjoy fresh
soft bread and rich thick pasta that settles so perfectly on your taste buds;
you’ll wonder how Olive Garden has survived for so long. As for that delicious
Italian wine, I don’t usually go wine tasting, but when I do, I’m in the
beautiful hills of Tuscany enjoying fresh cheese and meat slices to complement
the smooth sips of Chianti wine.
Adapting to and living through a completely different
culture has truly been an eye-opening and self-reflective transition everyone
should experience. Being flexible enough to observe and react to my current
surroundings by taking calculated risks in school, work, and life in general is
a skill I have developed through this global experience. Italian culture is
wonderfully traditional, and although it has not by any means been all rainbows
and butterflies, I have adopted my favorite aspects and hope to continue them
back in the states. On that note, I must say, I miss the Fullerton sunshine,
lunch breaks at The Habit and casual small talk with my business peers in the
Mihaylo hallways. For now, I’m enjoying rising temperatures, reading in the
rose garden, lunch breaks at Panbrianco (best panino in Florence) and casual
small talk with my new European friends and East Coast roommates. Thirty-six
more days before graduation, 35 more days before my flight back, and 34 more
days of learning and growth in beautiful Florence!
*This blog post was shared on The Mihaylo College of Business & Economics blog website.
http://bizblogs.fullerton.edu/blog/2014/04/15/titan-travels-part-2-immersion-in-florentine-culture/
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