Navigating a Medieval City and
Learning About Myself in the Process

By: Rene Moraida

Editor’s Note: Rene Moraida is a San Diego City College/Southwestern College student currently living in Florence, Italy as part of a Spring 2010 study abroad program.

It’s 6:30 a.m., and while most Florentines are still sleeping, I, with the help of my new Italian running shoes, have made the trek up to the Piazza Michelangelo. This open space sits on a hilltop and offers one of the best panoramic views of Florence. The city below looks perfectly placed like a miniature model. The Duomo is nestled among the red roof tops, perfectly sculpted, as the waters of the River Arno gush below with mighty force. The air is misty and there is a sense of romance and love in the air. Lovers names from all over the world have been carved and written onto the walls, Nico loves Ana one etching says. Another visitor has professed his love for the city of Florence and the date he was here. Just one night earlier, a small group of Italian teenagers were hanging out in the plaza, pizza box on the floor, Vespas parked, and laughing and kissing each other passionately. The sculpture replica of Michelangelo’s David looms over the plaza, like a guardian over the city. He is the color of the Statue of Liberty, and just as beautiful, his bronze turning an aqua green from exposure to the elements. I inhale the cool air and accept the city that will be home for the next couple of months.

As much as Florence has been visually stimulating, the palette has been awaken as well. Every street corner and shop window has food: panninis, gelato, pastries, pizza, pasta, mamma mia! To be quite honest, I have never had so much ham and bacon in my life. Chicken is scare, pork is plentiful.

I have done some travelling before and when I see the groups of Japanese tour groups my heart smiles as I remember the time I spent in Japan when I was in the military that sparked my interest to explore the world. I greet them in Japanese, they greet back with a slight bow, and I keep walking.
I didn’t think I would get culture shock in such a touristy city and in Western Europe. I was so wrong and it hit me brutally hard one night. I was physically exhausted, still trying to adjust to the time change and sleep schedule, and almost got hit by a bus. It was pouring rain and I was lost, utterly lost. I did not know what direction I was heading, what streets were called, everything was a chaotic blur. I had no will power to open the map and navigate, I didn’t know where my house was at and I wandered and wandered. I have since bounced back, poured my heart out to the on-site staff who said it was normal and would happen again.

I am learning to relish in what is different and unique about Florence. The fact that a coffee house is called a bar, and later in the evening does in fact transform from serving espresso to wine and beer. One morning walking to school I stopped for a coffee and the cutest older Italian lady was behind the counter. I ordered in Italian, upon referencing my notes, she smiled. I noticed Green Day was playing in the shop, and pointed up and said, musica americana she nodded and made a dancing motion. An Italian friend I made told me Italians like all things foreign. They love Obama, and Angelina Jolie, in addition to American pop and rock music. My Italian teacher always uses Obama and Jolie as examples in class. Being an American is not a bad thing either, for one the streets of Florence are crawling with American students and tourists, but mentioning where you are from brings goodwill. I mention I came from San Diego and they say molto caldo and molto bello or very hot and very beautiful. Some Italians I have met, shop owners, etc, have been to America before, others hope to go one day soon.

It is interesting to step outside your own little world bubble for awhile and see how other people view your country and how people live daily life in Italy. Everything different is good. I am walking more. I haven’t had fast food. I am hang drying my clothes and yes, drinking a glass of wine with dinner, regularly, for health reasons.

That is all from now from Italy, I must get back to my essay and get ready for school tomorrow. Thanks for reading and stopping by to check out the photos. Until next time from Italy. Ciao!

Rene