Tight alleyways where pedestrians roam free from the shackles of sidewalks, casual encounters with architectural greatness, and majestic statues built into random courtyards; Florence is a city of history, and like my home city, Lahore, it’s difficult to avoid unless you close your eyes entirely. I’m excited to encounter the past lives sewn into the fabric of these cobblestone streets. In the orientations preceding our departure, we were told how to blend in with the Italians and not stick out as much as tourists, so I’m most nervous about portraying my respect for Florence externally. I don’t want to be read as a disrespectful, ignorant tourist, but rather I want my genuine interest to be clear.
I love my afternoon coffee, so I wonder if I will adapt to the customs of Florence, or if I will stay staunch in my ways.
Swanson School of Engineering 