6 Valuable Lessons Learned While Living in Florence

After living in Florence for six months, I’ve learned some valuable lessons in Italy that are unlikely to be forgotten anytime soon. I will be returning to Florence in the fall, but I thought I would share some of the realities I faced while living here and what I would have done differently.

They may seem like little things, but I have found that the biggest changes often happen in the smallest ways—and Italy seemed to have managed to change me little by little. Here are 6 things I’ve learned along the way:

6 Valuable Lessons Learned While Living in Florence

1. Let Things Go

Coming from Montana, we tend to have a “get ‘er done” kind of attitude. In Italy, there is more of a “que sera sera” way of looking at things. When our washing machine was broken at our apartment, it took two weeks to replace the lock on the door. It was a job that would have been finished in thirty minutes back home in the United States. As a result, I’ve learned to let a lot of things go that normally would have bothered me. Knowing that you have tomorrow to get things under control has helped me realize that life is not meant to be rushed, as long as you get it done some time or another.

2. Pack Lighter

I came over with the idea that I would need to have enough clothing to last me the entire six months. Never mind that seasons change and that you seem to wear out clothes faster when you are abroad. I packed far too many things. And, I am going to have to end up throwing a lot out because they have holes or tears. My shoes? Completely busted from walking so much and I am leaving them far behind. Next time, I am planning on taking much less. Though this plan is definitely most applicable to my suitcase, it’s also shown me that I really do not need a lot to be happy. Just a plate of pasta and a trip to the Uffizi Gallery!

3. Good Food Makes All the Difference

I think sometimes we forget that many of our problems can be solved by opening a good bottle of wine and sitting down with friends and family. Living in Italy over a period of a few months has taught me that it’s important to spend time with the people you love over a good meal. And that we all need time to decompress. Family is such a crucial part of the Italian lifestyle, and though I didn’t experience a giant Italian meal with my own flesh and blood, I did with a great group of friends. Also, I learned that there is always room for a bit of gelato at the end of a long day.

4. Every Day Is An Adventure

In the States, I think we are used to the idea that adventure will come to us. We hope to finally get that promotion that allows us to travel, we wait for the weekends so we can go out with friends. After being in Italy, it’s hard not to adopt a different mentality. Simply walking around your own city can bring on the best adventures. Whether it’s being stopped by an Italian leather maker who designs for Gucci and being asked to try one of his creations on or getting confused while trying to catch a train to Bologna, you will always find something to do or experience while you are here.

5. While Traveling, You Will Feel Alone Sometimes

I’ve always prided myself on being someone who doesn’t need to be surrounded by a giant group of people in order to feel happy. In fact, one of my favorite things to do is read without the distractions of talking to others. Many times I need to have some time alone in order to think. However, I found that living as an expat in another culture can be incredibly isolating sometimes. When you only have a rudimentary knowledge of the language, it can be hard to meet new people and to develop the kind of friendships you might be used to in your hometown. It took some time, but I now have some connections with friends and will be excited to see them when I return.

6. Trust Your Inner Voice

When I first decided to come to Italy, I was mostly thinking about how I could get out of my small town in the States. I wanted to do something differently from what I was doing at the time. I didn’t know that it would open a lot of doors for me career-wise. Or, that I would end up traveling to some other places as much as I did. I’ve learned more than ever to trust my gut impulses and to continue doing what I love. Because eventually, it will work out. There’s a reason you set out on this journey—you just may not know it yet. Trust your inner voice. 

 

Six Lessons I Learned while Living in Florence photo credits by Unsplash. Have you traveled to Florence? How was your trip? Comment below and let us know! We can’t wait to hear you.