Madelynn in Florence!

This update is dedicated to my dragon Afro Puff who at the last minute had to stay home due to her sore throat after she decided to have a fire breathing contest with her friends the night before we left. I still love you and miss you and you better stay out of my closet!

Ciao from Florence, Italy;

My name is Madelynn and I am a rising senior in the Acting program with a minor in American Sign Language at UNCG. For my study abroad experience I chose the Lorenzo de Medici Institute located in the beautiful historical city of Florence. 

Boat ride on the Arno River in Florence, Italy

On July 1^st I waved Arrivederci to my mom and home state of Virginia and began my 14 hour journey across the ocean to Europe. With gummi bears and Lays potato chips in hand, earbuds at the ready for defense against screaming toddlers and a long cardigan for the chilly plane ride I conquered my first international flight with ease. While in route to Italy I dreamed about the Italian streets filled with men with roses, children skipping singing catchy tunes and cheese, so much cheese. As my plane descended over the lush green Tuscan landscape, I stared at the stunning view confined to the small airplane window. The tapestry of vibrant landscape was to be my home for the next 30 days, and an uncontrollable smile crept onto my lips. But upon landing the excitement dancing in my eyes became fear, the wonder on my cheeks withered and I realized I was not Charlie this was not the Chocolate Factory and my Delta Airline boarding pass was not some golden ticket: this was real life. After navigating three airports, lost and damaged luggage, no cell phone service, bustling Italian alleys filled with mopeds and speeding taxis and a severe language barrier, I arrived at my apartment with swollen feet, a shirt drenched in sweat, and a lump in my throat. Unable to even unlock my door I pressed my moist forehead against the wood and sobbed. Was this how this month was going to go? Where was the magic? Where was the romance? And more importantly Where was the pizza?!

Caprese pizza at the Central Market in Florence, Italy

After wiping my tear stained cheeks and a well deserved nap, I met my roommates who I immediately befriended. We became the fantastic four as we conquered the tourist sites by day and shared stories of of lives in America at night. 

 The Fantastic Four in The Duke’s Palace Venice, Italy

l-r: Alex (Iowa State University), Me, Sarah (Iowa State University)

Front: Maya (UNCG)

Friendship on a private boat in Venice, Italy

 

The first weekend we ventured to the picturesque beach town of Cinque Terre spending a day lounging on the rock beach with the cerulean blue Mediterranean Sea kissed our toes. 

On top of the world in Cinque Terre, Italy

Feeling sassy in Cinque Terre, Italy

Our nights were spent laughing over endless bowls of spaghetti and house wine. My earlier tears became a distant memory as I danced the night away on the Duomo steps and munched on fresh croissants with espresso. 

Before I knew it the random collection of letters became familiar street signs, ciao and grazie trickled from my tongue, and I felt at home. Classes began and my days were no longer filled with Instagram selfies and fresh pizza. I am taking two courses, one in oil painting taught by a restoration painting master and the other the “Quarters of Florence” which combines history lectures with daily field trips exploring the rich history of Florence. I now can paint sculptures and renaissance style portraits all while telling you the about Florence from its founding in 59 B.C. to present day.

Ponte Vecchio at sunset in Florence, Italy

Santa Croce Church in Florence, Italy

The Duke's Palace in Venice, Italy

Now that I have lived here for a little over two weeks and it is the eve of my 21^st birthday I am in a  time of reflection of my experience. I can say that I learned so much about myself and my abilities. Never before did I think that I could handle such adversity on my own, from broken phones to broken Italian crumbling out my lips, I have survived and will continue to. For those traveling abroad I wish you the best of luck and my advice is simple—breathe and stay positive. Being overwhelmed is inevitable but staying overwhelmed is a choice. Though my experience has been far from perfect, it is my own and unique just like me and something I will never forget. And every morning when I brush my teeth, comb my hair and look out onto the world below as the sounds of horse driven carriages galloping on cobble stone, street performers tuning their instruments and ecstatic tourists fill the air mixing with the aroma of fresh breads and ripened fruit, I am reminded how blessed I am to be a part of this world even for a little while.

With Love,

Madelynn Poulson

Lorenzo di Medici Institute

Florence, Italy