Coming to Florence, I had a lot of expectations of the people, food, culture and city. But after spending almost three weeks in this lovely city I can confidently say that most of my expectations were not met by the reality.

Expectation: Everyone eats pizza and pasta all the time.

Gusta Pizza is a popular pizza place that will shape your pizza like a heart!

Reality: Ok so this is very true when going out to eat. At almost every restaurant I’ve been to the menu is completely filled with different pasta dishes and unique pizza toppings. But when at the local markets it’s clear that the locals have a more colorful pallet. And this pallet includes rabbit and horse!

Expectation: Everyday is another magical adventure in Italy.

Reality: Since getting to Florence I have had many moments where I have felt at peace with Italy. And honestly almost none of those moments have been while taking in a breath taking view or eating the world’s greatest pasta. Those moments have been when I have gotten lost by myself and have found my way back. Or when I have been walking through the rain eating a Panini completely alone. Because lets be honest, what’s cooler than eating a Panini in Italy???

While walking in the rain with a panini has been great, the views here in Italy are unbelievable as well.

Expectation: Locals welcome you into their culture with open arms.

Reality: I have not had a bad experience with locals, but I have yet to have an amazing moment. Other than my teachers and staff members at school, I have not had a chance to interact with many locals. As an American it feels like they are aware of my inadequate knowledge of how their culture works. My goal in fixing is going to be to get out of comfort zone and put myself in more situations where I am able to interact with locals.

Expectation: Other students will already have a lot of friends and will be cliquey.

Reality: This expectation has definitely been the most wrong when it comes to the reality! I have five other roommates and two are from Arizona State University, two from Rutgers University and one from Mexico. Even though we all come from different places we have been able to connect through the great experience we are all having together. We have already traveled to Rome, Pisa and Lucca together and we plan to go on more trips in the near future!

For the most part, I have been enlightened by the reality of not needing to have expectations and just “going with the flow.” When coming abroad you can imagine all you want what your experience will be like but I promise that reality will change everything. And if you allow it, the reality will be better than any expectation you could imagine.