My Short-Term Abroad: Florence, Italy

On 1/1/16, I packed and boarded a 7-hr flight to Milan, Italy via Alitalia. I didn't know what to think of this trip. I was excited, yet also nervous since I had so little time to prep for it. Compared to my first experience abroad, I was more worried for this one. Last time I traveled on my own, I had my aunt, a native, who was able to bring my around the city. This time, I would not have anyone, and there would be a language barrier. I also had anxieties because I will be living with two friends in an Airbnb apartment.

No matter how many times I travel, I think there will be some sense of culture shock. Our first encounter occurred the moment we landed. My friends and I couldn't find any signs that would guide us to public transportation. We were lost and helpless. These feelings did not mix well with the group dynamic as we all became frustrated. However, we finally agreed on following a traveler who seemed to know where he was going. 

One of our biggest achievements from our first day in Italy was figuring out the train system and navigating from Milan to Florence. Although we were delayed and tired, we made it safely to our apartment.

 Our meal on the plane - it wasn't that bad compared to others that I've had in the past.

A short clip of our apartment for the next three weeks.

We've settled in successfully on the first day. Went to the supermarket, Conad, around the corner to pick up some essentials.