Time is passing quite quickly now. As I prepare to say goodbye to week three in Florence, I feel calm, relaxed and more settled. No longer feeling like a tourist but not yet blending in as a local, I’ve established a routine of places I go to that are familiar amongst a culture and language that are foreign. Life in Sant’Ambrogio has been such a wonderful experience thus far and as I only have one more week here before moving half an hour away from Florence, I’m feeling a little nostalgic. I don’t know what’s happened to me here but I find myself feeling emotions more strongly, I’m noticing beauty in most things (the dog poop not included in the beauty) and to be honest crying more times than I usually would - not from sadness now but from joy and awe. Stendahl Syndrome* must be a thing after all.

Central to my experience here is the daily pilgrimage to Italian language class. Every weekday, before class I visit the bar (the Italian cafe) for my daily cappuccino and cornetto vuoto (plain croissant) or Buttino di riso, depending on what they have left. The same two girls, I really need to ask their names tomorrow, greet me with a “Buongiorno signorina” and “il solito” (the usual) and it makes my heart sing a tiny bit. I love that they call me signorina because they are so misguided in thinking that I am young enough to be one. Prior to leaving Australia I read an embarrassing amount of blogs, books and articles on life here as a local, and the one point they all raised was to frequent the same bar, butcher, fruit vendor etc to cement relationships and to make life here easier. Therefore, establishing connections was important to me with this move so I could feel part of local life and open myself up to making friendships. At home having the barista remember my order never held such weight but here, I get outside the bar and give myself a little high five.

The language school was the best decision so far. The melodic cadence of the ‘proper’ Italian language, once foreign to my ears (my family speak dialect from their region of Veneto), is now becoming a familiar symphony thanks to these lessons. The classroom serves as both a sanctuary for learning and a bridge connecting me to the rich cultural heritage that envelopes this city, Florentines are very proud and passionate about the language. For me it's not just about mastering words and phrases; it's about embracing the essence of communication, understanding the nuances that make Italian more than just a language but a reflection of a way of life. The world makes fun of Italians and how much they use their hands when they speak, but after three weeks of lessons I see how expressive the language is. You speak it not only with words but with your facial expressions, intonation and those hand gestures. This combination goes a long way into conveying the meaning of what you are saying.

The language barrier, once daunting, is slowly crumbling, with each verb and tense conjugation learnt. Conversation in class is becoming a little more fluid with less looking toward the ceiling to God for help. Each interaction feels like a victory, from ordering food and coffee, to engaging in limited conversation at the grocery store, every exchange is now an opportunity to practice rather than one of pure fear. And if all else fails I have memorised “mi dispace, sto imparando l’italiano”, translation, “I am sorry, I am learning Italian”, the other person usually laughs or smiles through their amusement at my attempt. The real struggle will be when I return to Australia, how to keep learning because it will take many more years of practice to become fluent. Being surrounded by the language has definitely made learning it easier.

The city's pace has seeped into my bones, and I find myself embracing the art of slow living. The hurried rush of my former life seems like a distant memory. Now, time is no longer an adversary but a companion, allowing me to appreciate every experience. The gift of a slower pace makes gelato taste better than it ever has. Afternoons and weekends grant me the freedom to explore the city at my own pace. The historical heart of the city is a mesmerising labyrinth of narrow alleys, piazzas both big and small and often an unexpected dead end. When you take the time to look up and admire the architectural masterpieces you walk by, you can only imagine what tales the walls have witnessed during the centuries gone by. The Duomo, with its majestic dome dominates the skyline of Florence and it is seen from every direction. It stands as a testament to the artistic prowess of the Renaissance and to this day they still don’t know how Brunelleschi constructed it as he changed his workforce regularly (a fun fact told to me by my friend Caity). The scale of the Duomo is mind-blowing and beside it you can’t help but feel humbled in its presence.

As I reflect on this initial phase of my adventure, a feeling of settling in pervades my thoughts. The initial disorientation has given way to a quiet confidence in navigating the city's labyrinthine streets. The anxiety of being a stranger in a foreign land has transformed into a sense of belonging, however tentative. I've become attuned to the ebb and flow of Florentine life, understanding that the true essence of this experience lies not just in the grandeur of historical landmarks but in the everyday moments that unfold as I become a part of this community. Yet, as I stand on the precipice of a new month, one that will be spent settling into a new home, a subtle awareness tugs at the edges of my contentment. The rhythm of routine, while comforting, has the potential to lull one into complacency. As I gaze at the sunset that peaks over the building outside my dining room window, I find myself contemplating the path forward. How can I continue to evolve, to extract the most from this immersive experience after Christmas when I start the search for a job? It's a question that demands introspection and a willingness to embrace change. Working life here will be different to that of Australia as pay rates are lower but quality of life much better. Can I continue to enjoy this experience when bogged down by a job and new levels of commitment?

One of the key realisations from the experience so far is the importance of balance. The pursuit of a new way of life goes beyond external exploration. As I move forward into the next month, I carry with me the lessons of adaptability and openness. The beauty of living in a foreign land lies in its unpredictability, and I must be willing to relinquish control and allow the city to guide me. Florence, with its timeless beauty serves as both a mirror and a catalyst for this introspection. It reflects back not only the splendor of its art and architecture but also prompts me to question my own perspectives. After only a few weeks here my desire for what I want out of this experience has changed so much. It is so easy to get lost in the beauty and question what you want when you feel so small in comparison to what surrounds you. The age of what you see is overwhelming, often bringing to mind a myriad of thoughts about my own insignificance.

In the coming weeks, I envision a deeper integration into the fabric of Italian life. I will be moving to Il Girone, a smaller town which is only 30 minutes on a bus out of Florence’s historic centre. I will be on the banks of the Arno River surrounded with nature rather than cobblestones and commuting to class each week day. A step away from tourists and closer to locals will offer a different perspective of daily life in Italy, one that is welcomed for more than just its guarantee of a restful night’s sleep.

For now, I will enjoy my last week of city life in Sant’Ambrogio. My afternoon walks will make way for new surprises and as the Christmas markets start this Sunday I will say goodbye to gelato and hello to a cup of mulled wine. The temperature is dropping here, the heavy jackets adorn everyone passing by and the city is preparing to welcome Natale (Christmas). The Council workers are stringing up fairy lights through the alley ways, shops are decorating their windows for the festive shoppers and the city transforms away from a year of tourists and turns its face toward family and the joy that Christmas brings. I have a feeling that week 4 in Florence will be a good one.

*Stendhal Syndrome, or Florence Syndrome, is a psychosomatic condition involving rapid heartbeat, fainting, confusion, and even hallucinations, allegedly occurring when individuals become exposed to objects, artworks, or phenomena of great beauty.