Zach Anderson
The biggest thing I regretted in my college career up to this point was that I never studied abroad. When I heard that I had the chance to go abroad, for an internship nonetheless, I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity! Here I am in Florence, Italy having the time of my life while doing what I love.
Week 1- We Made It
I was given the chance to work at a small fifteen room hotel called the Hotel Benivieni. What is very unique thing about this place is that it is entirely run by one family with the exception of two housekeepers (or maids as they call them here). We met all three generations the first day and it was very cool to see how passionate and nice they all were. Our supervisor Paolo noticed Andrea and I were still very jetlagged and offered us a cappuccino to wake us up. We both gratefully accepted it! The rest of the week we saw that the culture here is much slower and laid back than in the United States. Italians are also very trusting here. We saw a man walk through the lobby multiple times and just set a couple euros down on the counter for a cup of coffee. He could have easily just gotten the coffee and walked away. When he was finished, he then walked the cup back to the kitchen and gave it to Sonia, Paolo's mother. It was fascinating to see the differences between our culture and theirs. I cannot wait to see how these next seven weeks turn out.
Week 2- Finally Know My Way Around
The title says it all. I am finally able to walk around and actually know my way back without being scared of getting lost. I absolutely love exploring the city and finding little restataunts that turn out to be hidden gems that are delicious!
We also learned that the internships students have are different than like those in the states. Students here are more expected to observe rather than take part in the actual work. Schools here do not offer much room to get experience so when the students do the required internship part of their schooling, they virtually know nothing. In the United States we are expected to work and fully contribute so that aspect is taking some getting used to. The properties are starting to learn that we have a lot of experience and letting us work more. I am sure by the end of this giant adventure they will have us working like anyone else.
Week 3-
Traveling Begins
I feel like I have been here for months but an has only been three amazing weeks. Our travel plans were put in motion for the first time this weekend and if these next couple weekends are anything like this past one, I promise I am not leaving Italy. From a tour around Siena and a wine tasting in Chianti on Friday to a once in a lifetime experience at the Milan Expo. I could talk about the Expo for days and days because it was so phenomenal (Check out the picture tab to live it through us). I encourage everyone to look it up and see how different countries are thinking of new ways to increase sustainability and biodiversity!
Work has still been slow and a lot of observing. That said, Andrea and I will be working with our teacher, Nicoletta, and helping her a little with the month long summer session for Kent State to get a little more work in. They all just arrived this weekend and we are all excited to meet them all and show everyone around this amazing city.
Next weekend we are off to the Amalfi Coast for the weekend! I have heard nothing about great things and how clear the water is! Stay tuned for an update on how that trip goes and many, many pictures!
Week 4-
Amalfi Coast
We went on our first big trip to the Amalfi Coast this past weekend. Words cannot describe how beautiful that place was. We saw the famous Blue Grotto, got a private boat tour was even hiked up Mt. Vesuvius. The only downside to the entire trip was that I got the worst sunburn of my life! It'll all turn tan soon so not even that is a big deal. We met amazing new friends from all over the United States on the trip too that we plan on keeping in touch with while abroad and even after.
Work has been pretty great as well. We aren't able to work as much because of our traveling but our bosses are happy to let us go explore and have a great experience outside of the internship. They are some of the nicest people I have ever met. We have a short three weeks left here. The time is really flying! We have more travel plans being set in motion. The four of us like to do everything last minute.
Stay tuned to see what our next adventure holds for us!
Week 5-
Dublin, Ireland
The time here has certainly been flying by! I barley feel like I have anytime for things in Florence between work and travel. Our bosses have been so amazing for being lenient with our work schedule to allow us to travel to such amazing places. We have been able to interact more around the hotel rather than just observe Paulo. The guests are always so appreciative when they check out of the hotel and it really shows that they really are treated like family. I will be very sad to leave the hotel in just two and a half short weeks.
Over the weekend we made the trip to Dublin, Ireland. Dublin was the top place I wanted to visit while over in Europe. The city itself is so beautiful and elegant. It felt like Dublin and Florence are two sides of the same coin. Aside from the mild weather all the time, I could live in Dublin! We made it to the Guinness factory as well as the Jameson whiskey distillery. It was amazing to see how both were started and now produced. The free tastings did not hurt either!
Next week is our visit to Croatia, the second destination on my list, and more importantly, my 21st birthday! Keep looking for the update on both of those amazing adventures.
Week 6-
Split, Croatia
I cannot believe I only have ten days left aboard. It feels like just yesterday I was getting off a plane in a strange new world. Work has been improving each and every week! We have been talking to many American guests and helping them out as much as we could. I helped Paulo with a lot of maintenance work as well. It was fun to spend time with him and talk while working. He really is a great guy and appreciates our help. I only have a few days left at the Benivieni and will be very sad to leave that amazing family.
Many kids from Kent State with to Croatia for the weekend and it was everything I wanted and more! All of the stories I heard about the amazing country did not compare to the real thing. Croatia is known for their seafood and after the past couple days, I can see why. It was DELICIOUS and I am not a huge seafood fan. On our way back to Florence, we stopped at Krka national part to experience the famous waterfalls. The picture above absolutely does not do it justice.
My last stop in Europe is the French Rivera with people I met over here in Florence. The Florence Four is separating this weekend to do the things we want to do because none of us could decide on one place. This should be interesting!