Everyone, and I Mean Everyone, Speaks English
Coming from Spoleto, a small local village where English is not widely spoken, my study abroad peers and I have been grasping at any phrases or words in Italian that we can remember because it is much harder to get by without using, or attempting to use, the Italian language. We’ve learned how to order coffee and croissants, how to ask where something is, and more basic phrases. And we are proud.
However, in Florence, our confidence took a hit. In Florence, it seems like everyone, I mean everyone, speaks English. Some Italians there even appeared to want to speak only English! When we attempted to order our food, coffee, or clumsily speak numbers using our newly acquired, rudimentary Italian, we were met with laughter and requests to switch to English. While it is always exciting, culturally appropriate, and considerate to attempt to learn a few basic phrases in the local language when visiting a foreign country, in Florence it is certainly not necessary. As a tourist hub filled with people from all over the world, Florence has adapted to cater to a predominantly English-speaking crowd. Moreover, the city has taken several other measures to cater to tourists’ needs and expectations. There’s even a restaurant called The American Diner!
Explore Local Dining Experiences, and not just Google recommendations
Prior to arriving in Florence, I reached out to my friend Meaghan who had spent the previous summer there, immersing herself in the culture. “If we only have one chance to dine out, where would you recommend?” Luckily, I reached out to her because the small, hidden-gem restaurant she suggested turned out to be the best meal I had experienced in Italy so far. Knowing that securing a table for our group of fifteen was no easy feat, we made multiple reservations online for Antico Bottaio. But on that Friday night, they were ready for us. Local Florentine men greeted us warmly, setting up an entire private room to accommodate our large and lively (and loud) American group. As well as the pleasant and inviting atmosphere, the Espresso Martini, Caprese Salad, and Carbonara “by the chef” collectively gifted me with the most enjoyable and memorable meal surrounded by laughter and people I love.
This is not to say that the popular, well-known, google-recommended restaurants will not also give you an amazing experience and meals. However, had we not taken a few steps off the beaten path and aimed to find somewhere new, we would not have found nor had the pleasure to enjoy this amazing event.
Get. The. Affogato.
Upon our arrival in Florence, my study-abroad peers and I had been in Spoleto for about eight or nine days where we had indulged in an abundance of coffees: cappuccinos, café macchiatos, café freddos, and more. Gelato, too, had become a staple in our diet. If we were to analyze our bloodstream, it would likely consist solely of gelato and coffee. However, there was one combination we had yet to try.
“What?!?! You’ve never had an affogato?!” exclaimed my friend Kanyn, not containing her surprise, as we passed by yet another one of the many captivating menus on the long, sweltering day. It felt like fate—a perfect solution to combat the heat and exhaustion we were enduring, with the promise of espresso-drenched gelato providing much-needed relief. And so, we entered the cafe. A refreshing scoop of vanilla gelato smothered in whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and sprinkles, topped off with a hot shot of espresso to bring it all together. It was everything I could have hoped for. The best part was that, while savoring our coffee-infused ice cream mush, we could sit inside the café and people-watch, observing the vibrant energy of Florence—a sight you can experience in any café.
I like this! I think the image from the dinner could be better, though–looks blurry and lots of red-eye. Maybe the affagato could be smaller? Think a bit about document design as you revise this. Also, posts rarely end on an image. Not sure why–they just don’t. But I think you need some sort of conclusion anyway to balance out the intro. And a better transition between the first section and second section, which felt a bit abrupt. Headers don’t always take the place of fluid transitions, though the second one between the dinner and gelato works a bit better as an abrupt shift. Something more is needed at the end of the intro though–some hinge to get us to the next piece. Consider ways to deepen the sense of character and place as well to bring individual scenes to life.