A fresh college-ruled notebook, the smell of old books in the library stacks, triple checking your course schedule and room numbers before the first day of classes–Meg and I love school. I’m talking truly, deeply, should I give up my steady paycheck and return to a life of term papers and spaghetti-Os? love school. We realize that few […]
Others may be mourning the end of summer, but I am a superfan of September. I have always welcomed the leafy breezes and anticipated with full nerd-status the start of a new school year. That autumn love continues to this day, especially in Florence. Cooler temps and a bunch of fall festivals (check out the calendar!) make this […]
It’s August in Florence, and if you haven’t noticed, it’s hot. It’s the kind of hot that feels like you may never be cool again. And even though we encourage you stand your city ground as others run for the shores, we understand the necessity of an occasional, good ol’ fashioned beach trip for some Mediterranean […]
Please do not misinterpret the title–it is not a declaration of undying affection for esoteric words and complicated grammar rules. Instead, it’s more of a take on “for the love of (insert deity of your choice here)!!” As in, learning a language, even your own, can be a frustrating, complicated and seemingly thankless experience. Learning a […]
Before I left Florence after grad school (sniffle sniffle), I wrote up my laundry list of lasts. My friends found item #3 a bit off-putting–touch the Arno. A lovely shade of brownish green and home to growing families of river rats, they weren’t exactly drawn to its shores with the same enthusiasm. The thing was, I felt rude. I felt […]
We know this summer has seemed hotter than ever, so we don’t blame anyone for escaping to the seaside for ferie. But for those of you that will be in town, we’ve gathered a list of happenings that will help you stay cool and explore the (somewhat) deserted city streets over the next few weeks. And if […]
There has been a recent uptick in emails of people “RSVPing” for the walking tours featured on this site. Nothing makes Hannah and I as simultaneously happy and sad as receiving such a note–happy that someone thinks they’ll enjoy the tour enough to reach out to us, and sad that we can’t be there in person to […]
Tanti Auguri to us! This July, Meg and I are celebrating three years of spilling the secrets of saving money in Florence. Inexperienced with anniversaries, I had to consult Hallmark on what a traditional third anniversary gift is. In an apropos twist of fate, it just so happens to be leather! We’ll take that as […]
I have to admit, I was apprehensive about writing this column this month. July in Florence is hot and crowded, and there’s not really any excuse for people to host events for free. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised by a whole host of happenings that would make me gladly brave the high temperatures and throngs of […]
St. John the Baptist is a big deal in Florence. If the fireworks and parades didn’t tip you off, he’s an even bigger deal this week. What’s all the hype about this hipster mountain man, on the ultimate paleo diet of bugs and bushes? For starters, St. John the Baptist had some pretty famous family (like Jesus). […]
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Florence for Free 