As the seasons have continued to change and the rise in stress has started to become more apparent, I can’t help but think about the fact that I’m not home for Thanksgiving. This year will mark the first time someone in my immediate family is missing a holiday.
As I have continued to think about what I will do in lieu of out family traditions, I can honestly say that I don’t know. I might as well sleep in, go for my usual cappuccino and croissant, read, study for exams, and pass the day like it’s any other.
When my sister was doing her study abroad, we spent our Thanksgiving with her in Paris eating delicious food at the oldest restaurant in the city, sipping cocktails, and seeing the city lit up by holiday lights and the sparkle of the Eiffel Tower.
Even though there was some parisian exploration, without my family, it doesn’t feel the same.
Hopefully this year I can either make my own tradition or I can live with the knowledge that my family will be together for the holiday in my head.
If you are spending Thanksgiving alone, I do have a few ideas to remedy the loneliness:
Read, all day!
Go to the movie theatre.
Take yourself out to a nice dinner and enjoy your own company.
Watch Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1.
FaceTime with family all day.
I don’t really know what this year’s holiday season has in store for me besides an ungodly amount of oral examination, however that’s okay, because I’m excited to learn about how I cope with feeling lonelier than usual. It’ll be a personal exploration of my mind.
I have officially been in Florence for 12 weeks. Time has gone by so fast, but in these 3 months, I *think* that I have created the perfect complilation of architechture, cultural icons, and most importantly, gastronomic endeavors if you had only one day in Florence.
Morning
Start off the day by visitng the Gallery de Academia, which houses Michelangelo’s David. In my experience, it is the best to get the earliest time slot (8:15) and get in line 20 min. before entry. Then, when you get in, head straight for the David. I did this with my parents and we got the most breathtaking view before anyone else had wandered in. After this, head just a few blocks away to La Menagere for breakfast. You truly cannot go wrong with anything here, but my personal favorite is the uova strapazzate con formaggio, bacon, e pane tostato and an iced matcha with vanilla. Wander around the gorgeous space and curated home store after breakfast if you have time! Next, I would suggest going to the Duomo in the heart of Florence and seeing the baptestry, inside the cathedral, and also climbing the cupola! Learning how revolutionary Brunelleschi’s techniques were is truly amazing and makes you appreciate the cathedral even more! Following this, if you love retail therapy like I do, browse all of the shopping that Florence has to offer on Via Tornabuoni and Via Calimala. Alternatively, you could take a cooking class or go wine tasting!
Afternoon
The Uffizi Gallery, which was previously the administrative building for the Medici Family, is an enormous gallery housing some of the most impressive art that was in the Medici collection. I would highly suggest visiting and getting a private tour (it is HUGE and you can feel a little overwhelmed if you go in blind). Following this, walk over to Pino’s Sandwiches on Via Giuseppe Verdi for lunch. The schiacciateria (Tuscan foccacia sandwiches) are undoubtedly my favorite food in Florence! After this, wander across the Ponte Vecchio to Santo Spirito, where you can stop at a wine window – or simply explore all of the adorable shops (I may be biased because my apartment is in Santo Spirito, but I think it is the best!!).
Evening
From Santo Spirito, walk East along the Arno River to Porta San Niccolò and then climb up the hill to Piazzale Michelangelo. This is the best spot to watch sunset in Florence, but can get crowded, so get there early to get a spot! Grab a drink from the bar nestled into the side of the lookout or simply enjoy the Tuscan sunset! After sunset, head to dinner at Trattoria Cammillo, Cantinetta Antinori, or Cibrèo. Florence has some of the best restaurants in the world, so you truly cannot go wrong (same goes for all of the food here). If you have a later reservation, feel free to pop into a wine bar or stop and grab an apertivo while you wait.
Nighttime
Following dinner, grab gelato at La Sorbetteria, La Strega Nocciola, or Gelateria La Carraria. From there, you can either head back to your accomodation and tuck in for the night or go out in Florence! Some of my favorite places here are Red Garter for Karaoke or Lion’s Fountain – an Irish Pub that always has American sports on!
If you get the chance to visit Florence – TAKE IT! Even though I still have 3 weeks here, I am already reminiscing about my time spent here because I can say that without a doubt, I have fallen in love with Florence.
Arreviderci,
Caroline
P.S. Check out Katie Parla’s website for the best food recs in Florence & all of Italy!
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