Interior of the restaurant

Berberè pizzeria sits on a corner where broad, pop streets meet, as opposed to the narrow, more intimate alleyways that are stereotypical of the U.Southward.'s idea of Italy. With floor to ceiling windows taking up most of the front end, passerby are allowed to see into the infinite. Painted white concrete walls, stylish wooden accents, and modernistic light fixtures let you know that information technology's a rather new eating place, but the warm and happy atmosphere carries fifty-fifty through the drinking glass to anyone outside, drawing them in. From such an inviting await to the immediately welcoming waitress, I knew I would savour my experience. The place was packed when I went at peak dinner hour, full of laughter between groups of friends, old and young, and couples sharing meals. The couple nearest my roommate and I's tabular array even had their canis familiaris with them, weaving through their legs and begging for food. A groovy playlist came over the speakers from a sound system near my table, a mix of music from different genres and countries, just like the diverse customers. The service was as astonishing every bit the food.

Pizza with pork sausage, love apple, parmigiano reggiano aged 24 months, and fennel seeds, and a tin of soda fabricated from existent cola seeds.

Almost every restaurant in Italy has pizza, what makes this place special?

And so right away I loved the bill of fare. It's groovy for English speaking travelers because it'southward all in both English and Italian for native speakers (or anyone learning!) They accept a neat selection of pizza, with some really interesting options, amidst a few salads and other dishes. On the back of the menu they explain where they get all of their ingredients because they're dedicated to making real food. They use organic ingredients whenever possible, "since organic is the simply method of agriculture capable of preserving the world for hereafter generations. Most 85% of the products nosotros purchase are certified organic. Some products aren't, but they come from farmers and breeders who share our artisanal philosophy." Their mission statement listed on their website explains information technology best.

"Berberè' was born in 2010 with the mission of serving succulent artisanal pizza, fabricated just with living sourdough, digestible and without frills, in a welcoming atmosphere. We piece of work with organic ingredients, and our merely gospel is quality."

Cranberry Sorbetto and whipped cream, made with h2o, fruit, and simply a scrap of saccharide (4.50) Sachertorte, a cocoa sponge cake with apricot jam and whipped cream (vi.50)

Eating out can become expensive, how much money would I be spending here?

This isn't the cheapest option for pizza, simply for the quality and the amount y'all go, I think information technology's definitely more than worth information technology. You could spend four euros on one personal slice from many of the cafes effectually, or you could spend ten euros for viii slices, perfect to accept home as leftovers for another meal! They also take a short list of artisanal desserts made past master pastry chef Luigi Biasetto. The desserts range from iv to six euros. (That's about the price most gelato shops charge.) They likewise have a peachy selection of very affordable wines to pair with your nutrient, with coffee, juice, or soda for the non-drinkers!

Website:

https://world wide web.berberepizza.it/en

When can I go?

Monday – Sunday 12-3 PM, 7-11:30 PM

Where is it?

Located at Via dei Benci, vii, simply over the span. Information technology'south easily accessible from all areas in the city center, but non almost enough the Duomo and other major tourist areas to exist overrun or unnecessarily overpriced. (They have 13 other locations too!)

        Head towards "pussy alley"

An Italian Side Street with vespas
The so-called "Pussy Alley" on the corner where Bulli and Balene is located.

Every night on pussy alley there is a huge aperitivo in the streets. Cute Italians drinking wine while their voices carry far out onto the neighboring plaza. It is a social party full of locals, but not the type of party an American can attend. I had tried to exist apart of the atmosphere, just I practice non speak Italian and then I could only observe the party from afar. My friends and I had a shared feeling of being left out, but we could non stop coming to Bulli and Balene. Pussy alley was captivating, nosotros wanted a taste of the local Italian civilization.

Best for:

Chalkboard Spritz Menu
The best local bar in Florence!

Those that are not drinking to get drunk, rather those who want to casually sip on some snazzy cocktails and munch on a couple of light snacks. Probably one of the main reasons Americans cannot fully be apart of the Italian experience outside of Bulli and Balene is because of the boozer American tourist stereotypes. Then do yourself a favor and take care of yourself because we do not need you lot to get sloppy merely to reinforce that. I recommend going either earlier or after dinner to sit and chat with friends when you want to merchandise in an evening filled with tourists for a flair of local culture. It is far from the crowds of the Duomo- a secret spot to see the magical art of the true Italian aperitivo.

Highlights: The Hugo Spritz and Their Cicchetti Sandwiches

Close up picture of glasses of wine, one cocktail, and one cocktail
Drinks on drinks on drinks! Two spectacles of wine, one Hugo spritz, and one ginger beer.

If you are lucky enough to get into Bulli and Balene with an open mind you should try the star of the show- the hugo. This spritz is classified by me as their signature drink. Practice not get me wrong, there are plenty of drinks to choose from- they have a large beer and wine listing and they put funky twits on classics, but Bulli and Balene is known for their spritz's. Trust me if you lot do not get one y'all are missing out big time! The Hugo is a mint and lime spritz that is super fresh and crisp. The drink has a hint of sugariness from the prosecco, simply it is not overpowering because it is counterbalanced out past the bitterness from the lime and coolness from the mint. The hugo is the best spritz I have e'er had, and this is coming from a girl who does not like mojitos that much!

For the other half of the show y'all should endeavour a cicchetti sandwich. Whenever you go to Bulli and Balene you will see customers walking with black trays total of piffling cicchetti sandwiches. The cristini like sandwiches which are one one of the main features of the bar are made fresh daily based on which ingredients are bachelor in local markets. If y'all go there one solar day, and get back the next you may non see your favorite from yesterday because their cicchetti menu changes everyday!

Get off your telephone!

Wall of plants
The picturesque plant wall!

Once you get your drinks that come in vintage looking crystal glasses, or see the eloquently hand decorated hummus cristinis that look great against the plant wall you will exist tempted to whip out your phone. Here is my challenge for you to non do that. I had to get dorsum to Bulli and Balene multiple times and get photos that my friends took to mail service to this weblog because I did not accept any the first time I went. You would never run into a local posting pictures to their instagrams of their aperitivos so if it is your goal to be less touristy skip the posting.

If I cannot use my phone, what should I look?

Griping food, drinks, and conversations. The only fourth dimension I find it acceptable to use your phone is when you need it for google translate considering the menu is strictly written in all Italian (do non worry if you really need it there is free wifi). The place is too packed with mainly locals- yous may find a couple of younger study away students, but expect the oversupply to exist young to eye aged Italians. Be prepared for those sometimes bad-mannered interactions in regard to the language barrier.

You lot have made information technology to the stop and so now you lot can know the truth!

Bulli and Balene is on a side street chosen "pussy alley" considering of a silver cat with piercing blue optics that sits outside the eating house. I knew the cat well earlier I knew the proper name of the street and I did not realize the proper noun until I grabbed their business card on the second time I went to the bar!

Cat sleeping on top of a vespa
  Bulli and Balene'south mascot- a stray true cat

By: Grace Nichols

Where can I notice it?

Via dello Sprone, 14, 50125 Firenze FI

Has the "din of town and urban center" worn you downward?

motor scooters in Florence
Don't go run over!

Y'all walk every 24-hour interval down those narrow streets, and from both sides the rusticated, eighty-foot prison house walls of Medicean Renaissance lean in on you, atomic number 26 rings and atomic number 26 bars and fe-hinged wooden doors.  The pulsating beep of taxis, the rumbling echo of the garbage truck lifting its cube of steel out of the stone street, and oh god the people! The smart-dressed woman, stick and pennant held aloft, leading a double-decker load of gawkers who serpent off and on the curb behind her.  People on the narrow strips of sidewalk staring at their phones and walking slower than yous.  People smoking in clusters in the trattoria doorway.  Garish tee shirts and shorts sit on the steps and pant in the shade of San Lorenzo.  Mopeds swooping like squadrons of birds in that old video game, Galaga, and you with i life left!

The "din and town and metropolis" have chased out peace, and yous thirst for "that serene and blest mood,

William Wordsworth
William Wordsworth plagued by the all weary weight of this unintelligible world

In which the affections gently lead us on,—

Until, the breath of this corporeal frame

And even the motion of our human blood

Most suspended, we are laid comatose

In body, and become a living soul[.]

Well, OK, William Wordsworth might have laid it on a fleck thick.  But if you just desire to get away to someplace where your feet aren't aren't sore from continuing on paving stones and where the shade takes the mottled shape of leaves and not the straight lines of palazzo roofs, then you all you lot've got to practise is . . .

. . . accept the #seven Autobus to Fiesole

Piazza Mino da Fiesole
Piazza Mino da Fiesole: it's quiet in sound and sight, and y'all start to detect little things.

You'll observe it on the north face of the Stazione (Due south.K.North.), and in ten minutes you're winding your fashion to heaven.  Upward you go, similar Dante ascending Mount Purgatory.  Gradually, the metropolis sinks. Buildings compress from the street.  Light-green lawns spread out.  You lot've still got the cerise-tiled roofs, but the towers now are trees.  The soul is waking up.  Information technology's emerging from the heavy blankets of city life.

In thirty minutes, the bus lets you off on a fiddling hill-summit piazza, neat and swank.  You're not entirely free of tourists–among the few other people dotting the square were an American couple older even than me.  But it's . . . tranquility.

Nosotros had a leisurely luncheon of the best pasta I've eaten in Italy–pici in a elementary cream sauce–at the Bistrot al N.five.  I swear my tastebuds seemed keener, like my tongue could experience the pleasant sting of each particle of pepper. The senses were waking, noticing minor things.

Knowing that a strenuous hike lay ahead, we resisted the temptation of cool white vino.  But that American couple, which had sat at the next table, ordered a 2d canteen as they decided to spend another 60 minutes on the square.

A quick espresso shot lifted us from lunch and sent us climbing up a narrow road for about a hundred yards. As nosotros passed the last firm on the right, it felt similar a curtain opening on a stage: Florence.  The photo doesn't exercise justice:  you experience like you're perched on hawkeye'south aerie.  If you expect close, you lot can see the Duomo on the left.  The sounds of traffic drift up on the thermals, the police sirens and the automobile horns and the distant drone of 10 one thousand mopeds.

Florence
Florence seen from Fiesole
quarry
historic quarry on Monte Cecini
Hike Monte Cecini
The shaded hike round Monte Cecini

You plunge into the woods.  The sounds of the city fade farther.  Vespas fizz virtually as loud as the hum of a few bees in the wild flowers.

Back in the twenty-four hour period it wasn't silent here.  Hammer and spike chipped away at the mountain, and your walk brings you past stern VIETATO! signs warning you abroad from the fallow quarries.  The human-made caves are overgrown and silent at present:  great yawning mouths of quiet.

The hike is non strenuous, and it's pretty well-marked.  Accept your time.  Bring some water. Bring a bar of dark chocolate and an orange so you tin sit on the low wall of an olive orchard.  Relax.

Are the views worth the hike?

Yous keep Monte Cecini always on your left, rounding its shoulder, until y'all notice Florence is gone all together.  Y'all're in the woods.  You might equally well exist a hundred miles from town.  That'southward when the best views come up.  Y'all find yourself in ane of those ten thousand mini-valleys that make Tuscany and so famous.  This is what it looks like.

olive grove
Subconscious valley: where'd Florence become?

The scene is more serene than sublime.  You are not struck past awe.  But you are happy.  You lot are content.  Y'all hear the  sound of your own footfall on the pine-harbinger track or on the gravel.  You hear birds.  The breeze that stirs the branches and carries the warm odour of autumn from the olive groves whispers in your ear:  Forget the urban center.  Listen to me.  Expect at the colors of things.

Y'all pass one hamlet too small for a store but not also pocket-sized for its own chapel and dome.  Yous contemplate the blue heaven, the rusty terracotta tile, the ochre stucco, the gray stone, and the livid carmine of dying leaves. V colors.  Dazzler.

The terminal mile is harder.  Parts seem like you're climbing down the dry bed of a mountain creek.  Fifty-fifty that stretch has its comforts.  You catch glimpses of your destination, the town of Settignano, cradled in the slopes of Tuscan hills.

Settignano
Settignano

After maybe three hours, you make information technology into town.  The main square is modest, with a cafe and not much more, but there's a bus end, and yous can footstep on the #10.  Twenty minutes brings y'all're back in the eye of the metropolis, the hustle and bustle, simply y'all're soul is OK.  Y'all're restored.

Website

If you want to hike from Fiesole to Settignano, I highly recommend you consult this website. I don't know why information technology's called "Art in Tuscany" when the website has an extensive "Walking in Tuscany" page.  I estimate it's a fault.  Merely we found the directions were incredibly authentic.  Merely in ane place did nosotros almost get lost–which is pretty darn adept for trekking in the woods.

When can I get?

You'll want to finish your hike at Settignano in daylight, which ways exit Firenze no afterwards than 4 hours earlier dusk.

Where is it?

You tin choice upwardly the #7 (towards Fiesole) right most the Stazione Santa Maria Novella–look at the pin below.

I was going through my typical morning routine; I showered, moisturized my face with aloe vera and lotion, so I moved to my hair. My Cantu Curl Activator bottle felt low-cal in my hand. My centre sunk. Suddenly, as if I had a vision of the futurity, I visualized myself walking through the streets of Florence with unmanageably dry, frizzy hair. My curl cream was the well-nigh of import part of my hair styling process. I nonetheless had two months left in Italian republic, and so how could I enjoy my stay if I wasn't happy with my appearance? That may audio conceited, but being unhappy with an of import aspect of your appearance can alter your whole mood. I began to panic. I realized I should accept brought extra bottles of pilus products, but this thought was about a month also belatedly.

During one of our many pre-departure meetings for my study abroad program, nosotros were blatantly told us to leave our hair products at home. They reassured the room full of girls with directly hair that they would detect a similar, if non the aforementioned, hair products in Italy. I immediately winced and rolled my eyes.

This assumption was directed towards a vastly white grouping of people without any regard to people of different colors or hair textures. There was no data geared towards people of different colors inside the endless amount of handouts nosotros received; all of the information was very generalized and exclusive to people with 1-2 hair types. I was left feeling anxious near what I should bring since in that location was no discussion or information for someone similar me within my study abroad program.

Would I actually find products for my curly hair in Italy? Would it be easy to find? Would at that place be a natural pilus section specifically geared towards 3-four hair types like they do in stores in America? Would information technology be empty-headed to pack multiple of all my pilus products? Luckily for y'all, I have all the information you need to know about what to exercise and where to look.

Why is traveling with curly hair difficult?

Maintaining natural hair can be hard. It requires a lot of fourth dimension to manage, wash, and style. Frequent wash-and-goes are not always an choice for all curly pilus types, nor is it healthy for every hair type. It is important to empathise that as someone with iii-iv hair type traveling to popular European destinations, information technology will be difficult to discover hair salons or hair products that cater to your hair type. Have the steps to avert having issues with your hair, such every bit sticking with a protective style, or finding ways to maintain your hair without using up about of your baggage space. But, if y'all have to bring a lot of products,

it is meliorate to be safe than sorry. It is important to bring the essentials. Moisturizer, gel, and curl cream are my must haves. What are yours?

Precautions made don't e'er work out.

Despite taking the steps to purchase actress containers for styling and keeping my curls happy and moisturized, it was non until a few weeks into my stay in Florence that I realized I was going to run out of product within the next month. I began to frantically search for blackness/natural hair stores or salons in the surface area, because unlike in The States, there are non specific sections within local grocery stores designated for hair types past direct and wavy pilus. Do non expect to hands find natural hair products in the typical hair stores or grocery stores around boondocks. You'll take to do some research.

Even before I knew I was going to run out of pilus product, I began looking effectually Florence, out of pure curiosity, for natural pilus stores, or even curly pilus products within grocery stores. I came across many pilus product stores, salons, and grocery stores that deport a vast variety of products for 1-2 hair types. I knew I probably wouldn't be able to notice Cantu or Shea Moisturizer, but I at least expected to run across pilus mousse, a possible emergency product I could utilize for my 3C hair. I didn't. I seemingly had no options for what I could use for my curls.

Don't exist disheartened. Practise inquiry.

Realizing that my options were virtually nothing, I tried to do some research. Googling "black hair salons in Florence" can exist a bit misleading. The outset pictures to come upwardly are of white Italian women with box-braids. I laughed out loud.

In United states of america, it's a common reaction for African-Americans, or anyone with any noesis of black protective styles, to immediately cringe when seeing a white person vesture box-braids. Not simply are at that place cultural issues surrounding the topic, but protective black hairstyles are very damaging to 1-2 type pilus patterns. I immediately believed that these salons would not have what I was looking for.

I slowly continued my enquiry within a span of a week or two, never finding anything useful. I looked up the prices of my hair products on Amazon and saw that I would be paying double the price if I were to social club it online. Too, receiving something in the post has been a rather unpredictable feel for me. One package took a month to go far while another arrived in less than 24 hours; needless to say, it was a footling too risky for me. I shied abroad from that option. Still, at this indicate, I had zero options for what I could put in my hair.

Permit curiosity lead y'all.

On my way back to my apartment from course, I passed a storefront that was decorated with colorful Afros that sat on summit of black mannequin heads. This display made me backtrack to peer into the windows of the shop. This sight was pretty unusual inside Florence. Black Dazzler was printed boldly on the side of the building, and part of me thought it was some poor joke, especially after only seeing white women with box-braids through my google searches too as the handfuls of white girls and middle aged Italian women that proudly wore this protective hairstyle. Also, the only people I saw clothing Afro wigs in Italy were Italians.

Every bit I perused the various wigs from outside the store, my eyes suddenly landed on familiar bright orange that my favorite pilus product was packaged in. I most screamed with joy. There, sitting on one of the diverse shelves crammed with hair products, was Cantu. Without thinking twice, I ran within the salon. There were only almost four Cantu products offered, which were manifestly bought in bulk and shipped from The States. Thankfully, the salon carried my nearly precious cream that was the crown during my daily hair ritual. At this point, I was on the brink of almost finishing my last canteen. It was exactly what I have been needing.

What type of products does Black Beauty have?

I noticed that at that place were many hair product options that were lined all effectually the store. Most of the products were unfamiliar brands that were seemingly shipped from unlike places of the world. From perm creams, to natural hair products, and pilus dyes, Blackness Beauty carries diverse production options for those with type 3 and iv pilus. If you are unsure of what products you need, come prepared with your questions written or typed out in Italian so that the salon owner can aid you the best she can. Although she is not fluent in English, she is very kind and willing to help!

Who does Blackness Beauty cater to?

Black Dazzler caters to everyone. Customers include both locals and tourists of all colors, though her main client type are college students, particularly students studying abroad. Do not exist agape to endeavour new hairstyles you lot accept been wanting to attempt, the hairstylists are very helpful and ready to find what may work best for you. Merely please do inquiry on new hairstyles you have never tried earlier. Depending on your hair blazon, certain styles can exist damaging and painful.

What services are offered?

Box-braids, dread-locking, sew-ins, extensions, haircuts, and wig styling. Diverse different types of wings and extensions are carried within the store.

What are the prices?

The prices are relatively like to the prices one would discover in U.s.. Information technology will exist effectually 80-100 euros depending on how many braids or dreads you would similar and what their length is. Extensions/ sew together-ins begin at 100 euros and can go up to 200 or more, also depending on the corporeality of extensions and their length. Communicating with the salon possessor is the best way to understand what your true price will terminate upward being, because that she offers and so many services.

Travel with confidence.

Maintaining whatever hair type can exist hard. If your pilus isn't to your liking, it tin be upsetting, causing you to become a little bit more self-witting. Since study abroad programs lack information for 3-four hair types, it may be confusing or even difficult to know what's all-time for you. Finding a shop that carries you hair products may be hard while traveling, simply Blackness Dazzler is the store to go to if you lot cannot notice annihilation for your curly pilus. Need your dreads re-twisted? Unhappy with your natural haircut? Are you craving to accept braids to avoid constantly styling your curls? Blackness Beauty has your dorsum and so you lot don't have to travel feeling whatever less confident than you should.

Location and Contact Information

Address: Via de' Ginori, 44/R, 50123 Firenze FI

Number: 055 289408

Hours: Tuesday-Sat from x AM- 7 PM

I walk into this tiny café and run across do-gooders.

What is Caffè Rainer?

The happy owners: Rudolf and Sylvia

The coffee store is a reminder of my petite hometown in S Carolina. It'southward simple. Slow-paced. Warm and familiar. There are shelves on the wall filled with books—give one, take 1, kind of deal. At that place's family unit history sharing the same space: the owner'due south coffee grinder from her granddad. An old card. Copper pots on the wall are from Sylvia's habitation in Padua. A black and white photo of her and her lively husband. They are happy, laughing and cherishing the moment betwixt two wonderful souls.

A true treasure of a java and pastry shop near where classes are held is the spot to be. Put together by husband and wife, Rudolf and Sylvia give their unique lives to brand this cafè a safe place for anyone traveling through, or the common written report abroad student such equally myself!

Foodie, are you lot?

The crunchy yummy goodness

My stomach roars like Simba while walking to this café. Probably because it knows where I am headed and can taste the delectable, fluffy pastries. Rudolf wakes each morning just before the sun rises and starts working on his treasures. The sweet pair is reflected by the patisseries made. A good croissant is chewy without beingness tough, and when you break open that flaky top, your olfactory organ is embraced by butter-land! There'southward besides cakes, biscotti, chocolates, and savory sandwiches. All of which is greatly troublesome to say no to. I often don't!

Why does this place feel comfortable?

Warm and familiar

I ever like to walk up to the counter, smiling graciously at the barista and say skilful morning in my all-time Italian emphasis (which isn't all that great) and ask for a cappuccino and an almond croissant. I take my sweet pastry and take a seat in the corner and fix my calculator or notebook to get to piece of work. I cherish this time. In u.s.a., you are expecte d to sit and piece of work while you drink your coffee. In Italian republic, it is expected to stand at the counter and drink your java before beingness on your way. This place immune me to stay and tend to my schoolwork without getting foreign glances. It is a safe place for me to do what needs to be done without having to worry nearly offending the culture… or embarrassing myself!

This caffè is a warm and welcoming place to exist. It is reliable and pleasant. The owners are constantly moving around each other in a dance of tango. Soft smiles, small touches, and an overwhelming sense of beloved. Information technology is absolutely cherishable to be in the room that emits a mannerly glow of affection. It feels similar a toasted marshmallow melting over creamy chocolate–everything sweet and skillful. The desire to be hither, more than to swallow or drink, but to feel those admirable moments is sumptuous in itself.

Who is the coffeemaker?

The person that works that magical, shiny espresso machine is a lovely Italian woman. She is patient. She is funny. She is hard-working. Every time I go into Caffé Rainer, I ask nigh all the pastries and what kind at that place are. She beams and laughs, already knowing what I was to enquire. She'due south very careful with her English as she tries her very best to describe to me the diverse types of opportunities. However, I always pick almond (because, honestly, in that location'due south no amend kind). Oh, look! It'due south already plated for me.

The mastermind behind the counter

Beautifully tanned skin, nighttime long hair, and lips that curve into a smile. Her vox glazes over words in an elegant gown of profession. She has the grandest smile, ane that should be displayed in the Uffizi gallery. I wonder her name, even though I frequent this small spot of effeminateness. I wonder why she feels the compulsion to run around in a controlled panic. She is item–her frail, deft fingers pulling levers on the espresso auto like dropping pennies in a fountain. Perchance my hidden gem is not the place itself, but the souls who run it. The girl, with hair pulled dorsum, reminds me of me. Delicate, similar a peony in the wind, dancing a silent tune. The owners, blithesome and passionate, are heavily inspired by each patron–to prove their appreciation and love.

Hands moving in swift movements, anxiety stepping over the mess spilled, vocalization softer than the foam on my cappuccino.

Where can I find the Caffè Rainer?

Anile by years of transmission labor, yet gentle and kind, both Giotto and his farm make it in equally the humblest of these hidden gems.

Empty clothesline's around Giotto'southward back porch make the farm more than than simply another "circuit" for us, simply a abode.

Ok, so not Old McDonald's, only what'south the hype?

At first glance, Giotto's Subcontract strikes no comparison to the old and familiar that are farms dorsum home.  Instead of the idealistic "red barn" and cotton-ball sheep dotting an open field, guests are greeted by a simple Italian dwelling house–scattered with chickens and ducks throughout overgrown 1000.  Quite significant in size for beingness in such close proximity to Florence, Giotto's land is decorated with olive trees and wandering vines–reflecting all shades of greens and yellows. The human being himself expresses just as gentle and organic nature as his surroundings, painting a pure picture of actuality.  Giotto's Farm definitely sits outside the realm of glitz and glam, but what it lacks in societal sparkle it offers tenfold in graphic symbol and soul.

Giotto's helper encouraging u.s.a. with lots of wags and kisses

Beyond the lay of the land, what'south the attraction?

Information technology would be beyond easy to enjoy a twenty-four hour period under Giotto's olive trees, picnicking while learning about the land and arts and crafts of farming from the man himself–kittens weaving around your artillery and lap.  During my visit our group enjoyed a petty over an hour near the end of the activity sitting and playing with those of the animals that were curious virtually us in return! However the handbasket weaving activity is what makes this venue the jewel that it is.  Learning the art of wicker basket weaving from Giotto and several other weavers provides more than an aesthetic or "artsy" fix, but allows you to bring together in on a long passed downward tradition and art. My grouping in specific came from due south-eastern The states, and wicker (simply primarily sweet grass) baskets adorn streets and homes daily.  Existence able to not just see, just participate in, the craft created a sense of domicile in the far abroad city of Florence.

What if you aren't a weaver?

A kind weaver lending me a very appreicated helping hand on my work.

Rest assured, I promise Giotto's basket weaving is a great deal easier than Underwater Basket Weaving at stay-away summer army camp!  Although sitting in front end of a prepare basket base and a pile of soaked bamboo twigs may be daunting at first, the weaver'due south seem to transfer their confidence and skill as their hands lead learners on each start technique.  Each weaver guides to the all-time of their ability, often helping quicken the process along by trimming precipitous ends or tucking twigs for both security and visual presentation. Although the linguistic communication bulwark of Italian to English language (and visa versa) made directions a little hard at first, trust quickly formed between the weavers sharing their arts and crafts and visitors having a personal project they are invested in.  It provided a sense of security knowing that they would not let yous exit with a piece of work you were less than proud of!

Who does this concenter?

All ages are represented through this activity at Giotto's Farm.  Young learning from old, and quondam learning from immature, an exclusive audience arguably does not exist.  With as timeless and long standing of a tradition as Basket Weaving is, it servers to intertwine generations and demographics.  Having fabricated something contributing to that history that yet still can be used at home (because aye! Baskets are take home!) fosters a productive and positive feeling worth smiling about on the journey back into Florence.  At least, I definitely felt that way when I was able to identify my keepsakes in my very own basket at the end of the twenty-four hour period!

"…beautiful things don't ask for attending"

**Address curtained for discretion; contact myself at allisonmm@g.cofc.edu for Giotto's data**

"It's no employ going dorsum to yesterday, because I was a different person then." – Lewis Carroll

I've found that a lot of my time spent away has been wandering by myself. I put my headphones in, shoulder my bag, and get-go weaving my manner through the people and streets. Most of the time I take no idea where I'm going, and I call up that's the all-time mode of self-discovery. You learn the places you prefer to exist and the thoughts you e'er find yourself thinking. Your mind seems to follow your body with its wandering. On 1 of these drifting adventures I uncovered my precious stone. I stepped through a green doorway and felt transported. Inside, the colors seemed brighter and I had the urge to take out my headphones to encounter if the sounds were different too. The sign in a higher place the door told me I had arrived at Melrose, but the habiliment on brandish made me feel similar I had stepped outside of time. Apparently, I needed an escape from reality because my anxiety had led me to a fourth dimension warp.

Where is Melrose?

Her apparel pops against my black sweater, that could be you.

If yous follow a brick lined street that winds abroad from the famous Florentine Duomo you'll be in that location in minutes. I slowed down in front end of Melrose a lot before I happened to actually go in. It seemed to always pop up on my walk domicile after class, growing with each pass until I could no longer ignore information technology. I thought it was destiny, but really I just have the same route habitation every day. Something I've been told many times to stop doing. If you're more than adventurous than me and wander more, or if you just don't believe in being guided solely past fate, y'all can spot the store easily by its mannequins continuing guard exterior. The 4 plastic people are missing noses and wearing wigs and you lot tin can't miss them. Each i stands proud in bright colors, like neon arrows flashing in between the crowds of passerby in neutrals. If you, like me, are tired of forcing yourself to fit into the morbid parade, swoop in towards the wild polka dots. This rabbit hole is as comforting equally it is strange.

What is this Place?

A Vintage Shop

Can you imagine draping these over your shoulders? The composure.

Melrose is a  jumbled collection of vintage clothing and accessories that are yours for the taking. Online it's manner has been described equally edgy-western. I recollect it'southward more. The wear here has personality, and I wade through decades as I wander.  I took two steps in and a rack of sequined sleeves brushed my left hand, the sunlight off their reflective circles winking at me.  In the back by the dressing rooms I spun around in a fringed leather jacket. The strips of black swung across my back and wrapped effectually my arms similar it was live on top of me. When I left my bag held a coiled up rainbow dirndl. So accept your expectations of shopping and raise them.

How much money am I dropping hither?

…a bit

I'm picturing these beneath a cuffed slack? Or with tights and a jumper? Really you lot can't go wrong.

It's hard to say what yous are going to be spending here. I found that the clothes were whispering to me when I drifted past them, it was their selection how many euros were going to be leaving my wallet, and I had no choice in the matter. The coats called out to me like that 1 wand in the hands of Harry Potter. He probably didn't want a twin wand to the evilest man in the world, and still the moment he held it in his fingers music sang, air current blew, and low-cal shined upon his forehead.

The imperial coat I visit to try on and say hello to.

That's exactly what happened to me when I tried on ane fur glaze. I didn't want to need a 3 hundred euro coat, but I did. Did I buy it? Absolutely not, I'm not rich. I was sad, but more so because I felt like I'd been deceived. You'd recollect that money wouldn't exist here. I mean if time stands still, money should lose its meaning also, right? Sadly, each particular is tagged with prices typed out in calligraphy. The crimper edges of the numbers are pretty, but they don't make up for the fact that this vintage store is pretty expensive. For reference, I spent 140 euros on a velvet 60'south blazer that physically refused to let go of my shoulders. The designer ties that keep telling me they'd exist a great gift for my brother vary from 35 to 70 euros.The never ending shelves of  leather dress shoes are tagged from 70 to 150. If you want a more substantial answer apropos cash, which you probably do, I would say that Melrose is pricey only worth it.

Whenever I make my walk by out of the green archway my steps are hesitant. I want to stay to hear the secrets from every single piece in the store. The gauzy shirts are telling me about the time they were sprawled under the dominicus on grassy fields in the seventies. The felted fedoras smell like history, and told me they sabbatum on the head of a journalist who wrote for a newspaper. I know in that location'due south more people to learn about. More people I can pretend to be when I effort on them on. This place is where you would become if you lot want to exist a new person. Or finally become the person you've e'er meant to be. Since self-discovery is something that's always talked about with time abroad, I think this is a skilful spot to visit on your journey. Observe out which clothes are calling to you lot. Put them on, look in the mirror and encounter who you get. Yous might be surprised by the reflection.

Via dei Ginori, 18r, Italy

Are you tired of the traditional Italian cuisine?

The small charming bar expanse where you can order drinks & small appetizers.

I never anticipated the day would get in when I grew weary of pizza and pasta. Don't get me incorrect- I wouldn't have studied away in Florence if I didn't honey Italian nutrient. I ate pasta and pizza almost every day for luncheon and dinner, and pastries for breakfast.  About half-way through my away journey, I began to yearn for some contrasting flavors. I could not believe I was actually getting ill of the local cuisine.  Later on living off of this succulent yet express nutrition, I began to long for some diverseness.  I dreamt about other food types, from sodium-filled Chinese sesame chicken to a classic American burger, to… ahh yes-  Spanish nutrient!  I stumbled uponLa Cova Tapas Bar, located well-nigh Palazzo Pitti, on a late afternoon in Florence.  This restaurant offers a flavorsome culling to the Italian cuisine. La Cova's menu includes tapas of all varieties, from traditional to fusion, while remaining at a low budget. Their wine selection is imported straight from the Iberian Peninsula, making a refreshing change from the Tuscan norm.  Give your tastebuds a suspension from Italian cuisine and enter a new realm of mouth-watering flavors at La Cova. This unique Spanish bar offers far more than meets the heart—across the somewhat cramped withal very quaint archway, within there is a whole other room that will leave you pleasantly surprised…

Sharing is caring?

When it comes to Spanish cuisine, the amount of choices can be overwhelming. However, at La Cova, the portions are much smaller. These small-seize with teeth tapas dishes are meant to be shared in a family-manner fashion. With such a wide diverseness of small plates, you will exist able to endeavor lots of new things without spending an astronomical amount of money. Whether you are looking for a small titbit with a beverage or a filling dinner, La Cova will not disappoint. Then, what should you lot lodge?

What are some archetype dishes of the Castilian tradition?

Our 1st round of dishes: Patatas Bravas, Queso, Calamari Frito, and Sangria!!)

There is a wide array of dishes when it comes to Spanish food, and La Cova successfully delivers a sense of authenticity to each of their dishes. One dish in particular that I thoroughly bask are croquetas de jamón(croquettes with ham). These are substantially deep-fried balls of delectable goodness that are simply irresistible! Some other dishes from the menu include Bacalao a la Miel (Cod-fish), and Pincho Moruno de Pollo (Spanish-way craven skewers). Equally for dessert, a Castilian become-to is crema catalana, which is the Spanish equivalent to a créme brûlée.  All of these dishes will make your confront a little rounder and your heart a little bigger!

Personal pitcher of Sangria? Say less!

No Spanish meal is complete without a little (or a lot) of Sangria.  The potable itself is and so lovable for many reasons. At La Cova, this potable is visually pleasing- the chunks of fruit are submerged in the deep maroon vino, accompanied with a wooden spoon to act as a stirrer.  About seven euros for a personal pitcher, this typical Spanish beverage is more refreshing; the tart flavors are tempered by its sweetness, giving it a complex, exhilarating taste.  Whether y'all accompany it with a lite appetizer or a hearty feast, this beverage will exist the perfect compliment to your culinary experience.The carte du jour even had more than than ane flavor of Sangria to choose from, and each one contained a mixture of brightly colored apples and oranges. It's technically healthy since you lot're eating fruit…right?

And so, why should you come up to La Cova?

Array of cute plants & flowers by the seating areas

As cute and cozy as ever, this room is advisedly busy with colorful flowers and eclectic items. The wooden chairs and tables are of different shapes and colors, calculation a vibrant nonetheless rustic charm that makes you forget that yous're in Italy! With such a wide variety of tapas, from dishes like patatas bravas (fried potato served with aioli sauce and salsa brava), to melt in your oral cavity croquettes, you lot (and your tastebuds) volition not be disappointed. This restaurant is perfect for an informal evening with friends, especially on weekend nights where at that place is live music!

Where can I find La Cova?

My usual order: medium cappuccino with soy milk

In demand of a large coffee?

Accept y'all ever seen a cappuccino the size of a human head? Think I'm kidding? I'm not. I promise you lot will not find a Starbucks venti sized coffee anywhere in Florence, but these cappuccinos come up pretty close. It must be an Italian thing where they believe everyone should merely gulp downwards an espresso rather than indulge in an oversized coffee similar Americans exercise. At Caffè Rosanò they serve everything from cappuccinos, to americanos to lattes ranging in sizes from small, medium, large and extra-large. The larges are carefully crafted cups of white, frothy, goodness poured over layers of thick, bitter espresso into salad like bowls. I accept not had the courage to social club an extra-large for I fear that my breadbasket would non be able to handle such a size, merely I urge you lot to endeavor it. Pro tip: smiling actress big and they might simply drizzle it with warm chocolate and powder it with cinnamon.

Dairy intolerant?

Colorful sign exterior

It is a struggle for us non-dairy folks here in Italia. The gelato, the thick blocks of cheese in every corner window, the soft dollops of mozzarella on margarita pizzas, it is hard to resist. Trust me, I get it. Thankfully, at Caffè Rosanò they have the option of substituting soy milk in any java drink instead of regular milk. Hooray for no more stomach aches! Along with that they likewise have vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options. A good for you culling to the typical Italian cuisine of pizza, pasta and bread. Because although all those carbs can exist then delicious, at that place comes a time that you volition exercise almost annihilation for a healthy substitution, peculiarly a dairy free one.

Who doesn't love a gratis croissant or chocolate to become?

The customer service here is unmatched. Vivid, cheery faces, and "Ciaos" all around. As you walk in the dark, wooden entryway, the smell of oven baked croissants and freshly brewed java wafts effectually the small dining area, like a breath of fresh air. And if you lot go every bit often as I practice, they will soon acquire your name and society, and then it is quite fast and easy pick me up, especially if y'all're tardily to course. I would non recommend going any later than noon or you will find an empty display of where the croissants used to lay, an unfortunate sight to see. As a style of maintaining the influx of customers, they truly value y'all as one of their ain, even if you are American. Mauro, the owner, ever treats his guests to a gratis croissant or miniature chocolate bar as a thank you. That is a reason to go in all in itself!

Searching for a substantial breakfast?

What meliorate way to cure a morning later on the Italian nightlife than a squeamish thick, sesame bagel and a vegan cappuccino. Bagels in Florence, equally I have found, are hard to come past. Here at Caffè Rosanò they have the almost succulent New York style bagel, smeared with frail cream cheese, fresh avocado and savory smoked salmon. Try pairing it with a chocolate cappuccino to feel the sweet and savory flavors all in 1. Not sold? Well, they also take several different selections of fresh omelets, crispy crêpes, warm paninis and tossed salads. The menu offers a wide multifariousness of options to fill you up and keep you energized for the rest of the mean solar day, considering you definitely will be walking, a lot.

View from my favorite corner spot

Escape wifi!

Unfortunately, this café is not the best for homework purposes, but information technology is nifty for taking in the beautiful, cobble stoned metropolis streets of Florence and interacting with the surrounding guests. Hither y'all can sit down inside at one of the scattering of square tables, or outside, purely based on personal preference and of course the weather. The outdoor seating is limited simply it is located on one of the side streets off the browbeaten path, away from the tourist chaos. Walk around the Duomo for five minutes and you'll know what I hateful past "tourist chaos." Without wifi it gives off the 18-carat appeal of what a coffee shop should feel like; filled with chatter (both Italian and American), laughter, people reading, writing and observing. Bring a skillful book or a journal, similar I practise, and check it out for yourself. Plus, this is a great place to people watch while you sip your coffee.

Hours:Monday-Friday: 7:30-4pm

Phone: +393381541315

Location: Via S. Gallo, 29, 50129 Firenze FI

The unmarked shop from street view.Shoutout to the random man posing for the photograph

What is the unmarked shop?

The lira, an outdated and at present useless currency are repurposed to brand something beautiful. Coins not used since 2002 are cleaned and so Repubilca Italiano tin can be read clearly and fabricated into necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. This is the life of the unmarked store in a nutshell. It is a reference back to the birth of Florence. Those who work in the store and the possessor love the history of their city and meet their store as a think to simpler times. A time earlier the euro and even a time farther back before the lira. They have tied themselves to the antiquity of Florence and give their customers the Florentine appurtenances we all crave. The shop is an explosion of creativity on the inside, but you would not realize it only passing by it. There are no signs or data virtually what the store is. It is a completely unmarked shop. It is a jewelry shop that has a wide drove of necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings. There are too shelves of journals, some numberless, and random items scattered effectually the store. Each artisan was picked carefully past the one-time woman who owns the shop. They say that it is from the small artisan that Florence was born- some other testament to the history of their dear city. Following true to their love for history and tradition there is absolutely no online presence. They have no website, social media, or annihilation. If yous look upwardly the address of the store yous will see the storefront of the unmarked store, but it has this name: Eredi di Pastacaldi Giulia. None of the workers know this name and those I have talked to have never heard of it. Information technology just appeared. No one knows where it came from. For the workers, they just phone call the store by its address, simply for me, it is the mysterious unmarked store.

How do I find the unmarked shop?

Florence shopping abroad hand-made
Storefront of the unmarked store

I stumbled into the store on my mode dorsum from walking aimlessly around the urban center. It is not a hard place to stumble into. Fifty-fifty though the store doesn't have a sign it is in a great location in betwixt the Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti. If you are really making it your mission to get at that place then the formal address is Via de' Guicciardini, 118R, 50125 Firenze. However, I loved walking down this street and looking into every shop window until I came across their intriguing storefront. It was the first of my gamble here and with a store such equally this yous must notice it by accident. It's part of the experience. You are uncovering a hugger-mugger and you might need to do a little digging. You are being let into the secret society of the unmarked store.

Florence shopping abroad handmade
Simona working on sewing some zippers to go necklaces

Who makes the jewelry?

All of the jewelry is made in Florence and those who brand them work in the store and y'all tin usually spot them working on their pieces as they are working the register. If you lot ask them they volition testify yous where their stuff is located and volition work yous through the procedure of making their pieces. I of the artisans at the store is Simona and she is perchance the about graceful woman I have ever met. She does a lot of unlike pieces. Simona loves what she does because everything is mitt made and original. She says that sometimes people will come up in and want ii of the same affair, merely it is about impossible because no matter what, it will always be slightly different. Everything is a creation of its own and yous tin exist ensured that what y'all buy volition exist ane-of-a-kind. Her pieces are more often than not fabricated out of recycled pieces like former zippers or lira. She loves making new uses out of quondam items. Simona is also up for making anything. One woman came in and was interested in the Lira jewelry she makes, only wanted information technology to be gold. Simona explained to me that the coins were non historically in that colour, just she was happy to work on it and brand information technology happen for the adult female. The lady came in again after the next few days to pick up her dyed Lira necklace and earrings. Simona was then proud that she could help the woman create what she wanted. If you walk in and she is working, the rest of your day will exist spent with a smile on your face. She says she does not speak English well, but information technology is absolutely flawless and if you want to practise your Italian she volition help you lot along and she won't make you feel embarrassed. Even though the unmarked store does not have a proper name or a website you can find Simona'due south work online. If you wait up Comespora it tin can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and Etsy. She did warn me that it takes her longer to practise anything online than information technology does to consummate one piece of jewelry, but you should definitely check out her piece of work.

What kind of jewelry can I find there?up-cylced fashion shopping Florence Study abroad

This place is eclectic and has so many different styles. There are pieces made out of zippers and fabrics, some just fabricated out of buttons, some are random things found throughout the urban center, and they also have cameos which are pendants made out of a carved shell. There is even a section where everything is made out of upwards-cycled technology. Y'all can tell each maker's personality every bit yous migrate to different parts of the store and notice what they make. If yous are looking for a wild statement piece or a casual fleur-de-lis to signify your fourth dimension in Florence you will take a successful trip to this store.

What is the quality of the jewelry?

This is purely costume jewelry. I purchased a cameo of the goddess flora necklace for 26 euros. It is said to bring me proficient fortune. The pendant is beautiful, merely the chain is magnetic. I had asked 1 of the workers if she had made information technology and she had not, just she told me that it truly was made out of a shell. I like to believe her, just walking on the Ponte Vecchio and seeing the prices for some of the cameos does brand one a footling suspicious. However, at the end of the twenty-four hours, I don't actually care. I love the necklace. I had looked upward to see how to tell if a cameo is authentic and information technology involved purchasing a magnifying drinking glass and examining information technology and I realized it didn't really matter. No one is coming that close to my neck to determine if my pendant is real. I take visited the shop a few times and take yet to meet the man who makes the cameos for the store.

Who Is The Owner?

I would love to tell you, but I truly do not know. Role of me loves this eerie mystery, but at the end of the day, I need to solve information technology. Besides, if you e'er find out who or what Pastacaldi Giulia is delight permit me know.

Books handmade shopping Florence
Shelves of journals establish at the back of the shop