The semester is over, my abroad besties have flown away, and my summer is just now beginning (in Europe)!

First Stop: Florence, Italy.

Little did I know at the start of this journey, how deeply I would fall in love with Italy.

From Venice to Milan, the Italian Riviera, ever-so famous Cinque Terre, enchanting Florence and Tuscany countrysides, historical Roma, and the Amalfi Coast – Italy proved to be a gem filled with hidden treasures and beautiful sites to see.

This adventure was the longest solo trip I took during my time abroad, and absolutely one of my favorites. I started off in Florence, ready to experience all the city has to offer by foot and on my own. I fell in love with this city, and quickly learned why so many students choose this to be their abroad home base.

I connected with a few groups of girls that had just moved to Florence. They were just starting their summers abroad, as my time was ending. I shared my advice and memories with them, we explored Florence together with fresh eyes, and shared a bottle of wine (or two) while watching the sun set over the city and sink down behind the Tuscan hillside.

To keep it short and sweet, this post will be filled with Florence – Cinque Terre, Tuscany, Rome, and the Amalfi Coast are soon to come!

Besos,

Madeline Alice Johnson

Side Note: This blog post is originally from May 13 – 19, 2016