Arrival!

This fall I am studying away in Arezzo, Italy for three months as part of one of the study away program Furman offers. I will be studying clarinet performance, conducting, and music history at the Academy of Art. In between classes, practicing, exploring my surroundings, and trying to stay in contact with loved ones back home, I will try to post as much as I can about my experiences. Starting with ... traveling and my first night in Arezzo!


On Monday, September 1, I Began my adventure by flying out of Charlotte to Munich, Germany. At first the plane was exciting. I've never Traveled intern and have only flown once before so I was excited to get back onto a plane and actually fly over an ocean this time. And we had a ton of selections of movies to watch and I could legally drink so what was not to be excited about? Yeah, this excitement Lasted maybe an hour. That almost ten hour flight was absolutely miserable. Not to mention it was a red eye flight. Trying to sleep longer available in a crowded space, sitting up, and still being on US time did not go well. Needless to say, we were all extremely happy when we arrived to Munich. 

After much coffee and a short layover in Germany, we got on a plane to Florence, Italy ... excuse me, a super tiny plane to Florence. The plane so tiny, crowded, and everyone wanted to change seats to be by Their spouse or whatever. So after a game of musical chairs, we finally Took off. The plane ride was absolutely gorgeous. Flying over the Alps and Tuscany, and seeing the hills with the large villas and greenery, was a breathtaking experience. Then of course cheesy blackberries airport drama; That our prayers baggage would arrive, other's flights being late, and so on. Luckily, everyone made it and my luggage Eventually got to Florence the same time I did. Everyone at this point was just happy we were in Italy, yet still annoyed That We Had to ride on a bus for an hour until we got to Arezzo and the Academy. 

The excitement and the "Oh my God, we're actually living in Italy" feeling hit everyone as we pulled into the Academy. This beautiful, large, yellow Italian villa was going to be our home for the next three months. The views are stunning, no matter Which window you look out, you will always see a picture that looks like a postcard. However, no words or pictures will be Able to do this view justice. In front of the Academy, you look out into the city of Arezzo, seeing the bellotwer of the Duomo (the main church in Arezzo). On all other sides, the Accademia is Surrounded by Tuscan hills. Guys, let me tell you, Those "romantic" pictures of Italy you see That you probably think are photoshopped or taken at the perfect moment in time, that's the view all the time. It's real. 

We got our room assignments, and how to find out I'm one of the view that's in the casino or annex, Which is a separate part of the Academy. know lugging our suitcases up stairs Those, so much fun. But our room is really nice and we have a wonderful view of the city. After unpacking, I was finally Able to shower and after traveling for an Entire day straight, I do not think a shower Has ever felt so glorious. A little bit later That evening, we had our first Italian meal and the food was incredible! Every here is so fresh unlike a lot of the food I'm used to back in the United States. It's going to be hard to go three months without my usual Taco Bell, but it'll be worth it. 

Later That Night, we all Arezzo Walked into downtown for some drinks and to just hangout. The walk was about twenty minutes but on our way to the bar we passed by some many beautiful and historical buildings. It's hard to believe that some of these buildings have been here since the 200's. Exploring downtown Arezzo was an experience, all the people in the streets, the fountains, churches, statues, etc. I didn't realize that the area was going to be as big as it was, and we did end up getting lost while trying to walk back to the Accademia (but we eventually made it). 

I'm not quite sure how this semester is going to go yet. Everyone is really close with one another and I'm not sure where I fit in with that yet. I also am missing my family and loved ones and South Carolina a lot more than I thought I would. But this experience is going to be worth it, I mean, I am living in Italy after all. It's nice to get out of the Furman stress bubble and into a program that is so involved with creating artists and strives to keep the arts alive. However, unlike the United States, I don't believe the arts will ever die in Italy.