Florentine Dreams

For two weeks, our group of Global Navigators have been immersed in the rich history, art, and culture of Rome. Yet, an adventure was calling them just a little further north in Italy, whispering promises of Renaissance art, Tuscan beauty, and unforgettable memories. That call was heeded, and our group of Global Navigators traveled to the city of Florence for an overnight trip.

Our group's journey started at Roma's Termini Station, where we boarded a sleek, high-speed train bound for Florence. As any good traveler knows.........you always have to be prepared for the unexpected........for us that was a nearly 2 hour departure delay waiting on the train (but the delay was well worth the Florentine experience.) Once the train was ready to leave the station, we were transported through the picturesque Italian countryside. For many of our Global Navigators, this was their first time traveling on train, let alone a high-speed one, and the sense of adventure was intoxicating.

Upon arriving in Florence, the city welcomed us with its charming cobblestone streets, terracotta roofs, and the majestic dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore dominating the skyline. We quickly settled into our cozy hostel, eager to explore the treasures this city had to offer. But before exploration could happen, we of course needed to stop for some lunch.....What was on the menu? Traditional Tuscan Schiacciata Sandwiches. 

With their stomachs filled with nourishment, it was now time to nourish their minds. The next stop on our itinerary was the Uffizi Gallery, home to one of the most important collections of Renaissance art in the world. As our Global Navigators wandered through its hallowed halls, they were captivated by masterpieces from artists like Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. "The Birth of Venus" and "Primavera" by Botticelli left us particularly spellbound, their beauty and detail far exceeding what they had seen in textbooks and online images.

After visiting the Uffizi, our group split into smaller groups, each setting off on their own mini-adventures. Some of us indulged in shopping along Via de' Tornabuoni, admiring the luxury boutiques and charming local shops. Others sat in quaint cafes, sipping espresso and watching the world go by. Some opted into satisfying their sweet tooth by indulging in some chill gelato, smoothies, crepes, and strawberries. The allure of Italian sweets was irresistible! 

That evening, we indulged in a Tuscan feast at a local trattoria -- Dante e Beatrice. The flavors of ragu and pesto pastas danced on our taste buds, cementing our love for Italian cuisine. As students shared stories and laughed around the table, a sense of camaraderie and shared adventure took root. And that brought an end to the night in Florence......but our story is not over.

Our Florentine experience continued for another day with some more free time for exploration and a cultural visit to the Galileo Museum. Here, our Global Navigators delved into the scientific advancements of the Renaissance. The museum's exhibits, showcasing Galileo's telescopes, compasses, and other scientific instruments, offered a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of history's greatest scientists. For many students, their top highlights from the Galileo Museum was getting to interact with our tour guide (who was like a real-life Mary Poppins, carrying around a bag that had an endless supply of instruments for the students to engage with) and seeing the the remains of Galileo's index finger (cool but creepy at the same time)! By the end of the tour, though, all students were marveled at how the Renaissance spirit of curiosity and discovery mirrored our own journey of learning and exploration.

Leaving Florence after visiting the Galileo Museum was bittersweet. Our Global Navigators had fallen in love with the city’s vibrant culture and timeless beauty. Many of us found ourselves wishing we had more time to explore its treasures and soak in its ambiance. The return train ride to Rome was filled with a mix of exhaustion and elation, and a unanimous sentiment: we would return to Florence one day.

Back in Rome, our adventure continued with dinner on the rooftop terrace of our hotel with stories and games, but Florence had left an indelible mark on our hearts. We had glimpsed the Renaissance spirit firsthand, and it had ignited a desire within us to learn, explore, and embrace the world with open minds. Our overnight trip to Florence wasn't just a brief escape; it was a transformative experience, one that would inspire us for years to come.

Looks like we're moving onward into our last week in Rome! Where has the time gone? If this upcoming week is anything like the other two, I can say that it will be a memorable one for everyone!