In the months leading up to my departure for Florence this fall, I had friends, friends of friends, my mom's friends, their kids, and neighbors all tossing advice at me. They told me what to pack, where to eat, and how to travel locally...but they left out a few significant points.
1. Don't Pack For 4 Months In The Caribbean
Florence is a city on a river. Sure, when you first get here you'll be sweating 24/7 (especially with the lack of AC in apartments). However, with no AC comes no heat, too. When it cools down in late September, you're going to want your sweaters.
2. No One Pays With A Credit Card
Make sure you know how to use the ATM machine as soon as you arrive, and travel with euros at all times. Most places here only accept euros, not cards.
3. Traveling: It's Only Easy If You Know What You're Doing
Sound a little counter-intuitive? Before traveling abroad, everyone told me how easy it was to use the trains, find flights, etc. Four weeks into my stay, I can say with some confidence I am sure I can get from point A to B. Save yourself the stress and walk to the Bus2Alps office. They can help you find flights on google and explain the trains (free of charge).
4. Bus2Alps: The Love Hate Relationship
Was Bus2Alps cheaper than trying to book a trip to Germany for Oktoberfest on my own? Yes. Is a 9 hour bus ride as bad as it sounds? Yes. Pick your poison.
5. Wheels + Cobblestone Don't Mix
Running to catch the train? Try running and dragging a carry-on behind you while it gets caught in uneven cobblestone. Buy or bring a backpack to travel with on the weekends.
6. Ask For Punch Cards At Your Favorite Coffee Shop
Many places offer a punch card for daily customers. If you get coffee at the same place every morning, ask if they have one. Many bars have them too!
7. No, For The Sixth Time Today I Don't Want To Buy A Selfie Stick
8. Taxis Are God's Gift To Florence
Like a bad date, the taxis here are fast and cheap. (They're also all nicer than any car I will ever own at home.) They have plenty of space for luggage, too.
9. You Don't Need Ikea
There is a Macy's-like department store in Piazza della Republica. The top floor has everything you need for an apartment.
10. Don't Grocery Shop For The Week
The groceries here aren't made with preservatives, which means they won't stay "fresh" for long. I visit Conad's daily and buy only what I need for the night. Plus, when you share an apartment with several others your shelf space is limited.
Unless you're willing to pay 6 euro a jar...I'm so sorry for your loss.
12. The Dollar Store Is Literally A Dollar Store
The guy behind the counter literally counted the number of items I had, and that was the amount I had to pay.
13. You Have To Ask For The Check
In the U.S., your bill is given to you without you needing to ask. Here, you have to ask for it (and then probably wait another fifteen minutes to actually pay it).
14. The Ratio of Dogs To Humans In The City Is 2:1
Dogs here have free reign. No leashes, and no regard for where you're stepping on the sidewalk. Accept the fact that you will step in dog poop about twice a day, on average.
15. Buy A Postcard Everywhere You Visit
When you get home, everyone is going to want to know where you visited. It's cool to say "yeah I went there," but not cool to have no clue what it's called.
16. Organize Your Photos
When you finally sit down with family at home to show them about your travels, you're not going to want them to see all of the snapchat videos you saved from Oktoberfest. Do yourself a favor.
