Revelations in Florence

 
When I first arrived, I was excited to see what the culture was like in Florence. However, there were a few aspects of daily life that took me by surprise. One thing I wish I had known beforehand was the difference in coffee culture between Italy and the United States. In the US, coffee is often consumed quickly and in large to-go cups. However, in Florence, coffee is more of a slow process. Italians take their time to savor their espresso at a bar or standing at the counter. They take a chance to pause, chat with friends, and appreciate the rich flavors of coffee. I wish I had known to embrace this slower pace and not look ridiculous drinking mine so fast.
 
Another aspect that surprised me was how incredibly walkable Florence is. With its narrow, stone streets and stunning architecture, the city is easy for you to explore on foot. From the Ponte Vecchio to the Duomo, everything was within reach. I soon realized that wandering through the streets was the easiest way to find the best spots in the city. I even found my favorite coffee stop by just walking down a couple of streets from my apartment.
 
While walking was my preferred mode of transportation, I quickly discovered that Florence's public transportation system was much more useful than I initially thought. The bus and tram networks efficiently connected different parts of Italy, making it easy to reach destinations further away or navigate through unfamiliar areas. The efficient public transportation system allowed me to venture beyond the city center and explore the surrounding areas, such as Rome and Milan. I wish I had known to utilize public transportation earlier in my time in Florence, as it would have opened up even more opportunities for exploration, and I could have gone to places such as Venice.
 
One of the most surprising revelations for me was the fact that tipping waiters is not customary in Italy. Coming from a culture where tipping is considered a standard practice, it initially felt strange not to leave a tip after a meal. However, I soon learned that service charges are often included in the bill, and leaving a small amount as a gratuity is entirely optional. I was happy to save a few dollars by not tipping but because I was used to tipping so much, I felt bad not leaving any money for the waiters.
 
Reflecting on my time in Florence, I am grateful for the lessons I learned along the way. I wish I had known about the distinctive coffee culture, the joy of wandering through the city on foot, the efficiency of public transportation, and the different tipping customs. Nevertheless, these surprises allowed me to embrace a new way of life, appreciate the nuances of Italian culture, and develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the uniqueness of Florence.