Ciao!

The DoumoMy name is Bianca Ambrosino and I am a junior at Gallatin. My concentration should be more decided then it is, but it is a mix of history and political science. I have lived in New York City for all of my life with the exception of the first two years of college where I attended Ithaca College upstate. I decided to study abroad in Florence because I am Italian and I love Italian culture. I also felt it was the perfect place to study because of it’s rich history and it’s unique political atmosphere. I also knew that I wanted to be in a city, and I couldn’t think of a prettier or more interesting city then Florence. I live in a beautiful apartment with 12 other girls directly in the center of the city. When I step out my door, I can look down the street and see Piazza San Marco in one direction and the Duomo in the other. So far this experience has seemed like a dream, I keep pinching myself because YES, you really do live in Florence. I am really excited about being able to travel all around Europe. I had been to Italy once before, but that was the one and only time I had been to Europe. I have already booked a ticket to visit Paris in a few weeks, and I get so excited thinking of all of the options for spring break. To be able to just hop on a plane after class and fly to Paris for the weekend is truly unbelievable, and an experience that I may never have again. The first book I am reading is Room with a View. After reading the New York Times articles about it, I knew it would have to be the first book I read in Florence. I love that the neighborhoods and landmarks described in the book are places that I am quickly becoming familiar with.