My Love Story with Florence
- trulyitalytours
- May 30
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 31
There are cities you visit, and then there are cities that change you forever. Florence—Firenze—is one of those cities. It reached into my soul and whispered, "You belong here." From the moment my feet met those timeworn cobblestones, something inside me shifted. I wasn't just another tourist snapping photos of the Duomo (though, my God, the Duomo...). I was someone remembering something I never consciously knew. It felt like a homecoming of sorts.
Today, I’m writing this as a love letter to that city and the life I built within its sun-drenched walls.
A Seed Planted by Family
My connection to Italy was born from a yearning to explore a world unlike my own. My Nonna/Nana, who was born in a small town outside Modena, planted the seed of Italy deep within me. Even though she had conflicting feelings about me visiting due to her experiences during WWII, her spirit lingered in my heart. Her smile in a faded photograph sits next to my computer as I write this, reminding me of my roots as I made my way to Florence for the first time.
Becoming More Than a Visitor
Many students come to Florence. Not all stay. I didn’t at first. However, I kept coming back until one day, in 2009, I decided to stay for good.
Living in Florence was not always romantic. There were bills to pay, bureaucratic mazes to navigate, and language barriers to hurdle. But amidst these challenges, there was a rhythm—a slow, authentic pulse I learned to follow.
I discovered how the day pauses for siesta. I learned that a single espresso can stretch into a thirty-minute conversation. Eventually, I wasn't just surviving in Florence; I was living it. I ordered coffee like a local, greeted my fruit vendor Eugenio (who always tossed in a little something extra), and even found myself dreaming in Italian.
That's when I knew I had crossed over. From visitor to local. From tourist to traveler.
The Florence No One Tells You About
Living there also meant experiencing Florence in a way no guidebook could describe.
I spent long days teaching English for meager pay. I biked through narrow streets, feeling the wind in my hair. I had soul-baring conversations with my dear friend Pasquale, who grounded me with his quiet wisdom. Nights were spent under shooting stars in fields outside Santa Brigida, chased by giant Italian bees (Calabrone still freak me out, and yes, they are terrifying).
I found favorite panino spots, like the one run by Luca and Leo, where I’d sit and soak in political debates in Italian. Pangie's—our beloved local trattoria—now gone, like so many beloved places in Florence. But that's the nature of cities. They evolve, and so do we.
Florence Taught Me to Slow Down
Back then, I didn’t have a car. I didn’t have insurance payments or a mountain of responsibilities. I had a bike, a modest apartment, and a fierce determination to make my life in this place.
I learned to slow down, not because it was trendy, but because it was necessary. Life forced me to pause. And in those pauses, I found myself. I found meaning.
Why I Created Truly Italy
When people ask me why I created Truly Italy, I think about all these stories. The hidden ones. The real ones. The moments that made me feel alive, connected, and transformed.
Truly Italy was born out of a desire to give travelers a taste of that Italy. The one that embraces you like an old friend. It invites you to sit, sip, learn, and listen. Not just to see Italy—but to feel it.
I don’t want you to check Italy off your list. I want you to walk away feeling like you lived there. Like you belonged.
So if this story stirs something in you—if you’ve ever longed to not just visit but to belong somewhere—maybe it’s time. Maybe Florence is calling you too.
The Heart of Authentic Experiences
In Florence, every corner tells a story. Every meal is a celebration. I remember the first time I tasted pici pasta, handmade by a local nonna. It was a simple dish, yet it was filled with love and tradition. That’s the essence of Italy—food that nourishes the body and soul.
As I wandered through the bustling markets, I felt the pulse of the city. The vibrant colors of fresh produce, the laughter of vendors, and the aroma of baked goods filled the air. I often found myself lost in conversations with locals, sharing stories and laughter. It was in these moments that I truly understood the Italian way of life.
Embracing the Seasons
Italy is a land of seasons, each bringing its own charm. Spring bursts forth with blossoms, while summer invites long, lazy afternoons under the sun. Autumn paints the landscape in warm hues, and winter brings a cozy stillness. Each season offers a unique experience, a chance to connect with the land and its people.
I remember wandering through the vineyards in Tuscany during the harvest. The air was filled with laughter and the sound of clinking glasses as friends gathered to celebrate the fruits of their labor. It was a reminder that life is best enjoyed together.
The Journey Continues
As I reflect on my journey, I realize that my love for Florence is not just about the city itself. It’s about the connections I’ve made, the lessons I’ve learned, and the memories I’ve created. Each experience has shaped me into who I am today.
Ready to experience Italy like a local?
Join me in 2026 for one of our Truly Italy experiences—whether you're drawn to the olive groves of Tuscany or the sparkling shores of Sardinia.
Our curated journeys are slow, soulful, and designed to help you feel at home in Italy.
✨ Spots are limited, so if you’re dreaming of figs in the twilight, fresh pasta with new friends, and the kind of stories that stay with you long after you return home—
👉 Click below to explore our upcoming trips:
Let’s fall in love with Italy together.
Comments