Dear Diary,

Where do I even begin? How do I put into words the wonders I saw with my eyes in the Tuscan region of Italy? Her colors, from skies to graffiti and parks, do not come close to what black-on-white texts can tell you about this experience.

NYU Florence, one of New York University's global academic sites, is a breathtaking blend of academic excellence and historical grandeur, situated on the outskirts of Florence, Italy. The campus is housed on the magnificent Villa La Pietra estate. This estate was once owned by the Acton family, who were renowned art collectors, and the villa itself is an architectural masterpiece, embodying the rich cultural heritage of Florence. The artworks from the Acton family art collection are now displayed there, and it has evolved to be a well-established home museum. As an art history student, at least for the duration of my J-Term, living and studying on this estate and in an area rich in art and history, I received what was the epitome of experiential education.

The Villa La Pietra estate is surrounded by lush gardens, olive groves, and rolling hills that offer a serene and inspiring environment for students. You could not compare your view through a window of a campus building anywhere in the world with the one in Florence, because in Florence when you exit a classroom, you immediately reconnect with nature, culture, and history. The gardens, designed to be a classical Italian garden, are meticulously maintained and feature ornate fountains, Roman-like statues, and pathways lined with grand cypress trees, and nature’s skyscrapers, creating a tranquil atmosphere that feels worlds away from the bustling city center. Sometimes you forget that there exists urban life only 10 minutes away by foot because of the bubble Florence puts you in. The lands are large enough to make you feel as though the greenery and old villas that engulf you are all that Florence is. One short bus trip, however, will take you to the brown and beige palette of old, medieval-like townhouses that will remind you otherwise.

Florence, which is frequently referred to as the cradle of the Renaissance, was essential to Europe's creative and cultural renaissance in the 14th through 17th centuries. Some of the most well-known museums and art galleries in the world are located in the city, such as the Uffizi Gallery, which is home to works of art by luminaries such as Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli. Nearby, the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone bridge lined with shops, offers a picturesque view of the Arno River.

My traveling tip would be that you do not cross the Ponte Vecchio Bridge. You will likely not come close to the experience of seeing it from another bridge. Its exterior is where all its beauty is found: at sunset, with the water reflecting stars into your eyes and camera lens, with a busker playing old Italian classics starting with Dean Martin on his guitar next to you. The city’s culinary landscape is another celebration of tradition. With its simplicity and high-quality local ingredients, it is entirely rooted in centuries of culinary heritage. Walking through the cobblestone streets of Florence, the aroma of freshly baked bread, simmering sauces, and roasting meats wafts from trattorias and osterias, inviting you to indulge in a feast of flavors, where humble ingredients are transformed into hearty and flavorful dishes. Another traveler’s tip: Tourist hotspots that are well-known restaurants with noteworthy ratings are less likely to give your taste buds any issues, but local hotspots will bring you true homemade delight for a lower price. They are easy to find without the help of your phone. Find the places furthest away from tourist attractions and town centers, and pay attention to who is dining at such places. The more Florentine locals there are at the location, the more that location is a local favorite (you can distinguish an Italian from an American just by looking at them. No need to wait to hear a different language). In reality, Abu Dhabi is my home. I spent my whole life here and wouldn’t dream of having it any other way. But, those three weeks in Florence made me feel like I found a second home. My first time living in a country on my own could not have gone better. Alas, a student’s life in Florence must be seen and lived, not read.