Siena + San Gimignano

Romper (similar)-Anthropologie// Sweater- Forever 21

If I could describe the atmosphere in Florence I would definitely say its much like New York. Very busy streets, a lot going on and shops lining every corner. Although I love the big city feel and hustle and bustle of Florence, it was refreshing to take a day trip to Sienna and San Gimignano to get a taste of the small town feel of Italy. Since both towns were quite small, there wasn’t a whole lot to do other than shopping and eating (which are actually my two favorite things so I’m not complaining). However, I really enjoyed just exploring the towns and taking in all of their beauty. In Sienna I had the most amazing lasagna, made by the cutest mother and daughter. Even though that was probably the best food I have had in Italy yet, I actually like San Gimignano better because it gave me more of a homey feel (and I also had the most amazing gelato of my life so you know that might have swayed my opinion too). If you get a chance I would highly recommend visiting either of these two cities. Xoxo Kendall

Cinque Terre: Day Two!

Bathing suit- Free People top+Victoria's Secret Bottoms// Dress (similar)- Free People// Sunglasses- Ray Bans

Since we pretty much walked (and ate) all day Saturday, there was a mutual agreement amongst the group that we could use a day of relaxing by the water. Since Monterosso had the largest beach area, we headed there first. Our day was filled with rock climbing, beach laying, stuffing face and pina coladas! It was nice to enjoy a day at the beach because, for us Floridians, it felt like a little piece of home (especially since we were all missing our momma’s this Mother’s Day, Love you mom!). We met the nicest Italian man on the rock we swam out to. He told us about how at our age he was fearless and would jump off of the rocks head first into the water. What he said really got me thinking about how much being afraid affects our lives. I really want to make a conscious effort to try new things without a paralyzing fear of the what ifs. After one week I have already learned so much about myself from this culture and these people. I can’t wait to see what’s to come! Xoxo Kendall

Cinque Terre: Day One!

Kimono (similar)- Forever 21// Shorts- Vintage// Top- Free People 

My first free weekend in Italy was spent at the most beautiful place on Earth, Cinque Terre! These five villages along the west coast of Italy are filled with beautiful beaches, hiking trails, vibrant towns and lots of water! The first day we arrived, we checked into our hotel and quickly headed over to the train to begin our adventures in the first town, Riomaggiore. I absolutely loved Riomaggiore because of the waterfront views and colorful buildings. Although very few people spoke English, everyone was so much friendlier than in Florence. After eating at a hilltop restaurant and exploring the town, we headed over to Monterosso Al Mare, which is the farthest town. This town had more of a resort style vibe with a huge beach surrounded by greenery. Since it was starting to get late (and very cold!) we stopped at Vernazza (the second to last town) and ate a quick dinner overlooking a boat pier before heading to La Spezia, where our hotel was. 

Pisa, Italy

Romper (similar)-Free People// Kimono- Forever21// Hat- Urban Outfitters

First off, I just want to say how proud I am of myself for coming to a place where I know nothing about the culture, am totally out of my comfort zone and finding my way in a completely different environment. We had our first free day without any class or meetings, so a few of us decided to take the train to Pisa and check out the Leaning Tower. Although it was our first time on the train and we didn’t exactly know how to get there, we had absolutely no problems (which is a miracle if you know how lost we get even walking around in Florence lol). The town of Pisa is seriously one of the cutest places I’ve been too, for the sheer fact that it is so quiet and quaint. Of course once we made it to the Leaning Tower we had to take a few touristy pictures before relaxing in the grass. As we all sat there we couldn’t help but keep asking ourselves if this was really our life, there is no way we could be living in such a beautiful place. You can tell by our faces that we had the best time exploring Pisa and just being together. Now of on the next adventure! Xoxo Kendall

the Duomo

Dress + Jacket (similar)- Free People

Have you ever seen something so beautiful it takes your breath away? That’s how I felt walking up to the Duomo.  After my first day of class (wait I’m not just here to eat pasta and drink wine?), some of my classmates and I decided to check out the Duomo while we had free time. After walking up 463 steps to the top of the dome, we stood in amazement at the panoramic view of our city, the city we will be living in for the next 4 weeks! I could have stood there for hours admiring the different landmarks of the city. Its crazy to think that just two weeks ago I was stressing about finals and now I’m in this city where life is so laid back and carefree. Its so often that we are always planning and preparing for our future that we forget to stop and see what’s in front of us, right now. When I’m getting too caught up with life and stressing about what lies ahead, I need to remind myself about my time spent at the Duomo and life will all seem to be okay again. Xoxo Kendall