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

il mio apartamento

My front yard!

Wow I am feeling 100% better today! I have officially adjusted to the time change and it feels so amazing to wake up and have a full day of exploring. I left Plus Hostel today and headed over to AIFS (which is where I will be taking class), where they then showed me to my apartment. Let me say I was totally expecting something super small and old. It seriously blew me away as I walked into an awesome kitchen with a master bedroom (my room which I share with a roommate) and two single rooms. Although it is old, it is a true authentic Italian home with so much character. I will let the pictures speak for themselves but overall I am feeling so blessed and at home. Once my roommates arrived we  basically spent the day exploring together, eating food and navigating around our new area. I love my apartment, I love my roommates, I love this area and I LOVE Florence. Cannot wait for what is to come! I’ll keep you posted! Xoxo Kendall

Hat+Dress: Urban Outfitters// Sunglasses+Necklace: Forever21// Bag: Amazon// Shoes: Free People

Arrivederci!

Travel Essentials: Bag-Vintage// Journal+ Hat-Urban Ouftitters// Europe Book- Anthropologie// Top+Pants-H&M// Raybans// Shoes-Birkentsocks

As some of you may know I am extremely excited to be studying abroad in Florence, Italy this May! Seeing as I have never been out of the country, this is definitely out of my comfort zone. However, this has always been a dream of mine and I am so blessed to be given this opportunity. Starting today through June 5th I will be living in the heart of Florence, Italy in a historic apartment with fellow UF students. Although most of my time will be spent in Florence, I will also be traveling throughout Italy as well. If you would like to keep up with my day-to-day adventures, definitely check back here for daily posts (fingers crossed I have Wi-Fi!). I would love to share my memories and experiences with you:) 

As I sit in the airport I can't help but think about all the delicious gelato I will be eating, all the beautiful towns I will be visiting and the amazing people I will be meeting. Let the adventure of a lifetime begin! xoxo Kendall 

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

-Lao Tzu