As I sit here writing this piece, I am trying to wrap my head around the fact that I’m sitting on a couch with a bright orange blanket covering the worn down fabric, in the apartment I’m living in, on a narrow road filled with tiny art galleries and shops called Via Maggio, in Firenze (Florence), Italy. I’m in Italy: I’m in Europe. This might not be such a profound thought to all, but to me, being able to travel and see the world is everything. Ever since I watched Disney’s Pocahontas, I’ve needed to travel the world, just like John Smith (it helped that he was an attractive blonde cartoon stud).

To me, traveling is the epitome of life. Traveling is life. Why, you may ask? Traveling helps you find yourself. I know that sounds cheesy, but it really does. Being by yourself in strange places where people don’t know who you are, where you’re going, or where you’ve been, you can define who you are– and sometimes, this means you can try out a different you. So yes, I have done some scandalous things (don’t worry mom, just a couple of bruises and scratches), but they have only helped me to realize what works for me, and what doesn’t. So, who will you be? Emo? Jock? Hipster? Slut? Down-to-Earth? None of these? All of them? I recommend never trying to define yourself in any way, shape, or form because other people will do that for you. Try new things: listen to your gut and your heart, and the world will fall at your feet.

Less cheesy things I’ve learned: don’t trust beggars, keep your money in different places, be cautious, be open to people and new experiences, buy groceries, don’t buy too much fresh produce, try authentic restaurants, don’t eat out every day, try getting lost, try finding your way back, waste some money, save some money, be nice to a stranger, walk around with headphones in, enjoy scenery, walk slowly, take in everything around you, and, most importantly: laugh.

I’ve learned so much about myself, who I want to be, who I want to spend my time with, who I don’t want to spend my time with, and so on. Most importantly, I’ve learned not to waste my time on people who don’t deserve my time. This is a lesson that I think everyone needs to learn through learning to truly love themselves. I credit learning to love myself to lots of people, experiences, and places– but I think I really learned to appreciate myself in Italy.

This week I’m off to Greece and maybe I’ll get to experience my own version of My Big Fat Greek Wedding. I have seen how the Ancient Romans lived and now I get to see how the Ancient Greeks lived. I will be gone for a week but I promise to keep you updated!

‘Till next time!

#YOFLO (You only Florence once).