#11 Florence, Sienna, Assisi or Rome: Which Italian City Best Captures the Spirit of Studying Abroad?

  Florence, Sienna, Assisi or Rome: Which Italian City Best Captures the Spirit of Studying Abroad?

 After reflecting upon the trips to all of these different cities I have no clear answer as to which best captures the spirit of study abroad. What I do know for sure is that Rome was my least favorite in terms of the people and city itself. The city was dirty and everyone that I encountered was rude. Yes, the monuments are amazing but other than that the city doesn't have much to offer. However, I did enjoy the pizza that I had there. Rome was definitely something that's for sure so I'd rank it a 5.3/10.

 Sienna, on the other hand, was a nice change of pace. The city was busy, yet still quiet, and had a very relaxed vibe about it. I really enjoyed Sienna from the history to the people it was definitely one of my favorite cities. The people of Sienna were very nice and welcoming to us from the encounters I had. OH, and the food! My friends and I went to this little sandwich shop owned by a sweet old lady who handmade everything in front of us. It was so amazing and so fresh. We went there twice in one day, and it was that good! Overall, I would rank Sienna an 8.9/10.

 Assisi had a very similar vibe to Sienna in my opinion. It was a slower more relaxed town but still had a good amount of people in it. I think it was definitely more touristy and a little more boring than Sienna. Assisi did have an amazing cathedral though which definitely helps, but I still think Sienna is better. The food in Assisi though, WOW. It was the best food I had on the trip and I still crave the chicken and carbonara we had that day. I really wish I knew what the chicken was called so I could try to replicate it. Oh well, I guess I'll never have that chicken again unless I go back. Overall, I would rank Assisi right behind Sienna with an 8.7/10.

 Florence... I LOVED Florence. Was it crowded with tourists? Yes. Was it scorching hot climbing up the Duomo? Yes, it definitely was. But wow I loved every minute of it. Florence has an amazing blend of history to modern like the leather market. Speaking of the leather market that was so much fun. I loved getting to negotiate and make deals. The history of Florence is so amazing and it was home to many famous artists. I think that overall Florence captures the spirit of study abroad with its history and culture. I wish we could've spent the night in Florence instead of Rome. Overall, I'd give Florence a 9.5/10. It would've been a 10 if I found better food, but the sandwiches we found were very good.

Assisi Chicken (so good 10/10)
View from Top of Duomo
View of Gold Bridge in Florence








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