Arrivederci Florence and Hello Durham

After almost four FANTASTIC months, the time finally came for me to say arrivederci to Florence and hello to Durham.

Florence was a city like no other. I saw the works of great masters of the Renaissance and walked on the same cobblestone roads as Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Filippo Brunelleschi, and more recently, Guccio Gucci, Roberto Cavalli, and Salvatore Ferragamo.  In Italy, I traveled throughout Europe, heard multiple languages, used different forms of currency, ate traditional foods (including absolutely amazing pasta), and fully experienced a city with such rich, long history. And although I was only there for a little less than four months, I felt like I could call “The City of Lilies” my home.

*Saying goodbye to such a beautiful city!

Returning to Duke was one of the most surreal moments of my life. When I landed in North Carolina, I never felt so lost in a place that I’ve supposedly called home for the past two years. As a junior, I’ve spent quite a long time walking around Duke’s campus and familiarizing myself with everything Duke. But, for the first time, I felt completely lost. I hardly recognized anyone and couldn’t remember where some places, that used to be familiar, were located on campus. I know this may all sound a little dramatic, but it’s true! I’m sure the unfamiliarity will pass soon, but for the time being I’m doing everything I can to bleed blue once again.

So, instead of missing Florence, I’ve decided to remember how great Duke is! If you’ve been feeling this way too, grab some blue and white paint and meet me in Cameron, where it’s impossible not to feel a sense of belonging and school pride. Or, go for a walk through the Gardens, because they are truly one of Duke’s hidden gems. And, let’s not forget about the chapel. Taking a moment to look at it in the middle of the night is one of the most rewarding and beautiful parts of living in this place we all call home.

Ciao,

Natalie