1. You go on daily walks by the river to remind you of Florence.Ā One thing that Poughkeepsie and Florence have in common is that they are both historic cities. Florence has the astonishing Arno River that flows underneath the old bridge also known as the Ponte Vecchio. On the other hand, Poughkeepsie is located in the gorgeous Hudson River Valley overlooking the Hudson River. You will often find a FFE or two going for a walk by the Marist boathouse to remind themselves of Florence.
2. You call the Rotunda the Duomo.Ā Florence is known for their grand cathedral also known as Santa Maria del Fiore or Il Duomo that stands in the middle of the city center. Although Marist does not have the late thirteenth century gothic cathedral we do have to gorgeous Rotunda constructed out of stone overlooking the Hudson River.
3. You step on the emblem located in the Rotunda. I admit it, I am guilty of stepping on the Marist emblem located on the floor right outside the bookstore. Legend says, if a student steps on the emblem, he or sheĀ will not graduate in time. (Guess I will have to work extra hard then! )
4. You pull the doors instead of push.Ā Unlike in Italy, in the United States you actually have to pull the doors instead of push. You will begin to get frustrated on the fifth attempt to open a door and it does not open.
5. You begin to say tiny phrases in Italian – whether it be Ciao, Grazie, Andiamo (my favorite), or Va Bene as my good friend Juliet says – you will begin to incorporate the Italian language into your daily life.