italy is a place many people dream of going to; i know i always did. when i was in high school though, i had the amazing opportunity to travel to italy with my family the summer after my sophomore year. i can still remember the excitement i felt building up in me in the days leading up to our trip. i couldn't wait to experience a different culture; i imagined it would be a whole new world. and it was. during our trip we traveled to three cities; rome, florence, and venice. i have to say, however, florence was the magical city that stole my heart.
florence was everything you'd imagine in an italian city. the beautiful piazzas, cobblestone streets, and outdoor markets all created an enchanting mood that washed over the city. i remember eating dinner one night at an outdoor restaurant in piazza della republica while watching night fall and the carousel spin, catching the last rays of light, and it was just magical. there's something special about a city with so much history. almost every building you look at has a historical past; it gives the city a special feeling of whimsy. the outdoor leather market was incredible. stall after stall filled the street with bags, jackets, wallets, and anything leather made could think of. and did i mention the cute cafes and chocolate boutiques? because those are totally a thing there.
maybe it was the warm summer nights spent walking the winding cobblestone streets, or maybe it was the days spent admiring the countless works of art and architecture that fill the city; but whatever magic florence worked, it stole my heart. i would take a chance any day to go back and explore this amazing city once again. xo shawndiz
photos by shawdie hazegh.