Trip Tip: What Are You Doing This Weekend?

 Studying abroad in Florence should be more than just going to school and eating your body weight in Italian food.  In the beginning you will want to go out on the weekends to the nearest city bar or club, explore the nearby museums, and test out as many Gelateria’s as possible. Once you are acquainted with the city environment, maybe it’s time to mix it up and check out the country regions.

 

ISTITUTO EUROPEO has an entire wall dedicated to different fliers and brochures from travel agencies trying to advertise their upcoming events. Every Saturday the company Florence for fun offers a horseback riding excursion through the beautiful country-side of Chianti which also includes a wine tasting and lunch.

You’re probably thinking, “I don’t know how to ride a horse and I rather not end up in a foreign hospital”… well that is exactly what I thought when I first saw the ad, but I signed up anyway…

A Personal Review

Prior Experience With Horses

None, not unless a merry-go-round at the state fair counts.

The People

Extremely friendly and were very laid back and confident in their horses. They didn’t give the group too much direction or tips because they thought it would be better to keep the beginners calm and let them get acquainted with the horses all on their own. We were told to “Be tranquil and show the horse whose boss”…that was it. Once we hopped on the horse, we were off!

The Ride

The horses lined up single file and all followed the main tour guide. He didn’t speak much English, so at first it was nerve-racking because we were on these HUGE animals and we were just supposed to “be tranquil”. We were guided on roads, up hills, down hills, through woods, and about an hour later we were back to the main farm. The horses walked very close to the rider ahead of them and at a slow pace (although a few times we did get up to a slight jog).

Overall Experience

The ride wasn’t dangerous at all. Sure, a few times some the horses would sneeze, stop and eat the grass, or “dump”, but overall it was an amazing experience for a person who has never ridden a horse!  The only negative aspect of the trip was experienced the next morning when I realized how many muscles horseback riders use on a daily basis.

I highly recommend this trip for anyone who is looking to take a break from the city atmosphere and experience a different kind of excursion.

For more information and details please visit www.florenceforfun.com

Florence: A student's personal experience

CAFFETTERIA DAMIANO

Via del Parione 46R

  FOOD

Simple, always fresh, and homemade. Menu options vary from day to day. It's a great place to find a home-cooked meal away from home.

CLERKS

Extremely kind and friendly. Trust their customers and treat them with a great deal of respect.

MANAGER

Approachable, personable, and helpful. He forms relationships with the customers and is truly an unforgettable

business man.

ATMOSPHERE

From the moment you walk in you feel welcome and appreciated. Small sitting area with few tables separate from the cashier, which is a great place to sit, talk, and munch.

SERVICE

Outstanding.

COMFORT

A bit chilly in winter months, but overall it is a cozy place to eat.

GIVES DISCOUNT TO ISTITUTO EUROPEO STUDENTS

*My personal experience*

An Italian company: the sheer elegance of SAPAF 1954 (in Florence)

Traditional good taste and refinement

The sheer elegance  of SAPAF 1954 (in Florence)


SAPAF 1954 is a modern brand name offering a continuous balance between sheer elegance, design research and practically suited for the "modern diva" on every occasion:

http://www.sapaf54.it/INGLESE/index.html

An Italian company: the finest luxury of FRANCO MARTINI

Franco Martini an advanced structure who reinvented theirselves many times  

FRANCO MARTINIS' PHYLOSOPHY

To produce fashion is still being faithful to one's own style and at the same time to interpret the change of taste in a transversal way, never falling into extremes:

http://www.francomartini.it/uk/index800.html

Florence Bookstores: The Edison (www.istitutoeuropeo.it)

 

 The Edison 

Piazza della Repubblica 27/r Tel: 055/213110

Books: A reasonable amount of Italian books; a few English books, but most of them are the current bestsellers; unfortunately there is only a small selection of Spanish and French books offered. (7)

Clerks: Almost invisible. They try to stay out of the customers way, but if approached they will do their best to help. (6)

Service: Good. (7.5)

Atmosphere: The Edison was one of the first bookstores in Florence to open a café area for customers to sit, read, and order food and drinks. The original idea created a welcoming and peaceful environment. Unfortunately, now that there are other companies offering the same idea The Edison should consider some modifications. In comparison to other bookstores they no longer stand out. (7)

Comfort: Of all the bookstores in Florence, the Edison is the most comfortable. (7)

Bar: Nothing special, just your standard everyday products offered at a bar. (8)

Grading Scale: 0-10

0-2: Very poor

2-5: Poor

6-7: Average

8-9: Good

10: Excellent

*Post Your Opinion Below*

Florence Bookstores: Feltrinelli International (www.istitutoeuropeo.it)

 

Feltrinelli International 

 (Via Cavour 12)

 

 Books: A large supply of language unit books; the best are in Spanish, French, and German. The English language books are alright, but not as good as the three languages previously mentioned. (8)

Clerks: Although the staff seems as though they are under high levels of stress, the store clerks always make an effort to be kind and available if approached. (8)

Service: Great. (8)

Management Staff: Miserable, and not approachable. (6)

Atmosphere: Small and simple, but cramped and not comfortable (6)

Bar: The Feltrinelli (not only International) main goal is to sell their products quickly and efficiently. They have no desire to establish a relationship with their customers; therefore there is no bar area to sit, read, and enjoy a cup of coffee. Unfortunately, their main concern is to display as many books as possible for the customer to find on their own.  Their way of business is similar to your everyday supermarket; come, shop, pay, leave. The longer a customer stays, the more of an “inconvenience” it is for the store.

Grading Scale: 0-10

0-2: Very poor

2-5: Poor

6-7: Average

8-9: Good

10: Excellent

*Post Your Opinion*

Florence Bookstores: Melbookstore Books (www.istitutoeuropeo.it)

  

Melbookstore Books

What they have to offer, and what they do not.

 

Books: Very little variety and minimal stock displayed (6)

Clerks: Stressed. It seemed as though they were given too many tasks with minimal direction. (6)

Service: Poor (5)

Management Staff: Nothing special. (5)

Environment: Beautiful and appealing. (8)

Comfort: Mediocre. (5)

Bar: This is ridiculous; they expect customers to place an order, quickly consume it, and then either place another order or immediately leave so another customer can take your table. There is no time for the customer to just sit and enjoy (for example) a hot cup of coffee with their newly purchased book. Why don't they just add more tables, or a larger sitting area? The customer service is very poor. (4)

Grading Scale: 0-10

0-2: Very poor

2-5: Poor

6-7: Average

8-9: Good

10: Excellent

*WHAT IS YOUR OPINION?*

Post a question or comment below