Discovering Florence on the 4th of July

by Tabitha Butler (United States of America)

Making a local connection Italy

Studying abroad in Florence the summer before my senior year, I was enthralled with everything about my new home. From the quaint cobblestone streets to the enchanting castles and churches, every inch of the city told a story. But despite Florence’s beauty, I quickly learned that the people who live there are even more captivating than the city itself. I didn't expect to discover Florence's hidden charm on the 4th of July, but what better way to celebrate freedom than exploring another country? The festivities began with a "Red, White, and Boom" party on the banks of the Arno river, where visiting Americans drank and danced the night away. My group of fellow students and I watched the fireworks explode from the sandy shore, reminding us of the sparklers and family BBQs back in the states. Though we were on the opposite side of the world from home, we were determined to make the most of the holiday, so once the crowds thinned out, we set off in search of a new adventure. Crossing the Ponte Vecchio, we could hear laughter and excited whispers in English and Italian; the fireworks had lit up people's faces as well as the sky. The people were as warm and inviting as the night, and through strangers' kindness, we eventually found the club we were looking for. While in line, I spoke with a couple celebrating before their wedding in Rome the following weekend. The fiancé had brought along his cousin, while his bride-to-be brought her best friend, and I had just as much fun talking to them as I did my own friends. Before we entered the club, one of my friends wanted to go home, so I escorted them back to their apartment. Upon getting back to the club, I didn't find my friends, but I did find the wedding party with the bride-to-be throwing up in a gutter. I grabbed water and napkins to help clean her up, and I stuck around to make sure she was alright. After calling two taxis, only for both to drive off without us, the wedding party decided to walk home, as they lived just on the other side of the river. I helped support the bride-to-be so she wouldn't fall over, and once the cousin started stumbling, we carried him along too. We reached their apartment around 3 am, and the groom-to-be thanked me profusely for my help and even invited me to their wedding. I appreciated the offer, but I politely declined, as I was certain they wouldn't remember me the next morning. As I began to walk back home, I heard music and singing, and I followed the sound to the steps of an old church, where a group of people had gathered around someone playing an acoustic guitar. There were Italians, Americans, and a few Brits joining together to sing old songs, and I wondered if I had stumbled into a reunion. As I talked with the group, I discovered most were strangers to each other, but they were more than happy to share a drink and a song with me. We laughed and sang together for hours, and the locals were delighted to share stories about the country they call home. The night felt magical, and I had discovered pure bliss in one of the last spots I would've expected it. Once the sky started to get lighter, I decided it would be best to head home so as not to worry my roommates. I thanked everyone for their time and headed off, using landmarks to find my way back. As the sun rose over the tops of the apartments and museums, I discovered the solemn beauty of Florence at dawn. Nobody was out and about, save for a few joggers and pigeons. I snapped some photos, since there was finally no one to block the view, but it was much more somber than the crowd-packed evenings. In the silence, I saw my surroundings in a new perspective - yes, Florence is full of art, history, and wonder, but that morning I discovered it's the vibrant people who live here that give the city its soul.