Unseen Cities that you Must See

Learn the secrets behind Italian Coffee from local intel to regional specialties you don’t want to miss. I always see tourists frustrated to near tears in busy cafes. They can’t understand why no one is serving them and why the barista isn’t responding to their panicked gesturing. Don’t be them! I’m going to spell out the unspoken rules and systems of Italian coffee culture so you can fit right in. You’ll also find out what the basic menu is in every Italian cafe. Head’s up: you rarely see an actual menu so you’ll want to know this. To top it off, I’ll share some of my favorite unique Italian coffee drinks that only locals know about. Grab a cup of cappuccino and let’s dive in! You probably already know that Italians love their coffee! Coffee is a historic ritual in Italy that has become so ingrained in the culture that it’d be hard to imagine Italy without it. DID YOU KNOW? Coffee started out in pharmacies as a drug available only to the wealthy before Italy’s oldest caf...

The Florence City Guide gives you an insider’s look at the birthplace of the Renaissance. Florence was the home to the likes of Michelangelo, Botticelli, Da Vinci, and Donatello, Dante Alighieri, and the Medicis. It was also the site of my four-month long study abroad in 2011. While people go about Florence on a sightseeing spree, this city guide presents Florence from the viewpoint of a student who did her fair share of exploring the city, usually by foot and by word-of-mouth. Take your time to enjoy ‘ la dolce vita ‘ (the sweet life) here in Italy’s beloved Firenze. ✱  PIAZZALE MICHELANGELO Enjoy the best view in the whole city, offering a panoramic vista of the Florentine skyline at sunset from one of the highest points in the city with a replica of the famous David. The sunset is best enjoyed with a bottle of wine and your closest friends. ✱  BOBOLI GARDENS Organize a picnic in the scenic gardens while the weather is warm and afterwards, get los...