Second Time's the Charm

This weekend I traveled to Florence, Italy. I had been there once before, when I was 15. My memories of this day-trip to Florence were not pleasant. It involved being over 100 degrees and going on a long, boring tour around the city. Things like the Statue of David were memorable, but what was more memorable was standing in line for David and trying not to faint from heat exhaustion. I remember being so tried that when we were finally given free time (for at the time I was part of a student group), I just sat in a square and watched the mimes, desperate to leave what I was now finding a godforsaken place. For a couple years after this trip, I would think of the heat of Florence whenever I was freezing cold. Just thinking of the heat was enough to make me feel warmer.

                With this description of the trip in mind, it seems funny that I would decide to go back there, particularly for the weekend of my birthday. Originally, I wanted nothing to do with going back to Florence—or even anywhere in Europe I have already been. However, I realized that I should give Florence a second chance. After all, if everyone raves about a place, it’s strange that I wouldn’t enjoy it. I’m not some European hipster traveler. If I hear something fantastic about a place, and then go to it, I enjoy it. Florence was the only exception to this rule. I also figured that it was be interesting to see a place through slightly more mature and changed eyes.

                I’m quite glad I gave myself the chance to re-explore Florence. I enjoyed it much more the second time around. I realized upon coming back that I had forgotten many parts of the city, and some things I had stored in my memory weren’t necessarily correct. Being in Florence again made me realize the importance of not relying on first impressions when it comes to traveling.  While first impressions are helpful, looking more deeply can help you truly discover a place.