Last day in Firenze

    So today is our last day in Italy. Once we get all of our packing out the way and clean up the apartment we are headed off to a final dinner at Gatto e Volpe, our favorite restaurant down our street. Although I am excited to be so close to American soil I have to say it is a little bittersweet. I am deffinatly going to miss Florence and Italy in general but the thought of having my bed back, AC, and a little peace and quiet at night will ease the pain. 

     My stay in Italy has opened my mind to a whole different world that I had always heard about but never really understood. The business practices in Italy are much more laid back than that of America. Here the shops close whenever they feel the need whereas in America you work 9-5 no questions asked in most cases. The coffee shops and smaller establishments are run by the owner, typically older in age, so you begin to form relationships with your neighborhood shops. Although the service from waitstaff is not always the best when you compare it to the American way of doing things, the Italians for the MOST part are very outgoing and try to understand what it is you would like. 

     This experience has really shown me a difference in how some cultures operate in a business setting. Before coming to Italy I was accustomed to the American way of doing things and trying to maximize profits in business. The Italian way of doing things is much different in that respect. The Italian culture from what I have learned believes that money is not everything you just need enough to get by. They also typically shut down their shops in late July-Early August for a month for vacation and rest. 

     I won't leave Italy sad because I know someday I'll be back. Time to pack and clean the apartment and get ready for dinner then its off to the airport at 4:45AM tomorrow morning. 

Ciao Firenze