Author: Rachel Taylor

World Traveler & Journalist | Communications Major and French Minor at Salisbury University '16
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Freetime in Florence: Fish Kisses

Rachel Taylor1
What is it? After a month of walking around on the cobblestone streets of Florence, my feet were in need of some tender, love and care. While a traditional pedicure sounded tempting, I decided to try out a fish pedicure after a friend suggested it. She was too ticklish to go through it again but I was curious how I would react to a school of fish exfoliating my feet.
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5 Ways to Make Florence Feel Like Home

Rachel Taylor1
New home. New culture. New lifestyle. While adjusting to a new life in a new city can seem like a daunting task, there are a few things that can help you make Florence feel more like home. Explore the new city Getting to know your new neighborhood and city will help you figure out a routine. Find the closest grocery store or market so you can cook a meal at home or
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Throwback Thursday: Salvatore Ferragamo Museum

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  The Man Behind It All Salvatore Ferragamo, a native of Naples, found his passion for shoe making at the age of 9 when he made shoes for his sister's confirmation. In 1914, he emigrated to Boston before moving to Santa Barbara then Hollywood. In Hollywood, he found success among celebrities with his made to measure custom shoes. He returned to Italy in 1927. Landing in Florence he continued to design
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Scenic Views: The Arno

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Walking along the Arno and exploring the water front is a great pastime in Florence. The presence of paddlers gliding across the Arno has become a tradition of Florence.For those who love being on the water the Canottieri Firenze is a rowing club that offers water sporting activities and an exclusive view of the Arno. What is it? From amateurs to competitors the club has over 700 members participating in various
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Throwback Thursday: The Tomb of Galileo

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Because of his assertion that the Earth revolved around the sun, Galileo was excommunicated by the Church in 1633. Upon his death in 1642, the Inquisition refused to bury him on consecrated ground. Therefore he was originally buried at the Noviate Chapel in Santa Croce under the Campanile. His body was moved inside the Church of Santa Croce and buried in an unmarked corner because Pope Urban VIII refused an actual
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Freetime in Florence: Aromas of an Ancient Pharmacy

Rachel Taylor1
Celebrating over 400 years in business and over 600 years in existence, the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is a hidden gem of Florence. What is it? As one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica offers customers modern day products created using ancient recipes. From perfume to skin care, the pharmacy's creations are unique and unlike anything else. The pharmacy allows visitors to take a break from the crowds of
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5 Ways to Beat the Mid-Semester Blues

Rachel Taylor1
Between the stress of school assignments and adjusting to a new city and culture, midway through the semester is a time when students can hit a wall. We've settled into a routine in our new home and that can contribute to the mid-semester slump. Staying in and watching Netflix is a bad idea every once in a while but it shouldn't be the only option you look to when you're stressed. Florence
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