march 2012, Suppl. N.29
www.theflorencenewspaper.com
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Brat and Angelina as Florentines
Italian Government Officials’ Incomes Released
What Do you need to know about nightlife in Florence OR COL P MA E D INSI
Red again ?
City considers restoring pavement to its original color pre 1795 Carly Cummins Mayor of Florence Matteo Renzi reopened the long-debated issue as to whether or not the gray “lastricato” pavement of historic Piazza della Signoria should be changed back to its original red brick tile. Renzi, along with the municipal administration, considered the idea at a recent city council meeting, saying that a special committee would be created to focus on the plans for the change. If the plans are agreed upon, construction would not begin until 2015. Piazza della Signoria was red brick tile until its replacement with the gray “lastricato” in 1795. During the 21st century, car travel began to quickly degrade the paved floor.
Piero Bargellini, who was mayor of Florence in 1966, first introduced the idea to change the pavement back to brick, but an agreement between proponents of the idea was never reached to begin construction. The estimated cost in 1985 to change the floor was 3 billion lire, approximately 1.7 million euro. The L-shaped piazza has grown seven thousand square meters and remains a popular spot for tourists and Florentines. The piazza is also home to some of Florence’s most famous attractions including a replica statue of Michelangelo’s David and the Palazzo Vecchio townhall.
Florentine’s Perception of Americans Embracing the culture is the key to a positive experience Studying abroad is becoming increasingly popular among American students. Though many are choosing to study in less traditional places, countries within Europe remain the leading destinations – Italy being the second largest with over 27,000
students last year. But along with American students, comes their American habits that don’t always mesh well with foreign culture, giving them a questionable reputation in Italian society. According to the Association of American College and University Programs
in Italy, the 150 foreign study programs are spread out among 30 locations. Florence alone hosts 43 of them, with over 4,000 American students living in the city each semester. It isn’t hard to spot an American on the street, and it’s just as easy to find a club,
Carly Cummins pub or restaurant that seems to cater to what American students are used to having. But these comfort places ultimately lead to a neglect of cultural interaction.
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