Tag: travel

Black Beauty: The Natural Hair Savior of Florence

Posted on by Ayla White

 

I was going through my typical morning routine; I showered, moisturized my face with aloe vera and lotion, then I moved to my hair. My Cantu Curl Activator bottle felt light in my hand. My heart sunk. Suddenly, as if I had a vision of the future, I visualized myself walking through the streets of Florence with unmanageably dry, frizzy hair. My curl cream was the most important part of my hair styling process. I still had two months left in Italy, so how could I enjoy my stay if I wasn’t happy with my appearance? That may sound conceited, but being unhappy with an important aspect of your appearance can alter your whole mood. I began to panic. I realized I should have brought extra bottles of hair products, but this thought was about a month too late.

During one of our many pre-departure meetings for my study abroad program, we were blatantly told us to leave our hair products at home. They reassured the room full of girls with straight hair that they would find a similar, if not the same, hair products in Italy. I immediately winced and rolled my eyes.

This assumption was directed towards a vastly white group of people without any regard to people of different colors or hair textures. There was no information geared towards people of different colors within the endless amount of handouts we received; all of the information was very generalized and exclusive to people with 1-2 hair types. I was left feeling anxious about what I should bring since there was no discussion or information for someone like me within my study abroad program.

Would I actually find products for my curly hair in Italy? Would it be easy to find? Would there be a natural hair section specifically geared towards 3-4 hair types like they do in stores in America? Would it be silly to pack multiple of all my hair products? Luckily for you, I have all the information you need to know about what to do and where to look.

Why is traveling with curly hair difficult?

Maintaining natural hair can be difficult. It requires a lot of time to manage, wash, and style. Frequent wash-and-goes are not always an option for all curly hair types, nor is it healthy for every hair type. It is important to understand that as someone with 3-4 hair type traveling to popular European destinations, it will be difficult to find hair salons or hair products that cater to your hair type. Take the steps to avoid having issues with your hair, such as sticking with a protective style, or finding ways to maintain your hair without using up most of your luggage space. But, if you have to bring a lot of products,

it is better to be safe than sorry. It is important to bring the essentials. Moisturizer, gel, and curl cream are my must haves. What are yours?

Precautions made don’t always work out.

Despite taking the steps to buy extra containers for styling and keeping my curls happy and moisturized, it was not until a few weeks into my stay in Florence that I realized I was going to run out of product within the next month. I began to frantically search for black/natural hair stores or salons in the area, because unlike in The States, there are not specific sections within local grocery stores designated for hair types past straight and wavy hair. Do not expect to easily find natural hair products in the typical hair stores or grocery stores around town. You’ll have to do some research.

Even before I knew I was going to run out of hair product, I began looking around Florence, out of pure curiosity, for natural hair stores, or even curly hair products within grocery stores. I came across many hair product stores, salons, and grocery stores that carry a vast variety of products for 1-2 hair types. I knew I probably wouldn’t be able to find Cantu or Shea Moisturizer, but I at least expected to see hair mousse, a possible emergency product I could use for my 3C hair. I didn’t. I seemingly had no options for what I could use for my curls.

Don’t be disheartened. Do research.

Realizing that my options were virtually nothing, I tried to do some research. Googling “black hair salons in Florence” can be a bit misleading. The first pictures to come up are of white Italian women with box-braids. I laughed out loud.

In The States, it’s a common reaction for African-Americans, or anyone with any knowledge of black protective styles, to immediately cringe when seeing a white person wear box-braids. Not only are there cultural issues surrounding the topic, but protective black hairstyles are very damaging to 1-2 type hair patterns. I immediately believed that these salons would not have what I was looking for.

I slowly continued my research within a span of a week or two, never finding anything useful. I looked up the prices of my hair products on Amazon and saw that I would be paying double the price if I were to order it online. Also, receiving something in the mail has been a rather unpredictable experience for me. One package took a month to arrive while another arrived in less than 24 hours; needless to say, it was a little too risky for me. I shied away from that option. Still, at this point, I had zero options for what I could put in my hair.

 

Let curiosity lead you.

On my way back to my apartment from class, I passed a storefront that was decorated with colorful Afros that sat on top of black mannequin heads. This display made me backtrack to peer into the windows of the store. This sight was pretty unusual within Florence. Black Beauty was printed boldly on the side of the building, and part of me thought it was some poor joke, especially after only seeing white women with box-braids through my google searches as well as the handfuls of white girls and middle aged Italian women that proudly wore this protective hairstyle. Also, the only people I saw wear Afro wigs in Italy were Italians.

As I perused the various wigs from outside the store, my eyes suddenly landed on familiar bright orange that my favorite hair product was packaged in. I nearly screamed with joy. There, sitting on one of the various shelves crammed with hair products, was Cantu. Without thinking twice, I ran inside the salon. There were only about four Cantu products offered, which were obviously bought in bulk and shipped from The States. Thankfully, the salon carried my most precious cream that was the crown during my daily hair ritual. At this point, I was on the brink of almost finishing my last bottle. It was exactly what I have been needing.

What type of products does Black Beauty have?

I noticed that there were many hair product options that were lined all around the store. Most of the products were unfamiliar brands that were seemingly shipped from different places of the world. From perm creams, to natural hair products, and hair dyes, Black Beauty carries various product options for those with type 3 and 4 hair. If you are unsure of what products you need, come prepared with your questions written or typed out in Italian so that the salon owner can help you the best she can. Although she is not fluent in English, she is very kind and willing to help!

Who does Black Beauty cater to?

Black Beauty caters to everyone. Customers include both locals and tourists of all colors, though her main customer type are college students, particularly students studying abroad. Do not be afraid to try new hairstyles you have been wanting to try, the hairstylists are very helpful and ready to discover what may work best for you. But please do research on new hairstyles you have never tried before. Depending on your hair type, certain styles can be damaging and painful.

What services are offered?

Box-braids, dread-locking, sew-ins, extensions, haircuts, and wig styling. Various different types of wings and extensions are carried within the store.

What are the prices?

The prices are relatively similar to the prices one would find in The States. It will be around 80-100 euros depending on how many braids or dreads you would like and what their length is. Extensions/ sew-ins begin at 100 euros and can go up to 200 or more, also depending on the amount of extensions and their length. Communicating with the salon owner is the best way to understand what your true price will end up being, considering that she offers so many services.

Travel with confidence. 

Maintaining any hair type can be difficult. If your hair isn’t to your liking, it can be upsetting, causing you to become a little bit more self-conscious. Since study abroad programs lack information for 3-4 hair types, it may be confusing or even difficult to know what’s best for you. Finding a shop that carries you hair products may be hard while traveling, but Black Beauty is the store to go to if you cannot find anything for your curly hair. Need your dreads re-twisted? Unhappy with your natural haircut? Are you craving to have braids to avoid constantly styling your curls? Black Beauty has your back so you don’t have to travel feeling any less confident than you should.

Location and Contact Information

Address: Via de’ Ginori, 44/R, 50123 Firenze FI

Number: 055 289408

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday from 10 AM- 7 PM

Caffè Rainer

Posted on by sommercr

I walk into this tiny café and see do-gooders.

What is Caffè Rainer?

The happy owners: Rudolf and Sylvia

The coffee shop is a reminder of my petite hometown in South Carolina. It’s simple. Slow-paced. Warm and familiar. There are shelves on the wall filled with books—give one, take one, kind of deal. There’s family history sharing the same space: the owner’s coffee grinder from her grandfather. An old menu. Copper pots on the wall are from Sylvia’s home in Padua. A black and white photo of her and her lively husband. They are happy, laughing and cherishing the moment between two wonderful souls.

A true treasure of a coffee and pastry shop near where classes are held is the spot to be. Put together by husband and wife, Rudolf and Sylvia give their unique lives to make this cafè a safe place for anyone traveling through, or the common study abroad student such as myself!

Foodie, are you?

The crunchy yummy goodness

My stomach roars like Simba while walking to this café. Probably because it knows where I am headed and can taste the delectable, fluffy pastries. Rudolf wakes each morning just before the sun rises and starts working on his treasures. The sweet pair is reflected by the patisseries made. A good croissant is chewy without being tough, and when you break open that flaky top, your nose is embraced by butter-land! There’s also cakes, biscotti, chocolates, and savory sandwiches. All of which is greatly troublesome to say no to. I often don’t!

Why does this place feel comfortable?

Warm and familiar

I always like to walk up to the counter, smiling graciously at the barista and say good morning in my best Italian accent (which isn’t all that great) and ask for a cappuccino and an almond croissant. I take my sweet pastry and take a seat in the corner and set up my computer or notebook to get to work. I cherish this time. In the states, you are expected to sit and work while you drink your coffee. In Italy, it is expected to stand at the counter and drink your coffee before being on your way. This place allowed me to stay and tend to my schoolwork without getting strange glances. It is a safe place for me to do what needs to be done without having to worry about offending the culture… or embarrassing myself!

This caffè is a warm and welcoming place to be. It is reliable and pleasant. The owners are constantly moving around each other in a dance of tango. Soft smiles, small touches, and an overwhelming sense of love. It is absolutely cherishable to be in the room that emits a charming glow of affection. It feels like a toasted marshmallow melting over creamy chocolate–everything sweet and good. The desire to be here, more than to eat or drink, but to feel those admirable moments is sumptuous in itself.

Who is the coffeemaker? 

The person that works that magical, shiny espresso machine is a lovely Italian woman. She is patient. She is funny. She is hard-working. Every time I go into Caffé Rainer, I ask about all the pastries and what kind there are. She beams and laughs, already knowing what I was to ask. She’s very careful with her English as she tries her very best to describe to me the various types of opportunities. Nevertheless, I always pick almond (because, honestly, there’s no better kind). Oh, look! It’s already plated for me.

The mastermind behind the counter

Beautifully tanned skin, dark long hair, and lips that curve into a smile. Her voice glazes over words in an elegant gown of profession. She has the grandest smile, one that should be displayed in the Uffizi gallery. I wonder her name, even though I frequent this small spot of delicacy. I wonder why she feels the compulsion to run around in a controlled panic. She is particular–her delicate, deft fingers pulling levers on the espresso machine like dropping pennies in a fountain. Perhaps my hidden gem is not the place itself, but the souls who run it. The girl, with hair pulled back, reminds me of me. Delicate, like a peony in the wind, dancing a silent tune. The owners, joyful and passionate, are heavily inspired by each patron–to show their appreciation and love.

Hands moving in swift movements, feet stepping over the mess spilled, voice softer than the foam on my cappuccino. 

Where can I find the Caffè Rainer?

Giotto’s Farm

Posted on by allison

Aged by years of manual labor, yet gentle and kind, both Giotto and his farm make it in as the humblest of these hidden gems.

Empty clothesline’s around Giotto’s back porch make the farm more than just another “excursion” for us, but a home.

Ok, so not Old McDonald’s, but what’s the hype?

At first glance, Giotto’s Farm strikes no comparison to the old and familiar that are farms back home.  Instead of the idealistic “red barn” and cotton-ball sheep dotting an open field, guests are greeted by a simple Italian home–scattered with chickens and ducks throughout overgrown yard.  Quite significant in size for being in such close proximity to Florence, Giotto’s land is decorated with olive trees and wandering vines–reflecting all shades of greens and yellows. The man himself expresses just as gentle and organic nature as his surroundings, painting a pure picture of authenticity.  Giotto’s Farm definitely sits outside the realm of glitz and glam, but what it lacks in societal sparkle it offers tenfold in character and soul.  

Giotto’s helper encouraging us with lots of wags and kisses

Beyond the lay of the land, what’s the attraction?

It would be beyond easy to enjoy a day under Giotto’s olive trees, picnicking while learning about the land and craft of farming from the man himself–kittens weaving around your arms and lap.  During my visit our group enjoyed a little over an hour near the end of the activity sitting and playing with those of the animals that were curious about us in return! However the basket weaving activity is what makes this venue the gem that it is.  Learning the art of wicker basket weaving from Giotto and several other weavers provides more than an aesthetic or “artsy” fix, but allows you to join in on a long passed down tradition and art. My group in specific came from south-eastern United States, and wicker (but primarily sweet grass) baskets adorn streets and homes daily.  Being able to not only see, but participate in, the craft created a sense of home in the far away city of Florence. 

What if you aren’t a weaver?

A kind weaver lending me a very appreicated helping hand on my work.

Rest assured, I promise Giotto’s basket weaving is a great deal easier than Underwater Basket Weaving at stay-away summer camp!  Although sitting in front of a ready basket base and a pile of soaked bamboo twigs may be daunting at first, the weaver’s seem to transfer their confidence and skill as their hands lead learners on each beginning technique.  Each weaver guides to the best of their ability, often helping quicken the process along by trimming sharp ends or tucking twigs for both security and visual presentation. Although the language barrier of Italian to English (and visa versa) made directions a little difficult at first, trust quickly formed between the weavers sharing their craft and visitors having a personal project they are invested in.  It provided a sense of security knowing that they would not let you leave with a work you were less than proud of! 

Who does this attract?

All ages are represented through this activity at Giotto’s Farm.  Young learning from old, and old learning from young, an exclusive audience arguably does not exist.  With as timeless and long standing of a tradition as Basket Weaving is, it servers to intertwine generations and demographics.  Having made something contributing to that history that yet still can be used at home (because yes! Baskets are take home!) fosters a productive and positive feeling worth smiling about on the journey back into Florence.  At least, I definitely felt that way when I was able to place my keepsakes in my very own basket at the end of the day!   

“…beautiful things don’t ask for attention”

**Address concealed for discretion; contact myself at allisonmm@g.cofc.edu for Giotto’s information**

Contempo Records

Posted on by andrea
Street view of Contempo Records

Contempo Record

Looking for anywhere to let your musical yearnings free, those whose heart beat to a tune will find this to be one of the most extraordinary places. From the street, I wasn’t instantly drawn to the store with looks similar to every other Italian shop. Not much is seen from the street besides its sign which has muted colors and records plastered across it, but upon entering, things change very quickly. A seemingly quiet shop holds many great surprises as soon as you cross the threshold. Imagine, you see a brightly colored, neon vinyl store with records dangling precariously from the ceiling, it’s like a breath of fresh air compared to all of the dull colors found throughout the city. Alas, my curiosity led me through the front door, coaxed by the tunes drifting outside, and it did seem small at first, but I quickly realized there was much more to this deceptively tiny record shop.

 

Tell us a bit more about this place.

Some of the bright neon designs on the walls!

I began to do some research on my little record store and found that Contempo Records has been a record store and label since 1977. To me this was quite impressive and created a new air of importance about the shop. The store itself has a very relaxed atmosphere and decorations that resemble the 70s, from eclectic patterns on all of the walls to a fancy chandelier, there are many things to look at. I wanted to know a little more about the shop so I stopped by one day to ask them some questions. I discovered the owner is Giampiero Barlotti, he’s usually at the store with a smile on his face, and although he doesn’t speak English, there are a few other’s that work with him that speak enough English to help those who are visiting find exactly what they’re looking for. I also asked what types of genres were offered throughout the store and let me tell you, I was surprised with the variety! It really does not matter what music you’re looking for because I can guarantee that there will be a record with what you’re searching for hidden on one of the many packed shelves.

 

What is sold here, and who would find this shop interesting?

Just a few of the records in the store!

In my honest opinion, I think almost anyone could come and shop at this store, obviously if you’re really into records and older music you might enjoy it more than others. As a study abroad student, I felt like this store was an excellent place to get “lost” in. I found myself relaxed as I perused the many records tucked in their boxes. I myself like a lot of newer music and listen to genres like Hip Hop and R&B, but I even found records that fit my style, such as an old Eminem album. If you’re someone who will be spending a lot of time in Italy, this store has more to offer. The welcoming atmosphere and music alone make you feel at home. There are friends to be made and time to be spent bonding over the music held inside. The music in the store is organized in sections by whatever genre the record fits into, the front part of the shop holds most of its Rock sections and some American albums as well such as The Beatles. If you’re brave enough to venture into the back you can find country music, reggae, jazz and many other options that even I couldn’t believe that they had.

 

What kind of events does the store hold?

This lovely record shop will sometimes hold release events where artists can present their new work and sometimes even preform a few songs from their albums. The audience can talk to and ask the artists questions and can even get some autographs. They offer light food and beverages when they host these release parties. I went to talk to some of the guys that worked there, and they told me about the next event and invited me to come with big smiles and insisted that there would indeed be excellent food as well! Their social media sites are the best places to check out when their next events will be!

Wall art, and records inside!

 

 Is there contact information or ways to buy online?

Yes! Contempo records has a wonderful website, that I have explored myself, where you can find links to their Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube profiles. All of their websites post dates and information of any events the store might be holding and viewers can also check out what records they have for sale. They have a website for orders: info@contemporecords.it and another website for news: contempo@contemporecords.it . The store is also open Monday-Saturday from 10:30am until 7:30pm and they are open Sundays from 3:30pm until 7:30pm.

Where can I find Contempo Records?


 

La Citè – Liberia Caffè

Posted on by swee

La Citè- Liberia Caffè

Something about the faint melody from the record spinning or the muffled chatter that leaks out of the slightly ajar door draws me into the cozy atmosphere of La Citè. This quaint coffee shop is almost unrecognizable after sundown. The quiet and concentrated nature of La Citè transforms into a lively atmosphere. La Citè is a local’s favorite for that mid-morning cappuccino or an evening nightcap.

This sign hangs proudly on the front window.

 

Is this just a coffee shop? What makes it so special?

Tucked away, far from any tourist traps, La Citè is in a world of its own. A tourist might stumble in for coffee, but a local knows it is so much more.  This café is not meant to just satisfy your caffeine needs (although it can, I recommend the Almond milk latte), rather it is also a bookstore and wine bar. Unlike most coffee shops in Florence, La Citè urges its customers to sit down and stay awhile while drinking their morning coffee. Which isn’t hard to do at all with their sprawling patio and infinite couches adorning the space. Starting from my first visit there, I found myself right at home. The familiar bald man with the Polish accent, I now know as Robert, treats all of his customers like family. His generosity is endless—from covering my coffee when I forgot my wallet simply stating, “don’t worry about it” to even returning my sweater after I left it there. Chances are if you walk past La Citè, he will be out there, cigarette in hand, urging you to come in.

The layout is open and inviting.

If you’re looking for Barnes and Noble, go somewhere else.

Used and new books scatter every corner of La Citè, making it irresistible to not pick one up. La Citè actually has 5,000 literary texts available to purchase in the café and in their online catalog. Although you don’t have to buy them, customers can enjoy the books free of charge while in the space. La Citè even offers free wifi (yes and it works) to access these online texts. This unconventional café supplies only the most unconventional books, as they are aiming to support local and independent titles. La Citè is open to suggestions if there are any novels you would like to see on their shelf.

When does the wine bar come into play?

When dusk arrives the music roars a bit louder, chatter becomes more fervent, and the coffee mugs are exchanged for wine glasses. La Citè believes reading and tasting go hand-in-hand and that is a notion we can get behind. They believe that one of the most “dangerous” effects of a fabulous glass of wine is individualism and passion. I dare you to attempt to order a glass of the Gewürztraminer Südtirol Alto Adige or if that is too difficult, just say the “sweet, white wine” to Robert (he’ll know what you are talking about). Don’t be mistaken, it is not sweet at all, but it is still the best glass of wine I’ve had in Italy. Their wine list has been carefully composed using the criteria

Don’t forget to try the Almond Milk Latte.

of fair trade, local, and organic. They only purchase wine from organic vineyards that do not use any synthetic chemicals or herbicides. Try asking a La Citè employee about the amount of sulfur in the wine or how long the wine fermented in oak barrels. They truly care about what you are putting in your body and pride themselves on the quality of wine they serve.

What else do they offer?

To put it simply— experiences. No matter what night of the week, you can find philosophers, authors, musicians, or really any type of creative thinker performing or hosting forums. This is a chance to get conversation flowing and debates sparked. They also have live music multiple nights a week and the nights they do not offer entertainment, they always have records spinning. This place is the definition of eclectic.

One of the very many cozy corners of La Citè.

I’m sold. Anything else that makes La Citè memorable?

No experience at La Citè is ever the same and that is what keeps me returning day-after-day and night-after-night. It doesn’t matter what time it is, the ambiance is always dynamic and just what I needed. The layout of La Citè allows for privacy in the upstairs rooms (if easily distracted like me) or can be quite the opposite if you choose to socialize downstairs. La Citè can be whatever you need it to be and somehow it always leaves me wanting more.

Where can I find La Citè?