As a student, I was a note-taking machine. My hand moved with lightning speed, capturing every word my teacher uttered. But to my surprise, I discovered that I often stood alone in my enthusiasm.

While some classmates absorbed information through visual cues, others relied on active listening or hands-on experiences. But for me, writing unlocked the door to understanding.

Our apartment door leads onto the charming streets of Oltrarno, a Florentine borgo dating back to the 13th century. The neighborhood is young compared to other parts of the Renaissance city. The northern bank of the Arno, across the river, has a much longer history, having been founded as a Roman military outpost in the first century B.C. 

Amid such ancient wonders, feeling old is impossible.