When you think of Italy, do wine, pizza or even “The Jersey Shore” come into mind? Well, guess what? Italy is so much more than those things! This past May, I had the opportunity to study abroad in the beautiful country of Italy, and it was truly a memorable experience. So memorable that I wish I could go back.
While in Italy, I was able to visit Bonassola, Cinque Terre, Milan and Pavia and learn all about the Italian lifestyle. All of these places are so unique and different from anything that I have experienced in the United States. While the United States focuses on modernity, for example, skyscrapers, Italy focuses on preserving its history through architecture. The architecture and landscapes of Italy are so beautiful and different because everything has a historic significance in Italy.
The pictures that I captured while in Italy do not even do “the eternal city” justice. Italy is also very vibrant in colors. The houses are painted in lively colors ranging from bright yellows to pinks and to sky blues.
I adored the food in Italy, and I mean the actual Italian cuisine, not the Americanized versions that we have in America. While in Milan, I was able to taste an Italian empanada. The first bite was like a party in my mouth. Italy also is famous for its coffee-scene. The options included Americanos, cappuccinos, latte macchiatos and more. Even the McDonald’s is built to fit into the Italian culture. The menu includes pasta, and the McCafe is more emphasized and prominent.
However, the thing that I loved the most about Italy was the people. It is not only the location that you visit that leaves you with a lasting impression, but the people do as well. The people in Italy are some of the nicest and friendliest people that I had the pleasure of meeting. In Milan, a group of people and I were lost while trying to find the Duomo, a popular tourist attraction. Knowing very little Italian, we were able to find an elderly couple that knew very limited English. Not only did they give us directions to the Duomo, but they also accompanied us all the way there. While in Pavia, we met a woman named Carmen Silvia. She invited us to her home and fed us because we mentioned to her that we were missing a home cooked meal.
Italy was definitely an incredible opportunity and I would without a doubt recommend it as a country to travel to. So readers, if you are given the opportunity to travel to Italy, take it!