Unfortunately, my day in Milan wasn’t exactly one for the books, as I spent most of it sick in bed. Although I will say our hotel was incredible and if I had to pick a hotel room to be stuck in for the evening that would probably be my first choice of the places we stayed. I listened to some American and Italian music and watched BBC, what else can you need? Anyway, from what I did see of Milan, I was a fan of the city for sure, but was bothered by one of the first things I noticed. I was really struck by the extreme difference in wealth in the city. While I recognize that many cities are home to both sides of the spectrum, including several others we saw on our trip, it really hit home to see a homeless family asking for change after having personally just seen shoes that cost 500-700 euros. It really makes you think about the lack of balance in society. This economic imbalance is one I frequently associate with America, but obviously Europe is no stranger to it either. On a happier note, I’ll describe my Luini’s experience. I would like my last meal to be the spinach and ricotta panzerotti because that masterpiece was so good that I had it for lunch and dinner, and honestly I would wait in line for an hour, sick and sweaty like I was, just to eat one one more time. Chocolate and ricotta was amazing as well. Basically anything involving the words fried or ricotta peaks my interest, and the combination – boom.

I have to admit that my initial impression of Bologna wasn’t the best. Granted, we arrived at 10 p.m. on a Monday night, and the area near our hotel wasn’t exactly lively. It was a bit to the contrary; a little deserted and creepy. Even in Rome, I felt a lot more settled at night than I did in Bologna, but something shifted from Monday night to Tuesday night. It was like the entire town came out of their slumber and hit the streets, and it was awesome. Granted, I was sick and didn’t really get to partake in said hitting the streets, but it still felt like an entirely different place from one day to the next and that was what I liked about Bologna; it seemed to change with the day. I really enjoyed visiting the University of Bologna, and was impressed by all of the shields. I thought that was a cool way to honor past professors. Many of my favorite Italy moments involved artists and musicians, and Bologna was no exception. I met a man whose name I honestly can’t even say, (I just know it started with a C) that sold me an adorable library drawing. He told us that he lived in Bologna but managed to not only know not one man from Pittsburgh, but two, and the second was living in Ireland. He apologized for his English even though it was great, and he drew Mary a picture in her moleskine for free. There was also the precious cello player whose name I also don’t know (my bad) who really blew us all away and got people dancing.

Each city that we visit in Italy progressively ends up becoming my new favorite. Poppi was an entirely different experience than the other cities in that I felt an extreme calm that I hadn’t before. I loved all of the cities we’ve seen, but Poppi now has this special place in my heart. I didn’t really know anything about Poppi prior to coming on this trip, and even upon finding out that we were going there, I just knew that we were staying near a castle and that was about all. However, I never could have imagined the little things I would appreciate about this tiny town or the odd turn of events that would take place in our day/two days there. That first day, I didn’t know how to feel about staying in a convent. I actually didn’t know that we would be until we got there, but it turned out to be really incredible. The rooms we stayed in sort of reminded me of a nicer version of the dorms, and everyone there was so kind and wonderful. We learned about the woman that welcomed us (whose name escapes me, I’m the worst) and she told us that she was the only woman there from India, and about the places that she had seen in the United States. There are many other notable mentions from our short time in Poppi, but my absolute favorite moment was when a man named Italio brought Casey Stevens, Val, Amanda and I into his home and recited his poetry to us. A little strange, I must admit, and I did initially question walking into a random man’s house, but it was the coolest and most surreal experience. He even gave each of us a poem to take with us as well as a flower. As music played and he recited multiple poems, I looked around the room at the poems that lined his walls. It’s really interesting to me what can happen to you just by being in the right place at the right time. If Casey hadn’t been carrying Inferno with her, the man may not have even stopped us at all. Until next time, Poppi and Italio.

I really don’t know where to begin with discussing my immediate love for Florence. I’m incredibly happy that we’re able to stay in such amazing apartments for the week and that a large portion of this trip is in this city because there is so much to see and do here. Prior to coming here, when I pictured Florence I literally only pictured the Duomo and the red rooftops of the buildings surrounding it. Now I know that it is so much more than that (not the the Duomo isn’t amazing, because it is, and I haven’t even climbed it yet). It’s just that there is so much history, beauty, and overall life going on in this city. In just four days, we have been able to experience more than I could have hoped for. My favorite day so far was cooking with Chef Marcello and visiting the Tenuta del Palagio winery. The meal with the chef was by far the best meal I’ve ever had, and I loved getting to hear a little bit about his assistant’s cooking background. When she told us that she had been cooking for a living since she was a child, I wasn’t surprised. The way she was able to so quickly form tortellini and perfectly cut the dough made it clear that she was far more an expert than I could ever be.  As far as the winery, the funny thing is I don’t even like wine, but being able to just sit with my classmates and enjoy a relaxing evening talking and snacking was all I needed. As if being in Florence alone wasn’t enough, I got to say I was fed by a professional chef and drank wine in the Italian countryside, and all in one day.  

How do you pile so many experiences into a mere 350 or 450 words? For just a few short days, I’ve seen so many amazing pieces of history and learned a ton about myself along the way. Rome was like nothing I’ve ever come close to seeing before (I had never even been to Europe before this trip) and I’m so happy with the amount I was able to see and do in our time there. There were the planned situations: seeing the Pantheon, touring the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Sistine Chapel, having class at the University of Rome, visiting the Trevi fountain, eating our first gelatos, etc. Then there were the unplanned experiences: visiting the Colosseum and Roman Forum at night, falling behind from the group but coming across an independent bookstore, being serenaded while eating dinner in a beautiful hidden alleyway, watching a John Lennon look-alike sing Metallica and Led Zeppelin songs, watching riots by the Spanish steps and altercations in the street across from our hotel, getting semi-lost (but not really) on the way to the Maxxi museum, drinking cappuccino on a rainy day across from the Vatican, riding a taxi through the pope’s parade, sitting in peaceful silence in the Piazza del Campidoglio, and so much more. The unplanned and planned all have one thing in common: they’ve been life changing. I know that sounds cheesy, but Italy has already changed me (hopefully for the better). In the process of learning more about myself, I’ve also observed others in a new way. Some observations were out of necessity, such as needing to know how to order food or ride the metro, (and feeling slightly embarrassed when the locals immediately noticed that we’re all American), but some out of just pure curiosity and fascination. I’ve noticed a lot about the Italian culture and people that I wouldn’t have even considered prior to coming here. For instance, Italians are so much quieter than Americans. My general disposition has changed to adjust to the way they interact with one another. I also feel a more urgent desire to be polite, which is really eye opening because the “ugly Americans” phrase comes into my mind any time I feel myself being loud or less respectful than I should be. I also really appreciate the way Italians seem to be so peaceful, even in Rome. Despite being a massive city, Rome balances the hustle and bustle of city life with this incredible calm, one that I’m trying to master in my own life. Rome has definitely made an impact and I’m excited for what’s to come.