Alla Prossima Italia

I have left this ancient and charming country, feeling grounded and with a new understanding of Italian culture and history. While there are so many stories and photos I want to share, I must first report that the lemon gelato was amazing.

This program has allowed me to explore the local gems of Italian life, from wandering the narrow streets in Venice to eating fresh goat cheese and tomatoes from a shepherd on the Amalfi coast. In these moments I am reminded of the priorities I wish to hold close to me — to be present. Too often I get swept up in the hustle and bustle of every day, but in these surreal moments, I was reminded to sit and savor the moment, to really breathe in the fresh air. In this way, I feel rejuvenated by this program, and fell ready to take on the spring semester. 

Additionally, it has been enlightening to connect these beautiful moments to our readings, bridging words on a page to the real world. In doing so, I’ve learned so much about local history that I never would have come across. My favorite tours were the lemon orchard and the paper mill. It was wonderful to actively participe on these tours, eating various lemon products from a longing standing family orchard, and making paper in the oldest working mill in all of Europe. I am so grateful to call the landscapes of Italy my classroom for the past month. My notions have been challenged. I have learned new things, and cannot wait to return to continue to immerse myself in the history and culture of Italy. I truly had a magnificent time. 
 











Saluti, Alina

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