Ciao Italy! I'll miss you!

Tiffany Rose
January 31, 2024

Last Days
Of a Lovely Adventure

As the last days of our trip commenced in the incredible Rome, it was becoming more and more unbelievable how fast our trip had come to an end. Each week felt like a year in itself, until we reached Rome. Where it suddenly felt dreadful that these were our last days exploring Italy and being in our wonderful group. I could go on and on about all of the amazing and astonishing experiences of this trip, however, here are some of the highlights of our last days, which truly made the conclusion of this adventure memorable: 

As a History major, I can't help but establish how incredible it was to visit many historical sites and walk on the same ground walked on by many historical figures. On one smaller group adventure during free time, we were able to visit the location of Caeser's stabbing incident. Though the cats of Rome have made this spot a home, and were adorably distracting, this is one of the top historical sites that some of us were able to see in Rome. We were also able to visit the museum of the Vatican and the Colosseum (staples of visiting Rome, of course). These sites made it feel so much more realistic that we were in the one and only Rome! Without taking pictures for proof, it would seem like only a dream that we were here!

     

     


Prior to this trip, I anticipated to primarily learn about our course materials, and see sites related to our course content. This was accurate, and studying History in one of the most perfect locations in the world to do so, is something that I will forever cherish. Although, there were so many alternative experiences that I will also cherish. Being a part of an amazing group of students and leaders on this adventure, is definitely one of my favorite parts. I truly made so many friends on this journey, and I am so thankful to have had this opportunity. 

Although, while the best parts of the trip could take up this entire post, I of course have to mention some of the obstacles. In my case, this includes an attack of the forbidden jellyfish plant (a stinging nettle, so kindly existing in a planter box near the bus stop in Rome). Below is an image of this scary plant, and the reason for needing to smother my hand in toothpaste for the rest of the night (haha). And for those wondering, toothpaste is a good cure to stinging nettles apparently.


Thankfully food was also a good cure to our challenging days of walking the city, and was often a reward for using our small knowledge of the Italian language (even if we accidentally ordered the wrong thing from the menu). 

           

Without our amazing tour guide Alessio, most of our dinners would have been very confusing, and utterly different. It was truly a blessing to have had the trip leaders that we did (Dr. Hames, Austin, and Alessio), and without this trio, the trip would not have been successful. With the comfortability, trust, and fun that our trip leaders established from the very beginning in our group, I was truly able to learn so much about myself as a person on this trip, while learning about the Italian culture, people, history, etc. 

Before this journey, I anticipated to learn about the culture, the people, and the history. But never did I realize how much this trip would give me the opportunity of learning more about myself and how I can continue growing as a student, and a young adult. When I reached 21, I assumed that I already knew myself, though I never had such an opportunity before to challenge myself in this way. Leaving this adventure, and looking back on our pre-departure photos, it truly feels like years have passed. I no longer see the same person in the mirror. Before I saw an eager student, who was still scared of what is to come after the end of senior year. And now, I see an eager student, who can take on any challenge and any adventure (while making many kind friends in the process).

Without this opportunity, and the amazing people who took this journey too, I truly would not have grown in the way that I have. I would not trade these memories for anything. Thank you to all of those who made this journey the best one yet! :)


Ciao Italia <3


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