Maddie’s Pre Departure

 As the trip gets closer, I’m getting more and more excited to go to Italy! Italy, to me, represents good food, history, art, and the opportunity to finally see a place I’ve learned about for years with my own eyes. It honestly feels surreal that I’ll soon be walking through streets where historical monuments and art aren’t just something you read about in textbooks, but something you see every single day.

What I’m most looking forward to is being fully immersed in a new culture. I can’t wait to walk through the streets of Italy, try authentic Italian food, and hear Italian spoken all around me and hopefully learn a little myself. I’m really excited for the everyday moments just as much as the big ones, having cappuccinos, exploring local towns, and experiencing daily life in a completely different country.

I’m also really interested in seeing how Italy’s history shows up in everyday life, especially through architecture and city layouts. After our readings, I’ve become more aware of how geography and history have shaped Italy socially and economically, and I’m excited to notice those things firsthand instead of just reading about them. Overall, I’m looking forward to learning, exploring, and stepping outside my comfort zone during this experience.

Ciao! See you in Italy! 🇮🇹