Our first week in Italy has exceeded all expectations. From the moment we arrived in this beautiful place, we have been overwhelmed trying to take in all the incredible sights, sounds and tastes Italy has to offer. Our first two days we spent unpacking, and touring the town of Ariccia and the lovely Chigi Palace ,which we still can’t believe is our “home”. We also met our wonderful Italian professors who were so welcoming and made us even more excited to learn all they have to teach us. Our first class field trip was a tour of the Castelli Romani towns. Each town was more beautiful than the last. One of our favorite towns, Castel Grandolfo, is located on Lake Albano. It was so beautiful, we decided to go back on our first Saturday in Italy. We spent the whole day soaking up the sunshine, kayaking, and enjoying one another’s company. Saturday night, a few of us went into the town of Albano for the art festival. The town was full of local artists, food vendors and musicians. We loved exploring the streets, stopping along the way to dance, eat, and take pictures of the beautiful sights. Monday was our first Italian cooking class with Mrs. Mary Lou. She taught us the art of simple, fresh Italian cooking and we made a delicious pasta dish and Nutella and cream layered sponge cake. Even though we have only been here a week, I feel I am learning so much. I am learning how to better interact and relate to people of all backgrounds and cultures and that you can learn something from everyone you encounter if you take the time to listen. As a Child Life major, my career will require me to interact with people of all ethnicities and backgrounds and I know my experiences here in Italy will greatly contribute to this.  Overall, adjustment to life here in Italy has been an easy and exciting transition. I think I speak for everyone when I say we cannot wait to take in every minute of this modern three month “Grand Tour” of Italy.
Written by:
Bradley Singletary

The whole group on our first full day in Italy