One of the first things I did as soon as I settled into Ariccia was find the best route for running. Wednesday morning, I set out across the bridge in the direction of the neighboring town, Albano.
Albano is a larger city than Ariccia, and was somewhat intimidating to navigate as a runner. The streets were busy with morning commuters, and I was unfamiliar with the overall layout of the roads. It didn’t take long for me to find myself out-of-breath and turned around in a new town. Then, as it always does in situations like this, clouds began to gather overhead and before I knew it, I was jogging through heavy rain.
I momentarily considered sitting for a while in a coffee shop, but decided to press on and find my way back to the main street, and head home. As I made my way down the sidewalk, multiple people walked up alongside me, and without being prompted, reached out and offered to walk with me and share their umbrella. One man walked me all the way across the bridge to Ariccia, only to turn around and walk all the way back across. I was absolutely amazed by the kindness of complete strangers who made an unfamiliar place feel like home!
As a Human Sciences major, I hope to have the opportunity to work with people on a day-to-day basis. Already, the kindness and courtesy of the people I have met in Italy has challenged me in the way I interact with others. Am I going out of my way to reach out to someone, whether I know him or her or not? Am I actively seeking to make others feel comfortable and welcome in my home at Auburn University?
Out of all of the wonderful sights and experiences of my first week in Italy, the kind man walking me across the bridge with his umbrella will be the memory that I cherish most. To me, the bridge from Ariccia to Albano will hold a special meaning to me for my remaining time in Italy and long after I return home.
Mallie Taylor