Mondays. They are a source of stress and anxiety all around the world. The stress of Mondays knows no age, race, or socioeconomic group. However, we in the Chigi Palace are lucky enough to have that stress alleviated, at least for the most part. While school is a major part of what  Joseph S. Bruno Auburn Abroad in Italy is about, our source of knowledge, and how we learn is often much more fun than your average college classroom.
This past Monday, most of us had just returned from our first set of weekend trips. To say we were tired is an understatement. However, we immediately set off for what would end up being one of my favorite experiences thus far. Just up the hill from the Chigi Palace is a local high school that focuses on linguistics. We were given the opportunity to interact with groups of high school students (ages 14-19) and while they got to practice their English, we got to compare and contrast our two worlds. I learned so much from just a 45-minute conversation, that will stay with me for years to come.
After our visit to the high school, we had afternoon lectures, one of which was “Wine History” with Maurizio Antonini, one of our many amazing lecturers. I have always had an interest in wine so I was excited for this lecture and the wine tasting that was to follow. Maurizio is so knowledgeable about so many things, and he definitely deepened my knowledge of wine and wine tasting. How many people can say that they got to do a wine tasting led by a wine expert? Joined by all of their incredibly unique and amazing professors, In Italy! Not many, I know that.
While it is incredible that we are given the weekends to explore the world for ourselves, I have come to realize that some of my favorite moments are the ones that we are making right here in Ariccia. These are the experiences that I will never be able to relive and will never forget. For now, all I can do is keep learning to live like the Italians, slowly and with a glass of wine.
P.S. According to Mary Lou, “Always remember, when it comes to drinking wine, … red on white you’re alright. White on red, you are dead.”

The wines we sampled during our wine tasting and aperitivo on Monday