I am only two weeks into living in Italy, yet my life has already been impacted dramatically. Not only have I gotten to see some of the most beautiful places, I also have learned valuable life lessons. The biggest life lesson I have learned so far is to slow down and appreciate your surroundings.
Immersed in a culture where the people take their time doing everything has made it hard not to learn that particular life lesson. From walking on the sidewalk, to eating a meal, or even having a brief encounter with a stranger, the Italians do it slowly. Living in Italy has made me realize how fast-paced my life normally is. Before this experience, I constantly thought about checking off the next item on my list from when I got up to when I went to bed. Thinking back on those days makes me wonder how many beautiful moments I missed. They may have been something small like a picturesque sunset or something bigger like the chance to get to know a stranger. No matter what the experiences might have been, I have now realized that living a fast-paced lifestyle has made me miss out.
Comparing my life in America to that of the Italians shows a drastic difference. Upon my arrival in Italy, the first thing I noticed was the slow-pace style the Italians had. Following that, I enjoyed a lovely, authentic Italian meal that lasted about two hours. I was confused as to why everything seemed so much slower. It only took me a few days to understand though: small moments in life should be enjoyed. For example, the Italians are very passionate about food. They believe it is an art and it should be appreciated and enjoyed. After living here for two weeks, I could not agree more. The food here is incredible, so of course I want to enjoy it to its fullest extent! I have adapted to the Italian pace and in doing so, have seen some incredible sights that I may have missed otherwise. I have seen a stunning hotel covered in ivy on a side street, an Eiffel Tower made out of colorful macaroons, and awe-inspiring fountains made by famous sculptors. I have seen all of these sights just because I took the time to notice them.
In a country like Italy, it is impossible not to appreciate every moment you have. The food is incredible and the sights are breathtaking. I am so thankful Italy has taught me life lessons and shown me true beauty. I could not imagine a better way to spend the next ten weeks.
-Melissa Orr

Sunset in Ariccia on the first day