Life abroad truly is a culture shock. It has been different from all previous expectations, but I couldn’t be more thankful that this is the case. My view of traveling has always been to go as many places as I can in order to see as much as possible. Although I have already seen so much in my few weeks here, I have a totally different view of what traveling truly means. Traveling is being, not just doing. It is experiencing, not just seeing. It is enjoying, not just posting.

Last week we went on a field trip to “Lago Di Giulianello”, where we walked through the beautiful paths along the lake on a journey to learn about all of the native herbs and plants. Our guide, Lseno, took his time to show us every plant, teach us about their importance, explain the many dishes they are used in throughout Italian culture, and even let us try most of them right out of the ground!

We ended the hike with a long, slow picnic lunch atop the hill overlooking the stunning lake and Italian countryside. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and everyone was enjoying each other’s company. Adjusting to the culture here looked different than I expected due to the newness of it all. Everything was immediately so exciting and yet so different, and I felt as though this field trip was the first moment I had taken to truly slow down. I was able to enjoy where I was, who I was with, and what I was doing. Italians live every day like this, and I am so thankful I got to completely take part in such an important part of their culture. Not to mention, the food was incredible, and the whole day was such a sweet experience to share with everyone.

I’m looking forward to more random adventures that will continue to challenge me to better understand and partake in the Italian culture!

Sarabeth Elkins