Ciao!! What a whirlwind of an experience it has been these last four weeks in Italy! We really have been going non-stop since the day we arrived in Ariccia. Which, for me, I’m used to because I tend to have to be doing something all the time at home. While this last month has been busy, it has also been the most amazing experience. I wouldn’t change a single thing, even if that means missing a weekend of an already-paid-for trip to Germany!
Yes, you heard right. I did, in fact, pay for my flight and hostel for this past weekend, but did not get the actual opportunity to visit Germany. Just as I was beginning to adapt to the Italian culture, my health took a turn for the worst. Unexpectantly, I woke up early Thursday morning sick to my stomach. A huge thank you to our second mom, Mrs. Linda, and our wise Italian older sister, Cinzia. If if weren’t for them I wouldn’t have been able to make it safely to the doctor and tell him my symptoms in Italian. Unfortunately, I missed all of the activities that we did in Orvieto that day, including visiting Orvieto’s Duomo and the store and woodworking studio of Bottega Michelangeli. However, I finally gathered myself enough to get out of the hotel to take the bus back to Ariccia and was able to visit Civita di Bagnoregio, “the dying city”. It was a little bit of a difficult hike since I had zero energy from earlier, but it was extraordinary and worth the extra effort!
Still not feeling to-the-nines, I decided to stay in Ariccia by myself for the weekend while everyone traveled to different countries. I was stoked to go to Germany with Leah and Gabrielle, but it wouldn’t be fair for them to possibly get sick and it wouldn’t be fun for me to start to feel worse and not be able to explore Germany with them. Everyone kept telling me how nice having the Palace to myself would be and that I would get so much done. I somewhat agreed. I wasn’t as excited as everyone else said they’d be because I was still upset and negative about missing out on Germany. The weather Friday and Saturday was just as bad as my attitude and health. Feeling a little better on Saturday, I was starting to actually enjoy my alone time in the Palace. I worked on my journal, took advantage of the crazy-fast wi-fi, and continued to rest. With all of my negativity about having to stay home alone this weekend, Sunday brought something that showed me how in every situation, there is always a silver lining.
I woke up on Sunday to a sun-filled, almost sixty-degree weather day, feeling like I was never sick at all. It’s amazing to think that God truly had His way of making sure I knew when to pace myself and take time off to enjoy the world around me. He knew I needed rest from all the traveling we’ve done, that I needed time to myself, and that I needed to take a real look around at where I have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live for these three months. I woke up feeling blessed to have been able to go on such an amazing adventure and to have met and get to know each and every one of the twenty-one girls on this trip.
I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and I now have zero regrets about staying in Ariccia this weekend. I was able to see Ariccia on my own on one of the warmest, most beautiful days we’ve had since we’ve been here. I walked to Albano and Genzano while spending the majority of my day outside, just because. Not everyone can say that they have lived in the Chigi Palace in Ariccia for three months. I took every opportunity to stay outside while I had God’s beautiful creation around me and I could see it all on my own. I wouldn’t take back my sickness for the world because it’s what led me to realize how fortunate we all are for getting this opportunity. There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel, and there will always be struggles to get there, but God will make sure I reach it.
Taylor Galloway

Just call me Chef Anna! Yesterday, we went to the Italian Chef Academy and it was one of my favorite field trips that we have taken so far. We had a 5-hour Italian cooking course, which included: fresh pappardelle with wild boar ragu, homemade ravioli, salad, and tiramisu.
All 22 of us had our own individual cooking stations so it was really hands-on and interactive. We split into 2 groups and each group had our own chef teaching us how to make the dishes. We started off with making the dough for the noodles and ravioli. I couldn’t believe that we were actually making noodles from scratch! Oddly enough, it wasn’t as complicated as one might think; however, there is a very unique and specific technique that we had to use when doing it. After that, we made the tiramisu and the salad. It was hard not to lick the spoon when making the tiramisu! At last, we ended the class with stuffing the ravioli with the homemade basil, ricotta cheese, and lemon zest filling.
It was so intriguing getting to see the chef demonstrate how to make all of the food. They truly view cooking as a form of art. Now that I have personally made ravioli, pasta, and tiramisu from scratch, I appreciate it so much more than I did before. I now know all of the hard work and time that goes into making one single pasta dish.
I am looking forward to being able to make some authentic homemade Italian pasta for my family when I get back home! Cooking is a lifelong skill and I will forever cherish learning these Italian cooking techniques that I will be able to use for the rest of my life. Buon Appetitio!
Anna Messerly

It’s already week five (what?!!!) and we took our first overnight field trip as a group last week! We got to dip our toes in to the uniqueness that encompasses Umbria. Umbria is known for its medieval towns, amazing truffles, wine, and its artistic presence. It’s been called the “Green Heart of Italy” and it’s easy to see why traveling through the countryside to each city. We spent the week going back to the dark ages and experiencing the architecture, art, and history that lies within the streets of Assisi, Perugia, and Orvieto.
I would say my favorite part of the trip was getting to experience the everyday work of the artisans who live there. As a group, we got to go to a goldsmith studio, hand-weaving workshop, stained glass workshop, and then in two smaller groups, either a woodworking studio or a pottery studio. With each experience we got to see firsthand what it is like to work in these studios and talk to the people who make it happen. It was so inspiring to watch them light up as they explained to us what they do everyday and how much love and pride each of them had for the work they produce.
The most influential artisan experience for me, as an interior design student, was the Bottega Michelangeli woodworking studio in Orvieto. They have been in production since 1789 and have become a very important Italian organization. Their signature is to use pinewood and add layers to each piece in order to create a three-dimensional effect. They have a whole street in Orvieto that is dedicated to their work and shops, but you can find their pieces throughout the streets of the town. They want to stay a small artisan company instead of a big corporation. It’s comforting to know that some companies care more about the work they are producing rather than just caring about the money.
I have found a whole new inspiration for craft in Umbria and all throughout Italy that has made this study abroad journey one that can’t be matched. This experience will forever affect my career and who I am as a person.
– Maddie Perry

After Milan fashion week I needed some peace and quit and I definitely found it in Lake Como. I wasn’t sure what to expect when Anna, Anna, Rebecca, Emma, Spencer, and I walked off the train from the hustle and bustle of Milan and in to the beautiful town of Varenna, but it was absolutely a pleasant surprise. We checked in to our cute, homey little hotel, set our stuff down, and walked out to the breath taking view of Lake Como. There were snow capped mountains towering over us, and the lake water was turquoise blue. I have never seen such a gorgeous view.
The town of Varenna was very quaint with little crowds. It was the perfect choice. We met a local and she suggested and drove us to a restaurant that seemed very local to the area. We ate a pasta called pizzoccheri that was absolutely amazing. It had cheese, potatoes, cabbage, and homemade pasta. We also visited a villa that is a museum now. The garden was amazing and there were beautiful views of the lake every where we looked. We also took a ferry to a little town near Varenna and I enjoyed the ferry ride more than the town. It was such a peaceful two days that I really needed. If you are looking to have a peaceful weekend with beautiful views and really good food, I recommend booking a trip to Varenna to see Lake Como. I really wish I could stay at Lake Como forever.
Megan Blume

These first sixteen days in Italy have been about surviving, adapting and learning. I thought the transition to living in Ariccia would be very simple. I have traveled abroad before, and even been to Italy and other places in Europe. The problem with that assumption is that I have never lived in Italy; I have only traveled through as a tourist. A tourist would usually have to find a way to order at a restaurant, but that’s often the biggest struggle they will have with a language barrier. Living in a small town however, not many people speak English. In order to survive, one must learn the language! It has been vital not only to order food, but also to read labels at the grocery store, or be able to ask for directions if I get lost.
The language is only the most basic of the barriers. The real surprise is in the culture shock. I thought it would not be that different from the United States, and I’ve already visited before, so I thought I knew what it would be like. Both of those I found to be false. There are so many subtle differences that add up and make a completely different culture than the one I was used to. At first, all I could focus on was how much better Italy was than America. I was in the ‘tourist phase’, everything was new and different. The grass is always greener on the other side. It is the same reason we go out and buy new clothes because they are fresh and different, but a couple months later, we are tired of them. After about a week, I started to miss having hot water all the time, my favorite food places and began to spend quite a bit of time focusing on what I didn’t have.
Then last weekend we spent two nights in Rome exploring, shopping, eating and drinking wine. As we were walking back to our apartment on Saturday night, we walked by the Pantheon. I stopped and realized that I was staying in an apartment only a couple hundred feet from a two-thousand-year old temple. How crazy is that? I had been so consumed by the comforts I missed back home and was completely ignoring where I am and how lucky I am to be here and even have this opportunity. The truth is that neither country is better or worse; that is simply the culture shock talking. Every culture is different for many reasons and beautiful in its own way. I think the wisest people soak up what they can from every culture they experience and combine bits and pieces of them into the way they live their own lives.
I am so excited to see what the next three months have to bring and I feel confident if I take it one step at a time, I can make it through and learn so much about myself and the world around me.
-Katherine

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

Ciao! What a whirlwind of two weeks! I have learned a lot, but one very important lesson that I have learned is that knowing some Italian in necessary. The language barrier can make it very hard to communicate with others. Our Italian teacher, Sandra, comes twice-a-week and teaches us ‘Survival Italian’ (Italiano per Sopravvivere). We’ve learned everyday vocabulary, articles, and directions.
The Joseph S. Bruno program does an excellent job immersing us in the Italian culture. On two Mondays, we had students from local middle schools come in and help teach us one-on-one. The first week, we were learning directions and how to navigate through cities, such as Rome. The kids would pick different places on a map and have us tell them how to get there with the words Sandra taught us. This week, we are learning phrases to use in a household. The kids help us learn the phrase and how to say the words correctly. Note: saying Italian words with a southern accent is much different than with an Italian accent!
Another way we are immersed into the Italian culture is through our ‘adopted’ families. We are paired off and set up with a family. They came over last night for aperitivo at the Palace. We will go to their house for a real Italian meal sometime later in the semester. My family is a young couple with a seven-year-old boy. He is fluent in English just from watching English cartoons. I was very impressed! I will go to their house with my partner, Natalie, in a few weeks and get to eat a homemade Italian meal. Yum!
Emma Campbell

I am so excited to experience this semester abroad in Italy along with everything the Joseph S. Bruno Study Abroad Program has to offer! Living in Ariccia has been such an enlightening opportunity so far. Just being able to exist in such a small and quaint community makes me feel comfortable and we are able to experience what life is like for these locals. Whether it’s getting a daily ‘caffé’ from the Coffee Bar down the street or going into a shop to get a Porchetta sandwich, I have really learned to embrace what the people here do.
This week we were able to go into Rome for two days on a field trip. We saw most of the major sights that there are to see in Rome! This was a great way to prepare us for our own trip that we just took over the weekend. Let me tell you, trying to find my (or one’s) way around a major city without using a cell phone is a lot harder than it sounds. But, we did it! One of our assignments for the weekend was to find places from a scavenger hunt list of different sights and things to do in Rome. It really helped us navigate our way through the city and not just see the touristy spots that most people see. We stumbled our way through cute little streets and neighborhoods scattered throughout Rome, and it really made me realize that within a big city there is more character than I thought.
My Joseph S. Bruno study abroad experience has already enhanced my life in so many ways, and it has only been two weeks. I have learned so much about Italian culture, history, and people. But, most importantly it has made me learn so much about myself. I cannot wait to see how much it changes me by the end of the semester.
-Natalie Reifler

We’re 2 weeks into our JSB experience of Spring 2017, and the palace is really starting to feel like home! The week was full of day trips to Rome and learning about all the important sights and history. It was an exciting and tiring one, but I feel like I’ve learned months’ worth of history classes in a week. My personal favorite was our trip to St. Peter’s Basilica. Who knew touring one church could take 2 hours!
The amount of detail they put into the tiniest bits and pieces of everything is insane. We complain about having 2 weeks to do a project! It really makes one think. The amount of spirituality in all the different components was enlightening because I could understand a lot of the religious Italian roots. For example, the way a statue’s hand might be placed tells a whole different story if three fingers are showing instead of two. It’s nuts. And of course, the hike to the dome was unbelievable. The 551 steps are so worth it to get even a glimpse of that view.
Everyone chose to go to Rome this weekend to finish our scavenger hunts and have a real taste of the city. The weekend was full of sightseeing, beautiful sunsets, Roman nightlife, and delicious meals. We definitely made the best of it. Although we all weren’t staying together, we somehow managed to reunite each day. Whether it was at dinner in Trestevere, shopping at Zara, or dancing at Shari Vari, the groups got to share some portion of the trip together. The weekend came at the perfect time because we were all ready to put everything we’ve learned about the history and lifestyle of Rome to a test. Eating around the city was a nice breath of fresh air because we had a lot of variety. We could just walk around to any restaurant around our AirBnb and have something new to try.
My favorite part about the trip was hiking around the city and ending at the Aventine Keyhole. We were pretty exhausted from exploring for 8 hours (and going to bed late the night before definitely didn’t help), but that didn’t take away from any of the enjoyment. We hit it at the absolute perfect time, because the sun was setting and the sky was beautiful, making it one of the coolest (unplanned) thing I’ve ever seen. We all concluded that we were in love with Rome.
The week and weekend were everything we wanted it to be; a complete success.
-Arianna Stevens

Although I have only been living in Italy for two weeks, the JSB program has shown me more than I could have ever imagined. Upon my arrival in Italy, I was very nervous and unsure of what I was getting myself into. As soon as I boarded the plane I couldn’t help but think of all the things that could go wrong. I cannot describe the relief I felt when the plane’s wheels touched the Italian runway. As soon as we arrived at the palace, we hit the ground running. So far, in the first two weeks of my stay my brain is packed with information about history, culture, and the Italian language. My fascination with the Italian culture never ceases. Every day there is a new food to try, word to say, or a piece of history to learn.
The field trips are, by far, one of my favorite parts of this program. Traveling in a group with 21 girls is quite an experience. Most of us have never been to these places, so experiencing them together as a group is special. We are all unique and different which only adds to the experience of adjusting to a foreign culture and making new friends while learning and having fun.
Italy has already impacted me in more ways than one. It has proven to me that going out of my comfort zone is hard; but, it has also proven to me that going out of my comfort zone is good. Over these past two weeks I have faced the challenges of learning a new currency and booking flights to places I’ve never been. I am also working on overcoming obstacles such as missing my family, learning to get around without a navigation system and living somewhat without my iPhone. I am sure there will be more hurdles to jump over, whether it’s the feeling of experiencing a culture so very different from my own or climbing 500 stairs to the top of Saint Peter’s Basilica. In the end, the view is great.
-Spencer Smyly