I Am Not Afraid
Written by Elizabeth July 6, 2015
formal dinner
This is the pizza I made!
The sport of palio being practiced in the streets of Asolo.
beautiful sunset in Asolo
Marostica
the Colosseum
Mount Grappa
Cinque Terre
Ciao!
Now that I am back in the US, I have really been able to process my whole study abroad experience. It went by so fast and I learned so much in just four weeks. I traveled to various towns – big and small – in Italy like Cinque Terre, Verona, Rome, Asolo, Marostica, Cittadella, and more. I even visited Munich, Germany! I took planes, trains, buses, taxis, and ferries. I hiked trails, biked through a city, toured castles, and explored the beauty in every place I visited. I was always on the move trying to see and soak up as much as I could. I knew what I wanted to gain from studying abroad, but what I actually obtained was much more than I could have ever hoped for.
Studying abroad in Paderno del Grappa with the CIMBA program was an amazing experience to say the least. I learned a lot of things about my classes, Italy, people, myself, and much more. In an earlier blog, I mentioned how the CIMBA director wanted us to get lost, miss a train, not know what to do, and then find a way to solve the problem. At the time, I didn’t quite understand the value of such actions. I desired to find my way and not miss any trains or buses. I wanted to check off the boxes of what I wanted to see in each city, but that way of thinking doesn’t help you experience the city. In this manner, you see what you want to see and don’t fully enjoy and feel the moment you’re in. It is still a good idea to plan your trip and know some of the things you want to see, but make sure that you’re open to other things and aren’t planning your trip by the minute. Lucky for me, I got lost many times and missed multiple trains and buses. My weekend trips weren’t perfect but those imperfections made an impression that I will always remember and for that, those moments are beautifully imperfect. I still saw the sights I wanted to see but I witnessed a lot more by just walking down side streets and losing myself in the essence of the city. I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything.
While I learned to enjoy getting lost, I also learned how wonderful mankind can be. I was definitely nervous and scared about going to another country all by myself but I was met with so much kindness everywhere I went. Not knowing much of the Italian language, I was worried about the barrier I might face and yet that didn’t seem to be such a big problem. So many people were willing to help with directions, advice, opinions, and knowledge. Of course, there were the kind and friendly chefs I met during my pasta and pizza making, but there was also an amiable couple I met on a train, two cheerful women I met in the bathroom, delightful hotel and hostel owners, and many nice restaurant employees. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or to spark up a conversation with someone next to you on a train, in line for the bathroom, or someone just walking by. People are happy to help you or just talk to you if you just have the courage to ask.
Before studying abroad, my goal was to gain a broader worldview or perspective. I reached that goal and much more. I learned a lot about Italy, the places I visited, and more about people. I saw how beautiful these parts of the world are and cherished the moments I was there. I also learned how to solve problems, not only in Statics, but also in just finding my way after getting lost. I have a better idea of how to be on my own and I know how to be more independent in traveling and exploring. Another thing I learned was that I am not afraid. I yearn to explore and go on more adventures around the world. I want to experience other cultures, taste other foods, and bathe my eyes in the other beauties of Earth. I desire to dive in and live thoroughly by living life to the fullest and appreciating every single moment, perfectly imperfect.
Thanks for reading! I hope you have enjoyed my blogs and I strongly recommend that you study abroad if you are able to and thinking about it. I just want to thank my parents for helping me have this study abroad opportunity and I want to thank CIMBA, my professors, and friends for making my experience truly wonderful and memorable. I hope to see Italy again soon!
Arrivederci!
Elizabeth
Blogger: Elizabeth, University of Iowa
