My Story through Scarves
Written by Jennifer December 31, 2014
Ever since our first trip to Cinque Terre I have been purchasing scarves that represent my experience in the city. Looking at them all lying across the ground I saw far more than fabric, I see a journey that has come to an end externally but just begun internally. It was really strange to look back at photos since the beginning of the trip and comprehend all of the places we had been.
I want to separate my last blog into three main parts- first I will list some tips to future travelers and what I was surprised to find out and what I feel as if I should have brought or left at home, a little reflection, then I have some “letters of thanks”.
Tips for Future Cimbians:
- Find your niche
- Think of some places of where want to visit
- What kind of traveler are you? “checklist traveler” or a “sit back and relax” one
- What do you absolutely have to do while in Europe: food, monuments, etc.
- Who do you travel best with?
- Plan trips sooner than later
- Prices, as you can imagine, get really high just one or two weeks before your trips – don’t waste your time deciding!
- Weather: beaches vs. mountains
- Have an idea of what your packing essentials are for day trips
- Check TrainItalia! Strikes are a real thing here- very real
- What I wished I packed
- Shorts- the temperature varies more than I expected; also classes and dorms are in the same building so no need for heavy winter clothing all of the time
- More tshirts- same reasoning as above
- Another pair of walking shoes
- Duffle Bag
- Get your work finished during the day so you have the evening free to catch up with friends!
I think I’ve changed in the way I look at the world. I love the melting pot that’s out there. It was amazing to notice differences, and even better- similarities. During this semester I did some research through ancestry.com (they’re not paying me- not that you would believe that if I told you…would be cool though if they did) knowing that my mom’s side was from Italy. Turns out I have a Florence heritage. I felt at home there and I don’t think that’s a coincidence. I went to the same church my great-great-grandparents attended, I even walked the same streets. That was SO mind-blowing to me. Maybe this World isn’t so large after all…I feel that I am more adaptable now. I know that I’m more independent, which was actually one of my coaching goals!
I hope to travel more. The phrase that keeps popping into my head is:
“Get out there and go!”
Before I forget- here’s a video I made about all of my travels! Enjoy!
Dear Family,
Thank you for giving me this opportunity that I would never have imagined possible. I traveled to places that I didn’t even know I wanted to go. Thank you for listening to each new story about each and every difference I see from America to Europe. Thank you for at least pretending to listen when I talk about all this culture that I’ve observed and somewhat participated in. Thank you for tolerating my photo presentation and videos. Thank you for always being there. Thank you for giving me the WORLD.
Dear CIMBA Family,
Thank you for guiding me and teaching me more about myself and the world. As much as this has been a semester of going outside my comfort zone, I really learned that pushing these boundaries really isn’t so difficult after all. Thank you for always greeting me with smiling faces and welcoming each one of my questions. Thank you for creating a home away from home. Thank you for being such amazing friends! I knew I’d meet great people, but WHAT?! How is it possible that I met lifelong friends? I still am shocked. I would never have met these classmates with any other opportunity…I mean- only in Italy!
Thank you for mentoring me and coaching me into the person I hope to become!
Dear Friends from Home,
Thank you so much for reading my blogs. The comments you’ve left and texts you’ve messaged me have truly meant a lot! I cannot wait to reconnect with you all. In advance I’m going to apologize about talking too much about traveling. Thank you for the Facebook comments and every like on a photo- once again sorry for the newsfeed flooding.
Dear Italy,
Thank you so very much for stealing my heart and my ability to eat American Pizza. Thank you for being a home away from home…see you very VERY soon.
ci vediamo,
Jenny
Blogger: Jennifer, Furman University
