Moral of the story: Just do it!

Here, there and everywhere! I have been so busy talking about my exciting weekends, I forgot to mention how amazing simple week nights can be. I remember my first afternoon that I had “free” when I was in Italy. A group of friends and I had a few hours to study and finish our homework before the bus would arrive to go to Asolo (a local town that CIMBA provides transportation to during the afternoon). Since it was a beautiful day outside, we decided to walk to the park that is on campus. Within five minutes, we heard laughters cry-out as the elementary school let out for recess. Two young boys saw us and immediately came running. In a slow, uneasy voice they said, “How. Are. You?” We smiled as we saw them struggling to try to find the right English words.

Within no time, we were chattering away talking to them about their school and favorite soccer players. Soon, we found a soccer ball and started a pick-up game. Although they were only twelve, they had some serious skills, but a few Americans with us (not me!) held their own in representing the big U.S.A! When we heard the whistle blow, we knew the fun was over. They made us promise to come back next Monday during this same time again.

These stories make studying abroad in a village like Paderno del Grappa better than just a major city. Away from the tourism. Away from the long lines. Away from the McDonalds! It is in the heart of northern eastern Italy. Surrounded by beautiful mountains and locales who speak English with their hands. J

The rest of our night was equally amazing, but in a completely different way. We sweated our way to the top of the mountain in Asolo. Looked out over the view that no camera is truly able to capture.

Miles and miles of villages and small square fields that patched the area until it reached the next mountain ahead with the sun setting in the background.

We finished the trip back down with gelato from the local café, and were ready to board the bus for our next destination: Bassano.

Bassano was the first large city we were able to travel too. Walking through the streets that are only as wide as one car, we heard the music filling the air from a local outside café. We found a café next to the river, and sat down for a bottle of wine. With the rushing water in the background, and the smell of trees around us, the taste of another Italian wine was the perfect top to the perfect day.

My best advice I can give students who are thinking about studying abroad is that you do not have to go to major cities or spend your life savings. Sometimes the little things can be the best things. So, stop thinking, and just do it!

-Olivia