3 Months Later…
Written by Taylor June 19, 2019
A perfect view of the Tuscan countryside from an organic winery/farm!
Had to take in all of the pasta and pizza before heading back home!
Our dinner view in Positano
The view from our hotel in Positano, part of the Amalfi Coast
Daily gelato was a must for my last week in Italy!
Trevi Fountain in Rome
The Colosseum
View of Rome from the top of St. Peter's Basilica
I can’t believe how fast this semester went! The last few days of being at CIMBA were a little hectic between finals, packing, and saying goodbyes. I never thought I’d make such great friends in just three months, and I can’t wait until we’re all reunited again. The travel, food, and lessons learned through this experience were so great, but the people are what made it even more special.
Thankfully for me, I didn’t have to leave right after school was done! I got to show off my new navigation and Italian skills to my parents for another week. We spent a few days in Florence before heading down to the Amalfi Coast where we also visited Pompeii and Herculaneum. And we ended our trip in Rome for Holy Week before making the long trek back to America. I’ve been home for a few days now, and part of me feels like I never left. But then I remember how much I’ve grown in the past 90 days – the different people I’ve learned from, the cultures I’ve observed, and challenges I’ve had to overcome.
There are so many things I appreciate about the Italian culture, but at the top of that list is the pace of life. When I first got to Italy, it was annoying how long it would take to get a bill at a restaurant. Or the fact that many shops close in the afternoon and at least one day a week. But I soon realized it was because they value conversation, time with loved ones, and rest. I think this pace is a key ingredient to the health and happiness visible in Italy (and other European countries). As someone who is constantly busy and has a hard time saying “no,” I hope to translate my newfound laidback, Italian lifestyle into my routine at home and school.
The last three months were full of firsts, discovery, and memories. I’m so grateful for the opportunities that CIMBA provided me with and I can’t wait to return to Italy someday. Until then, arrivederci!
Blogger: Taylor, Iowa State University
