Traveling on the weekends is an adventure like none other, and often the main topic of conversation. While I love exploring on the weekends, there have been so many fun activities to do during the week here in Paderno and surrounding towns. Here are some highlights of what I’ve been up to during the week!
One of my favorite activities that I’ve done was pizza making. We went to Bar Pizzeria Cornaro in Asolo and learned from one of the best in the business- Saverio! Saverio has owned the pizzeria for many years. He took us through the history of pizza and the little details that go into making a delicious pizza. We all got to make our own personal pizzas- which were absolutely delicious (probably the best pizza I’ve had thus far). Asolo is also such a beautiful town, so we enjoyed exploring and getting gelato after.
Another weekly activity that has been a lot of fun has been going to a nearby town called Bassano del Grappa. A couple of nights a week CIMBA gives us the option to take a bus there. Bassano is one of the most beautiful towns I have seen during my time here. There are so many good restaurants to eat at and cute shops to look around in. I’ve been both during the day and at night, and every time it is so much fun.
CIMBA also gives you options of things to do during your free blocks in the afternoon. Since we do block scheduling, one afternoon a week you have off. During my first week here, I went to Asolo. Asolo was listed in the famous travel book, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. While I was there, my friend and I made the hike up to the Rocca Fortress. The view at the top was amazing. We also visited some cute shops, and got gelato, of course. This week I went up to Mount Grappa. Some events during both World War I and World War II took place on Mount Grappa. There is a memorial monument at the top that was really cool. There was also a cute restaurant where we could sit at and enjoy the breathtaking view.
The best part about taking classes at CIMBA in my opinion is the company tours we get to go on. Last week, my Experiential Marketing class went to Alpinestars, a manufacturer of clothing and protective gear for motorsports and action sports founded here in Italy. Getting out of the classroom and seeing what we are learning about firsthand has been awesome. My International Marketing class also went to a winery, called Villa Sandi. We got to tour all the wine cellars and even try some wine. It was such a beautiful venue, and one of my favorite things we did.
While CIMBA sets up a lot of fun activities to do during the week, there is also so much you can do and explore on your own. Last week, a few of my friends and I went paragliding*. It was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had. The view was breathtaking and something I will never forget. I will admit, I was a little scared, but once you’re up there it is so calming. The pilot I went with was also so nice and comforting. I highly recommend going if you ever get the chance. It is an experience like never before. We went to the local pizza place after, which is another one of my favorite parts of our weeks in Paderno.
I still can’t believe my time here is coming to an end. It has flown by. I have had such an amazing experience and met some of the best people. I am really going to miss all the weekly activities, visiting nearby towns and companies, and exploring Italy with my friends. Here’s to finishing the program off strong and enjoying my last few days!
Ciao!
*Please note that CISI insurance (which all CIMBA students are enrolled in) does not cover medical expense benefits for injury sustained while taking part in mountaineering where ropes or guides are normally used; hang gliding; parachuting; bungee jumping; racing by horse, motor vehicle or motorcycle; parasailing.