Friends in Italia!

From the very first day in Ariccia, it was obvious we were much different looking than the Italians. Walking down through the town of Albano for the first time with twenty girls, including blondes, we got a little more than a few stares to say the least. As well as looking physically different (i.e. blonde hair/ light skin), our flip flops, shorts, and southern style seemed to stick out like sore thumb. I felt the most awkward around people our own age. Seeing all the younger people hanging out with their friends; the girls in their catchy outfits that they had so strategically planned out and guys with more bling and graphic t’s than you are ever likely to on an American, much less someone in Auburn. I did not know what they liked to do for fun, where they enjoyed going on the weekends, or even what they would talk about. At a glance, I assumed we probably wouldn’t have anything in common with them.

Because our only exposure to any Italians our age at first was in the Hotel Villa Ariccia, we began to talk to some the waiters that worked in the restaurant. And also because our group tends to eat in the Villa most nights, we became accustomed to seeing the same waiters every night, so it was natural that we got to know them. Of course, they were still so professional while they were at work, so we started hanging out with them other places as well. It was so different from being at home because the guys treated us like friends, and they were not at all interested in us in a romantic way. The people that we all met seemed really interested in talking to us and getting to know us. Maybe it was because we were the mysterious Americans, but either way they definitely helped form my opinion and feelings on their culture.

We continued to talk with and get to know the guys in the hotel everyday and met a lot of their friends as well. We went to Lake Nemi with a bunch of people one day because they said that we needed to experience the lake instead of lying out on the hot roof of the hotel like we usually did. I thought it might be awkward because I had no clue what we might talk about. We found out a lot about them and their personal lives. There are so many differences in the way we are brought up and live our daily lives compared to them. However, we also found that we had a lot similar tastes in music and movies. I was really surprised how similar it was to hanging out with my friends at home just because even though there are differences, we all just wanted to have a good time, go swimming, and all get to know each other.

Some of the most important things that I have learned have come just from talking with these guys. They told us how Italians place such a high importance on relationships with each other as opposed to money and material possessions. The relationships you have with your friends and family matters the most because it is the only thing that lasts. It makes so much sense looking at the culture and peoples’ lives here because people are so much more laid back and really interested in talking with each other as opposed to always rushing around. At any point in the day, you see men or women sitting around town just talking with each other. A prime example is meal time. We definitely got to experience this when our friends invited us to dinner one night to have a real Italian dinner. Luca, Enrico, and Danielle took us to a typical trattoria and ordered us the one of the best meals I’ve ever had. It was a 5-course dinner that lasted five hours! The best part about the dinner was the fact that the guys were so genuine to want to show us how they really live and not live like tourists.

Even at this point after we already considered them friends, they still proved to be even more kind that before. Mary Leigh’s birthday was coming up, and they offered to throw her a get together at their villa. We were not sure what to expect, but it was so nice of them we couldn’t turn them down. It turned out to be one of the best nights of the whole trip. They went above and beyond for the party by setting up candles all around the garden with a DJ, tables to eat at, and candles all over. They also cooked a full spread of food. It included cantaloupe, asparagus, eggplant, a seafood platter, salad, beef, two kinds of pastas, and even two desserts including a cake! We were in heaven. The whole set up was just perfect. A lot of times it seems like most guys only want to meet you or get to know you to start something romantic, but that was never the case here. I’ve never met people who were just so generous and genuine towards us. They have been so helpful trying to explain and teach us anything we have questions about whether it be about food or even just about anything Italian! It had made me feel so much more at home having friends here. Even I felt worlds different from Italians when I got here, I have really learned that while there are many differences, there are just as many similarities.
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A Time to Bloom

In 1934 Anais Nin wrote, "And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to bloom." 73 years later 19 girls and one boy have truly put this quote to the test. Many people would like to have the chance to spend three months abroad, but how many people actually are able to do it successfully? To be submerged in a completely different culture is a truly humbling experience. At 20-24 years old you expect to have the answers to not all, but most, questions. After even one semester of college, one expects to be able to provide the basics for themselves. As Americans in Italy we entered as babies, naïve and vulnerable. For the past three months we have taken the wrong trains, been shocked by the things we have eaten, and been in countless uncomfortable and confusing situations. As the new kids in Italy we were forced to rely on tour guides, unfamiliar maps, and a translation guide that seems to always hide the phrase you are searching for.


A break in our intense hike of Cinque Terre More...

Architecture and Design

It is hard to believe that we have been here over two months and only have two weeks left in Italy. This summer has flown by, but thinking back on everything we have seen and everything we have done, it seems that we have been here ages. I still remember the day we arrived here and the first day of class. On my arrival little did I know how many famous structures and important designs I would soon see.

Throughout this summer we have seen tons of incredible architecture and interiors. I practically feel like I have seen most of Dr. Potter’s History of the Decorative Arts Class. Flying buttresses, acanthus leaf molding, marble sculptures, and Barcelona chairs are just a few of the things we have seen during our months abroad. Studying in Italy has really enriched my education in so many ways. Many of the things we have learned in Dr. Potter's class we have been able to visit. I feel that I have a deeper understanding and can more easily recognize interiors from different period styles. We have seen architecture from ancient times all the way through the modern era. The early Roman Coliseum to Achille Castiglioni’s Studio and an exhibit on Renzo Piano, not to mention personal trips to Paris’ Pompidou Center, Villa Savoye, and Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Pavilion.

Through Italy the best of the old and the best of the new can be said to be seen in Rome and Milan respectively. Rome has the Coliseum, Roman Forum, aqueducts, The Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and dozens of churches that really showcase the skills of those who built and decorated their elaborate interiors.


With Cara in front of the Coliseum.


Kartell Showroom.

In Milan, there is the cutting edge design to pair with the high fashion. Kartell, Edra, Artemide, and B&B Italia are just a few of the showrooms housed in Milan. We really have seen it all since we have been here, and the excitement I have anytime we visit a church like St. Mark’s Basilica or a high design showroom like Edra just confirms that I picked the right field for me. On our two week trip we visited mostly architecture, interiors, and museums. I practically started crying when I walked into the Barcelona Pavillion and had similar reactions to all of Gaudi’s works, the Pompidou Center and Le Corbusier’s Villa Savoye. This summer has been incredible and one I will never forget. It is unbelievable how much we have seen. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.




With Dana in the Barcelona Pavillion

What is beauty? Some say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and for the most part, that is true. Today there are many different forms and categories of beauty. It surrounds us no matter where we are. A country’s culture, for example, has many different forms of beauty. Whether something is representing their history, day-to-day lives, or their future, you can find beauty in it all. I have been in Italy for over two months now, and I personally have never seen so many different types of beauty before. To narrow a definition down of what represents Italy would be endless, but there are key categories that Italy is known for. These would be fashion and architecture.

The art of fashion is a concept that can represent a period in history, the level of one’s status in a hierarchy, or someone’s personality. From a modern approach, Italy has a lot of influence in the fashion industry. For starters, Milan is the capital in the world of fashion. The original stores and "flagship" studios for companies such as Gucci, Armani, and Prada are all located in Milan. These are only a few of the many companies that have a huge influence in leading the world of fashion.


View of Fay's Headquarters in Milan

Just like fashion, there is another example of beauty in Italy--architecture. From Etruscans to Romans, Middle Ages to Renaissance, and Modern to Futuristic, Italy possesses so much history and influence on architecture. Ever since the Roman Empire, Italy has been constructing extravagant pieces of architecture that grace every postcard, screensaver, and advertising for this beautiful country. It’s this architecture that draws millions to Italy every year. Millions marvel at the majestic beauty that these buildings offer, but it’s the construction of these buildings and how they came to be that keep the world perplexed.




View of Galleria Vittoria Emmanuele in Milan

Beauty IS in the eye of the beholder, but it would be hard to find a photo of Italy that doesn’t display beauty is some form or fashion. From the Trevi Fountain to the Forum, to the runways of Milan, every kind of beauty is seen in this beautiful country.

Non, Grazie!

Mid term break was finally here, and I could not wait to see my dad! He arrived at the Villa on Friday and showed up with my cousin Maurizio. This was my first time to meet Maurizio, but you would think I had known him for years by the way he greeted me. That is one thing I have learned about Italians. They are very warm and friendly people, whether you know them or not. Along with Maurizio, I have four great aunts, one great uncle, and several second cousins who all live in Rome. My dad and I made plans to visit them over the break.



The next morning, my father and I rode with Maurizio into Rome to have lunch at my great aunt Margarita’s house. I did not know what to expect; my Italian was not great by any means. I was hoping that between my dad and my grandmother I would be able to communicate. My grandmother had flown over with my dad so that she could visit her brother and four sisters. We finally arrived at great aunt Margarita’s house, and I was about to meet my Italian relatives for the first time. All of a sudden, I am swarmed by my Italian relatives who, one by one kissied and pinched my cheeks saying, “Bella! Bella!” The house smelled of pasta and chicken cacciatore. We were about to have a typical Italian lunch prepared by my great aunts.



After all of the hugs and kisses from everyone, we all sat down for lunch. There was a big plate of pasta placed in front of me which I ate to the last bite. However, after being in Italy for a while now, I know this could not be it. Sure enough, the meat and potatoes came next. I really was too full to eat the next course, but I did not want to be rude so I ate a few bites. Then about three of my aunts started asking me if I did not like the food and wondered what was wrong with me. They did not quite understand why I was full, so I forced the rest down to be polite. Right when I thought the meal was finished, out came the chocolate gelato cake! I tried to tell them I could not eat another bite, but they did not get why I would not want dessert. So instead of fighting it, I ate the chocolate cake. Finally, the espresso came last and of course I did not have the heart to say no, so I enjoyed a tiny shot. After the huge lunch, I sat in the non air conditioned game room while all of my relatives sat around me and starred. My poor grandmother was playing interpreter, and she got confused and spoke Italian to me and English to them. Typically, after eating lunch, the family likes to just sit around and talk for hours! It was a little awkward but the whole day was quite an experience.

I have learned that Italians live a lot differently than Americans--from the food, to the way they greet one another, to the way they spend their time. It is really great that I got the chance to experience their culture first hand through my own family! Also, if there is one thing that I will remember, it is to eat everything on your plate whether you want it or not!

Notes on Love

Love. It’s a funny thing isn’t it? One moment a person can be head over heels in love, and the next minute that same person is planning the destruction of her former partner. Is love really a changing thing, or is it a constant force upon this earth, and we are only mere characters who play a role in it’s grand production? I am by far no expert on such a complex matter; however, I will tell you what I’ve observed during my travels throughout Europe. Please be advised that the following are my NOTES based on brief observations. I’m far from being an expert, so I invite feedback and comments from readers

I’ve come to the conclusion that love is a constant force that no one fully understands. However, in each country I visited, I noticed that the power and the core of love was the same. What is fascinating to me is how different cultures and groups of people come to know and express their love. I’ll begin with the basics and move on to the details that I observed.

Now call me crazy, but I think the way people dress is linked to love. Think about it. The way someone dresses sets a mood, does it not? Some men might prefer women to wear revealing clothing. However, on the opposite end of the spectrum, some men may prefer their women to have a slightly more subdued look. I definitely noticed these differences in Italy and France. In Italy, I found the "stereotype" of Italians being more emotionally expressive and passionate to be true. The women here like the tighter clothes and the more revealing outfits. They are very proud of their bodies and like to acknowledge that they are strong women who have hips, legs, breasts, etc. This works with Italian men because they are extremely expressive and assertive when it comes to matters of attraction (and in everyday life for that matter). In contrast, clothing in France was a bit more modest. For example, the women in France like to show off their bodies, but in a more subdued matter. They tend to wear more classically stylish clothes, while at at the same time still showing off or enhancing their physical assets. For instance, they might wear tailored trousers with an off-the-shoulder sweater to show their neckline and collarbones. In my opinion, this approach works well with the French men because they tend be have subdued, gentle personalities.

Now obviously, I didn’t leave out the good stuff…Romance. It goes with love as easily as birds to the air. A big part of romance is how it is expressed. When Americans think of Roman or Parisian romances, we typically imagine candlelight dinners along a narrow, forgotten alleyway, strolling hand in hand down some ancient cobblestone street, or just getting lost in each others arms in a nearby garden. Well, for the most part, that's what it is. However, it also is how the lovers express their love for one another during these moments. For instance, Italians are known to not be shy when expressing emotions. If they are happy, you know it. If they are mad, you know it. In matters of romance, there is the obvious overt expression of affection which one tends to see a lot in the younger couples, and the more comfortable love which one tends to see in the more mature, older couples. (Now, obviously, young couples can be comfortable with each other and old couple can be affectionate towards each other, but again these are my notes on love based on repeated observations.)

For Italians, I found their expressions of affection to occur more often and to be most expressive. For instance, when Italians kiss, they do the really intense, long-lasting kiss (which quite frankly makes everyone in my program always feel a little uncomfortable). It is the kind of kiss that is so intense and so passionate, it makes you feel like you should not be there, like it is a very private and personal moment that is usually only shared between lovers. Even how partners walk on the street is a bit more extreme than we generlly see in the U.S. For example, individuals frequently touch some particular part of their partner’s body. Also, they never really just hold their partner’s hand. They usually wrap their arms around their partner as they walk. And that’s just when they were walking. When they sit down, they frequently sit in their partner’s lap or straddle their partner or just lie on top of their partner. With Italians, I just basically came to the conclusion that everything they do is with a lot more passion and intensity.

A young couple making memories in Paris.

In contrast the French, once again, were a lot more subdued. The French kisses (not what you are thinking) were a lot softer and slower fthan the Italian kisses. Or the French do a lot of short, little soft kisses versus the really long, intense kiss of the Italians. The French also kiss the more gentle body parts. For instance, I noticed the French kiss their partner’s eyelids or foreheads or shoulders. As far as everyday affection goes, the French seem to just want to take care of the other person. For example, the couples on the Metro weren’t making out or straddling one another, they were leaning their heads upon one another while every now and then making sure the other person was okay. In the parks, they gazed into each other’s eyes and just smiled because they seemed happy being with the one they loved. Which leads me into my last and final observation of the the elderly.

Unconditional love... it’s a value, it’s an emotion, and it’s a great stage to achieve when being in love. It’s knowing you can be yourself 100% of the time. No matter how annoyed your partner may get, at the end of the day you’re the one he wants to rest his head beside. It’s being comfortable enough to realize that you and your partner are a team, and the phrase “til death do us part” really starts to hit home. It’s something that is indescribable, so I can only paint you a general Imagine if you will, a little old woman who can barely walk with her husband who can also barely walk. He knows she has to go to the market today, so he holds on to her lower back and arm and walks all the way to the market with her to make sure she gets there and back. On their walk home they are waiting for the light to change. As they are waiting they smile at one another, and he kisses her gently on her forehead and she smiles as if it’s the first time he’s kissed her. It’s something that never changed no matter what country I was in. It was a love where they could sit down at the café and not say a word but know what the other one was thinking. It’s the kind of love that when one person goes to bed, he/she knows a glass of water will be waiting because the other person has known for forty years that when the other person wakes up, he/she likes that glass of water. It was a remarkable thing to observe and recognize. This is my “proof” as to why I believe that love is a timeless force because in the end, we can't live without it.


'Til death do us part...a couple walking in Barcelona.

Italiana Moda: Va Tutto Bene!

If someone was asked to make an “Italy’s Top List,” they would probably respond with soccer, spaghetti, and fashion. In my case, fashion would be my top response. Colorful images of couture fashion models strutting swiftly down the catwalk and beautifully dressed people gliding down the narrow streets of Italy come to mind. It is only after living in Italy for the summer that I was able to define Italian fashion, “Italiana moda,” for what it truly is and why it makes such an impression worldwide.

I would have to say in Italy the heart of fashion lies within each individual. Here, fashion is a way of expression. Each person dresses how they want, wearing what they like, and that becomes fashion. Yes, there are a few things that seem to be “trends,” but on the whole, Italians make their fashion based not on others, but on what they want it to be. It is refreshing to see people taking their personalities and expressing themselves in such artistic manners. In Italy, it’s all good!



You might be wondering what the typical attire of an Italian is. Well, let’s start with the men. The men take a lot of pride in their appearance here. They all wear suits to work; tucked in shirts, ties, and coats. It is only at the end of the work day that you might see one with his suit jacket actually off. However, the tie stays tied and shirts remain tucked in. Younger men/boys might wear jeans, closely fitted or wide legged, but they wear belts and a lot of graphic tee shirts or button down shirts. Their hair is always fixed just so and they might sport a messenger bag as an accessory.

As for the women, their dress is somewhat different. Curve hugging ensembles seem to be the overall "thing" in the apparel world here, but there are a few variations that branch from that look, creating a distinct style. Jeans are acceptable for any woman, even in the work place. The new thing seeming to be coming in as we head further into the year is a slightly wider legged pant. However, right now they mostly wear cigarette pants that bunch just slightly at the bottom. To go with the pants, high heels can be seen from time to time, but can be highly dangerous among the cobblestone of Italian streets. The majority of the shoes are ballet flats or any flat or sandal to match the top. This brings me to what tops are ilike here. Cool, flowy tops make for a dressier look while tight fitted tees, tanks, and tube tops are in as well for a daytime look. These different tops can also be spotted layered up for a fun effect as well. Either way, lingerie is usually worn on top and usually can be seen, including wearing a tube top, halter top, or sheer top. To tItalian women it seems to make no difference if you can see the ingerie or not.

On that note, there is one interesting thing that I have seen here, and believe it or not, is quite the trend for either gender--underwear hanging out of the top of pants. Girls and guys let whatever they are wearing on the bottom come out a couple inches above the top of their pants and it is never a problem. It is the style, and even if they have a belt on to hold their pants up, they still let their underwear show. Other things that seem to be a trend among both genders is designer sunglasses. Everyone has only the best and newest glasses out from the top designers. Another thing both males and females do is wear metallic Nike tennis shoes or Puma’s with skinny jeans. I have even spotted one or two men in suits going to work with some shinny shoes peeping out from the hem of their pants! A big no-no here seems to be flip flops. You will not catch an Italian wearing a shoe that fits between their toes. They will wear sandals, and those are very stylish, but you will not catch them in flip flops! It is very easy for them to spot an American because we do wear flip flops. It has always been funny to me because when we are walking around in places, we might look completely Italian in our dress, but if they look at our feet, they immediately start speaking English to us knowing we are from the States.



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The Family Stone

When arriving on my first day in Italy, I immediately knew that it would open up a whole new way of traveling that I had not experienced as I was growing up in my family. Since that first day I have been on a number of independently planned weekend trips with friends. We immediately became adults who took responsibility for booking our own hotels (or hostels, in our case), ordering travel tickets, and deciding what we wanted to do during the day. At first, there was a rush of excitement--a feeling like we could do anything and go anywhere--sky’s the limit. Of course with that freedom came the financial obligations, because all these trips required money.

Growing up as a girl whose family trips were "magically" planned and paid for, this new way of travel was going to call for some adjustments. You begin to realize that everyone is different and handles things differently. I’ve learned a lot about myself and how I handle stress, which in turn has shown me how important it is to have patience and sensitivity to others. Even with the hassle of planning and finding our way in new cities I do not regret a thing. With every mistake or random hostel, there was a memory made and a friendship strengthened. I’ve begun to appreciate the things I’ve been given and have had provided for me. I am so lucky to have had this experience to gain independence while forming life long friendships. I know for a fact that if I could survive a friendship with people that I am living, eating, and sleeping with for three months, then our friendship could survive anything.


My family for the summer

That said, I did get to enjoy the company of my parents coming to Italy for the two week break. I can’t even describe my excitement when I first saw them. It felt good to be a “kid” again--to know that your parents are there and you can just enjoy traveling. Yes, I realize that I was incredibly lucky to have had them come, and I do not take that for granted in any way. But, It was so nice to enjoy air conditioning in the hotels where we stayed, and the treat of a warm bath and a soft bed. I was, as you would say, “spoiled” for those two weeks. I was able to spend time with my parents while enjoying three different countries and their histories. I had my meals paid for and my hotels already booked.


Enjoying my parents in Venice

It was a nice break, but I would honestly say I enjoy traveling with friends equally. Not being used to having my parents around 24/7 for two weeks, new kinds of adjustments had to be made. I had a great time with them, but it felt like home when I walked into Hotel Villa Aricia on July 4. It is a familiar place that I have come to feel at home in.

Having experienced both ways of traveling, I can honestly say there is a definite difference -- not better or worse -- just different. I consider my friends as just another branch of the family tree, so if anything I just feel like my family has grown this summer. I feel honored to have gotten the chance to have experienced both ways of traveling and intend on enjoying the rest of my summer here with a great group of friends.


Girls' night out on the town

Hotels, Hostels, Home

One very interesting aspect of traveling around Italy and other European countries is discovering what your hotel or hostel accommodations will be. When I was preparing myself for this summer I had to think ahead about sharing my small hotel room in Ariccia with a roommate. I never had the “dorm experience” so this was my first time living long-term in a room with someone. Needless to say, my roommate is great. We have a lot of the same living habits so it’s really working out perfectly. We both wish we had a little more drawer space and air conditioning, but we are faring fine.

Hotel Villa Aricia is a lovely place to live. The rooms are about the size of a dorm room, but we have a large bathroom so that was a pleasant surprise. Our shower is 2 ft by 2 ft so that can be challenging when shaving your legs, but that’s when the bidet comes in handy. Some great perks however, are maid service, continental breakfast, and pleasant hotel employees that are slowly learning all of our names.

When you leave Villa Aricia to travel is when the guessing game begins. When traveling with the program we typically stay in very nice places, however, when you travel independently the anxiety begins. When booking hotels or hostels on-line, the only information you have to help you determine whether the site of your temporary lodging is safe, clean, and affordable are the ratings and comments from people that have previously stayed in the location and the pictures of the rooms that the hostels post. The pictures are never reliable because the hostel stages the pictures to look like a very nice, clean place. So basically you review the site, read the ratings, wish for good luck, and then book the hostel.

I just returned from our two week semester break. I traveled with a few of my friends and we had a great, interesting, fabulous, and sometimes scary time. We traveled to Madrid, Barcelona, Dublin, and Paris. We stayed in a few different one-star hotels. Most of these hotels occupy one entire floor of a building and are run by an older married couple or family. These hotels are clean, and if you are lucky, you will have a private bathroom. Several times we had to share community bathrooms, so that spices things up a little bit. The hostels are where the interesting experiences begin.

In Barcelona, we stayed in a very colorful hostel. Literally the walls were sponge painted fluorescent lime-green, an interior designer's nightmare. The environment was festive and the public room was full of people around our age that were also traveling around Europe. We were able to meet interesting people while waiting in the line to use the internet and at breakfast. There were seven of us in an eight person room so we had one random person in our room each night. In three nights we ran off two people and then ended up with a British girl that somewhat ran us off. We learned later that this hostel was fabulous compared to what laid ahead of us.

Barcelona hostel public area

After Barcelona we went to Dublin. Our hostels looked great from the exterior, a double entrance with black awnings, but the interior……a nightmare. As we walked the winding hallway and climbed multiple flights of stairs to find our room the anxiety grew. We entered our room to be met by ten sets of bunk beds. Several of the beds had dirty blankets and clothes on them. Basically this was a nightmare for me, a hair-phobic, germ-freak. So once I figured out which bunk was mine, which happened to be in the very center on the top bunk bed, my worst fears were confirmed. My bed still had the sheets from the previous person on them, and they were covered with hair!! At this point I almost lost control. We immediately dropped our luggage and left. We got food, then we went shopping. I bought shower shoes, and a blanket. As soon as I got back to the hostel I rented clean sheets for 1.50 euro and a towel for 1 euro. As I walked back down the winding hallways and climbed the many stairs, I found myself praying, “Please, Jesus, don’t let there be hair on my “clean” sheets.” At this point I realized that things were pretty low. I was actually, sincerely praying for truly clean sheets.Interior of Dublin Hostel, 20 Beds-My bed is the neatly made one with the red blanket

Exterior view of Dublin hostel

Luckily, my sheets, which ended up just being a bottom sheet, were clean! Hallelujah! So I made my bed, with the pillow under the sheets (there were no clean pillow cases), and the spread out my new red blanket. At that point, for me, the hostel became bearable. When looking out on the sea of nasty beds and random people, my perfectly made, clean bed stood out like a boy in Spidle Hall and I loved it. My only reservation was that someone would notice my bed and neatly packed luggage and rob me during the night.


Interior of Dublin hostel, 20 beds - My bed is the neatly made one with the red blanket.

I’ll never forget rolling over during the night and seeing a random 40 year old man sleeping just 3 feet from me on the next bed. I laid there and realized that other than the girls I was with, I was in a room with a bunch of people that I didn’t know anything about. I didn’t know where most of them were from, why they were traveling, or what their life was like. Other than my clean bed, we were all in the same place in life. It was a strange experience but was definitely worth it.

We met people in our hostel from America and other countries. One night when I couldn’t sleep I sat up and talked to some French boys who were drinking beer on the bunk next to me. It was such another world from which I’ve always lived. Overall the experience in Dublin hostel was a nightmare but I am thankful for it. (p.s. There is not enough time in the world to even describe the bathrooms….ugh!)

Paris was a dream. We stayed in a hotel. Compared to Dublin it was a life of luxury. Clean, private rooms, our own bathrooms, it was basically awesome! Like I said, you win some, you lose some. When we arrived back to Ariccia I felt like I was home again. It was the best feeling to see my friends, get back to my room and eat pasta!

Ariccia….Home Sweet Home!