From Alexandria Dunlop:

So far my time in Italy has been incredible. It is very different that I imagined it would be in some aspects, but also similar in a few ways to what I had imagined.

For one, I knew the culture would be different, but I wasn't sure in what ways. One thing that has stuck out to me is how open everything is (restaurants, bars) and how many people I see outside any time I go out. I am a very outdoorsy person, and I love that I can be outside all times of the day. 

Another thing I love here is the cafes! I love how people gather just to have coffee multiple times a day and just relax there for lengths of time. My extent of going to 'cafes' at home is picking up Starbucks through the drive-thru on my way to class or work at home. I really enjoy going to have a cappuccino and to just sit and people watch and not feel rushed. Also, the coffee prices are so cheap!

I also have really enjoyed talking to waiters and waitresses and people working in shops. I've had a lot of people ask where I am from and help me with some basic Italian, and I love that they are really interested in learning more about where I'm from. Most people have been very friendly and accommodating, and understanding when my attempted Italian is horrible. I was convinced that everyone here would know English in addition to Italian, but I quickly realized that was not the cases. There have been multiple scenarios when I have really struggled to converse with people.

Overall i have been thoroughly enjoying my time here and am so happy I have the opportunity to be on this trip.

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