Third Reflection

Shirley Tandy
June 13, 2017

My last reflection is bittersweet because I am sad to leave but excited to return home. This trip has been a lifelong experience and I plan on going abroad again. The Dolomite mountains were surreal and the views were beautiful. I am not an outdoors person but the hikes changed that. I enjoyed climbing the mountains and being outdoors. I am going to incorporate rock climbing and hiking into my exercise routine. Grado is a relaxing town where I would return but not live.  The slow-paced environment is nice for short periods but not suitable for extended living. I would get bored of the same routine each day.  I enjoyed Venice and Verona because of the pace and crowds. It made me miss the states because of all the movement. Those cities lacked Grado’s authenticity and calm feel.  I enjoyed the boat ride and the seafood dinner on our last day. I enjoyed looking at the renovated fishermen houses and water. The dinner tasted delicious and fresh. Every meal I had was satisfying without making me feel sick. The ingredients were pure and healthy compared to united states cuisine. We tend to cook with butter, preservatives and other harmful ingredients while Grado used the basics. Overall, this trip altered my thinking and lifestyle. I look at the world in a different manner regarding politics, the economy and lifestyle habits. I understand the meaning of being a foreigner and not understanding a different culture. This trip fostered relationships and I gained friends. It is ironic how most of those people I would not have spoken to at DePauw but had meaningful conservations with on the trip.  I learned about their sororities, school paths and stories. I will miss all of them and you during the summer. See you in the fall!

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