If any followers were wondering why this blog has been vacant the past few weeks, it is because I am currently studying abroad in Italy. Everyday has been packed with work, adventure and eye-opening experiences. I’ve finally grown accustomed to being a foreigner in a land packed with tradition and proud people. I am finally comfortable in my skin while being analyzed by the curious eyes of Italians and examined like an animal at the zoo. I am in Paderno del Grappa, a small town in the mountainous region of Veneto– a wealthy and extravagant province situated among lush forests only miles from the Alps.
The first moment of adventure was when a small group of friends and I decided to explore the areas outside of town. Although I cannot remember the name of the town, I vividly remember walking toward Mt. Grappa to reach a town virtually at its base. Twenty minutes up a road eventually revealed a breathtaking view of the monstrous Mt. Grappa with wisps of clouds wrapped around it ever so elegantly. Our senses were then overtaken by the sweet smell of pastries, and we were drawn to a pastry shop adorned with chandeliers and a variety of colorful treats. Describing the food here in Italy would take a whole other post in itself.
A couple days later another group of companions and I decided to trek in the opposite direction to the bordering town of Castelcucco. It wasn’t long before our jaws dropped once again in reaction to the looming mountains, decorated sporadically with houses tucked into the green mountainsides. There was also an abundance of corn crops surrounding small brick cathedrals with bell towers stretching into the warm sun. When we finally reached Castelcucco after a 45 minute walk, the town was bustling with traffic and socializing locals. Ducatis zipped by exceeding the “speed limit” over 40 km/hr, weaving in and out of the slow miniature cars that populate the traffic. We soon reached Illy’s, a bar and gelato shop where we were spoiled with rich, homemade gelato. It was in this shop where the youth of the region was present. Young couples engaged without restraint of PDA and teenagers chatted happily over bowls of gelato.
The first Sunday we all went to another bordering town called Crespano, where a market takes place weekly. The market has everything you could need, from fashionable clothes, watches, food, cutlery and kitchenware. I heartily chowed down on some fresh ribs in an attempt to cure my hangover, looking like a sloppy American with grease on my face and receiving smirks from locals. When in Rome.
The most memorable experience thus far was our trip to Cinque Terre. Translated to the “Five Lands,” Cinque Terre is an oasis of civilization located on the Mediterranean coast. We arrived via train after traveling through hollowed out cliffs that dropped into the ocean. The trip to our hostel was a complete incline, wearing our tired legs to the point of exhaustion. However, nothing could stop us as we froze in awe at the surrounding mountains coated with mist and the glowing Mediterranean sea in the background of colorful antique buildings carefully adorned on steep cliff-sides. Throughout the next day and a half, we explored the villages of Cinque Terre while soaking in the heavenly scenery. In the villlage of Monterosso we came across beach-front cafe’s and restaraunts. A few friends and I indulged in a local Mojito made with fresh mint leaves and brown sugar. The discipline of the bartenders was legendary, taking over 5 minutes to carefully perfect the alcoholic blend of bliss. Basking in the warm Mediterranean sun on the beach and swimming into the bright and salty sea, you forget that you’re in Italy. The area appeared more like a tropical Greece than the traditional Italy we were used to. There was a special moment where my friends and I finally realized that we were living the life. It hit us at once that this is the time of our lives, experiencing the most beautiful and sought-after places in the world. We couldn’t believe that we were actually students studying abroad 
and not burned out employees on a much needed vacation.
At night we hit up the town and drank to good times. At a bar, I befriended American students my age whom were studying in Milan. We eventually socialized with a group of young Italians and invited a small group of us to one of their houses for an after party. There, we were gathered in a living room and outside on the patio, watching soccer (futbol) and drunkenly overcoming communication barriers and curiously exploring the differences in our lives. I couldn’t have been happier with their hospitality and friendly nature, that night made my experience even more unique and memorable.
I never would have imagined that I would grow so close with my fellow peers studying abroad. Traveling is a very unique bonding experience. Going through incidences of discomfort, confusion, awe, fascination and bliss brings you close to your companions. I am not only fortunate to have the amazing opportunity of traveling and studying abroad, but also to have such a great group of people by my side.
Next up, Florence. And later Oktoberfest, Vienna, Prague and Budapest. Stay posted.
Ciao,
JPS
Tags: Castelcucco, Cinque Terre, Crespano, Italy, Paderno del Grappa, study abroad, travel, Veneto
