Arriving in Rome felt a lot like coming home.
I’ve never lived in Italy. In fact, today was my very first day even stepping foot in the country.
But somehow, this foreign land doesn’t seem so foreign at all. As we walked through the city, admiring the charming buildings, the intricate statues and the grand churches, my heart was happy.
It has always been a dream of mine, and my family’s, to explore the land where our roots are buried. Granted, our family is from the southern portion of Italy, but any trip to the “homeland” is like a trip to heaven. I’m beyond grateful that I get to be the first one to touch down on Italian soil, and I only hope that I can come back one day and experience this magic with my loved ones.
But for now, I’m soaking up every moment.
And today, my fellow Point Park University students and I started our first day out right. Despite only running on three hours of sleep and having a 6 hour time change, we put on our best walking shoes and took the town. Our day was complete with sights like the Trevi Fountain, the first taste of authentic gelato and a real Italian meal that my mom would go crazy for.
Seriously. I’m lucky that I’ve had REAL Italian food with my family but oh my rigatoni was this dinner delicious.
Thanks to our amazing tour guide, Mateo, our Cultural Connections planners and Point Park University professors, we are set to have an incredible journey in Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan and Assisi.
Arrivederci, Italy. I can’t wait to see what else you have in store.
Follow along on the blog and my Instagram, @francesca_dabecco for more on our Italia adventures!