Submitted by Matthew Lochstoer on the 2019 winter session program in Italy sponsored by the Department of Finance and the Department of English…
What a weekend in Venice it was! Despite the constant rain, flooding streets, and smell of fish almost everywhere we went, it was one of the most beautiful cities I have seen. San Marco Square was unbelievable and we did some last minute shopping for ourselves and our families. It was very crowded even with the bad weather, but that didn’t get in the way of having a good time. We tried to go skiing, but unfortunately the mountain roads at Cortina d’Ampezzo were closed off. I also tried planning a paragliding trip once we got back to Paderno, but weather was not permitting that either.
The last day in Paderno was nice, then we were off to Venice once again on Tuesday morning. Luckily, the weather was gorgeous and the hotel that we stayed in was immaculate. We went grocery shopping and made our own little dinner on the rooftop as the sun went down over the city. This was a great way to end the program, and by this time I would go as far to consider the group as my family. We have all grown so close and the program as a whole has been one of the best experiences of my life. I am so grateful for this opportunity, and though I never thought I would study abroad before, I am so glad that I did. However, a month away from home is long enough for me, even in this beautiful country. The whole group is just about ready to head back to the United States, but we will take so many memories back with us when we leave.
