Submitted by Courtney Hicks on the 2023 summer session program in Volterra, Italy…
I have landed in Italy. I don’t think I have processed it but there are many emotions and feelings running through me. I arrived at the airport and waited for my group in arrivals. I was super nervous. Once they arrived I felt a bit shy and left out, which is very different for me as I am a very outgoing personable person. But since I know no one, I kept to myself till we were on the bus. A girl named Olivia sat next to me and a simple hi has taken us from strangers to inseparable friends. The bus ride to SIAF I was trying to take in everything I saw. It was so different from the US. It was quiet, historical and most importantly beautiful. Looking out the window makes you realize the importance of location and where you are in life. Once we arrived I was eager to check out where we were staying. This is where Liv and I met up with more students in our group and wandered around campus. It was so nice and peaceful and the view is something I would have never expected from a campus. I couldn’t believe I got the opportunity to be able to learn, explore and enjoy such a well known country. I thought our first day we wouldn’t be going anywhere but we got to tour the city of Volterra, our first Italian town. It felt like I was in a movie. The sites were unreal and there were so many people. This is when I was able to start listening to people talk around me and see how others communicate. It was fascinating. I know for this being my first day, I was in for a real adventure that will broaden my horizons in all aspects. I had to remind myself, I was in Italy. (Submitted on June 11, 2023)
We are off. 9:30 and the bus is off to Florence. As I was half awake on the inside I was nothing more but excited to go back to this lively city. I landed in Florence Monday, June 5th one day before the trip started. Because of this, I had a day to admire a few of the monumental attractions. Friday, June 9th I was able to go back and finish what I have started accompanied by my classmates and friends. We were able to go on this excursion, an in-depth tour of the building of this city and how it became such a tourist attraction and crowded city. Then as 5:30 started to approach Fanta, Shams, Lydia, Olivia, Liv, Dayana, Sarah, and Camielle meet for a vegetarian dinner to end the day. It was very peaceful and a way to get close to each other on more than a student-to-student level. After that was the trip to the hostel. Where I experienced a new adventure. Who would have thought I would be sleeping under the same roof in the same room as people I have never met before? Crazy. It was an experience that I hope to try again. Meeting new people, hearing their stories, and understanding their ways for a short time was fascinating. Not only was Italy giving me a different perspective on life but we’re the people I was meeting in and outside of the trip.
Two nights in Florence will always be one of the most memorable memories I acquired here. I got to spend my weekend with fellow females on this trip without the distraction of male humor and comments. I was able to take in the atmosphere, and admire the different fashions and pricing compared to Volterra. One complaint that I noticed straight away was how much of a tourist town that was and the number of employees that worked in all the local stores who spoke and understood English. The values these locals had for Volterra differed drastically. Many are money oriented in Florence because of the takeover of tourism, which Volterra is very community-orientated. This I noticed while I browsed the aisles of each clothing and retail store I entered. It was an opportunity and learning experience I wouldn’t change for the world. I wonder what’s in store for next week. (Submitted on June 18, 2023)
