[Italy 2011: A Reflection]

      [day one] [day two] [day three] [day four] [day five] [day six] [day seven] [day eight] 

You may be wondering where Day 10 went, well we went to Milan and it sucked. It was full of gypsies and pigeons and overpriced gelato. However, I do have some photos to show from the morning in Levanto, as well as our last night together. 

Conor, Connor, and Brady, Danielle and Ellie, the view I woke up to. 

Our wonderful chaperones/guides: Mr. Westmark, Anne Rausch, Mrs. Barton, Mrs. Westmark, Laura, Chito (our second driver), Mr. Aamot, and Genato(not pictured). 

Our last night in Milan consisted of dinner, an interesting song from the above, a two hour singing session outside of the hotel, and a bathtub party with Mara, Ellie, and Danielle. It was the perfect way to end the trip. 

As the title mentioned, this is a recap of the trip. I have already said quite a bit of what went on, so instead of retelling all of that, I am going to make a list of the 10 differences betweenItaly and America. As always, this list is in no particular order and in varying levels of seriousness. 

10. The food. A three course meal consists of pasta, meat, and dessert. Gelato rocks way harder than ice cream. 

9. Driving. A minivan or SUV is unheard of. A four door sedan is rare in the cities. These people learn to get around in tiny cars, motorcycles, scooters, or no cars. Also, speeding on the highway isn't really an issue. 

8. Architectural history. Every building over there is about a bajillion years older than any building we have here, even on the east coast. 

7. Gypsies, street vendors, and tourists. Save for NYC, we just flat out don't have these. 

6. Public transportation. It exists. And people use it. 

5. Shops. Everywhere was a quaint downtown it seemed. There were no such things as stores and I think if an Italian saw a Wal-Mart they would literally keel over and die. 

4. TOILETS. Did you know that it is against the law in Italy for a toilet to have a freaking seat? Also, public restrooms don't exist, and if they do they cost money or they are a hole in the ground. Bring your own toilet paper because there is no telling if the bathroom will have some. 

3. The language. Well obviously they speak Italian, but what surprised me most is that almost all of them were at least bilingual. I only encountered a handful of Italians who didn't speak english. 

2. The buildings. No sky scrapers or brick houses with white picket fences. The buildings all pretty much look the same, but they are very colorful and beautiful. 

1. Appreciation of art and beauty. It is wrong to say that we don't have art and beauty in the states, but I don't think we put it in high regard like they do in Italy. We really should. 

All in all, my trip to Italy was amazing, the experience of a lifetime. I am so blessed to have had this opportunity.