cI grew up traveling the United States. Boat, train, car and airplane. So, when I showed my passport and walked through the United States customs, my heart skipped a beat. I have done this before, but I have never traveled abroad. Here my adventure began as I flew for roughly eight hours on Swiss Airlines to travel to Italy.

I told myself, do not be afraid to try new things. Italy is obviously known for their exquisite food, such as pasta or pizza! As the American that I am, the first thing I chowed down on while sitting in Arona, Italy was of course, pizza. But pizza with salmon? "Delizioso," as the Italians would say!

Do not be afraid to try and speak the language. Especially here in Italy. Sure, you may be laughed at when you pronounce something wrong, but that is simply the enjoyment of it. Typically, Europeans will sense that you're in fact an American so don't be afraid to add a little Italian accent. I will tell you, 'Bagno' means bathroom, not "Man" or "Boy.". Do not call your Italian exchange student's boyfriend a bathroom. (As my dad did.)

Caffè, caffè, caffè! OK, you will certainly not find a Starbucks or Bigby in Italy. Italians sit and enjoy their coffee at a restaurant as maybe someone would sit in Starbucks, and they drink their tiny little espresso. I will tell you, you will not find a frozen, grande "froufrou" drink here in Italy. Italians drink strong coffee, which you can add milk to. But I guarantee you, that it is nothing like you have had at your local coffee shop. So, I learned that no matter how strong and bitter the coffee may be, just try it. The first day I tried it, I instantly wanted to chug a gallon of milk. But as the days go on, I have grown to enjoy the coffee. I mean, I am in Italy. Why not act Italian when I can?

If you have the opportunity to do something, do it. Twitter, Facebook and your friends can wait. I am in Europe! If you know me well, you'll know I have had two knee surgeries and not recovered fully (another story for another time.) Today, I climbed the Italian Alps. Seriously, such an incredible experience and insanely gorgeous.

Despite what people tell you or what you see and read in books or movies, Italians do not only and always eat pasta. Yes, they eat different forms of pasta quite often and they do not always eat only pizza (but here, you can get literally anything you want on your pizza.) Oh, and before I forget, gelato is the greatest thing known to man. I must admit that it is incredibly refreshing (I enjoy lemon) and I could probably eat it for breakfast, lunch, dinner and, well -- a snack two. So the gist of this is do not be afraid to try new foods. I promise you, you be 95 percent blown away by their incredible food and homemade cooking styles.

Fino alla prossima volta I miei amici, ciao!