This summer, I had the opportunity to vacation in Italy with my family. Although we are not ethnically Italian, we were still tantalized by the country’s decadent food, stunning vistas, and overall sense of adventure. Traveling to this land of cobblestone streets, ancient ruins, beautiful people, and picturesque islands was definitely worth every penny. I encourage all of you to visit Italy should you ever be afforded the chance!
Here are 10 reasons why I’m glad that we went, and why you should go, too!
Note: All photos are my own.
Pro-Tip: Italy will really help you kill the insta (rinsta or finsta!) game! And, of course, provide you with memories to last a lifetime.
1. Pizza
Who doesn’t love pizza?? Although not the technical “inventors” of the beloved food, Italians have certainly trademarked (and tbh perfected) the tasty combination of dough, sauce, and cheese. The above pizza was probably one of the best that I have ever consumed! I actually ate all of it in one sitting, which I have never done.
Being a vegetarian, I was particularly glad to be in a country whose inhabitants generally survive on little to no meat. Pizza never got “old” to me, and there seemed to be much greater variety, such as the veggie pizza below. Vegan options were also available.
2. Pasta
Yet another Italian delicacy is pasta. Italians basically survive on it, and I could, too. An all-carb diet really isn’t anything to be afraid of. I tried everything from the four-cheese ravioli, the linguine al pesto, and gnocchi. 10/10 would recommend all three. They really were as delicious as they look (sorry if you're getting hungry by now).
3. Gelato
In the words of my previous Halloween costume, “Is it too late now to say sorry?” This final Italian trademark also deserves its own reason: gelato. As hard as Sunny Daes may try, no gelato is as scrumptious as the authentic Italian kind. The flavors are endless, including my raspberry and tiramisu. Most vendors even provide you with a little waffle cookie, in case you are a cone type of person and want a crispy crunch.
4. History
Being the huge nerd that I am, history was probably my principal reason for going to Italy, if I’m being 100% honest. Seeing the Colosseum (and venturing inside!) in person is now something that I can check off of my Bucket List. I would suggest booking an informative tour for the Colosseum, because there are numerous stories and facts regarding the original architecture and usage of the structure that only a tour guide can really articulate. For instance, I was surprised to learn that the Colosseum actually has two underground levels, from which gladiators, decorations, and wild beasts were all hoisted by means of a rudimentary elevator (a wheel turned by slaves) covered by a trapdoor. This system allowed for quick and seamless transitions between various gladiatorial fights and spectacles.
Another ancient marvel is that of the Pantheon, which was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian in the first century as a religious temple. Seeing it in person is simply breathtaking.
5. Art & Architecture
My nerdiness really kicks into high-gear here, so consider this sentence your official warning. I was actually so EXCITED to see works such as Raphael’s The School of Athens (see below) and Michelangelo’s The Sistine Chapel (no pictures allowed :/ ). The colors in these works were so fresh and vibrant, and the level of detail and physiological verisimilitude were mind-boggling!
I was also astounded by the architectural beauty of St. Peter’s Basilica (in the Vatican). Even if you are not Catholic, this religious temple boasts exquisite statues and a dome (below) that are truly heavenly (pun intended).
6. Gondolas
It’s impossible to consider Venice without thinking of its gorgeous canals and ~authentic~ gondolas. These pictures don’t do the aquatic city justice. A Venetian gondola ride should definitely be on your bucket list.
I was surprised to learn that Venice is actually composed of about 117 small islands, all connected by about 400 footbridges. You could spend your entire life exploring this marvelous city!!
7. Island Life
Officially starting a petition for Capri to be listed as one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The water here is SO BLUE. The mountains and outcroppings are also stunning.
Be sure to check out the Blue Grotto if you have a chance! Sunlight is refracted into the mouth of a sea-cave, making the water appear extra blue. It’s truly a prime insta moment. Once you’re done exploring the island’s nooks and crannies, be sure to hit up the main village for some delectable food, interesting shops, and friendly locals.
8. People
Italians are indubitably an “attraction” in and of themselves. Of the locals whom I encountered, they were all so inviting and warm. Most speak English but appreciate your humble attempts at Italian phrases.
9. Italian
That being said, there is definitely an option to experience, interact with, and try the language of Italian. If you speak a Romance language, such as Spanish, Italian is not too difficult to understand aurally. In fact, as a speaker of Spanish, I found myself understanding most conversations in the streets. In terms of the written language, signs are presented in both Italian and English. Nevertheless, inferring basic Italian structures and rules
10. Better Sense of Self
As with any traveling, visiting Italy will really expand your horizons and allow you to cultivate your sense of self. Moments such as standing within the Colosseum, admiring the Sistine Chapel, and marveling the mountains of Capri, all remind you of the ephemerality of existence and of the relative insignificance of our (rather petty) daily concerns and complaints. We truly have a lot to learn from history, as paradoxical as that may sound.
Italy is perhaps the best country to taste fine food, appreciate fine art, experience fine landscapes, interact with fine people, and transform fine culture and history into a better tomorrow.
