For the past two weeks, I have been exploring the incredible history, beauty, and cuisine of Italia, and it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most popular and beloved places in the world to visit. It has certainly been the most extraordinary place I've ever seen, and I am already missing it and trying to figure out the next time I can return. Although I have learned about ancient Rome in school and seen the pictures of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, seeing the cities and countryside of Italy was more breathtaking and magical than I ever could have expected.

I’ve only ever known life in the U.S., so being in a nation of such ancient history was truly amazing. It's also the place with charming city centers, large piazzas, colorful buildings, wineries, pizzerias, and gelaterias. Although I certainly loved seeing the main tourist attractions of Rome, Florence, and Venice, my favorite part was seeing Verona and Torino, where my friends live. I really got to experience their lives there, and how it compared and differed from my own.

I got to go to share many home cooked meals with their families, visit a winery, make fresh pasta, see their universities, and get a personalized tour of such picturesque cities and countrysides.

While all places have their flaws, I certainly found people to be much friendlier and warmer, families to be closer, and life more relaxing and enjoyable in Italy. Families actually sit down to lunch and dinner with each other and talk about their days, because they genuinely want to be together.

It is something I strongly value, and this amazing trip has reminded me of not only how fortunate I am to have met such wonderful friends who have shown me their beautiful country, but also the importance of cherishing every day and appreciating the little things. A life filled with those you love around a table of good wine, homemade pasta, fresh mozzarella, and prosciutto is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. Life can't get any better than a full heart and a full stomach.