Italy-The Country with Everything

Overflowing with possibility, culture, and pride, Italy changed my life. This alteration began when I was only sixteen; sixteen, and clueless as to what was about to be revealed to me. The minute I stepped off the plane into Milan, I knew: Italy was beyond everything I had ever experienced, economically and internationally.

Within the first two minutes of my arrival, I had made my first realization: America must hate foreigners. This realization is due my incorrect assumption that I would not be able to find my way around unless I miraculously learn to speak fluent Italian. To both my fortune and misfortune, I was shocked to find that all the signs and directions in the Italian airport were also in English. The first question that came to my mind was, “Why do the vast majority of American airports only have English signs and directions?”. I stood aghast at the thought of foreigners having to learn most of the English language in order to find their way around an American airport. Optimistically, I anticipated more Americans visiting foreign countries and then realizing how isolating and unwelcoming America may seem to foreigners. My second realization occurred at a quaint café at which I picked up an Italian menu for the first time. I ordered a dish that in English translates to: Full-Sized Pasta Plate, however, when my dish finally came out, it was sufficient in every way but my opinion of full. I asked my waiter, who thankfully spoke English, “Is this your biggest pasta plate?”, to which he replied, “Yes.” It was a miracle, my pasta ended up satisfying me and, opposite of my original assumption, I did not have to ask for more. I knew many of American fast food restaurants serve portioned-sized foods even for the largest food option, however, most of the two to five star restaurants do not. I, once again, anticipated all the visiting Americans who would actually try what was on their plate before ordering more. My last realization occurred when I was fortunate enough to spend a whole evening with an Italian family. It was time for dinner and the entire Italian family and I sat down and began to eat. In the course of the dinner, I could not help but pause and observe. Upon this observation, I saw the magic of family and history. I previously learned all the values that built this incredible Italy, however, now I witnessed how all of this values miraculously, and wonderfully, trickled down into the most recent of Italian people. I realized that every Italian has something to defend, cherish, and love, but most of all, something to take pride in. Gratefully, this time I was not disappointed when I thought of my own country.

My trip to Italy was meaningful to me because it showed me a future and gave me hope. It showed me a future because I witnessed that innovation is possible with determination. It showed me hope because I saw a part of history that would never fade. For this, I will forever be in Italy’s debt.