Howdy again but this time from Italy!!
After an incredible full two weeks, we are sadly headed home in the next couple days. I truly have no words for how perspective changing and unbelievable this trip was! To begin a business visit recap, all of the employees were more than welcoming and excited to share about their company. The callipo group even had one of their owners come speak to us and give us ice cream from their company. The enthusiasm and dedication to their companies was evident in how the speakers presented their company and it was so cool to experience their passion.
While many individuals in Italy and Malta were very welcoming, there were a few instances where miscommunication made circumstances more tense; therefore, patience was a huge virtue on this trip as both parties would have to slow down and try again to understand, which typically resolved any conflict.
My time here has altered my expectations and world-mindset significantly. The differing ways of life were interesting to witness and learn about. For examples, how many companies are family owned, differences in meal times, landscapes, prominent agriculture, and much more. I initially was worried about communication but this trip just further enforced the brilliance of many Europeans ability to speak several languages and also how English is becoming the main world language as many signs were in Italian/maltese but also English. I also was thrown off by how extremely mountainous and fertile Italian lands are. They have multiple volcanoes, making the land, for example in Sicily, very fertile and great for their agricultural companies (also making it super green and lush!). And of course, the rich history was stunning and life changing to see in person as we hear about these places in history class.
Overall, study abroad has been one of the best things I’ve ever done and I feel so blessed to have been able to participate in this trip. Getting to widen my perspective beyond America and understand/see other cultures has been enlightening and exciting! This is something I will tell my kids about one day, along with showing them the plethora of pictures I took! Ciao for now!
