Have you ever had a trip of a lifetime? I was able to take a trip to the beautiful country of Italy. You may be asking why Italy, During the school year there was a foreign exchange student at Cass named Giacomo Di Bennedeto aka “Jack.” Jack was staying with another family at Cass for the beginning of the year, and I became good friends with Jack when basketball season started coming around. Jack had a very similar sense of humor to me, and we were able to get along very well. During mid-season of basketball Jack and his host family started having a falling out, and we had the opportunity to take Jack into our family, so we did and we were Jack’s new host parents. During Jack’s time with us, we learned a lot of different things that Italy has that the U.S. doesn’t have to offer. We learned about Jack’s family and friends, and we also welcomed a new member to our family. Although our time with Jack was full of fun times and great memories were made, it was time for him to go home to his family and friends back in Rome, Italy. It was a gloomy day at the airport as I watched my best friend and brother go back home not knowing if I would ever see him again. It was hard to talk to him as they were about six hours behind us, so when I tried to talk to him he would be asleep or it would be very late, and vice versa for me.

     A whole year after Jack was with us,my mom asked our family if we would like to go to Italy for a vacation and attend Jack’s graduation as well. So the trip was on, and we were keeping it a secret from Jack, so that it would be a surprise for him on his graduation day. My mom planned the trip with Jack’s mom and dad, and finally, after two months spring break came and it was time to start packing. After a couple of days, we were ready to leave on Saturday morning at 2:30 am. We headed to the airport and prepared for the long twelve- hour flight to Rome. 

     When we arrived in Rome it was very warm and humid. We got into our taxi and enjoyed the hour- long drive to the Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria, a very popular hotel in Rome, with the best view of all of Ancient Rome. Once we arrived at the hotel and got settled into our room it was time to explore the great city of Rome. 

     On our first full day in Rome we toured around Ancient Rome, and you may be asking why he keeps saying Ancient Rome.  Ancient Rome was founded about 814 B.C so after hundreds and hundreds of years, over. So Ancient Rome began to deteriorate, and only certain things were left over. So they built the city of Rome around Ancient Rome. 

     During our week in Rome, we went and visited many famous locations, such as Trevi Fountain, The Colosseum, Sistine Chapel, and then St.Peter’s Basilica. Not only did we see these beautiful buildings and landmarks, but we also ate tons of food. The food in Italy is amazing and flavorful. My favorites definitely had to be the fried pizzas, and trying the different types of pizzas they have there, not only was the pizza amazing but the pasta was to die for! 

     After our first week in Rome, it was time to leave and go see Jack and his family. We headed to the train station to meet them. Once we arrived at the train station, Jack’s family helped us collect our tickets and get our bags ready for the train. We rode on the train for around two hours, and then finally we arrived in the city of Florence. Florence was a spectacular and exhilarating city, as it is one of the least tourist-attracted cities in the country. During our stay in Florence, we stayed at a very neat hotel with Jack’s family. Every night the Dibenendettos took us out for some amazing Italian food and to see all of the beautiful churches and buildings in the city. 

     When we were finished in Florence, we headed back to the train station to head out to the city of Milan, which is what I was most excited about on the trip. Milan is very well known for its luxury shopping, touristy attractions, and great restaurants. During our stay in Milan we visited Cathedral Square and various malls. Our time in Milan was well spent and enjoyed, our trip was slowly coming to an end as it was time to leave for home. We said goodbye to Jack and his family as we walked into the airport, and I felt that same feeling as I did when he left America. I was disappointed and felt as if I was leaving my brother all over again, although I was sad to leave, I learned to enjoy my time with family and friends, and I will definitely be heading back to the great country of Italy, you ever had the chance to visit I would definitely not pass up the chance.