Ciaowdy, Howdy, and Asalam Alaykum
After a farewell to our parents, two different groups left two different countries on to a new conquest, labeling themselves the Italy Fish of 2018. Following a long travel day of multiple flights, these two groups then united at the Florence airport having covered thousands of miles. We enjoyed our last introductions on the following bus ride to Castiglion Florentino where names were exchanged and interests were explored. The one hour drive took us along a winding road nestled in the hills of Tuscany, giving us a first glimpse of what beautiful sights we will come to see in the following weeks. Shortly after our arrival into the Hotel Park, the unpacking began where we incoming Aggies, Students, and Staff dispersed amongst the lounge, pool, and hotel rooms. This was short-lived, however, as the all-important FIFA World Cup final between France and Croatia was taking place. To the dismay of nearly all the watching students, France prevailed in a 4-2 victory that would come to spark further conversation at the dining tables. With warm pasta on the table and a beautiful group of people, the room at dinner was bustling with noise despite the fact that we had all been awake for the past 24 hours. Next up on the itinerary was a short talk given by Erin Wehrenberg on journaling and channeling our inner thoughts. The students put on their walking shoes and took off on an eye-opening tour of the ancient town center that culminated in a delicious gelato treat to end the long day.
Sara Albanna ’22 & Zachary Summers ’22
