Due to the fact that my father has family as close to him as first cousins living in Italy, I always knew the Vatican state would be the first European country I'd ever visit. In the summer of 2001, Dad decided he'd waited long enough, so we packed our bags and went on the grand adventure.
I wasn't thrilled at being away from home for so long, in this environment that is so different from the one I'm used to, but even turning the magical age of eighteen was worth it in this paradise. I studied up on my favorite of Italian-related subjects, Ancient Rome, and delighted Dad with the tidbits I'd picked up when we toured the Coliseum (picture #1) and the Roman Forum (picture #2.)
Later that night, my tour group celebrated my eighteenth birthday; complete with being serenaded, hugged by our tourguide, and given the blueberry pie, all shown in picture #3.
The following week, we visited with family, and saw even more ancient ruins- the cities of Paestum (picture #4) and Pompeii. (picture #5) (Links take you to journal entries describing the events.)
By the time we had to leave, two weeks later, I connected with a new culture and extended family in ways I'd not thought possible before. Picture #5 depicts us around the dinner table on our last day there (I'm the one wearing the blue tank top in the middle), where we ate authentic Italian cheese, mazzerella de bufalo, (in the bowl in front of my sister), and homemade pizza.
If you have a family as "centralized" in culture as mine is, I suggest you visit your "native land"; you might be surprised at what you discover about yourself.
