Claire

Italy, a country of madness as some might say. The Italians are frivolous and dramatic, but nobody can fault them, they’re quite possibly the kindest race you could ever encounter. I have visited Italy on many different occasions and upon returning home to England, I have found myself wishing that I never had to leave and could stay safe in that wonderful Mediterranean culture forever. My obsession with the country began when I was 10, my father had started Italian lessons (he’s multilingual, and has an amazing gift for picking up languages with ease), when he was almost fluent in Italian we visited Sorrento. I remember getting off of the plane and falling in love with the country instantly, even if I was half asleep after being awake since 4am!. Every Italian we encountered, welcomed us enthusiastically and invited us to many different events. My family made a lot of friends during our time in Sorrento, which may partly be due to my fathers ability to speak Italian - but even so, everyone was incredibly friendly and warm to my mother and I and neither of us could speak the language. I look back on my Sorrento holiday with fondness, it was my first experience of Italy and it was then that I realised that Italy was the country I wanted to settle down in.

Since that first trip to Italy, I’ve been back numerous times… visiting all of the tourist areas and many other parts that are overlooked. I’ve climbed mount Vesuvius, explored Pompeii, braved the back streets of Naples, floated along the Venice canals in a Gondola and touched the Juliet statues breast (suppose to bring you good luck! Although I just felt a bit perverted in all honesty!). Although doing all these touristy things was fun and interesting, the most rewarding bit of all my visits to Italy have been forming friendships with the locals and making many other friends from other countries. On our second trip to Italy, my parents and I made friends with a German couple and their son, we’re all still friends now - 6 years later, and have been to visit each other many times.

There really is a air of wonder in Italy, something that many countries seem to lack. Although it may not be to everyones taste, I know that Italy is the place for me and I anticipate the time when I am able to move there permanently. The Italian culture is so relaxed and easy going, especially in Southern Italy where everyone seems to have a permanent smile on their face and the sun is always shining. Italy really is heaven on Earth.