MSS student reports from the tour: "Experiencing Italy is sorpredente"

MSS student Tori summarizes the flight and first impressions of the 2012 Mayfield Senior School Incantato Tour to Italy: "Flying over, I kept waiting for it to hit me that I was going to a new country on a completely different continent. Experiencing Italy is sorprendente--one of the most amazing things I've had the pleasure of enjoying. Thus far we've split our time between Rieti and Contigliano and are on our way to Florence, which we've been advised to pronounce as Flor-ren-ce. Touring and ambling about the sleepy city of Riete, we get a truly intimate introduction to Italian culture. The people are friendly and it's interesting to recognise our similarities and separate cultural peculiarities. Another great thing about the city is it's rich history and being able to observe how the people, landscape, and city itself have adapted over the centuries. Yes, centuries. Right outside our hotel is the ruins of a Roman bridge and most of the buildings are centuries old, adorned with art from the ages and there is even a medieval road running under the whole complex which can be viewed through grates in the many courtyards. It was also nice to see the Italians respect for their history and the many precautions taken to restore and maintain the ancient beauty. All the buildings have iron bars set on the outer walls that are weighed down with chains to maintain structures even as the earth shifts. Out of everything though, I would say my favourite thing to do is attempt to assimilate to the Italian way of life by learning phrases, dressing European, and interacting with locals-- especially if it means I get to make friends with our italian speaking waitress."