Italy

My first visit to Italy came during my gap year before college, when I stayed with my former tennis coach, Renzo, and his family at their home in Como. Renzo is, in every sense of the word, Italian. Thick accent, signature mustache, expressive hand gestures, and a personality to match. I always enjoyed that about him, but seeing him in his hometown gave me a much deeper understanding of who he was. Watching the way his family gathered around long meals and simply enjoyed spending time together gave me an early appreciation for just how central family is to Italian culture.

Over the following years, I returned to Italy several times, visiting places like Rome, Rimini, and Trieste. Each had its own character, but Como has always remained my favorite. Its beauty is undeniable, but what made it special was experiencing it through the eyes of a dear friend.