Italy: Lillian Warren (Daily Life in Pieve del Grappa)

Program: CIMBA, Fall

Ciao! I’ve been in Italy for about a month now, and I’ve started to settle into a routine here in Pieve del Grappa. While my days still feel different from my life at home, I’ve started to find my favorite places, activities, and small parts of Italian culture that make this town feel more familiar.

I try to take a walk most mornings before class to explore the area around Pieve del Grappa. Although my town is not very big, there is plenty to see and do. I have already frequented the local pizzeria, cafés, boutiques, pastry shops, and pharmacy, all of which are within a ten-minute walk from my dorm. Visiting these businesses is a great way to connect with locals and try to learn a little Italian. I also visit the local Tabacchi almost daily, which is similar to a small convenience store. The owner is extremely friendly, and he has got to know me and my classmates very well. The Tabacchi has basic necessities, but my favorite thing to buy there is Italian snacks. Some of my new favorites are paprika-flavored Pringles and Pan di Stelle, which are delicious chocolate hazelnut biscuits.

It is easy to travel to nearby towns through the bus system, which has made it much easier to explore the area. Bassano del Grappa and Crespano del Grappa both have plenty of shopping, restaurants, cafés, and other places to explore. There are also many walking and running paths around campus, and I never get tired of the beautiful mountain views.

Monday through Friday, I have two classes each day, each lasting an hour and 45 minutes. CIMBA operates on a block schedule, with four class blocks between 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. My classes are very small, ranging from six to eighteen students. Because of this, I have gotten to know my professors and classmates very well. The small class sizes also make it easy to ask questions and participate during class. After my classes end, I try to finish my schoolwork right away so I can keep my weekends open. The weather has been gorgeous throughout my time here, so I typically study outside. There are study spaces all across campus, and I am always finding a new place to get my work done.

One part of Italian culture I have quickly embraced is coffee. In addition to the local cafés, there are multiple coffee vending machines across campus with lattes, cappuccinos, hot chocolate, and more. I have gotten used to enjoying a quick espresso between classes, which has become one of my favorite parts of the school day. I’ve also noticed that the pace of daily life can feel different here. Most businesses close for a few hours in the afternoon, giving the day a slower rhythm than I am used to in the United States. It was an adjustment at first because I can’t run errands on my lunch break anymore, but it’s taught me to slow down and embrace a more restful pace.

There is also plenty to do around campus in my free time. We have basketball courts, soccer fields, tennis courts, a track, and a gym. My new favorite evening activity is walking to get gelato with my friends. We also spend a lot of time at the local café on campus, which has a great outdoor area where we can enjoy coffee or sandwiches and spend time together.

Experiencing everyday life and talking to locals is one of the best ways to connect with Italian culture. As I settle further into my routine, I’ve learned to embrace the differences between American and Italian culture and appreciate the simplicity and peace in small-town life here. I’ve already grown so much in my time in this program, and I’m excited to see how much I will continue to learn and change.