Final Thoughts

Before we left, we were hoping that Italy would change our lives forever. We wanted a different perspective on people, the world, the U.S., and ourselves. We were warned of pickpockets and scams, but never had anything even attempted on us (other than a couple of cabbies increasing their fares 5-10 Euros). One thing that did surprise us was was the rudeness of the people we encountered in Rome. The first person we talked to in the airport was mean to us, and it was an appropriate harbinger of what was ahead. We were stared at, ignored by those we tried to talk to, and shoved by people passing. At meals, our servers made no secret of the contempt they held for us as we struggled with the local customs, or when we didn't order the most expensive menu items.

But we learned not to judge everyone from that. In Orvieto, we talked with many locals, and each one of them was friendly. We felt as though we were swooning as we walked down the gorgeous alleys, greeted by smiles at every turn. Interestingly, it was on our Underground Tour that we encountered the "Ugly American Tourist," that perhaps we are judged by.

There were only eight people on the tour: us, another couple, and a noisy family of four. They talked through the whole tour, drowning out our timid tour guide, and posing for photos in front of everything she was trying to show us. They had to make a joke about everything, and asked her inane questions about things she had all ready told us. Our favorite was when the boy asked "What do you mean this cave is 3,000 years old?! It's only 2009!"

But on the train to Venice, we came across another instance that once again changed our perspective. The most patient, helpful, and friendly passengers were all Americans. Any time we saw someone helping someone else out with figuring out the schedule, or lifting heavy luggage, or patiently waiting as other people shoved by, they invariably turned out to be Americans (despite how different they all looked). It began to change our minds again about Americans, Europeans, and people in general. We wanted to understand the Italian people while on our vacation, but what we came to understand is that everyone, everywhere is different. And in that way, we're all the same. :)

We also caught the travel bug. Although the plane rides here and there were brutal and the multiple security screens and customs checks were scary and confusing to first-timers, we survived it. And now we know we can survive it again. Over lunch in Florence, we discussed where we wanted to travel next. Greek Islands? German Castles? Irish Countryside? We don't know where, but we know we will visit Europe again.

And we won't do it alone. We had wonderful times by ourselves in Rome, Orvieto, and Venice, but our times with Emily and Mike were especially enjoyable. We felt more comfortable and confident. We wished that we had scheduled more time together. And while we could only imagine the difficulties we would incur had we brought along Madeleine, we know we would have made it work. We missed her so much. We are never going on another vacation without her ever again.

We owe so much to our parents for making this all possible. They all helped us out financially, and took excellent care of Madeleine while we were away. Hopefully our best way of repaying them (other than some souvenirs!) is by letting them know how immensely we enjoyed this gift they gave us. We'll never forget it.

Before we left, we were hoping that Italy would change our lives forever. Looking back, we know it did.