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June 6th, Day 1: Rome, Italy
I arrived in Rome, Italy around the morning. The first day challenged me how to solve problems in a foreign nation. While I was waiting for my friends to arrive at the FCO airport in Rome, Italy, I presented directions to my friends who were struggling to find me. It was resolved by developing clear communication and being very concise. After settling in at the AirBnb, I guided my friends through Rome to see site destinations such as the Colosseum. Within a short amount of time, my friends and I were able to spot the Colosseum. The Colosseum was worth overcoming that obstacle.
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June 7th, Day 2: Rome, Italy
It was an exciting day where my friends and I visited multiple places in Rome. We saw the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and other interesting sites. There was an awesome church that had ceiling paintings and another church containing amazing art. In addition, we even crossed the Tiber River. Even though we had a plan, adapting to the situation and environment is crucial, because there may be hidden opportunities waiting to be uncovered.
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June 8th, Day 3: Pisa Italy
My friends and I left Rome to meet with Dr. Tuberville and the rest of the students at Pisa. It was awesome traveling from Rome to Pisa. Although it was a little confusing, the group and I did not miss our train ride to Pisa. During the first train to Pisa, it was fascinating how the trains utilizes technology to provide better services to its passengers such as providing complimentary tracking of upcoming stops and movies. At the Leaning Tower of Pisa, I was surprised that there was a Bapistry and Cathedral located near the Tower. I learned that unexpected outcomes can be beneficial.
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June 9th, Day 4: Volterra, Italy
After setting into my room, I visited Volterra, Italy. This city located on the mountains kept its traditions and embraced new ideas. Volterra maintains its historical sites such as its Roman Amphitheater, yet it embraces pop culture such as the Twilight saga written by Stephanie Meyers. The city hosted its Cosplay festival that was inspired by one of the Twilight book settings taken place at Volterra. By utilizing its resources by embracing history and modern ideas, Volterra continues to thrive.
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June 10th, Day 5: San Gimignano & Siena
I visited two cities: San Gimignano and Siena. San Gimignano had intricate art where crafters developed their skills through self-teachings and guilds. It reminds me of the technology groups I participate in, because technology developers usually teach themselves and participate in professional organizations to enhance their skills. Siena's Duormo truly exemplified the crafters' passion and skills for creating masterpieces. I realize that these professional organizations and continuous learning are crucial in having successful careers. This experience truly inspires me to become more involved in different organizations and enhancing my skills.
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June 11th, Day 6: Amadei Chocolat and Cassa di Risparmio di Volterra
The group and I first visited the Amadei Chocolat facility. Amadei focuses on developing high-quality chocolate by using high-quality cacao beans and meticious process. I got the opportunity to taste and analyze different chocolates. Amadei utilizes black and gold colors to symbolize its luxurious chocolate.
During the visit to the the Cassa di Risparmio di Volterra, a regional bank located in Tuscany, the group and I learned how the bank keeps customer relationships by constantly listening to its customers. Leonardo Rossi, the CEO of the bank, describes how the bank keeps relationships with customers by guiding them on wealth management. In addition, it continues to be innovative by introducing online banking. |
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Day 7, June 12: Cassa di Risparmio di Volterra Foundation
I visited Cassa di Risparmio di Volterra's Foundation, a historical and art museum. The Foundation contains underground Roman and Etruscan dwellings. In addition, the Foundation contains permenant and temporary art exhibits that are free for Volterra citizens. Cassa di Risparmio di Volterra maintains and strengthens customer relationships by preserving history and art in Volterra.
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Day 8, June 13th: Piaggio Museum and Ancient Abbey
I visited the Piaggio Museum where the students interviewed an Piaggio Museum Foundation executive. I learned how he became an executive. He listed key factors to positive leadership: Be a problem solver, have character, and be personal with your associates. In addition, he advised the students to always stretch out of their comfort zones.
At the Camaldolite Abbey, the students and I viewed a restored anicent religious housing quarters funded by the Fondazione Cassa Di Risparmio Di Volterra. The Foundation's contribution to restoring Tuscany's history develops stronger bonds between Cassa Di Risparmio Di Volterra and its customers. |
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Day 9, June 14th: Bolgheri Donaratigo Vineyard
My school group and I teamed up with the University of Memphis Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality Group and the University of Delaware Group to visit the Bolgheri Donaratigo Vineyard. It was very interesting to learn how the vineyard developed its wine and business. It was innovative in using the Bolgheri land for wine when Bolgheri used to grow produce. I was amazed at how knowledgible the guide was about how wine was developed, and plants used to produce wine takes years to grow before producing wine from them. I have learned that growing a business requires deep knowledge about their expertise and being innovative are factors for success.
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Day 10,June 15th: Castiglioncello
It was fun spending the day at the beach. On the way to the beach, my student group and I stopped by a McDonalds. It is interesting to witness the differences between Italian and American McDonalds. When I arrived at the beach, I witnessed how typical Italians spend their time during holidays.
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Day 11, June 16th: Montalcino and Pirenze
I visited Montalcino and Pirenze, two Italian towns. It was awesome to witness typical Italian livelihoods. It was a great excursion. I enjoy exploring the towns and even witnessing a 7th century church at Pirenze.
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Day 12th, June 17th: MonteRosola
I visited a start-up winery that utilizes technology to produce high quality wine. It was fascinating witnessing how the winery mixes traditional wine-making techniques and technology. Despite being from Scandinavia, the winery's owners used consultants and locals to develop a thriving business.
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Day 13th, June 18th: Floridda Bio Farm and Rossi Alabastri
I visited a bio farm that mainly produces grains and seeds for flour and pasta. The bio farm owner described how the farm reuses its seeds and experiments with different types of grains to produce healthy organic products. It taught me how vital the US needs to create sustainable agriculture practices to provide healthy high-quality products. At the Rossi Alabastri shop, it was awesome to witness how people create objects using alabaster. The alabaster crafters have years of experience crafting their skill to form fantastic objects.
Witnessing these experiences inspire me to continue specializing my skills. |
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Day 14th, June 19th: Florence
Day 15th, June 20th: Lischetto Cheese Agritourismo
My last visit in this trip was Lischetto Cheese Agritourismo. It creates cheese from sheep milk. I tried some samples of the cheese. It was yummy. My favorite part was witnessing sheep up close. The sheep were just shaved, so it was a unique experience to watch.
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Day 16th, June 21st: Final Day
Hooray! I completed the program. My experiences strengthened my skills to take on new challenges. I am very thankful for making wonderful memories, relationships, and new self-discoveries. They will help me in my new job at Accenture.