Despite always having the travel bug, my first time leaving the United States wasn’t until I landed in Rome for my semester abroad. That semester brought me everything I had dreamed of and more. In just a few months I had gone from never leaving the US, to having ten countries under my belt.
Growing up, I always felt so much joy hearing family and friends recount stories of their time abroad. I was often mesmerized by movies and tv filmed overseas, watching them over and over to experience the magic however I could. No matter how high my expectations were, experiencing it in real life has been even better than I could have ever imagined.
I’m forever thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given to experience the world outside of my own bubble, and the ability to help others do the same.
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Q&A with Jenna
What’s the best local dish you’ve tasted?
Living in Rome meant access to some of the most amazing food in the world. I remember my first time trying the iconic Roman pasta dish carbonara. I was a bit nervous, seeing ingredients like raw eggs and pork cheek. After just one bite, I was hooked. I frequented a local family-owned restaurant in Trastevere that had perfectly mastered carbonara, switching between a spaghetti and rigatoni each time I ordered. The guanciale cooked perfectly with a slight crisp, and the egg and cheese perfectly blended to make the deliciously rich sauce, topped with just a bit of fresh cracked pepper. I cannot recommend it enough.
What’s your most vivid travel moment?
On one of my first nights in my loft in the Trastevere area of Rome I heard the most beautiful classic Italian music, like you hear in the movies, faintly playing. I opened my windows and leaned out to the sound flooding through my apartment, while I looked out at the cobblestone roads, centuries old church, and beautiful classic Italian rooftops. As I watched the sun setting, I was overcome with emotion that the reality of this moment I had always wished for was even better than I had dreamed.
Your best piece of travel advice?
One of my biggest pieces of travel advice is to pay attention to how natives communicate, and to try to familiarise yourself with popular phrases in the language. Although in most big cities in Italy many people speak English, I’ve found that Italians are often very appreciative of any attempt at the language — even if it’s just a greeting. A little "ciao", "per favore", or "buonasera" can go a long way.