Madisen Gomez

May 9th, 2023

Today was an enchanting day filled with exploration as we set out to discover the gems of Santa Margherita, Portofino, San Fruttuoso, and Camogli. Our journey started in the charming town of Santa Margherita, where we immersed ourselves in its unique ambiance before embarking on a delightful ferry ride to Portofino, yet another captivating fishing village. Roaming its streets, savoring local delicacies, and reveling in the village’s beauty, we felt truly enchanted. Continuing our  adventure, we hopped onto another ferry that whisked us away to San Fruttuoso, where we were greeted by the allure of serene rock beaches. Finally, we concluded our expedition by setting foot in Camogli, a romantic seaside haven. Took in the beautiful beach while laying in sunlight, it was the perfect day to visit these captivating fishing villages. Undoubtedly, the highlight of my day was the series of ferry rides that transported us to each destination, revealing the beauty and diversity of the Italian coastline.

May 10th, 2023

Today was a caffeine-infused adventure as we took a remarkable journey into the heart of Italy’s coffee culture. We were able to visit the Lavazza Factory in Torino, where we were granted an exclusive tour. Witnessing the process behind the production of their coffee, from the brewing to the packaging, was a fascinating experience. The highlight of the factory visit was the opportunity to indulge in Lavazza’s coffee caviar—a unique and delightful treat for the taste buds. After the factory tour, we dove deeper into the world of Lavazza at the Lavazza museum, where we immersed ourselves in the rich history of this esteemed brand. Before leaving Torino, we couldn’t resist exploring the city’s vibrant shopping area. Ultimately, the true highlight of my day was delving deep into Lavazza’s captivating history, gaining a newfound appreciation for their journey and the artistry behind their world-famous coffee.

May 7th, 2023

Today marked the exciting beginning of my hospitality experience in Genova, Italy. The day started with a journey from Milan to Genova with my new friend Keyla. We had finally made it to our apartment but once we arrived we realized we had to climb up ten flights of stairs with our check-in luggage but, it served as a testament to our determination. After some well-deserved rest, my roommates and I joined our classmates for a brief orientation tour of Genova, familiarizing ourselves with the locations of various restaurants and caffès. Once we understood where certain places were we ventured out to explore on our own. This day, filled with anticipation and adventure, has fueled my excitement for the incredible journey that lies ahead. The highlight of my day was the joy of finally arriving in Genova

May 8th, 2023

Today began with a sense of anticipation as we eagerly prepared ourselves for another extraordinary day in Genova. Our first stop took us to the port, where we were shown Eataly. Exploring this culinary haven, we discovered Italy’s finest products, both in the grocery store and the restaurant. Once we finished there we started on a journey to Nervi, a charming fishing village. After a beautiful afternoon in Nervi we went straight into an Italian cooking class, where the secrets of crafting authentic dishes were unveiled. Witnessing the transformation of ingredients into pesto gnocchi, frogasia, and tiramisu was truly magical. However, the true highlight of the day was coming together with my classmates to prepare and savor an unforgettable dinner. Today’s experiences reaffirmed my love for Italian cuisine and fostered a deep appreciation for the art of cooking.