Author: Andrew Foster
I’m still in disbelief that I’ve been in Italy for over two weeks now! This whole experience has felt like a fever dream straight out of a coming-of-age movie.
The first few days in Modena were spent settling in, exploring the city, and figuring out the logistics of the university. Our group is living right in the city center—the heart of Modena—surrounded by beautiful, classic European architecture.
The University of Modena is located just outside the city center and is easily accessible by walking, biking, or taking the bus. The three of us undergrad students in Modena discovered a local bike repair shop that restores old bikes and sells them at affordable prices. We were able to get functional, budget-friendly bikes for the summer—and the best part is, we can sell them back at the end of our exchange. My bike has already proven invaluable, saving me so much time getting to and from the lab, the train station, and the grocery store. The pedestrian infrastructure and bike lanes here are phenomenal—Europe really knows how to prioritize sustainable transportation!
This past Monday, June 2nd, was Republic Day in Italy, which meant a three-day weekend and a perfect opportunity to explore more of the country. A small group of us undergraduates booked an affordable Airbnb near Cinque Terre. Friday evening was spent traveling and checking in, followed by a delicious Mediterranean dinner at a cozy, local restaurant.
On Saturday, we headed to Monterosso, where we soaked up the sun and relaxed on the beach. It felt like the quintessential Italian beach town—soft sandy shores, colorful umbrellas, and a backdrop of hilly coastlines. Later that evening, we explored La Spezia, a large coastal city, and enjoyed a classic two-hour Italian dinner filled with wine, bread, ravioli, seafood, and meaningful conversations.
Sunday took us to the neighboring towns of Riomaggiore and Manarola. We started the day in Riomaggiore with crepes for breakfast, followed by a visit to a scenic beach that left us hungry for more seafood. In the afternoon, we hiked between the two towns, soaking in breathtaking views of the turquoise water and terraced hillsides. We explored local churches, quaint shops, and, of course, spent more time by the water.
On Monday, we wrapped up our trip with visits to Pisa and Florence. We began with the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, followed by some unforgettable cherry and pistachio gelato. Florence was vibrant and expansive—we walked around the city, marveling at its architecture and scenery. Though our time there was brief, it left us eager to return and explore its many museums and landmarks more thoroughly.
This whirlwind weekend of traveling was truly heartwarming. From discovering new cities and cuisines to engaging with local culture, this program has already been so fulfilling—and it’s only just begun. I’m beyond excited for the adventures still ahead and grateful to experience all this while contributing to cutting-edge Molecular Dynamics research!
