Recently I returned from the beautiful, warm Italian Riviera, where I was living and working for four months. Much to my chagrin, Boston welcomed me back with sub-zero temperatures and a lot of dirty snow. O mio Dio... back to reality. My Italian adventure was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Although it was difficult to leave my family and friends, I do not regret for a minute the unique opportunity I had in gaining exposure to another culture. Immersing myself in a small Northern Italian community allowed me to experience day-to-day life and to communicate with such townspeople as ristorante owners, flower vendors and formaggio sellers. Furthermore, the art was divine, the scenery was breathtaking, and the clich that "you can't get a bad meal in Italy" was proven to be indisputably true.

Naturally, the Italians were very curious why a blue-eyed, blonde-haired Americana was residing in this small Ligurian town. Many of them assumed that I-along with all American people-blindly follow Bush's agenda, worship war, obsess over consumerism and, of course, eat at McDonalds everyday. In broken Italian, I strove to explain that individual Americans have diverse opinions, and that we are not one conglomeration. Constant one-on-one contact with patience, politeness and respect broke down their stereotypes and shattered their suspicions. Consequently, the people opened up to me, taught me their bellissima language and invited me to their family dinners and celebrations. I even attended a football (soccer) game in Rome with mi amichi, which I never expected to do. These are memories that I will cherish forever.

Many students considering studying, working or traveling abroad have apprehensions regarding the possible dangers of exploring the world in this time of turmoil. The constant shifting of the Terror Alert from yellow to orange and back is absolutely terrifying and unnerving. Fears are legitimate at this time. Although the world is not as safe as it may have once been, it is still not as dangerous as we are led to believe. As a traveler, I had to be cautious, alert and street-smart. Yet there certainly weren't constant threats to my well-being. If one is prepared for his or her international endeavor with an open mind and a willingness to learn and communicate with diverse people, the experience will surely be invaluable.

From this intercultural endeavor, I also understood that consistent individual interaction and genuine communication are molto importante. Unfortunately, I heard recently that there have been several disturbing incidents with miscommunication and intolerance close to home. Perhaps if people at Brandeis take the time to talk and listen to each other, as well as explain the similarities and differences of their cultures, the tensions will alleviate and misconceptions will cease.

Arriverderci and salute!
- Caroline Litwack '03

Editor's note: Caroline Litwack '03 was an Associate editor of the Justice and member of the Justice editorial board from 2000 to 2003.