By: Haneen Asfour

Travelling to Italy with Zajel has left a positive effect on me; I had the chance to ‎communicate with different university students, make new friends and learn more ‎about myself. This trip has turned me into a more confident person. ‎

One of the most interesting things in our trip was visiting tourist’s attractions. We ‎visited Vatican museum in Rome and amusingly watched famous paintings and ‎sculptures. We also enjoyed watching Napoli Sea and walking past the Colosseum. ‎

Watching middle age’s famous artists’ paintings and sculptures in the museums, which ‎I have learned about before going to Italy, has left me amazed. However, seeing very ‎ancient Palestinian crockery in Vatican museum that prove that Palestine Land is for ‎Palestinians has left me desperate.  ‎

The second day in Florence was the best; we walked all around the city and watched ‎its ancient buildings that made us feel that we were in the middle ages. ‎

All of the tourists were organized and nice and there were many of them who were ‎interested in historical and cultural sites. ‎

The Italian students warmly welcomed us and made us feel like we were at home. We ‎also had the chance to practice English language with them. Moreover, the tips and ‎information they gave us were really beneficial.  ‎

The Italian kitchen is filled with great meals and desserts; pizza, pasta, Italian coffee, ‎tiramisu, and Gelato. ‎

Walking in the nature in Italy has left a positive psychological effect on me; it made ‎me feel relaxed, happy and filled with positive energy. ‎

One of the unique experiences we lived was the waterbuses. Travelling by the ‎waterbuses made us enjoy the scenes around us. ‎

Travelling enhances our personalities, especially when you are not travelling with ‎your family or friends. I discovered some new sides of my personality; I enjoyed ‎interacting with strangers in addition to enhancing my confidence and independence. ‎

I believe that I can travel by myself the next time; I learned how to apply for a VISA, ‎how to buy plane tickets, how to reserve a room in a hotel, and how to use different ‎transportation means.‎