Firstly, take a wonderful country, then scatter some beautiful cities on its surface. Mix three antennas and sprinkle them. Finally, add 26 participants from all over Europe and bake under the Italian sun for two weeks. In the end, you’re gonna taste the most spicy, delicious and delightful Summer University (SU) you could ever imagine!
The Pisa Part
The first stop and first impression of what would follow was Pisa. The organisers greeted the participants with cold beers and snacks, and as the participants were settling in the gym, an exciting atmosphere was promising new friendships. By dinner time, the ice was already broken and everybody was ready to live this adventure to the maximum. The next day was dedicated to discovering Pisa, and especially the secrets of the Square of Miracles, which is full of strange things: a leaning tower, devil’s nails on a wall and some crazy people running around after city rally hints. After such an eventful day, a BBQ party recharged everyone’s energy, and emptied many bottles.
Next station was the small city of royalties, less than half an hour by train from Pisa, Lucca, full of churches and legends, which were narrated in a very vivid way by the best guide a participant could ever ask for, Luca from AEGEE-Pisa!
The Firenze and Tuscany’s Countryside Part
The second stop was the main part of this extraordinary trip: almost six days right in the heart of Tuscany’s culture to admire romantic bridges, grandiose sculptures, marvellous paintings and, of course, probably the most fascinating sunset in Italy, from Piazzale Michelangelo. Maybe this was the reason why so many couples were created during these days and why the gossip box was on fire, full of confessions. This flirting mood was enhanced by some salsa and bachata dancing lessons by the master of salsa, Matteo from AEGEE-Firenze. Furthermore, there were Italian language courses so everyone could learn some useful phrases to charm others, by talking in the most seductive language.
If the days were full of activities, the nights were full of relaxation and entertainment, so the time spent in the hostel was limited. The perfect mix between calm evenings at lakes, pubs with BBQ, karaoke nights and crazy parties in the clubs was definitely a sign of a perfect organising team. Every evening was unique, but everybody agreed that the swimming pool party was a night to remember: cold drinks, warm water and hot bodies dancing around.
The next days were spent in Tuscany’s province. The calm scenery of the countryside was interrupted by the most amazing European night that could ever happen. Tables full of food and beverages anywhere from Spain to Russia. One could try Spanish paella, Greek tzatziki, Russian oladushki, Polish pierogi, Hungarian ragout, and many more dishes from all over Europe. But, of course, there’s no European night without drinks, so everybody cheered at least in fourteen languages, while trying typical drinks from each country.
A piece of advice for you: be careful while drinking Georgian cha cha, because then you’re going to try some Hungarian palinka too, and the combination will drive you crazy! Also, if you have the guts, do not resist releasing the dragon living inside you, by drinking Sambuca the Roman way.
After this grand night, Siena and Castiglione della Pescaia were the next destinations. City tours were followed by elegant aperitif dinners with prosecco, beach parties and many kisses. Tuscany’s highlight was the trip to Giglio and Giannutri islands: blue sea, sandy beaches, a jacuzzi inside the boat and as a participant from AEGEE-Patra, Ellie, said “Holidays inside holidays”!
Everybody returned totally tanned or sun burnt to the camping from where a bus transferred all the participants and, sadly only one organiser from AEGEE-Firenze, to Grosseto in order to take the train to the eternal city. So many goodbyes were said and so many hugs were exchanged that one would assume that these people are going to meet each other again, somewhere in Europe.
The Rome Part
The trip to Rome was full of happiness and expectations. Actually, nobody realised how quickly the time passed on the train, because some people were playing games, while others were sleeping. However, Rome’s greeting was an unexpected incident which delayed the metro, but a great gym with air-conditioning compensated for everything. The days in Rome were full of food: endless buffets with six meters of pizza and pasta.
Later two great guides took over the city tour. Dino presented the Vatican City and Matteo, from AEGEE-Roma, showed every unexpected aspect of this magnificent city. It felt quite cool walking next to the place where Caesar was murdered, or watching three different states from just one keyhole. But, of course, Rome has not only landmarks to see, but also a spectacular volcanic lake and a long beach full of people.
Nights were dedicated to parties, even inside the gym, and of course the nominations: nominations for the best kiss, the best couple, the best smile, the drunkest, the laziest, and anything else one could imagine. Federico from AEGEE-Firenze was voted as the best organiser for this Travel SU, and Alisa from AEGEE-Voronezh as the best participant, as they were always ready for everything with a huge smile on their faces!
The goodbye day was the hardest for everyone, but wait… with AEGEE there are no goodbyes, just “see you soon!”.
To conclude, this is exactly what it takes to make an incredible grand tour! So now you know that some well-prepared organisers, some fresh participants from all over Europe, who are travelling in one of the most beautiful European countries, are the right ingredients to carry out an unforgettable Summer University.
Written by Katya Galiandina, AEGEE-Peiraias