Narni, Italy: My home

I traveled to the ancient city of Narni in Umbria, Italy with one of my closest friends Ashley for two weeks in July 2012 after our junior year of high school. 

I went home to go on vacation. I didn’t really go home but I went to Italy. Specifically, I traveled to Narni for two weeks in July 2012 and spent day trips in neighboring towns and cities. I grew up in an Italian household and don’t know any other lifestyle. My background has always been a driving force for me. I studied the Italian language for five years and I’ve made homemade pasta and other dishes countless times. This is the country I jokingly call “the homeland" so traveling to Italy felt like traveling home.

Narni, Italy is in the region of Umbria (the American equivalent of a state) and the province of Terni (an administrative division for multiple regions). When one thinks of Italy they think of Rome, the Colosseum and eating spaghetti for every meal. That is not too far fetched, but it is also so much more.

Umbria is known as the heart of Italy for obvious reasons – it is in the middle. But Umbria is literally the heart of Italy. There is so much soul, passion and life in this region. There is so much soul, passion and life in Italy as a whole but as this is the first Italian city I have ever been to so it is in my heart as well. Narni is a medieval town, about an hour away from Rome. There is a lot of history, culture and traditional values associated with Narni.

A typical street in Narni. The streets only fit one car at a time but few of the streets are one-ways.

The days are dry, the nights are cool and there are questionable drunk teenagers everywhere. It’s dark and the cobblestones aren’t part of the cute Italian quirk anymore. I am packed heavily for two weeks in Italy but I have to rewear the same outfits because it is so hot out and I somehow have to maintain modesty.

           

When thinking of Italy we think of twirling our pasta, clinking our fork and spoon around the bowl, taking a too-big-a-bite then drowning it down with a glass of red wine while sitting outside around a small, round mosaic table. It is picturesque. An Italian man drives by on his Vespa and a woman stumbles in her heels on the cobblestone streets while kids play soccer in the street.

           

To spend two weeks in Italy should be everyone’s dream. To spend two week walking up and down the cobblestone hills of Italy, to finish off every meal with espresso (es-PRESS-oh) and gelato and to be engulfed in nothing but Italian art, food and culture should be everyone’s dream. That was my dream.

Being in Italy felt like being home. My own grandfather is from Italy so growing up I heard nothing else from him but how great Italy is and how Americans know nothing about food, language or art. Italy has a rich history and culture and a meal at the dinner table did not come without a lesson on either while growing up.

           

The piazza, or square, features a fountain, as most do, with pigeons milling around picking up food scraps and Italians and travelers alike sit on the fountain, hoping to get a mist of water to cool themselves down in the blistering heat. Young kids sit on the steep cobblestone steps eating lunch and sweets that they bought at the bakery.

The true destination of Italy is an authentic Italian town where your grandparents could be from. Maybe Narni. The appeal of Narni comes from its classic, old-timey vibe. Time moves slow here and there is no rush to be anywhere. Take your time, take a walk, and let’s get gelato right after breakfast.

Narni has more to offer than one might think. One might think it is a quaint town that hasn’t been struck down by the modern times and they would be right but Narni is historical and artistic and so much more. I can honestly say that I learned a lot from Italy and still think of this place as a home that I will one day return. Italy changed me for the better and my experiences have made me a more open person.

I traveled "home" to Narni, Umbria, Italy in July 2012. The trip was life-changing and amazing to say the least. Pictured at Rocca di Narni, a medieval castle on the outskirts of Narni, only accessible by walking. Once there, an entire view of Narni can be seen.

Narni, Umbria is known for its art, history, culture and ancient castles. The opportunity to visit Italy made me value the importance of travel, family and learning from experience for myself. Narni gave me friendship, culture and lifelong memories. I am forever grateful for Narni and my time spent learning here. You come to understand Narni as your own and it starts to feel like home. Being anywhere else would be too different. Narni is my Italian home.