Host: Italy is known for its long history, but when you saw it for yourself, what really stood out to you?
Aaron: Standing in the Colosseum in Rome was incredible. There are so many ruins left from the Roman Empire that you can really get a sense of its past glory. But for me, the real highlight was a hidden spot I discovered: the Baths of Caracalla. It was like an ancient shopping mall and public bathhouse combined. It's not as famous as the Colosseum, but it's absolutely stunning and, personally, I think it's even more impressive.
But to be honest, I actually preferred Florence more than Rome. It has a more peaceful and beautiful vibe. The Old Bridge is gorgeous, and the city is full of Renaissance museums and churches where you can see paintings by masters like Da Vinci and Michelangelo. Most of these were commissioned by the influential Medici family, who were major patrons of the arts during the Renaissance.
Host: I’ve heard Italians are pretty serious about their food—would you say that’s true? Any unforgettable dishes you’ve tried?
Aaron: Oh, it’s absolutely true! Italians have a genuine passion for food. When you go to a restaurant, they'll constantly check to make sure you’re enjoying your meal. They really focus on fresh, local ingredients and traditional recipes.
My most unforgettable meal was a simple margherita pizza in Milan. The crust was perfect, the tomato sauce and basil were incredibly fresh, and the mozzarella cheese was just amazing.
There are three other foods I’d highly recommend trying: Gelato, custard bread, and the authentic Carbonara (salted egg yolk spaghetti). It's no wonder Italian restaurants are so popular all over the world.
Host: A lot of students in Europe take the chance to visit other countries—sometimes you don’t even need to fly. Can you share some of your experiences doing that?
Aaron: Since most European countries are part of the Schengen Area, it’s incredibly convenient to travel around without border checks. You can just hop on a train or a bus. I once traveled all the way from Amsterdam to Paris, which was an amazing experience.
I'd recommend doing some research on their public transportation beforehand. I didn't, and I ended up spending some extra money that I didn't need to. Most importantly, you have to be careful of pickpockets. Safety isn’t always as good as in Taiwan, especially on subways, where it's very easy for someone to snatch your phone.
【Learn some words】
Culinary (烹飪的、美食的)：The Italians' culinary passion is evident in every dish, from a simple pasta to a complex risotto.
Piazza (廣場): I loved spending my afternoons in a lively piazza, sipping coffee and watching the world go by.
Mediterranean (地中海的): Southern Italy offers a classic Mediterranean experience, with its sunny coastlines and fresh seafood.