Italy

I had the opportunity to explore numerous cities in Italy, including Venice, Rome, Milan, and Florence. Each city offered a unique allure, leaving me in constant awe throughout my journey.

Florence, a city as beautiful as a flower, is where the art and culture of the Renaissance flourished. I felt like I was traveling through time as I admired world-renowned artworks at the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and more. Michelangelo's "David" in particular left a lasting impression with its overwhelming beauty. Florence is also famous for its fashion and leather crafts, with unique shops lining the Ponte Vecchio bridge.

In Venice, the city of Casablanca's stories, I experienced firsthand the gondola rides I had only seen at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. The beautiful scenery along the narrow canals was like a scene from a movie. Historical landmarks like St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace are also must-see attractions. Venice is also famous for its glasswork, and Murano Island offers the opportunity to admire and purchase beautiful glass products.

Seeing the Roman ruins I had only seen in movies was a moving experience. The Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon offered a sense of both grandeur and beauty. At Vatican City, I visited St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, experiencing the depth of religion and art. Rome has many hidden alleys and restaurants to explore, in addition to famous tourist attractions such as the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.

Milan, the paradise of luxury goods and high-end cars, is the center of fashion and design. Historical buildings such as the Duomo and Sforza Castle blend with modern shopping districts and design shops. Milan Fashion Week is a great time to meet world-famous fashionistas. Milan is also famous for the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" can be seen.

The ruins of Pompeii, the lost city, were unbelievable, with thousands-year-old architecture and signs that still retained their color. Touching the ancient buildings, it felt as though I was transported back thousands of years. Pompeii, a city frozen in time by volcanic ash from a volcanic eruption, vividly shows the life of ancient Rome.

The locals I met at Italian restaurants were so casual that they would serve with cigarettes in their mouths, but I didn't feel any resentment. Rather, I was fascinated by their free-spiritedness and friendliness. Perhaps because the food is similar to Korean food, I felt a sense of kinship with the Italian locals, whose national character is also similar. I also explored famous Italian opera houses, which produced famous singers like Pavarotti, and experienced the depth of Italian culture.