Italian Road Trip Part 1- Paderno del Grappa

My parents and I celebrated my 16th birthday at Epcot Center "in Italy" (I cannot remember WHY we were at Disney World past the 2nd grade, but whatever!) and when I blew out the candles on my delicious chocolate torte, I wished to spend my 21st birthday actually in Italy. Apparently birthday wishes can come true, even if you share what was wished for- my mom constantly reminds me of this one. I spent the big 2-1 at the infamous Pizzeria in Paderno del Grappa, Italy, taking shots of what else- grappa. "PDG" is the place where my love affair with the country started.

Six years later and the Pizzeria still stands. I never knew the actual name of the restaurant...  Al Sole, eh??

Heading to the base of the Dolomite Mountains in Italy, which are part of the Alps, from the flat lands of Kansas for a semester proved to be one of the best decisions I made in college. Not knowing a soul when I arrived, I met some of my best friends today on that journey. The Italian semester also enhanced and jump started my obsession of seeing the world. Six years later I returned back to the PDG with Justin to check out my old stomping grounds.

Eating a Tabbachi sandwich at 9am in front of campus. 

It was as if time stood still in the Veneto region. Literally nothing had changed. The Pizzeria was still there despite rumors it burned down (no idea who started that one), the same tabacchi owners still prepare the best turkey and asiago sandwiches for a mere €2, and the "Hotel Bar" still has processco on tap for €1,5 a pop. It was crazy to see how everything stayed the same while my life had completely changed over the course of time. Though, it is refreshing to see that some things never change, and a reminder that can be a very good thing!