Hi, this is Theresa’s friend, Hang.
Theresa and I decided to study abroad in Rome this past summer. She joined the John Cabot one and I joined the Made in Italy one, two completely different program. My program already had classes chosen for us and I believe she got to pick what classes she wanted to take. It was such a coincidence that both our program started around the same time because originally, my study abroad program was suppose to start in July. Good thing, it started in May. By the time I left Rome at the end of June, it was way too hot.
Once I got to Rome, we tried to meet up, but our schedules didn’t match up. After being there for one and a half week, Theresa and I decided to meet up. I was so happy to see someone from back home. When I went to meet up with her, I was so surprised how close we lived from one another. I said to her, “if I knew how close you were, I would’ve visited you more often.” That same weekend, I asked Theresa if I could join her and her friends for a weekend trip to Cinque Terre and Pisa. She was nice to let me go. I ecstatic to leave Rome.
Day 1
We got to Vernazza, Cinque Terre Friday morning and hiked to Monterosso. It was a grueling 2 hours, but we did it. Later that evening, we went to dinner in Vernazza and we ate up a storm. I can’t remember what the name of the restaurant was, but it was so delicious. Emily, Theresa, Maria, and I were the last 4 customers and the owner was nice enough to give us a free drink called, “Spritzer.” We were introducing our names to them and one of them couldn’t pronounce my name, so he was like, “Ha-ang.” It was so hilarious. That was one of the best nights I had in Italy.
Day 2
The next morning, we decided to hike the remaining 3 islands, Manarola, Riomaggiore, and Corniliga. Manarola and Riomaggiore were a lot easier to hike because it was a straight shot. The trail from Manarola to Corniliga was closed, but we decided to go to Corniliga for dinner, since we didn’t get to go there. Worse idea ever. We had to hike up 600 something steps to get to the town. The town was dead. By time dinner was over, we had to go down the steps. We all were scared because it was dark. On top of that, I think we had to wait an hour and a half for our train to come. While we were waiting for train, there was this old man that kept staring at us. I was starting to get paranoid. At that moment, we decided to go to Riomaggiore to be safe because there would be more people there than Corniliga. We made it safe and sound back to our hotel.
Day 3
Our last day we went to Pisa, where the infamous “leaning tower” is. It was such a funny moment watching everyone doing all different kind of poses. After getting all our pictures, we went souvenir shopping. Then, we went to eat Chinese food. I was so happy to be eating Asian food. It was very delicious food. Finally, we finished the day with some more shopping. And then, back to Rome we go.
I’m so glad I had the chance to experience Italy with Theresa. Best time ever! I miss Italy as much as she does! 
