ELON, N.C. – The Elon volleyball team is overseas in Italy for an international and cultural experience. Check in with elonphoenix.com every day to catch the players’ thoughts on their adventures. Fans can also follow the team on Twitter and Instragram.
 
Ode to Italy: An original rap
 
EUVB is taking Italy by storm
Steppin into Europe, saying ‘deuces’ to the dorm
Sittin in Italy, hanging with the crew
So many shops and things that we must do
Like walking up mountains or buying sunglasses
Or watching Cali getting swarmed by the masses
Bus rides are long, but Antonio keeps them poppin’
Falling out of our seats when Antonio starts a-stoppin’
No cellphones or communication without wifi
I was going through withdrawals, thought I was gonna die
I realized it was not that bad after day two
And now talking to my teammates is all I want to do
Now here’s a quick shout out to Tami and Steve
It is awesome here, and I don’t want to leave
But I wish you were here with me because I really miss you
I can’t wait to see you and I really love you too.
(More rhymes to come…)
 
By Ana Nicksic
 
Enjoying the chance to connect with language
 
I’ve been in Italy for four days now and have probably spent about 90 percent of my time here sipping on cappuccinos and munching on pasta, pizza and prosciutto.
 
I have enjoyed each and every single one of my meals here. After eating in dining halls for the past four months, every bite of food I’ve taken in Italy so far tastes like glory. The food here is light, fresh and simply delicious.
 
In addition to trying different foods, I’ve had the opportunity to visit multiple places, including Switzerland and the republic of San Marino. This means that in four days I have visited three different countries, something I never thought I’d do! For the first time in my life, I’ve constantly been surrounded by people who speak a language that I can’t speak.
 
Although I know a lot of my teammates are occasionally frustrated by this, I have absolutely loved every second of it. Italian is surprisingly similar to Spanish; I’ve discovered that when enough effort is put into a conversation, I can communicate with locals in a strange mix of Spanish and Italian. Communicating with random locals I meet has definitely been one of the most valuable experiences for me on the trip. Taking a part in conversations where people work together to overcome language barriers and get to know each other is exciting!
 
By Maggie Reichard
 
Marooned in Italy with plenty of attention
 
“Ciao, Bella!” This is a greeting so familiar now that I fully intend to hear it even when we return to America.
 
I’m not sure what it feels like to be a celebrity, but being tall, athletic, 20-year-old females in Italy will do wonders for your confidence! I have had a magical time because being blonde-haired, blue-eyed and tan in Southern Europe is basically the equivalent of wearing a massive billboard on my head saying, “Look at me!”
 
It’s as if Italians can smell my fear and immediately know I am American and do not fit in here. That’s before they realize I don’t know a word of Italian or any other second language. Today, I was asked to be in a photo with seven Italian men. I agreed but drew the line when he asked to take a picture of us kissing. (Don’t worry, Dad. I’ve seen the movie Taken!)
 
Our driver, Antonio, suggested I start charging people to take pictures with me. After pondering this thought over night, I have decided I just might have a fallback plan if nothing works out for me after senior year. Not only am I learning a lot and eating a lot, I’m setting life goals.
 
After visiting the chocolate factory, wine tasting and climbing a castle, I have learned so many things about such a beautiful country — and also that we’re all regarded as a pretty team. You’re welcome, Elon, for representing you oh so well in our full maroon gear while still looking good.
 
Always living the maroon life!
 
By Cali Estes
 
Absent the details: On the road again
 
We’re sitting on the bus, once again, en route to a new destination (Lucca, I think). Being on a bus for a substantial amount of time can be a challenge, for instance when we’re making the haul to Samford or Georgia Southern, especially when one is over six feet tall (as the majority of us are). But sitting on this bus as it cruises through Italian interstates and back roads makes it much easier to bear. I can look out my window and see a panorama of the snow-capped Alps or the burnt orange roofs of local homes.
 
This bus ride has made me realize that I can’t pinpoint today’s date. I can honestly say that I have absolutely no idea what day of the week it is, let alone the specific date. If someone asked me the time, I can guarantee that I wouldn’t know that either.
 
I think that is thrilling, though; going through the day not knowing he date, the day or the time. The absence of our convenient American technology during the day, i.e. our iPhones, seems to be the culprit. As much as it pains me to say it, being without that distracting connection is nice. I don’t have to worry about texting anyone back (sorry, Mom) or performing the constant scroll through my social media feeds. Sure, Ill be excited to gain full use of my phone once I’m back in the states, but its absence is nice for now.
 
By Megan Gravley