Elon Softball Italy Global Experience: Day 1 & 2

DAY 1

We left Elon on Friday afternoon for our first stop in Paris, France before connecting to Barcelona, Spain and finally landing in Rome on Saturday evening. After we collected our luggage and de-boarded the plane, we headed straight to the Cali Roma softball field for a light practice before team dinner.  Our first meal in the beautiful city of Rome was at Ristorante L’Anfora where we were served mezze maniche all’anfora, a pasta dish which included a red sauce and guanciale (cheek of a wild boar). The dessert options were endless, and most of us ordered the iconic tiramisu, which did not disappoint.

The following morning, breakfast at the hotel buffet was also amazing. We enjoyed fresh fruit, salami, eggs, and an arrangement of croissants, danishes, and pastries. Our team of coffee lovers was extremely pleased with the coffee machine which delivered hot cappuccinos, lattes, americanos, and macchiatos. The drinks were described as rich, smooth, and bursting with flavor in comparison to the espresso we were used to drinking at home. Our first stop was the Roman Colosseum and Forum. We took a guided tour around the colosseum and took lots (our tour guide said too many) pictures. We had previously learned about some of the history in our class, but with the rich history of the site, we were taught more information about the structure. In order to incentivize the gladiators and ensure the people of Rome had an interesting show to watch, most all of the warriors were fighting for their freedom, which was typically achieved after winning 15-20 battles, about 5-10 years of fighting. Entry into the colosseum was open to all, but the seats were based on status with the Emperor seated closest to the action and the women and slaves with the worst seats. We then walked around the Forum. The paths where we walked were below the ground level of at the time it was built. Over time the Forum was gradually buried under silt, causing this to happen. Both of these landmarks hold so much of Ancient Rome’s history and culture, and seeing them in person was breathtaking. 

On Sunday evening we had dinner at Il Parnaso Restaurant in the hotel. We were served the renowned carbonara dish, fresh meatballs, salad, and dessert. We’re excited to continue to explore Italy and see what new foods we can try along the way. Only two days into our study abroad trip and the cuisine has already exceeded our expectations.

DAY TWO

After visiting the Colosseum, we had an incredible opportunity to play a game against a local Italian team. It was surreal to be halfway across the world yet still doing something as familiar as playing softball. When we arrived at the field, we were greeted with warm Italian hospitality and curiosity. For many of the local players, softball is still a relatively new sport. While Italy has a strong tradition in sports like soccer, softball has only recently started to grow. It was exciting to see their passion for the game and how they are working to develop it in their country. The Italian team was a mix of experienced players and beginners, but what stood out to me the most was their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Even though there was a bit of a language barrier, the universal language of softball made it easy to connect. The atmosphere at the field felt different from what we are used to back home. It was less intense and more relaxed, almost like a community event. Family members of the Italian players were there, cheering enthusiastically for both teams, which created a welcoming and festive vibe. Once the game started, it did not take long to see that while softball is still growing in Italy, these players had a deep appreciation for the game. The competition was friendly but spirited, and there was so much joy in how they played. It felt like they were savoring every moment on the field, whether they made a great play or learned from a mistake. After the game, we had the chance to talk with some of the local players, exchange stories, and share tips and advice. They asked us about how we train in the United States and what it is like to play at the collegiate level. It was humbling to see how excited they were to learn from us, but just as inspiring to witness how much they had already achieved. Their determination to grow softball in their country is incredible, and I am excited to see where it goes from here. This game was about more than just softball. It gave us a chance to immerse ourselves in Italian culture in a way that went beyond sightseeing. We connected with people who share the same passion for the game, even though we come from different parts of the world. I feel so grateful for this opportunity and reminded of how sports can bring people together in unexpected ways.