Caroline_positive_negative_cultural_experiences

=**Positive and Negative Cultural Experiences**=

There are always positive and negative experiences within all trips to various countries. To help me to identify these positive and negative cultural experiences that travellers to Italy have encountered I used the website [|www.43places.com] and found some accounts from travellers.

Please note that all websites were visited most recently on the 9th June 2007.

This account demonstrates the culture of Italy through their art and history, encouraging travellers to research before they travel. It also shows a negative side of travelling, when people get allergies, maybe as a result of pollution.

“I liked Rome alot. Stayed in a really nice apartment in the Esquilino district for 5 days with my husband and 1 year old daughter in May. I wish I had more time in the Vatican and Capitoline museums. In fact, I could probably spend a month there without running out of things to do. I advise brushing up on Roman History and Italian Art history before your visit -you’ll get more out of your stay. I had really bad allergies there, perhaps because of the pollution; if you’re prone to these as well, bring your antihistamines!!!” (http://www.43places.com/visit/Roma-Lazio-Italy/104340) (sard - A review of this place)

This account demonstrates the way travellers cannot control the weather, or their small children’s travel sickness. It shows that all holidays can have a mixture of positive and negative experiences, which may not necessarily be because of the country itself.

“Ides of march 2007; hail in roma, thunder in the pantheon, my 20 month olds walking up and down the eurostar, carrying the double stroller over the stones of the palitine hill, counting the spanish steps, car sick in the mountains, rain in tuscanna, my sons swimming in the hot springs with their father, sienna square, lunch at pisa, duo capaccine, san marco, breathing sacred air, hushed voices near jonah then peircing baby cries—so shrill that i am sure the paint cracked and flaked.” (http://www.43places.com/visit/Italy/102953) (only2or3stories - The first time I went to this place)

This account highlights many of the positive experiences travellers can do and experience while in Italy. Shopping, skiing, sunbathing and many famous attractions add to the Italian cultural experience, causing people to want to go back and visit more of the country.

“The first time i went to Italy was about six years ago on a ski holiday in Andalo for a week. We went for a day trip to Verona – aka the city of ‘Romeo & Juliet’. That was pretty cool! There’s so much to do in every place in Italy – shop, ski, sunbathe, & there’s so many famous tourist attractions too! Loved it & have been back since. Hoping to go to Rome next time!” (http://www.43places.com/visit/Italy/102953) (cAsSiEsproblem - The first time I went to this place)

This account creates an image of a beautiful historic place, which demonstrates many of the cultural experiences people lack in their own countries.

“Two years ago, we were in Sicily. That was beautiful, and I miss it so much! It was awesome! The sea is beautiful, and the small, old streets, are pretty nice! :) This place made me happy, forever.” (http://www.43places.com/visit/Italy/102953) (EneeHungary - How this place changed my life)

This account retells how they grew up in Italy with Italian traditions and values. It demonstrates the loving nature of the Italian people, as well as the small things that they remember as being special (mountains, freshly baked bread, cured ham, cheese and local red wine). These memories identify to travellers that they can experience these things and have a cultural filled trip, experiencing real Italian gelato.

“I lived in a little town of Santa Lucia, Badoia close to Avaino AFB. It was so awesome! The people were so loving towards us growing up. The traditions are awesome, the values are awesome. The land was green with grapevines everywhere and a beautiful view of the mountains. I loved the fresh baked bread with the cured ham and cheese with a glass of local red wine! This place is home to me even though I am an American citizen I am Italian in my soul! Once you have real Italian gelato you will never be able to eat the wannabes in the states.” (http://www.43places.com/visit/Italy/102953) (NYqia82 - How this place changed my life)

These accounts from various people who have travelled to Italy demonstrate what places they think have culture and night life (from a group of females a request for night life and culture was written in and these are their responses). These accounts highlight that what they think has culture can vary to other people, so it is all personal preference. It does show that people feel Italy, and all its smaller places (such as Rome, Florence, Venice, Pompeii, Naples, Sicily, Sienna and Milan, plus other surrounding areas), hold many cultural experiences and memories that they will never forget. These accounts also point out that girls should be careful when wandering the streets at night time (as in any big city), but if they are aware, they will be safe and have a great time. (http://www.43places.com/entries/view/1042152)

“Rome is great if you have a long time to spend there- and don’t forget to take your passports everywhere with you if you are from UK. (free or discount entry…) That definitely has nightlife and culture rolled into one. However it wasn’t my favourite place- the places that blew me away were Florence and Venice. Nightlife would be more expensive there tho and less “uni holiday ish…” If you get a chance go over to Pompeii, its worth it- and if you can cope with the insane and slightly scary male attention i imagine the nightlife in nearby Naples is pretty good! If you go to Sicily theres ancient ruins, mt etna, lots of culture a fantastic nightlife and incredible scenery basked in the med…”

“I agree that Sienna is a cool place to see. Think narrow little streets with that Medival feeling..also head to Cinque Terre. Five small villages on the Italian Riviera that connect with a local train, but you can also walk the route. Easily one of the most beatiful spots in Italy. Milan has great restaurants and is known for their risotto…yummmm”

“I lived in Florence for a Summer and loved it. It’s gorgeous, there’s a lot of history and good nightlife. Rome and Milan are nice too, but Florence is definitely at the top of my list b/c it’s a wonderful city and the surrounding area is beautiful too (Pisa, Sienna, Cinque Terre and Tuscany overall).” “Rome is the place to be for culture as well as night life. With the metro you will be able to go anywhere you need to go. Just be aware of your surroundings as you would in any big city. Be safe and have a great time!”

As seen through these accounts from travellers to Italy, positive and negative cultural experiences occur, which is all part of the travelling experience.