I’m so happy, so excited—it’s a new year, a fresh chapter, and I started it in the best way possible: surrounded by my beloved ones at a great New Year’s party. It was the perfect way to step into 2025, full of energy and joy.

A Beautiful Start to the Year: Lake Como

From the 2nd of January, I wanted to kick off the year with something special, and since we were on holiday, we decided to take a trip to Lake Como. We visited a charming little town called Cernobbio. It was absolutely beautiful, with stunning lakeside views, elegant villas, and the perfect peaceful vibe to start the year right. I even did some shopping before we headed back to Milan.

A Farewell Adventure with Diana: Lake Maggiore

Knowing that our time together in Italy was coming to an end, Diana and I wanted to go on one last trip together. We decided to visit Lake Maggiore, specifically Stresa, a beautiful town on the lake. Our plan was to visit Isola Bella, a stunning island nearby, but unfortunately, it rained, and the ferries were stopped for the day. If you plan to visit, go early in the morning and check the weather in advance, as ferry schedules can change depending on the conditions. Even though we couldn’t visit the island, the trip was still special, and we enjoyed our time in Stresa.

An Unforgettable Museum Visit: Fondazione Prada

Another highlight of this month was visiting Fondazione Prada. It’s not just a museum—it’s an experience. A mix of art, music, photography, and installations, it challenges your perception in ways you don’t expect. Some areas didn’t allow photos, which made me even more present in the moment, soaking in every detail. I highly recommend visiting if you’re ever in Milan—it’s a must-see.

Closing a Chapter: Saying Goodbye to AVIS

One of the most emotional moments of this month was saying goodbye to AVIS. We had our last lunch together, shared a coffee, and wrapped up everything related to work—from blogs and videos to articles I had been working on. It felt surreal. A mix of emotions ran through me because, for so long, I truly thought I was leaving Italy for good. But now, I know this country has become a part of me, and I’ll keep coming back.

The people at AVIS were incredibly kind, and they even gave us a sweet bag as a farewell gift, which was such a thoughtful gesture. This entire experience—living in Italy, volunteering, growing through challenges—has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. If you ever get the chance to do something like this, I highly, highly recommend it.

The End of a Story, But Not Goodbye

And just like that, my volunteering story in Italy has come to an end. But it’s not a goodbye—it’s just a new chapter. I’m beyond excited to see my family again because I’ve missed them so much, yet at the same time, I know a part of me will always belong to Italy.

This country, this experience, these memories—I’ll carry them with me always. And of course, I’ll be back, again and again.

Grazie, Italia. A presto.