Ever since I was little, I have always been told of my rich Italian heritage, dating back to before my great grandma immigrated to the US; however, I was never particularly fascinated by my heritage until we took a trip to the place my family is originally from, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy. We met an amazing family that took us under their wing and treated us like locals. They immediately introduced us to all their friends and their favorite spots in the town. One night, they took us to a restaurant on a mountain, overlooking the Adriatic Sea, and brought along two local families they wanted us to meet. We had course after course, as the waiter brought us everything from pasta to seafood. Over the food we shared, so many connections were made and the mutual love and care for each other that I had always been taught about at home blossomed. The locals immediately connected with us and I felt a sense of fondness fill the air for the rest of the trip. The generosity they had shown to us by welcoming us to their town truly exhibited the spirit of being an Italian, and I will always keep this memory as a vivid image of love in an Italian family. The way of life I experienced overseas has made me proud of my heritage and has inspired me to mimic the graciousness and kindness the people of Italy showed to us in my own life.