Emily Olivier
I am so grateful to have been able to spend a few weeks in the magical town of Urbino. While I eagerly anticipated the ancient beauty of the area, I never could have imagined the incredible people and magical atmosphere that make up this place. I can’t recall a minute of this trip where I wasn’t surrounded by something beautiful. On top of the breathtaking things I’ve seen, I’ve also gotten the chance to really engage in the community and learn more than I could have imagined. I have learned so much professionally, but more than that, I have learned about Italian culture, about traveling and about myself. As a prepared for the trip, I worried that a month abroad might be too long. Now, as the trip comes to a close, I realize a few weeks wasn’t nearly long enough. I am eternally grateful to this special place for the memories, lessons and the friendships that it gave me. Thank you Urbino, for welcoming our group of crazy Americans with open arms.
A melted motorcycle sits casually in the middle of the workshop, as if it were an armchair or a coffee table. Zanchi shuffles across the airy studio, his wild curls bouncing with every step. He holds the shoes gingerly in his hands, careful to touch only the bottoms—an odd amount of care for average-looking, dingy brown loafers.