Capturing Italy on Instagram: A Photo Interview with Erika Clark

Capturing Italy on Instagram: A Photo Interview with Erika Clark

Erika Clark, is an American teaching English in Italy with Greenheart Travel. Here she shares some of her favorite moments and photos she has snapped on her program so far! Erika has been in Italy for one month, with two more left to go, so make sure you follow along at #GreenheartTravel

What’s the best thing you’ve eaten in Italy so far?

The best thing I’ve eaten in Italy was pizza, but not any pizza – it was homemade. For my first dinner with the family, my host mother made several different kinds of pizza. I had it fresh out of the oven, and it was the most delicious thing I’ve ever tasted.

What’s the most photogenic spot you’ve visited?

Honestly, I feel like every place in Italy is photogenic – the balconies, the cobbled streets, and even the people. I saw my host Grandpa taking a stroll down the street. “It helps my back,” he said in Italian, and patted my shoulder. He just looked like the sweet old person that he is. It was a perfect photo moment.

If I must choose the best place so far, I think the Santuario di Vicoforte would be it. It is absolutely gorgeous!

Piazza near my school<3 I love the colors. #beauty #travel #wanderlust #italy #inlove #lovelife #piazza #travelbug #architecture #Europe

A photo posted by Erika Clark (@thehappyhappa) on

#bella #wanderlust #nomad #basilica #mondovi #Europe #italy #loveitaly #travel #art

A photo posted by Erika Clark (@thehappyhappa) on

What’s the best teaching moment you’ve had so far?

In my school situation I’m working with a new teacher and students every week, but it’s nice to see how curious and engaged the students are even though I’m only with them for a short time. My best moment so far is when I told a class that it was my last day with them and the students asked if they could take a picture with me. It’s nice to know that I’ve made enough impact to have them want to keep me in their memories. 🙂

Taught 5 classes today. Slightly drained, but then there’s this beautiful view that shakes off the rain. #mondovi #italy #architecture #travel #beautiful #globalnomad #greenhearttravels

A photo posted by Erika Clark (@thehappyhappa) on

Tell us about your host family!

My host family is wonderful!

My host mom, who is also a teacher I’ve worked with at school, is a wonderful cook and a very caring person.  She is calm and collected, but also likes to crack jokes. We have already developed so many inside jokes that we like to revisit for a good laugh, lol.

My host Dad can be described in one word. “Jolly”. I’ve very quickly discovered that he is a bowl of positive energy. He is also very passionate about food and wine. He teaches me something new every day.

My host sister Sofia (9) has a great big personality and a whole lot of energy. I am honestly impressed that she has such a strong grasp on who she is at such a young age.  She loves to dance, sing, and put on mini shows. She is my Italian teacher and I help her with her English homework.

It is both peculiar and amazing how this family has incorporated a stranger like me into their lives in such a short period of time.  I care very much for them and I know I will miss them when my journey comes to an end.

Check out some more photos from Erika’s time in Italy!

Espresso anyone? #italy #love #beautiful #tourist #globalnomad #greenhearttravels #Europe #travel #wanderlust #happyhapa

A photo posted by Erika Clark (@thehappyhappa) on

Turin Italy #turin #italy #streets #beautiful #travel #wanderlust #travelbug #happyhapa #greenhearttravels

A photo posted by Erika Clark (@thehappyhappa) on

Caffe<3 there’s no arguing that it’s the best in Italy<3 #wanderlust #nomad #italy #coffee #architecture #beautiful #happyhapa

A photo posted by Erika Clark (@thehappyhappa) on

When the mundane looks beautiful #lunchbreak #school #italy #oncampus #beautiful #turist #globalnomad #wanderlust #streets #travel #Europe

A photo posted by Erika Clark (@thehappyhappa) on

As a volunteer assistant, finding out my badge gets me free coffee? Best news ever! #italy #cafe #delish #coffee #travel #Europe #wanderlust #italy #travel #teachingabroad

A photo posted by Erika Clark (@thehappyhappa) on

I was walking down the cobbled streets and through a narrow path when the sound of a piano reached my ears. A slow, but certain melody. Each sound echoing through the rustic walls like a forgotten memory, somehow familiar, yet unknown…. I stopped to listen, but the sounds disappeared in the same way it began without leaving a trace of its owner. It left me feeling nostalgic for a past I could not have known. Beauty is in the ephemeral. It’s also in #italy #architecture #nomad #Europe #lovelife #wanderlust #abroad #travel #beauty

A photo posted by Erika Clark (@thehappyhappa) on

Foot prints on Italy #wanderlust #beautiful #italy #travel #nomad #smiles

A photo posted by Erika Clark (@thehappyhappa) on

That happy hapa lol 😀 #pontvecchio #italy #florence #travel #nomad #happyhappa #wanderlust

A photo posted by Erika Clark (@the_happy_hapa) on

Want to spend 3 months ‘gramming in Italy this year?

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