Can't wait to go again!

After an incredible three weeks on the environmental project in Napoli it was extremely difficult to pack up and head home. Doing this programme has been without doubt one of the best decisions I've made during my year abroad, and was an absolutely perfect way to spend most of January. Wowed by the beautiful weather and the vibrant, bustling city, I have definitely caught the IVHQ bug and am already saving up for where to go next! I was so humbled by the wonderful support of the INN staff, and very grateful for the amount of careful thought that went in to selecting my volunteer placement. Working in a community garden that was once simply a rubbish dump in the centre of Napoli was a superb experience, with lots of wonderful friends made, and the freedom to contribute ideas and receive useful feedback. I felt I had the flexibility to set my own goals while working for the organisation, and I left feeling I had contributed positively to the garden's development as a fantastic resource for the community.
In terms of living in Napoli- I can't emphasise enough how important it is to go and see a place for yourself rather than learning about it second-hand via its reputation. Napoli is a beautiful city, with some of the most genuine and kindly people I have ever met. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with lots of locals and improve my Italian also- it's surprising how quickly you can advance if you put your mind to it and be brave! If you're a keen traveller like myself, it's so easy to train to Rome and Florence, and make sure you visit Capri, Procida and Ischia islands, as well as the gorgeous seaside town of Sorrento! One of my favourite memories was hiking Mount Vesuvius in the early morning then visiting the ruins of Herculaneum with my two best friends on the programme, a truly magical day! I left the programme with what I'm sure will be lifelong friends, as well as a new, more informed idea of life in communities which are not as privileged as my own. I was continuously humbled and amazed by the positivity and motivation of members of the community to improve conditions and create something beautiful for future generations, and I was honoured to be a part of it!