I took a 6-day trip to Italy after dreaming of going my whole life. 6 surprises have stayed with me for years.

• I’d always dreamed of visiting Italy. In 2022, that dream came true.
• I spent six days exploring Venice, Rome, and Milan. Each destination surprised me.
• From castles and train windows to an art sculpture Airbnb, these were the biggest shocks of my trip.

Before booking this Airbnb, I’d never heard of a sculpture home. It felt like sleeping in a giant art installation, with quirky design elements in every corner.

I’ll never forget how amazing it felt to wake up inside this Airbnb with sunlight pouring in thanks to all the windows. I wish I could start every day like that.

While exploring the city on foot, I stumbled upon street artists. Under the shade of a tree near the Roman Forum, I watched one paint a church across the street.

I was especially surprised to see someone painting such an elaborate piece on a street corner. Seeing him immersed in his own world among so many people was inspiring to me.

A few minutes later, I spotted another artist sculpting dogs from sand.

I thought this was a unique artistic medium and found it fascinating to watch.

The last stop of my trip was Milan. During an aimless walk around the city, I was shocked when I found myself in front of a massive brick castle.

It was Castello Sforzesco, a 15th-century castle built by Francesco Sforza, a duke of Milan who founded the Sforza dynasty, according to Britannica.

I thought the castle looked like it came straight out of a fairy tale.

And since I wasn’t expecting to find it in urban Milan, my chance encounter made for a special memory.

I don’t think I’ll ever forget my first trip to Italy thanks to these unique surprises.

And I can’t wait to go back.