"It's where people used to live" –Mom

Mom recounts to Auntie and Uncle Six, as we toured the Colosseum—you know, the place where gladiator fights took place for a casual 400-some years, among other popular "sports," back when ancient Rome was just called Rome.

Cue eye roll as I explained to Mom that she misheard the English guide and relayed the wrong information to Auntie and Uncle Six, who don't speak a lick of English. An international Phan family vacation always results in interesting stories because at any given time there are three languages going at once. During this particular trip, it went from Italian to English to Chinese. Peel back each layer and you'll find that a little bit of information gets lost each time, which is how we got to the Colosseum being the home of slaves. 

But despite all the communication troubles and getting a few facts wrong here and there, everyone had a spectacular time eating and seeing the best Italy had to offer. This was the first European trip for Auntie and Uncle Six, and though the reason for going was to celebrate Mom's big 6-0, it became more of a celebration of family. Yes, we fought and argued because it's a FAMILY VACATION, that happens, it's okay. But when you realize that my family came from rural China where an 11'' x 15'' fridge was considered luxurious, you'll understand that this is their dream come true. Thanksgiving dinner was spent at Piazza Duomo, a three-Michelin-star restaurant—an experience they never would have dreamed possible growing up. And I'm prayer hands thankful that I got to gift them the experience. They deserve it.