Lilliana's 23rd Birthday in Sestri Levante

This summer, I had the special experience of turning 23 in Italy. Before leaving for Italy, I was nervous about my birthday. A common worry of mine was that on my birthday, I would be in a country where I knew no one, and I would have no one to celebrate with. I even debated having my sister fly out from the States to visit me. Ultimately, I decided to take the risk, telling my sister she could stay at home and trusting that I would meet people who would make my birthday meaningful. Fortunately, I did.

One of the first people I spent my birthday with was my roommate, who had arrived in Sestri Levante the same day as me and ended up staying for two out of the three months I was there. Almost immediately, she became one of my closest friends. Not only did we live together, but we were also the same level of Italian, which meant we spent most of our days together in school and at home. Even though she had a remote job and worked in the evenings, we still managed to find time for activities and exploring the town. I was so happy to have her to celebrate my birthday with!

My other friends were students at the school and came from all over the world. I had a friend who was half Spanish and half Dutch, and another who was half Swedish and half Japanese. Spending time with people from such different backgrounds made my experience abroad so special. Not only did I get to share parts of my culture, but they shared parts of theirs as well. On the morning of my birthday, my two friends, roommates and I decided to start the day at Café Centrale, a charming little café where the staff already knew who we were. Sestri Levante is a small town which made the celebration feel even more personal as the baristas greeted us, remembering our names and usual orders. It was moments like this that made me feel truly at home, even in a foreign country.

After coffee, we spent the day at Sottomarino, a local beach club. It was the perfect way to spend the day. There wasn’t a big party or extravagant celebration, just laughter, friendship, and the shared joy of being together in a beautiful place. Spending the day by the water reminded me of the Italian approach to life: enjoying the present moment and savoring the small pleasures.

For dinner, my roommate and I went to my favorite restaurant in Sestri Levante, Xola Bar. The staff knew me by name, greeting me with familiar smiles and warm wishes for my birthday. The restaurant, which is Mexican food and owned by a woman from Mexico, felt especially comforting and grounding to me as a Mexican-American. It felt so special having this connection to my heritage all the way in Italy. The dinner itself was casual but filled with conversation, laughter, and a sense of belonging. Even though my birthday was simple, the feeling of being recognized and cared for by the people around me made it unforgettable.

What made this birthday particularly meaningful was the way the community in Sestri Levante embraced me. Everywhere I went that day, people wished me a happy birthday, from café owners to restaurant staff. It was a reminder of how small-town life can foster genuine human connection, where relationships matter more than presents or parties. This sense of inclusion made me feel seen and appreciated, even far from home.

Reflecting on my birthday also brought to mind my 21st birthday in Italy, which I had spent in the south. That birthday was more of a milestone birthday in American culture, but in Italy, it felt quieter and more intimate. Comparing the two birthdays, I realized that celebrating in Italy shifts the focus from gifts and milestones to genuine connection and experience. The emphasis is on being present with friends, enjoying food, and soaking in the atmosphere of your surroundings. 

My birthday in Sestri Levante was also a chance to reflect on how traveling and living abroad has shaped me. Being in a new country can feel intimidating, especially when you’re alone, but it also opens the door to unexpected friendships and experiences. My 23rd birthday reminded me that taking risks can lead to meaningful growth and connection. I left that day feeling happy, fulfilled, and deeply grateful for the people I had met and the life I was building abroad.

Even in a small town far from home, I felt at home. The warmth of my friends, the friendliness of the locals, and the beauty of Sestri Levante all combined created a birthday that I will always remember. My 23rd birthday may have been relaxed, but it was full of happiness, belonging, and gratitude. In my eyes, it is the kind of celebration that is truly most important. I am so grateful for the amazing birthday experience I had and it will forever be a memory I cherish.