I arrived in Pisa on a sunny September afternoon in 2024, pulling my suitcase along the charming old streets to my apartment, just 200 meters from the famous Leaning Tower. Living so close to this amazing landmark was a daily reminder of how lucky I was to be doing research at the University of Pisa. Prof. Dr. Anna Monreale and her wonderful team welcomed me warmly as I began my work on protecting people's privacy on social media - an important issue in today's online world.

The Italian welcome was instant and heartwarming. Prof. Monreale and her team gave me everything I needed - from a great workspace to valuable research insights. Coffee breaks turned into idea-sharing sessions, with thoughts flowing as freely as the espresso. The lab had excellent equipment, but it was the friendly spirit of the Italian researchers that really helped my work. They tackled problems with both careful thinking and creativity, which helped a lot in developing our privacy protection system.

Life in Pisa was a perfect mix of serious work and simple pleasures. My daily walk to the university took me past small family cafes where the staff quickly remembered my name and favorite breakfast pastry. For lunch, I often joined colleagues at local restaurants, where talks about privacy protection mixed naturally with friendly arguments about who made the best pasta in Pisa. Getting gelato became my evening routine - there's something special about thinking about research while enjoying stracciatella gelato by the Arno River.

On weekends, I explored the region. Florence was just a short train ride away, full of beautiful art and history. The city's beauty offered a nice break from our detailed research work. Lucca, with its old city walls, became another favorite place to visit. Working on protecting people's privacy while surrounded by such rich history felt meaningful - after all, we were working to protect people's rights in the digital age.

The Italian way of life taught me a lot. Whether it was Prof. Monreale reviewing our work over coffee, or locals saying "ciao" with a smile each morning, I experienced a culture that values both good work and friendly connections. As I worked on ways to protect people's photos online, the beautiful surroundings reminded me that technology should make our lives better, not more complicated. Those two months in Pisa not only helped my research but also showed me the importance of balance - between work and life, new ideas and tradition, privacy and staying connected.