I grew up in Assisi, Italy, and lived there until ~2008.
Assisi was home to St.Francis, one of the most popular saints in Christianity, and it's a tiny village (5,000 residents) with >1.3M people visiting it every year, mostly for religious reasons.
Growing up there was really a unique experience in that regard, especially when tourism is such an important share of the local economy.
I met so many people from abroad, and befriended so many, over the years, and at the same time I almost took it for granted.
I think my mind benefited from this great influx of foreigners.
Assisi was home to St.Francis, one of the most popular saints in Christianity, and it's a tiny village (5,000 residents) with >1.3M people visiting it every year, mostly for religious reasons.
Growing up there was really a unique experience in that regard, especially when tourism is such an important share of the local economy.
I met so many people from abroad, and befriended so many, over the years, and at the same time I almost took it for granted.
I think my mind benefited from this great influx of foreigners.