Dove Andiamo? ("Where are we going?"), by Isabella Blasi

Poetry, chapbook, 32 pages, from Bottlecap Features. Graduation often marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, and for Isabella Blasi, it ushered in an unforgettable experience. Shortly after walking across the stage, Ms. Blasi embarked on a transformative journey through Northern Italy and Switzerland with her father, stepmother (Stephanie), brother (Luke), and stepsister (Arianna). From the bustling streets of Milan to the serene beauty of Lugano to the rolling hills outside Florence, each day overflowed with laughter, incredible food, newfound wisdom, and exhilarating exploration. It was a trip so rich, Ms. Blasi felt compelled to capture every detail, every lesson, and every introspection. So, she began to pen a poem at the close of each day in a small journal she found in a Milan bookstore. As the journey unfolded, so did Ms. Blasi’s understanding of travel itself. She realized how often media and social media present an overly idealized, “sugar-coated” version of it, focusing solely on only the picturesque destinations while overlooking everything else, especially the invaluable “in- between” moments. Italy, she discovered, is a country meant to be experienced with all senses—its history and culture not just seen, but heard, smelled, felt, and tasted. Dove Andiamo is Ms. Blasi’s heartfelt homage to her family for making that trip possible, and a testament to her deep love for her heritage. Through this collection of poetry, interspersed with prose, she invites her readers and friends to experience the journey alongside her, hoping to broaden their horizons, awaken their senses, and encourage those who haven’t yet traveled to embrace the adventure. Isabella Blasi is a Connecticut-based researcher, advocate, musician, composer, and of course, writer. Dove Andiamo marks her literary debut as a published poet. As a recent graduate from the University of Connecticut (UConn), she received a Bachelor of Arts in linguistics jointly with psychology. During her time at UConn, Ms. Blasi was deeply involved in various student activities, including the philanthropic initiative HuskyTHON and the university’s American Sign Language (ASL) department. She also has a passion for music, leading her to be a strong participant in UConn’s marching and pep bands as well as being a proud Brother of Kappa Kappa Psi. Furthermore, Ms. Blasi frequently weaves her poetry into her musical works, notably her (unpublished) three-movement piece, Rainbow Infinity, which was premiered by UConn's Rhombus Quartet in the fall of 2023. Looking ahead, Ms. Blasi aspires to a future rich with intellectual and creative pursuits: earning a Master's and eventually a PhD in linguistics to become a professor, continuing her career as a musician and composer, and embarking on further travels to inspire new poetry collections. Beyond her creative pursuits, Ms. Blasi enjoys reading, crafting, baking, and spending time in nature with friends.