Italy

While Greece may be regarded as the cradle of Western civilization, people often consider Rome the pinnacle of an ancient civilization. From classical antiquity to the age of Fascism, no other country tracks so closely with the tumultuous history of the West. Back in 2006, I was living in Rome as a wide-eyed college kid. It was a thrilling experience. With Pantheon only two blocks away from my apartment, I got to enjoy Roman life to its fullest. From drinking out of the water fountain in the piazza to passeggiata along Via del Corso, Italy is like a symphony of life, composed of good wine, delicious cuisine, splendid art, and grand architecture.