Hi!
I’m Gaia, and I’m writing this to share the experiences that have made my internship unforgettable.
I’m only 18, but I’ve always had a deep fascination for the sea and its magnificent creatures. Since I’m from Trentino, Italy, the sea isn’t part of my everyday life—probably one of the reasons I’m so curious about it. With this in mind, I’m pretty sure I’ll continue my studies to pursue a career in the marine field, which is why I thought this internship would be the perfect place to start—and I was right.
First of all, the city of Imperia is absolutely charming, especially the old town, with its vibrant colors, flowers, historic buildings, and breathtaking sea views. One of my favorite places here is Le Ratteghe, a stunning spot perfect for snorkeling.
Then, of course, there’s the internship itself, where I’m learning so much about marine fauna through fascinating lessons and hands-on research. But the best part has definitely been spotting and studying dolphins in the wild. Just a few days ago, we had an unforgettable encounter with around a hundred striped dolphins. They weren’t afraid to swim near and under the Zodiac, coming incredibly close to us. It was absolutely spectacular.
The final days of my internship were just as incredible as the rest. We spent nights and day shifts at a beach in Laigueglia, monitoring a turtle nest, and finally, we got to witness the hatching of the baby turtles and their journey to the sea. It was one of the most exciting and heartwarming things I’ve ever seen.
Last but not least, I’ve had the chance to meet and make friends with some truly wonderful people, with whom I’m having an amazing time.
I’m so glad I chose to embark on this fantastic experience.
Gaia, August 2024