Vita in Italia: Un Mese Dopo

It has officially been one month since I landed in Italy! How crazy is that? An entire month has already gone by! And you know what? I am not home sick. But I am people sick. What I mean by this is that I love physically being here in Firenze, but I wish I could bring some people here with me. I want them to share in the same exciting experiences I am having. My best friend studied abroad last semester and she said she felt the same. It is nice having her to talk to and relate to the feelings I have, such as being people sick.

Overall impressions thus far are mixed, though mostly positive. I can't separate that feeling deep inside me that I had the first week I was here. The overwhelming emotion of awe and wonder at being in Italy, which I think has to do with the connection I feel to the country. Of course I know this sounds a bit silly. My grandparents were born here and that is the closest connection I have. Other than that, I had never studied Italy extensively, never visited it, I don't speak the language very well, and I don't know too much about its history. But I still feel like it is a part of me, probably because it was such a huge part of my Grandma and Nonno. And I love that I am finally getting in touch with that connection.

The city is still beautiful to me, cold right now, but beautiful. I really do enjoy being surrounded by the Renaissance buildings and finding new little shops everyday. I was talking with one of my professors the other day and saying how the longer I am here, the more I realize I know nothing about Firenze. And even more, how little I have seen. He agreed with me whole-heartily, and being a native Florentine he must know best. Firenze has so much history and so much to offer. I know this may sound corny, but it is the best comparison I can make in my head. Firenze reminds me of Hogwarts, how there are so many secrets and so much to discover and I want to know it all! But I still have time and places on my map marked to check out.

I have come across several frustrations while here. Little things I wasn't expecting, such as running a small errand taking anywhere from 1-4 hours. Seriously. It is because I walk EVERYWHERE. Which is great, but also can be annoying if I just need to do something quick and it will never be quick. I also do not like how there is dog poop all over the sidewalks. It is gross. This means instead of being able to look up at my surroundings, I am constantly checking where I am stepping. There are a few other frustrations I have encountered, but it is all part of getting to know the culture and learning about different people in various parts of the world.

One of the best parts, still, is living with Teresa, my host mom. I really do feel like I am at home in her apartment. I love being able to come here after school and unwind. The space is very comfortable and she is amazing. Because of her, my Italian is improving, my belly is full, and I am content living in Firenze. It really makes all the difference, having a wonderful home to come back to. Here are some pictures: