Saturday, December 4, 2010

culture shock

my professor said that when i got back to america, i would experience culture shock. i laughed at the thought. why would i experience culture shock in my own culture? well.... little did i know that he would be right.

saturday night i went to a relief society dinner with mom. my feelings? OVERWHELMED.
for the last three months i haven't...

1.) been around that many members of the church. there were only 30 people totally in our branch in Siena (including our small group)
2.) been surround by conversations that i could actually understand every word (i love english!)
3.) had so many people asking me questions, about my life in italy
4.) had time to only speak and think for myself, i was always translating for my roommate, or taking charge in the conversations. for the first time, i didnt have to do that, and i didnt have to concentrate on every word the other person was saying to me. i actually had a hard time thinking of what every word was in english not italian, to respond to people!
5.) had space. and here there's wide open spaces - everywhere. you can't just walk to the place you want to go, you actually need a car.
6.) craved pasta. but now that i'm back, i actually crave it. i ate it everyday for three months straight, and we just dont eat that much pasta here. i miss it.

dont get me wrong, its great to be back. but i fell in love with italy. and i miss it with all my heart. i miss going out and doing something new everyday, i miss talking with all of my friends in the program... i find myself getting bored at home... but i am slowly, very slowly adjusting. life is good, america is good. i just need to accept the fact that i'm back and that its finally time to figure out what i'm doing with my life.

wish me luck!

a TaStE oF tHe SoUtH


ViTuLaZiO.

NaPoLi.



PoMpEiI.


SoRrEnTo.


CaPrI.


PoSiTaNo.


Wednesday, December 1, 2010

AiRpOrTs

airports.

i am currently spending the night in one. it is an interesting business. there are people everywhere. spread out on blankets. huddled under jackets. pushing around luggage. trying to stay warm.

me? i just woke up from an hour nap, curled up in a ball on the floor. in the middle of a ring of luggage, after packing and repacking my bags... trying to make the correct weight. it is now my turn for watch duty.

this last week has been a blast. napoli, vitulazio, pompeii, sorrento, capri, positano, amalfi coast, roma. catching trains, eating lemon sorbet in an actual lemon, trudging through the pouring rain, for the last three weeks...

i am ready to go home. never thought i would say that. but lugging around two suitcases and a packed bag? i dont like it. i am ready for warmth, hot bubble baths, popcorn, english, movies, toilet paper hanging from the wall, a large bed, and family.

arrivederci italia. hello america.