After months of discussion, paperwork, and preparation, I have finally arrived in Florence, Italy. I haven’t even been here a week, but it feels as though I’ve been here for months. Leading up to my departure, I had mixed emotions. Winter break was long, which caused a build up of excitement and panic. All my friends were going back to school and I already felt like I was missing out when I hadn’t even left yet. But when it came down to my final day in America until May – I was ready. Traveling throughout Europe has been on my bucket list for quite awhile, but I honestly wasn’t sure if the trip would ever happen. And here I am, sitting in my apartment in Florence with six other girls, five of whom I just met. It’s crazy to think that I am in another country, so far away from home. Keeping that in mind, I’ve already realized there are so many aspects of living here that I’m going to have to get used to. I guess change and a new environment is what I signed up for, but actually being here is so much different than simply talking about it. Jetlag/Time Difference – Sure, the jetlag isn’t permanent, but I’m definitely feeling it. Taking a 4-hour nap in the middle of the day will never again feel this satisfying. Also, being six hours ahead of my friends and family is strange to think about. My days in Florence just begin while they are sound asleep. Lost and Confused – I don’t think I’ve ever looked at a paper map before with the intent of actually using it to find a specific location. Well, there’s a first time for everything. I am pretty directionally challenged as it is, so navigating the foreign streets of Florence is interesting to say the least. Language Barrier – I know, it seems obvious. But I really took notice to this when I asked for change at a restaurant and the waiter was unsure of what I was trying to communicate. Also, saying I would like to order “the same thing” as someone else got me a puzzled look in return. Attempting to read menus and labels can be challenging. FYI, a marinara pizza does not have cheese on it. Wifi – I am only able to use my cell phone when there’s wifi available. I currently have an Italian SIM card in my iPhone 6 which should allow for a little more freedom, but I couldn’t tell you whether it’s working or not. Many restaurants and various buildings do have free wifi, but the quality is not the best. For someone who rarely puts her phone down, this has been frustrating. Living Situation – Never before have I lived with so many people. I’ve also never had a washing machine in the kitchen. And after I use the washing machine, I don’t have the option to put my clothes in the dryer. Heating in Italy only comes on at certain times of the day, keeping my apartment set at a chilly 64-68 degrees. Hopefully my warmer clothes don’t take too long to air-dry. As I begin the semester on Monday and get to know this city better, I can only assume there will be more new and unique developments. I’m usually not a fan of change. But Florence, I’d say you’re pretty convincing.
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This past weekend I went to the beach. Of course it was deserted.
Whenever I talk to people who are fond of the beach, I usually assume they are snow-haters who wouldn't mind spending all of their days outside in the scorching summer sun. I assume they are the surfers, the sunbathers, and the swimmers. The vacationers. I guess it's wrong to assume though, right? Either way, I am not one of these people. I do not fit into this category. Don't get me wrong, I love being tan. And I've never had an extremely torturous trip to the beach - I just like the cold. Growing up in the midwest has taught me how to deal with crisp weather, feet of snow, and alarming driving conditions. Unlike a lot of people, family members included, I do not find these circumstances unbearable. I actually enjoy and miss it. The cold is comfortable. When a cool breeze hits my face, it means fall is in the air. It means my birthday is coming up. And the most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner. The cold is romantic. I don't want to sound like such a basic girl, but cold weather brings about a season meant for cuddling - with blankets, in my case. A winter romance sounds just as appealing as a summer fling, if not more. Whether you like cold weather or not, there's no question that it causes people to flee from the beach towns and stay inside. I think that's part of the the reason why I liked it. The sand wasn't overcrowded with towels, chairs, and umbrellas. There weren't dozens of little kids running around. It was quiet. The calmness matched the waves. So try out the beach during the winter months. The emptiness may surprise you. "For now I say goodbye to this chapter in my life. And I look forward to what comes next."
The holiday season has officially died down and 2015 is in full swing. And as cliché as it sounds, I'm ready for this fresh start everyone is talking about. I have never been one to make resolutions for the new year. I hate when people publicly make a big deal about things they want to accomplish in the upcoming year and then choose to ignore them as soon as the excitement wears off. I like to focus on aspects of my life and myself I'm always wanting to improve, rather than using the start of a new year as an excuse to make a change. I am always striving to be a more outgoing individual. I think this is something I will always have to work on, simply because it is not my personality. I'm quiet compared to a lot of people, sitting back while others stand in the spotlight. I often listen and think instead of talking and taking action. But looking back I've realized how far I've come, even since just the beginning of college. This year already feels a little different than all the others. It's probably pretty easy to say this after the passing of every 365 days, but I truly mean it when I say 2014 was the best and worst year of my life. I discovered how difficult change can be. And how much I hate it. I was pushed out of my comfort zone more times than I can count, opening myself up to new experiences and new people. Saying that I had fun would be an extreme understatement. I think since this past year was such a huge turning point in so many ways, that is why 2015 seems quite distinctive. Some variation of this is uttered by Ryan Seacrest each year as the ball drops and the clock hits midnight, but who knows, maybe typing it here makes a difference - I think this year has immense potential. Promise. The events of 2014 happened for a reason, whether I loved or hated what was going on. But I believe that overall reason was to prepare myself for what's to come in 2015. Basically, my warm up. I tend to hold on to the idea of things I want a little too tightly, no matter how much they are just not meant to happen. I don't want to be stuck in the year before while everyone around me is moving forward. I want to be moving with them - ahead of them. I already made it clear I'm not exactly for making resolutions, but I guess if I have one it'd be to let go of what I cannot control. Because things are the way they are and being miserable isn't going to change anything. So, bring it on 2015. I've practiced. |
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