So, this is my last blog, but I thought it would be interesting to comment after being back in the US for a week or so. Being back has been nice, but I do miss certain things about living in Italy. Coming back has been weird, but I've adjusted fine. I didn't have bad jet lag, and I didn't really feel any sort of culture shock. I know it's been said that sometimes you don't feel it initially, and it comes later, so we'll see if that happens or not. I did get a chance to go to Wofford graduation, which was certainly more shocking than being back in the States. I saw so many people I knew, and it was weird to get back to something that I haven't been around in a semester. All the little sundresses and people dressed with pearls or bow ties was certainly a change from European fashion. It was kind of overwhelming to see so many people I knew all at the same time, but it was wonderful as well. I think going abroad made me more appreciative of Wofford, and I was definitely glad to see all the people I missed.
Me and Stevie with Piera
Since I've been back though, I've been eating the foods I've missed and doing things that I've wanted to do. I've driven a lot, as well as worked out a fair amount at the gym, which has been great. I've eaten Mexican and Chinese, and I've gotten sushi and icees, two fun things I missed while being gone. I've also tried to catch up with people that I didn't really get to talk to all semester, which has kept me busy, especially since people are hard to get hold of. Overall, I'm just enjoying being back and taking things easy.
Beginner Italian Class at Farewell Dinner
I miss being able to hop on a train or plane and go somewhere with thousands of years of history. I miss being able to travel to all these important and famous places that I've heard about all my life. I also miss the people in my program. We all got along so well because everyone's sense of humor was different, and everyone brought something unique to the table. I miss sitting on the piazza eating a slice of pizza as big as my head or gelato with nutella and strawberries. The Italian lifestyle was also something I got used to and miss now because it was laid back and less trying to do as much as possible as quickly as possible. There is still an intensity about living and a passion for life, but they know how to enjoy things, seemingly more than Americans who approach life at a fast pace all the time and don't allow down time to enjoy the little things.
Homestays
Overall, it's good to be home, but I really hope that I get a chance to
go back to Europe in general, and specifically Siena to revisit where I
lived for 4 months. Sometimes I feel like it was a dream, like it
didn't really happen. For the most part, I don't even feel like I
lived in a foreign country for 4 months. It's such an unreal
experience I think, and while you're in the middle of it, you don't
really see what you're learning, at least about yourself. I've gotten
a chance to reflect a little bit, but I think that it will take a while
for me to fully disover what I've learned. I know that my time has
definitely made me more confident in myself, and I also feel more self
sufficient. My problem solving skills have improved, and I've learned how to better roll with the punches and figure out a new solution if something doesn't go my way.
More Farewewell Dinner
Italy was an incredible experience, and I would highly recommend the IES Siena program to anyone who was interested. While you're there:
1. sit in the Campo and people watch...a lot
2. eat a lot of gelato and try as many flavors as you can
3. go to Nanninis - one of the best places for sweets and good coffee
4. get the pizza on the corner of the piazza
5. get lost in Siena by just wandering the streets
6. speak as much Italian as possible & make friends with store owners and all the everyday people you meet
7. if you don't speak a lot of Italian, living in an apartment or with a family might be best
8. pack light
9. get a hostel card - it will save you money
10. girls, bring your toilettries (shampoo/conditioner)
11. travel a lot but spend some weekends in the city where you live
12. enjoy every minute you're there!!
Staff
Ciao!
I really enjoyed reading that! i', considering to go study in siena for a few months and that gave me a lot of insight. Thanks.
Posted by: sarah | August 11, 2009 at 04:02 PM