So, I have officially had my first holiday in Italy, away from my family, and managed to survive. But to be honest, it didn't really feel like Christmas. I woke up at about 9 am, just like any other morning, and went into the living room with Rebecca (a girl from Oregon who's studying in Milan for the year and is staying with us for the break). We went to the living room where my two host sisters had already opened a few of their presents, and had been waiting for us to open ours. Since I had gone with my host family a few days earlier to go shopping, I knew what one bag already was. But there was one other and I opened it and they got a nice purse/bag for me! After that we all went downstairs and ate a small breakfast (like always). We had hot chocolate and coffee.
After that, we just hung around for a few hours, relaxing.
In Italy, they celebrate Christmas by having a huge feast and staying up very late the night before, and eating a big lunch the next day. Needless to say, I was still full from the night before, and a bit tired since we didn't get home until 2 AM.
For lunch we went to the grandmothers house, which is connected to our house. We went there with the entire family, my host moms mother, and my host moms brother.
We ate lasagna and meat and potatoes, and for dessert had tiramisu. It was all delicious!
Later in the day my host sister and Rebecca and I went to a city nearby, named Taormina. In Taormina they had adorable lights in the streets, and we even went into this little museum where everything was made of chocolate! It is also Italian tradition to have a gigantic miniature Nativity scene. (sounds confusing, but I think you'll understand!) meaning everything is small and detailed, but the scene took up a third of the entire room! It was fascinating.
Overall, it was a good Christmas! It didn't feel like Christmas to me, really, but it was not bad in the slightest!
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Landscape & City Scape
A summary of everything I've seen so far that I thought was photo-worthy. The majority are of Messina, while some are Malazzo, Lipari, and Palermo. Enjoy. :)
New beginnings
Sooo, I changed host families two weeks ago! My old host family was having some family problems, and we honestly didn't click very well, so I think this my be better! I have 2 host sisters! (One is in the University and not at home) and the other is 17! I share a room with her. I also have two parents, and 5 big dogs! I LOVE THEM. Except for the one that constantly barks. I don't really like him.
We live a 10 minute drive from the center of Messina, so not nearly as close as I was before, but we live in a house instead of an apartment! (Which I prefer)
There is also an INCREDIBLE view here of Messina and the Port, and also of the mountain-side, which I will post pictures of tomorrow.
For the past week my school has been having occupazione (like occupy) where the students protest their dislikes about the school and stay at the school and don't let the teachers in the gate. It's a little extreme if you ask me. But, since occupazione is very illegal, and I, being a foreigner, cannot attend (unless I want to get sent home to America) which I don't really want to do right at this moment. So for me, it's a nice break!
As for social standards, I haven't had a sleepover since I've been here (it's not common in Italy) and I've been craving one so SO bad. Other than that, I get along well with my classmates, and we sometimes go out together, but there really isn't much to do in Messina besides go shopping and eat. But hey, that's cool with me.
I really wish I was making deeper relationships though, it's so hard because of the fact that I'm not very skilled at the language yet. It's like trying to become good friends with people you can only speak simple things with.
But I'm working on it.
On the brightside, Christmas is coming! (Which isn't all that great, as it brings all exchange students extreme homesickness) but I LOVE the holidays. Baking, making paper snowflakes (which I did this morning and now have a string of snowflakes above my bed) making presents, decorating he Christmas tree, and watching Christmas movies! This will be my first year that I don't go to my grandmas house for Christmas Day to spend with all of my family. But I don't feel sad, I just feel.. Weird. Like a part of me still is home, celebrating with them, but.. I'm not. I'm 8,000 miles from all of them. I tell ya... Exchange students need bipolar medication for all the waves of emotions we go through.
As for happiness, I'm beginning to find my way. Though constantly feeling stressed about weight gain, my online classes, making friends, learning the language, becoming close to my host family, I am learning to just relax. I'm learning to not get myself so stressed and just focus on one thing at a time.
I'm learning.
That was the whole point of coming here, wasn't it?
To learn, grow, mature, make friendships, become bilingual, and most of all HAVE FUN? Yes. It is indeed. But I guess I didn't really realize how many hardships I would have to go through to gain that maturity. Being far away from everyone you love for a long period of time does something to you.. I don't really know how to put it in words quite yet. It somewhat gives you a sense of true meaning. Why we do what we do, and why we act the ways we do.
I'm so bad at organizing my posts, I just get so into it.. Haha.
I am just trying to explain how I'm feeling, what I'm experiencing.
I feel on my way to content ness.. But I know Christmas is going to be really, really hard. But I'm SO looking forward to after Christmas (always the most fun of exchange) and the rest of this year.
We live a 10 minute drive from the center of Messina, so not nearly as close as I was before, but we live in a house instead of an apartment! (Which I prefer)
There is also an INCREDIBLE view here of Messina and the Port, and also of the mountain-side, which I will post pictures of tomorrow.
For the past week my school has been having occupazione (like occupy) where the students protest their dislikes about the school and stay at the school and don't let the teachers in the gate. It's a little extreme if you ask me. But, since occupazione is very illegal, and I, being a foreigner, cannot attend (unless I want to get sent home to America) which I don't really want to do right at this moment. So for me, it's a nice break!
As for social standards, I haven't had a sleepover since I've been here (it's not common in Italy) and I've been craving one so SO bad. Other than that, I get along well with my classmates, and we sometimes go out together, but there really isn't much to do in Messina besides go shopping and eat. But hey, that's cool with me.
I really wish I was making deeper relationships though, it's so hard because of the fact that I'm not very skilled at the language yet. It's like trying to become good friends with people you can only speak simple things with.
But I'm working on it.
On the brightside, Christmas is coming! (Which isn't all that great, as it brings all exchange students extreme homesickness) but I LOVE the holidays. Baking, making paper snowflakes (which I did this morning and now have a string of snowflakes above my bed) making presents, decorating he Christmas tree, and watching Christmas movies! This will be my first year that I don't go to my grandmas house for Christmas Day to spend with all of my family. But I don't feel sad, I just feel.. Weird. Like a part of me still is home, celebrating with them, but.. I'm not. I'm 8,000 miles from all of them. I tell ya... Exchange students need bipolar medication for all the waves of emotions we go through.
As for happiness, I'm beginning to find my way. Though constantly feeling stressed about weight gain, my online classes, making friends, learning the language, becoming close to my host family, I am learning to just relax. I'm learning to not get myself so stressed and just focus on one thing at a time.
I'm learning.
That was the whole point of coming here, wasn't it?
To learn, grow, mature, make friendships, become bilingual, and most of all HAVE FUN? Yes. It is indeed. But I guess I didn't really realize how many hardships I would have to go through to gain that maturity. Being far away from everyone you love for a long period of time does something to you.. I don't really know how to put it in words quite yet. It somewhat gives you a sense of true meaning. Why we do what we do, and why we act the ways we do.
I'm so bad at organizing my posts, I just get so into it.. Haha.
I am just trying to explain how I'm feeling, what I'm experiencing.
I feel on my way to content ness.. But I know Christmas is going to be really, really hard. But I'm SO looking forward to after Christmas (always the most fun of exchange) and the rest of this year.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
So if there was an award for being terrible at updating a blog, I believe I'd have first place.
Really though, I am always busy. Whether it's translating my homework, doing my homework, doing my online classes, going to Italian lessons, or going to my dance class, I am always doing something. I just want to pause time. Finish these stupid online classes, so I can actually enjoy myself a little bit. It's become so stressful. But, there's not much I can honestly do about fixing that right now.
As for how things are going, they honestly have not been that great. My host family has been given the impression that I don't like them, because of how introverted and quiet I am around them. I really don't try to be, I have just been having an extremely hard time opening up to everyone here. I guess it's my fear of being denied or shunned or made fun of.
Speaking of this, today I had lunch with my AFS advisor in Messina, where we talked about how I was honestly feeling and what I was having problems adjusting to.
I am having a hard time adjusting to the lack of communication, as it frustrates me to always feel confused. I am also having difficulty understanding how friendships work here, because people have always asked me to go out and do things, and then we do, but only for an hour and then we return home.
But as for how I'm really, honestly feeling, I can't really simply describe it.
Part of be knows how lucky I am to be in such a beautiful diverse place, and the other part of me doesn't understand the culture. Part of me is content, part of me is sad. Part of me is happy for what I get to do and part of me is angry at myself for choosing to do such a crazy thing.
I honestly can't describe how I'm feeling simply.
I know I need to put more effort into this, to give it my all and hope for the best, but it's incredibly, incredibly scary.
I don't know if these people will think I'm annoying or dress really weird, or laugh at me when I do something socially wrong.
But isn't that the whole idea of exchange? To put yourself somewhere where you don't know a thing about society, and expect to fit in and make friends and be happy?
I can't tell you why I chose to become an exchange student, because I honestly don't really know why. Something in me just knew I needed to do it. And if it takes me till June to figure out why, my patience I will keep.
Really though, I am always busy. Whether it's translating my homework, doing my homework, doing my online classes, going to Italian lessons, or going to my dance class, I am always doing something. I just want to pause time. Finish these stupid online classes, so I can actually enjoy myself a little bit. It's become so stressful. But, there's not much I can honestly do about fixing that right now.
As for how things are going, they honestly have not been that great. My host family has been given the impression that I don't like them, because of how introverted and quiet I am around them. I really don't try to be, I have just been having an extremely hard time opening up to everyone here. I guess it's my fear of being denied or shunned or made fun of.
Speaking of this, today I had lunch with my AFS advisor in Messina, where we talked about how I was honestly feeling and what I was having problems adjusting to.
I am having a hard time adjusting to the lack of communication, as it frustrates me to always feel confused. I am also having difficulty understanding how friendships work here, because people have always asked me to go out and do things, and then we do, but only for an hour and then we return home.
But as for how I'm really, honestly feeling, I can't really simply describe it.
Part of be knows how lucky I am to be in such a beautiful diverse place, and the other part of me doesn't understand the culture. Part of me is content, part of me is sad. Part of me is happy for what I get to do and part of me is angry at myself for choosing to do such a crazy thing.
I honestly can't describe how I'm feeling simply.
I know I need to put more effort into this, to give it my all and hope for the best, but it's incredibly, incredibly scary.
I don't know if these people will think I'm annoying or dress really weird, or laugh at me when I do something socially wrong.
But isn't that the whole idea of exchange? To put yourself somewhere where you don't know a thing about society, and expect to fit in and make friends and be happy?
I can't tell you why I chose to become an exchange student, because I honestly don't really know why. Something in me just knew I needed to do it. And if it takes me till June to figure out why, my patience I will keep.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
The little things
Yesterday, as I was walking down the street with a chocolate gelato in hand, happily walking to the grocery store, a (obvious) group of tourists looked at me and said "GELATO.. Where??" And I smiled, at how much it reminded me of myaelf, and went on to tell them that I speak English, and I showed them where they could buy gelato, and where some nearby clothing stores were. It, for some odd reason and some reason that I cannot clearly identify, made me incredibly happy. I was happy to help someone, and being able to practice my English fluently could have contributed to this short feeling of fleet.
On the other hand...
So.... Stress. I'm feeling that. I have been a lot lately. I'm trying my hardest in school. Trying to grasp what they are saying, but it is mentally (and physically) exhausting. I am attending school (in a language I don't understand) full time. I've also been taking online English and Civics, so I don't come home illiterate and with no Social Studies credit.
Other than that, things are okay. I've been trying to keep myself busy, mostly. I started taking a Modern Contemporary dance class, which I really love.
On the weekends I'm usually out with my host sister and her friends, going out for "parties" (where we pretty much just eat Focaccia; a square pizza, and hang out.)
Other than that, I haven't really been up to much. The weather is still too hot for me to call fall, and the Mosquitos are still out. (Fortunately, right?)
This weekend I have plans with some girls from my class to go out for dinner for one of their birthdays! And next week is halloween! Thankfully, I got invited to do something. I got invited to the disco! (Which is the equivalent to an American club)
I'm not sure if my host mom will allow this, and if not, I will be spending the evening with my host sister.
Also, in Italy they do not have school November 1st or 2nd, I'm not sure why. (I'm kind of always out of the loop because of the language barrier) so it will be a nice long weekend! I hope to possibly show my host sister some American halloween movies, (if I can find some online.)
And as far as settling into the lifestyle here, I'm honestly having a little difficulty. I'm used to having so much me time, private time, time I can appreciate for myself, while here it is necessary I spend lots of time with my host sisters and family. It's a different thing for me, as back home it's just my mom, brother and I.
As far as homesickness goes, I'm doing okay. I honestly miss objects, more than my home itself. Such as my comforter I've used since I was little, or hearing the sound of my creaky door as I open it in the morning, or carpet. (They don't have it here!) And sadly, as American as it makes me sound, I really miss American food. I miss having variety, as here it is all Italian food, All. The. Time.
I obviously miss my family and friends the most, but am afraid if I touch too much on that topic, I'll get too upset- I've just avoided thinking about it.
Also this month I went to Palermo (the capital of Sicily) with all the other AFS students on Sicily, and we had a 4 day break from our host families, and had a nice time catching up on where everyone was at with the settling process. They had mandatory private interviews for each student, and mine was- a little emotional to say the least.
I was asked if I was truly happy here, and I just broke- I started crying in front of a complete stranger that hardly spoke any English.
And she had me explain, which took me a few minutes because of the tears. I felt silly and childish for telling her my reasonings, but all she did was hold me, and rub my back, which essentially made me miss my mom, and made me cry even more. But my interviewer was extremely sweet. She wanted the best for me, and kept telling me how she wants to see me in June extremely happy.
And that's where I intend to be.
Happy.
I'll keep you updated on my progress in doing so.
On the other hand...
So.... Stress. I'm feeling that. I have been a lot lately. I'm trying my hardest in school. Trying to grasp what they are saying, but it is mentally (and physically) exhausting. I am attending school (in a language I don't understand) full time. I've also been taking online English and Civics, so I don't come home illiterate and with no Social Studies credit.
Other than that, things are okay. I've been trying to keep myself busy, mostly. I started taking a Modern Contemporary dance class, which I really love.
On the weekends I'm usually out with my host sister and her friends, going out for "parties" (where we pretty much just eat Focaccia; a square pizza, and hang out.)
Other than that, I haven't really been up to much. The weather is still too hot for me to call fall, and the Mosquitos are still out. (Fortunately, right?)
This weekend I have plans with some girls from my class to go out for dinner for one of their birthdays! And next week is halloween! Thankfully, I got invited to do something. I got invited to the disco! (Which is the equivalent to an American club)
I'm not sure if my host mom will allow this, and if not, I will be spending the evening with my host sister.
Also, in Italy they do not have school November 1st or 2nd, I'm not sure why. (I'm kind of always out of the loop because of the language barrier) so it will be a nice long weekend! I hope to possibly show my host sister some American halloween movies, (if I can find some online.)
And as far as settling into the lifestyle here, I'm honestly having a little difficulty. I'm used to having so much me time, private time, time I can appreciate for myself, while here it is necessary I spend lots of time with my host sisters and family. It's a different thing for me, as back home it's just my mom, brother and I.
As far as homesickness goes, I'm doing okay. I honestly miss objects, more than my home itself. Such as my comforter I've used since I was little, or hearing the sound of my creaky door as I open it in the morning, or carpet. (They don't have it here!) And sadly, as American as it makes me sound, I really miss American food. I miss having variety, as here it is all Italian food, All. The. Time.
I obviously miss my family and friends the most, but am afraid if I touch too much on that topic, I'll get too upset- I've just avoided thinking about it.
Also this month I went to Palermo (the capital of Sicily) with all the other AFS students on Sicily, and we had a 4 day break from our host families, and had a nice time catching up on where everyone was at with the settling process. They had mandatory private interviews for each student, and mine was- a little emotional to say the least.
I was asked if I was truly happy here, and I just broke- I started crying in front of a complete stranger that hardly spoke any English.
And she had me explain, which took me a few minutes because of the tears. I felt silly and childish for telling her my reasonings, but all she did was hold me, and rub my back, which essentially made me miss my mom, and made me cry even more. But my interviewer was extremely sweet. She wanted the best for me, and kept telling me how she wants to see me in June extremely happy.
And that's where I intend to be.
Happy.
I'll keep you updated on my progress in doing so.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Friday, September 28, 2012
Update !
So, I'm REAAAALLY sorry about not updating! I've been extremely busy! I started school 2 weeks ago, last last Tuesday. And school has actually been amazing! I was really scared at first about being able to make friends (because of the language barrier) but everyone is extremely nice and talkative! Thankfully there is a girl that is pretty decent at English, so most of the time I use her for translation.
They always ask me questions about America, like today they asked me what types of food we eat, what movies are popular, and what music is popular. They are so curious, it's freakin adorable.
As for the weekends, I usually spend them with my host sister! Last weekend we went to a "get together" for pizza and such! It was really fun.
Then the next night we went for Chinese! It was weirdly different, but good! And this weekend I have a party on Friday, Saturday the girls in my class are taking me for lunch and after we will go shopping! And Saturday night I have a birthday party to go to! And Sunday I will be cooking an American meal, and Sunday night, there is an AFS dinner for all of us in Messina (me and 4 others) and I will bring my American meal!
I'm really happy about having such fun weekends, but the schoolwork is SO HARD. Uagh.
So that's my update for now. Things are going great! Although, it is Emma's birthday today (my best friend) and I am sad I don't get to spend it with her and pigging out. :(
Life is bittersweet. But it goes on and gets better.
<3
They always ask me questions about America, like today they asked me what types of food we eat, what movies are popular, and what music is popular. They are so curious, it's freakin adorable.
As for the weekends, I usually spend them with my host sister! Last weekend we went to a "get together" for pizza and such! It was really fun.
Then the next night we went for Chinese! It was weirdly different, but good! And this weekend I have a party on Friday, Saturday the girls in my class are taking me for lunch and after we will go shopping! And Saturday night I have a birthday party to go to! And Sunday I will be cooking an American meal, and Sunday night, there is an AFS dinner for all of us in Messina (me and 4 others) and I will bring my American meal!
I'm really happy about having such fun weekends, but the schoolwork is SO HARD. Uagh.
So that's my update for now. Things are going great! Although, it is Emma's birthday today (my best friend) and I am sad I don't get to spend it with her and pigging out. :(
Life is bittersweet. But it goes on and gets better.
<3
Saturday, September 15, 2012
My day today en italia
Today I woke up, worked out, went to my host sisters friends house for lunch, played Guitar Hero there, baked cookies with Nutella, more GH, walked back to my host house, hung around, went to socialize outside, ate dessert, hung around some more, and here I am now. Social network-izing.
It makes me feel incredibly lonely when I do, but also makes me feel incredibly lonely if I'm doing nothing. So I figure I might as well entertain myself.
I didn't really think of how much time I would have to spend doing nothing while being here.
I hate it.
I like to keep myself busy, distracted, happy. Here I can't.
There's nothing I can do.
Other than go online.
If I try to watch tv, I can understand about 3% of what they say because of how fast they speak.
I can't listen to music (my iPad has only 42 songs) and most songs are banned on YouTube here (they want you to buy it)
And I can't watch movies either.
All I have other than Internet is the one book I brought, Mockingjay. Which I freshly bought at the airport in Boston on my way here, a week ago, and only have a mere 30 pages left.
I'm going to go crazy if I don't get another book soon.
I've been living off reading, escaping my loneliness for a little while and diving into the anticipation that is the Hunger Games.
Also, I really want to go to the Puyallup Fair. Every time I go on Facebook I see posts about it and it makes me extremely homesick.
Blah.
Well, I go to school on Monday (just to meet the teachers) and start on Wesnesday! I am really looking forward to it, and making new friends! It will be such a help.
Well, that's about it for now.
L8uh <3
It makes me feel incredibly lonely when I do, but also makes me feel incredibly lonely if I'm doing nothing. So I figure I might as well entertain myself.
I didn't really think of how much time I would have to spend doing nothing while being here.
I hate it.
I like to keep myself busy, distracted, happy. Here I can't.
There's nothing I can do.
Other than go online.
If I try to watch tv, I can understand about 3% of what they say because of how fast they speak.
I can't listen to music (my iPad has only 42 songs) and most songs are banned on YouTube here (they want you to buy it)
And I can't watch movies either.
All I have other than Internet is the one book I brought, Mockingjay. Which I freshly bought at the airport in Boston on my way here, a week ago, and only have a mere 30 pages left.
I'm going to go crazy if I don't get another book soon.
I've been living off reading, escaping my loneliness for a little while and diving into the anticipation that is the Hunger Games.
Also, I really want to go to the Puyallup Fair. Every time I go on Facebook I see posts about it and it makes me extremely homesick.
Blah.
Well, I go to school on Monday (just to meet the teachers) and start on Wesnesday! I am really looking forward to it, and making new friends! It will be such a help.
Well, that's about it for now.
L8uh <3
Fotografie (pictures)
They aren't in any specific order, and have been taken since my arrival. Enjoy! (:
First try at socializing!
Some of my host sisters friends were outside and were calling her name, so we went down to say hello and have her introduce me to them!
I couldn't understand hardly anything they were saying -____-
They talked so fast, I couldn't even think before they expected a response, so I stood there and said, "no parla Italiano"
They laughed when I responded to "Tu quanti anni hai?" (how old are you?) with "sedici!" (sixteen) because of my accent.
They seemed to keep forgetting I didn't speak Italian and would shout a long sentence at me and I would just stare back.
It. Was. Terrible.
They adored that I was from America, because they kept saying "Lei é bella americaniiii!" (she is a beautiful American)
And they did not want to say goodbye! I couldn't remember their names for the life of me. Michael Angelo, Antonio, Patrik, Lora, and some other Italian names!
Overall, it was stressful and embarrassing, but it felt nice being social!
I couldn't understand hardly anything they were saying -____-
They talked so fast, I couldn't even think before they expected a response, so I stood there and said, "no parla Italiano"
They laughed when I responded to "Tu quanti anni hai?" (how old are you?) with "sedici!" (sixteen) because of my accent.
They seemed to keep forgetting I didn't speak Italian and would shout a long sentence at me and I would just stare back.
It. Was. Terrible.
They adored that I was from America, because they kept saying "Lei é bella americaniiii!" (she is a beautiful American)
And they did not want to say goodbye! I couldn't remember their names for the life of me. Michael Angelo, Antonio, Patrik, Lora, and some other Italian names!
Overall, it was stressful and embarrassing, but it felt nice being social!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Italiaaa
Today was pretty laid back! I didn't wake up until 11, and then I hung around for awhile, read more of Mockingjay, ate lunch, and then headed out with Federica (older host sister) to pick up Fernanda from school!
Then we returned back to the house, and left with my host mother to the post office to fill out the application for my green card.
After that we returned back to the house and I got changed and about an hour later I went with Fernanda and her nonna (grandmother) and we went to her house! It was FILLED with AMAZING paintings! (because nonna is an artist) and they were literally all over the living room and (what should have been) the dining room! It was spectacular.
After that I went with Fernanda and her nonna to a few stores! Then we went to a "bar" where I had Nutella gelato!
BUONA!!
After allll that, we came back to the house, changed, and went out to look at stores with the entire family!
After that, Fernanda and Federica and I went to this small pizza/bakery place to pick up pizza for dinner!
I also got a Domoni (I think that's what it's called) which is bread like on the outside, and ham and cheese on the inside. It was DELICIOUS!
Then we returned to the house and ate dinner, then I am where I am now!
Today was so much better than yesterday. :) of that I am really thankful!
Then we returned back to the house, and left with my host mother to the post office to fill out the application for my green card.
After that we returned back to the house and I got changed and about an hour later I went with Fernanda and her nonna (grandmother) and we went to her house! It was FILLED with AMAZING paintings! (because nonna is an artist) and they were literally all over the living room and (what should have been) the dining room! It was spectacular.
After that I went with Fernanda and her nonna to a few stores! Then we went to a "bar" where I had Nutella gelato!
BUONA!!
After allll that, we came back to the house, changed, and went out to look at stores with the entire family!
After that, Fernanda and Federica and I went to this small pizza/bakery place to pick up pizza for dinner!
I also got a Domoni (I think that's what it's called) which is bread like on the outside, and ham and cheese on the inside. It was DELICIOUS!
Then we returned to the house and ate dinner, then I am where I am now!
Today was so much better than yesterday. :) of that I am really thankful!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Loneliness
Today my older host sister, Federica, and I, and her nonna (grandma) went shopping for my younger host sisters birthday present! Afterwards Federica and I went to a place to get my dollars exchanged to euros! I had $320 and only got back €230 :((
After that we went to the local dance studio, but it was closed.
We came back to the house, which is where I am at now. And I can't help but feel extremely lonely.
I want to talk to Nathan. I want to Skype him.
Blah.
It would make me so happy just to hear from him..
But never mind that.
I'm sitting in the more "relaxed" living room, with a tv, two couches, a bookcase, a computer, and wifi.
I'm just reading Mockingjay.
And I just want school to start.
I want to get my mind off him.
I hope he doesn't read this...
Hahah.
Well, poo.
I hope my mood changes this evening.
Ciao
After that we went to the local dance studio, but it was closed.
We came back to the house, which is where I am at now. And I can't help but feel extremely lonely.
I want to talk to Nathan. I want to Skype him.
Blah.
It would make me so happy just to hear from him..
But never mind that.
I'm sitting in the more "relaxed" living room, with a tv, two couches, a bookcase, a computer, and wifi.
I'm just reading Mockingjay.
And I just want school to start.
I want to get my mind off him.
I hope he doesn't read this...
Hahah.
Well, poo.
I hope my mood changes this evening.
Ciao
Monday, September 10, 2012
First day in Messina!
I woke up, ate yogurt and cantaloupe, showered, and my older sister, Federica, (who is 18) showed me some of the city! We came back and had lunch, which was something similar to mozzarella sticks, but they were not fried! And they were on a stick,
4 or 5 of them.
Then I met my host nonna (grandmother)! Who gave me a wallet as a welcoming gift!
Now we are going to fill out my rules form so I know what rules to follow in the house.
Then we will go get me an Italian phone!
I love it here, so much!
I will post pictures later. :)
4 or 5 of them.
Then I met my host nonna (grandmother)! Who gave me a wallet as a welcoming gift!
Now we are going to fill out my rules form so I know what rules to follow in the house.
Then we will go get me an Italian phone!
I love it here, so much!
I will post pictures later. :)
My first night in Italy!
After grabbing my luggage from checking, I nervously headed to the exit doors, which seemed to be the scariest moment of my life.
I walked out, seeing many signs, and was hoping I would get one.
I looked all over, and finally heard someone saying my name. I felt a wave of relief and nervousness.
They came to greet me with kisses and hugs, and I was excited, but extremely overwhelmed. There were pictures taken and lots of hugging and lots of "Ciao Claire!"'s. It was very exciting!
I met my host family and we had a group picture of the AFSers and the 3 other students staying in Messina also!
Then we headed to the car and had an hour long drive to Messina from the airport.
We finally made it to the house, which is an apartment right in the city. They showed me the house and my room and everything.
Then Fernanda (my younger host sister) showed me some of Messina, and it was so so cute!
She showed me the Cathedral and it was beautiful! Very tall ceilings and many beautiful sculptures and paintings. We then headed back to the house after finding my host parents at a different church we looked at.
Then we had about a half hour till dinner.
We ate a special type of chicken with a very delicious sauce! We also had tomato and basil "salad". I then have them their gifts, which were tee-shirts for my siblings, that said "Gig Harbor, Washington" and had a heart on it that was the American flag. I gave the parents a Gig Harbor calendar and a book on the Puget Sound. They were very happy with them!
Afterwards I got ready for bed and read a little bit.
It was a very good first day!
I walked out, seeing many signs, and was hoping I would get one.
I looked all over, and finally heard someone saying my name. I felt a wave of relief and nervousness.
They came to greet me with kisses and hugs, and I was excited, but extremely overwhelmed. There were pictures taken and lots of hugging and lots of "Ciao Claire!"'s. It was very exciting!
I met my host family and we had a group picture of the AFSers and the 3 other students staying in Messina also!
Then we headed to the car and had an hour long drive to Messina from the airport.
We finally made it to the house, which is an apartment right in the city. They showed me the house and my room and everything.
Then Fernanda (my younger host sister) showed me some of Messina, and it was so so cute!
She showed me the Cathedral and it was beautiful! Very tall ceilings and many beautiful sculptures and paintings. We then headed back to the house after finding my host parents at a different church we looked at.
Then we had about a half hour till dinner.
We ate a special type of chicken with a very delicious sauce! We also had tomato and basil "salad". I then have them their gifts, which were tee-shirts for my siblings, that said "Gig Harbor, Washington" and had a heart on it that was the American flag. I gave the parents a Gig Harbor calendar and a book on the Puget Sound. They were very happy with them!
Afterwards I got ready for bed and read a little bit.
It was a very good first day!
Orientation in Rome!
It was not was I was expecting at all!
I was expecting a beautiful grand hotel, a pool, very nice rooms, and great wifi. Buuut my expectations were a little high. The hotel was nice, but it was no Hilton.
The rooms were very plain, some with two beds and a few with three. Mine had three. I roomed with two girls from America, Zoe Bennett and Alexis Amada. We had our own little porch and bathroom, which was one of the only ones in the hotel that was pink.:)
The first night was very boring, we mostly just sat around and did nothing, socialized with the other students from around the world, had dinner, and went to bed.
The next day was all orientations. The group I was with walked to the school a few minutes away and brought bagged lunches with us. It was very hot. The school was so cute! The floors were all marble, and the walls were very tall! The classrooms had very small chairs (compared to the US) and the boards were mostly all chalkboards.
In the orientations they told us what to expect of our Italian families and some social aspects based on the area we were staying. (I was with one of the southern Italy groups)
We then played a few games, which were games I had never heard of before, and they seemed a bit odd.
Then we talked about our worries and hopes for the year, which (for the majority) were hopes of making friends and not being too homesick, and worries of not being able to communicate with people because of the language barrier. Others were generally social correctness, and learning what is and isn't normal in Italy. It was very informative, but long.
We then had a 2 hour break for lunch and a bit of socializing.
The bread was really thick and a little old, so the sandwiches were a little hard to eat. I sat with Abby, from New Zealand, and a few other USA students. We then went to the courtyard for some socializing and then headed to groups based on where exactly we were staying. (Sicilia for me, which was split into two groups)
We talked, played some games, went over more things, practiced more Italian, and had a test on our Italian to give the AFS advisors an idea of how much Rosetta Stone helped. (we were required to finish at least one level)
After that, we returned back to the hotel, where we had socializing time, dinner, and more socializing time.
Afterwards there was a welcome ceremony in a very big "tent-like" room. They called each country and we all cheered for our country. They gave us some words of wisom, and then dismissed us for bed.
The next morning I woke up and packed everything, and brought my things to the room which had every destination in sections. I socialized some more, and then, by 12:00, it was time for me to get on the bus to leave.
We finally got to the airport, and had to go through all the checking and such, which took what seemed like forever with 40 students.
Abby, Zoe and I went to the McDonalds to get bottles of water. From there we headed to the airplane.
We checked in, and were transported from a bus to the plane, which was one you had to go up a staircase to get on. (which wasn't easy with a big carry on)
The plane was so, so, SOOO hot. They couldn't turn on the air conditioning yet, so it felt like it was 100 degrees. It was so warm I fell asleep. I woke up just as the plane was taking off. I read Mockingjay the entire (1 hour) flight there.
Then we landed, and I headed to get my bag at checking!
I was expecting a beautiful grand hotel, a pool, very nice rooms, and great wifi. Buuut my expectations were a little high. The hotel was nice, but it was no Hilton.
The rooms were very plain, some with two beds and a few with three. Mine had three. I roomed with two girls from America, Zoe Bennett and Alexis Amada. We had our own little porch and bathroom, which was one of the only ones in the hotel that was pink.:)
The first night was very boring, we mostly just sat around and did nothing, socialized with the other students from around the world, had dinner, and went to bed.
The next day was all orientations. The group I was with walked to the school a few minutes away and brought bagged lunches with us. It was very hot. The school was so cute! The floors were all marble, and the walls were very tall! The classrooms had very small chairs (compared to the US) and the boards were mostly all chalkboards.
In the orientations they told us what to expect of our Italian families and some social aspects based on the area we were staying. (I was with one of the southern Italy groups)
We then played a few games, which were games I had never heard of before, and they seemed a bit odd.
Then we talked about our worries and hopes for the year, which (for the majority) were hopes of making friends and not being too homesick, and worries of not being able to communicate with people because of the language barrier. Others were generally social correctness, and learning what is and isn't normal in Italy. It was very informative, but long.
We then had a 2 hour break for lunch and a bit of socializing.
The bread was really thick and a little old, so the sandwiches were a little hard to eat. I sat with Abby, from New Zealand, and a few other USA students. We then went to the courtyard for some socializing and then headed to groups based on where exactly we were staying. (Sicilia for me, which was split into two groups)
We talked, played some games, went over more things, practiced more Italian, and had a test on our Italian to give the AFS advisors an idea of how much Rosetta Stone helped. (we were required to finish at least one level)
After that, we returned back to the hotel, where we had socializing time, dinner, and more socializing time.
Afterwards there was a welcome ceremony in a very big "tent-like" room. They called each country and we all cheered for our country. They gave us some words of wisom, and then dismissed us for bed.
The next morning I woke up and packed everything, and brought my things to the room which had every destination in sections. I socialized some more, and then, by 12:00, it was time for me to get on the bus to leave.
We finally got to the airport, and had to go through all the checking and such, which took what seemed like forever with 40 students.
Abby, Zoe and I went to the McDonalds to get bottles of water. From there we headed to the airplane.
We checked in, and were transported from a bus to the plane, which was one you had to go up a staircase to get on. (which wasn't easy with a big carry on)
The plane was so, so, SOOO hot. They couldn't turn on the air conditioning yet, so it felt like it was 100 degrees. It was so warm I fell asleep. I woke up just as the plane was taking off. I read Mockingjay the entire (1 hour) flight there.
Then we landed, and I headed to get my bag at checking!
Thursday, September 6, 2012
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