With so many amazing things happening in my life right now, it isn't shocking that things start being taken for granted. Not to say that I am taking this experience for granted, because I am not by any means, but it hasn't been completely smooth sailing for me over the past 3 weeks. I didn't want to write a post like this, but for anyone reading this that feels compelled to go abroad or wants to truly know what my experience has been like, here it is.
Culture shock is 100% real. I'm sure if I lived in a city with more Americans or a bigger city, in general, I wouldn't feel it as much. But here, in Tuscania, it is like night and day. The stores and restaurants open and close whenever they feel like it. There is siesta everyday, which means that from 1-4, or 4:30, or 5, or whenever they went, EVERYTHING is closed. I've actually gotten pretty used to it, but when I think about it, it is still so bizarre. There are no real sidewalks, or real roads for that matter. There are no such things as dryers (so your clothes have to air-dry), and there is a very limited amount of fruits and vegetables here. And let me tell you, folks, carbs do not fill you up whatsoever. My stomach is literally a bottomless pit at this point. Everything is just so new and strange and different and weird and cool and exciting and AHHH it's a lot to handle. And being by myself, or at least not knowing anyone before I got here, has certainly made me strong and more self-sufficient, but it does feel lonely at times.
For every negative thought, I've started to think about something positive along with it. Being upset or anxious or nervous about what's to come or why a store isn't open at 5:03 PM isn't going to do anything for me. I've decided I need to be the strong person I know I am and fight through whatever is holding me back from having the best experience of my life. I'll probably never live in a small town like Tuscania again, but knowing that I had an incredible month here will make it all worth it when I tell my future children and grandchildren about my adventures. It's cheesy, but it's certainly true.
I found this link today and it's a blogpost of 10 sentences that will change your life. Some of them aren't as relevant, but some of them are absolutely perfect for my current state of mind and lifestyle. With trips to Madrid, Brussels, The French Riviera, and Croatia already booked, I am living a life that people only dream of. I am so lucky and blessed, and I can't wait to see where this adventure takes me.
This is the link I just mentioned: http://motivationgrid.com/10-sentences-that-can-change-your-life/ Take a look at it, and I hope it'll motivate you like it did me. I'm off to memorize a five minute speech IN ITALIAN now.
Buongiorno/Buonasera,
Ari
Culture shock is 100% real. I'm sure if I lived in a city with more Americans or a bigger city, in general, I wouldn't feel it as much. But here, in Tuscania, it is like night and day. The stores and restaurants open and close whenever they feel like it. There is siesta everyday, which means that from 1-4, or 4:30, or 5, or whenever they went, EVERYTHING is closed. I've actually gotten pretty used to it, but when I think about it, it is still so bizarre. There are no real sidewalks, or real roads for that matter. There are no such things as dryers (so your clothes have to air-dry), and there is a very limited amount of fruits and vegetables here. And let me tell you, folks, carbs do not fill you up whatsoever. My stomach is literally a bottomless pit at this point. Everything is just so new and strange and different and weird and cool and exciting and AHHH it's a lot to handle. And being by myself, or at least not knowing anyone before I got here, has certainly made me strong and more self-sufficient, but it does feel lonely at times.
For every negative thought, I've started to think about something positive along with it. Being upset or anxious or nervous about what's to come or why a store isn't open at 5:03 PM isn't going to do anything for me. I've decided I need to be the strong person I know I am and fight through whatever is holding me back from having the best experience of my life. I'll probably never live in a small town like Tuscania again, but knowing that I had an incredible month here will make it all worth it when I tell my future children and grandchildren about my adventures. It's cheesy, but it's certainly true.
I found this link today and it's a blogpost of 10 sentences that will change your life. Some of them aren't as relevant, but some of them are absolutely perfect for my current state of mind and lifestyle. With trips to Madrid, Brussels, The French Riviera, and Croatia already booked, I am living a life that people only dream of. I am so lucky and blessed, and I can't wait to see where this adventure takes me.
This is the link I just mentioned: http://motivationgrid.com/10-sentences-that-can-change-your-life/ Take a look at it, and I hope it'll motivate you like it did me. I'm off to memorize a five minute speech IN ITALIAN now.
Buongiorno/Buonasera,
Ari