I typically only fill you in on the more notable moments of my life in Florence; traveling and experiencing extreme highs and lows. Today I find myself sitting lazily on my bed as rain clouds roll in, and I might as well fill in some holes...
This weekend has been very slow and lazy for me. I can partially blame it on being sick (for the fourth time), and partially on the abysmal weather. However, if I am being truthful I will tell you that I really needed a low-key weekend. I have so much on my mind lately, and needed a few days to let my mind percolate. Before coming to Italy I told myself that I needed to tackle one huge life-changing experience at a time or else I would drive myself crazy. Therefore I focused all of my energy on ITALY. Now I've climbed that mountain and it is nearly time to return to base-camp. This means I will need to reevaluate the tools I have acquired and those I will need to set out on my next journey. "The next journey" in this scenario is also known as "What the hell am I going to do when I graduate college next year?"
This looming question, much like the constant April rain here in Florence, has been tormenting me. After living abroad for several months, I find myself reevaluating the details of my postgraduate plans. Isn't going abroad supposed to make you more equipped to make giant life decisions? Of course I have no way of deciding anything yet, but I find myself conjuring up so many questions that past Holly had not considered. For example...graduate school in Scotland? I think it is best that I change the subject before I hyperventilate...
Interesting stories from lately...
1. Dinner with my host-grandparents. This evening occurred several weekends ago, or whenever Easter happened. My host-parents and the kids return from a long weekend at their beach-house, and since it is late, we all go over to Grandma's (Nonna) house for dinner. I adore Nonna and Nonno, and marvel at how perfectly they fulfill my expectations of what Italian grandparents should be. Nonna is warm and welcoming, and loves to spoil her grandsons. Niccò and Luca sit in their "thrones" at the dinner table and Nonna enthusiastically tries to please them with special kid food and kisses. Nonno is pretty absorbed in his soccer game, which plays in the background as we eat dinner. Stephanie and I have a hilarious moment trying to explain what groundhog's day is. Luckily Veronica is there to provide some translation when the struggling is too much.
I experience an interesting moment of horror and amazement when Niccò, who is normally quite a picky eater, gladly pops some squishy fish eyeballs into his mouth. This is followed by an equally enthusiastic consumption of the squishy fish brains. I try to pretend it is just ramen noodles...Even though I am sure my face reveals my disgust, I try to remain open. It's okay that some people might enjoy certain fish organs, as long as I don't have to participate. Luckily Nonna brings out a whole different meal for the "adults," and nothing involves fish. The food is delicious of course, but I am forced to MANGIA MANGIA! Even my protests of Grazie, ma sono piena(thanks, but I am full) fall on deaf ears, and I manage to pack everything in. After I finally escape from the table, I join Nonno around the TV to watch a partita di calcio (soccer game), and he offers me some casual Tuesday night whiskey. On my way out the door, ten pounds heavier than I was when I arrived, Nonna shoves a large handful of chocolate eggs in my hands, "for the walk."
Overall it was a very interesting and enjoyable evening, and I felt myself taking mental anthropological field-notes the whole time. This is the reason why I came to Italy in the first place; to expose myself to such a drastically different lifestyle, and develop relationships with people that live in such a different way than I am used to. After experiencing some pretty intense homesickness in recent weeks, this was exactly what I needed. I needed a reminder of why I am here, and what I am getting to experience. Once again I am made aware of how truly lucky I am to be here!
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