Settling

I have been back in the States for a little over 2 weeks now. The 10-hour flight nearly killed me....err...my legs, rather. My legs and butt can't stand being sedentary for that long, unless I am sleeping...in a bed (not on an airplane).

Before we even got to the Fuimicino airport in Rome (there were 7 of us on the same flight: Rome-Philadelphia), I was already wishing that an invention was in existence that allowed me to teleport myself over the Atlantic and directly to my house. Not the case. Sadly we all had to suck-it-up and be patient.

I bid the other girls farewell in the Philadelphia airport before walking to my gate for my Philly-Hartford flight. Just a hop-skip-jump and I was in Hartford about 35 minutes later.


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Before leaving Siena, the IES Study Abroad program required us to attend a "Re-Entry Session" which went into depth about returning to the United States. Sometimes they make such a big deal out of things.

I have not found it hard to adjust to the United States. I mean, c'mon, I have lived here for 21 years. I'm right back in the swing of things. I've been pretty darn busy between socializing, making new dance costumes, going out dancing, taking care of academic, photography & ballroom business and traveling. Yes. I am still traveling. Unlike Italy, I actually am in charge of all facets of my traveling in the United States...AKA: driving my own car and not having to deal with delays, missing a train/bus, or incessantly pulling luggage behind me. Funny....because now traveling feels too easy. Every once in a while maybe I kind of like the challenge and stress of missing a train and having to reschedule my travels. haha.


I will admit that I have felt kind of "out of it" since returning to the U.S. of A. I think it's just because I came back and had to hit-the-ground-running. I already have so many things to think about, that I feel as though I haven't really had time to process my whole "Italian experience".

And, I am getting ready to change scenery yet again. Day after tomorrow I am beginning my road trip out to Santa Fe, New Mexico where I will be working at The Santa Fe Workshops for the summer. So when am I going to get to really understand, analyze & reminisce about my time in Italy? Well. Doesn't look like it's going to be any time soon.

So, I guess this is the end of this chapter (blog) of my life. Onto a new one.... http://dancingacrossamerica.blogspot.com/


It's been such an amazing experience.....and thank you to those who actually read this - I am finding out more people read it than I thought. I hope you maybe learned something useful about Italy through all my ranting and Italian/European experiences. :)

Abbracci & baci,


Katie

Nevermind

I changed my mind. I'm not ready to go back to the United States.

I only have 4 days left in Italy. :(

- K

Still in Love

Italians are full of amore, and have no shame in expressing it through Public Display of Affection. You can't walk down the street without seeing at least one couple pressed up against the wall making out. I have seen instances where they just, to put it bluntly, needed to keep it in the bedroom.

The thing about Italian PDA is that it isn't just the young-uns, it's everyone .

I have never seen so many elderly couples so visibly still in love as I have while in Italy. As would be expected, they have different ways of showing their affection rather than playing tonsil-hockey like the teenagers and 20-somethings.

I can't even begin to put into words how heartwarming it is to see 80 & 90-year old couples walking down the street, arms linked, or holding hands (Note: From my observations in the United States, it seems as though holding hands is a lost art among couples...even the teen & 20-year olds). I have seen elderly couples help each other put on coats, hold something for the other...just little things that let you know they are still in love.

It makes me wish I had an honorary set of Italian grandparents. :)

Smiles,

Katie

Home

I was thinking the other day about which locale I consider home.

Born and raised in Belchertown
Attending college in Ithaca
Studying abroad in Siena

I consider them all home.

The location is different. The way of living is different. The people who surround me are different.

How can I define "home"?

There is really no need to define it, but for my sanity and to better understand myself....I wanted to.

I've decided that my family and friends, the ones who truly love and care about me, will be there and keep in contact no matter where I am. With that, knowing I am supported and loved, I can live peacefully no matter where in the world I choose to reside.

To my family, friends and loved ones: Thank you for your love, support, and words of encouragement. They mean the world to me...no matter how far apart we are.

I will see you all soon.

With love,

Katie