~Culture Shock~

I thought I had escaped the grip of culture shock...until this past weekend.

A car ride to Northern Italy, meeting a friend's family: parents, sisters & grandparents; and four home-cooked meals later...I am missing my family and friends.

Italians sure have hospitality! I would argue that they have more than United States Southerners - or at least it seems genuine (sometimes the Southerners are faking their hospitality, I can tell). Not even my grandparents from West Virginia pushed food on me as much as my friend's mother did! Oh my goodness! I thought I was going to explode! Luckily, after saying "No grazie" for the 3rd time, she stopped. I am pretty sure I gained a kilogram (2.2 pounds) or two this past weekend.

Some of the students studying at IES Siena are in homestays and are experiencing the same thing with meals. However, even after saying "No" they still receive another 3 or 4 spoonfuls of whatever their host parents are serving that night. As I did, they felt guilty not finishing whatever was put in front of them....guess it's an American thing?

In order to find out my food preferences, I sat down with one of the sisters and we used a translator program to make my likes and dislikes known. Well of course I listed peanut butter as one of my loves. haha. I haven't had it for nearly a month!!!! That night, after dinner, my friend's mom pulled out a bag of peanuts!!!! So, it's not *exactly* the same as peanut butter, but it was the closest I am going to get while I am here in Italy.

..............

I also can't help but worry that I am missing stories, events and inside jokes in Ithaca while I am here in Italy. But, I suppose I am making my own stories and living my own experiences while I am over here.

Maybe I just need to stop worrying and start living. Yeah? :)