Two Weeks Down

Today is September 19 and that means I have officially been living in Italy for two weeks (plus or minus a few days). So, I thought I'd check-in.

As soon as I landed in Verona I had a 40 minute car ride to Vicenza with a man who spoke no English which was honestly ok because that meant I got to just look out the window and see Italy for the first time. My first thoughts of the country were "wow." Not too unlike most people, I presume. While I think most of my "wow"s were because of the beauty of the country, I think a lot of it had to do with the fact that I was coming to grips with what I was doing. I don't know if you're like this but I am the kind of person that can't truly understand what's going on unless it's actually made an impact on my day-to-day life. Otherwise it's like a far-off concept that I can talk about but not really process. (aka - this entire move to Italy thing.)

To be completely honest, after I arrived at the house and was left alone in my room I burst into tears. The thoughts I kept having were "WHAT IN THE WORLD AM I DOING!?" and "Why would I leave everyone I love!? I abandoned them." Eventually I pulled myself together enough to go out to the main square and explore. I walked around aimlessly for about 4 hours. Over the next few days I started to get a routine and know my way around and now I feel settled. There were two things that helped me get through the first week. (1) I kept thinking of all the people who had told me about things they had done in their lives similar to what I'm doing now and how they are so glad they did it. That, they grew so much and learned so much and that they wouldn't trade it for the world. And also, (2), the absolute most amazingly supportive friends and family who have been there to console and encourage me literally every day. I couldn't have done it without them.

Life here has been very sweet. The family I'm with is so kind and the boys and I have been bonding pretty well. They are all so down-to-earth and the way they interact and the things they do are so similar to my own family that it helps to make me feel at home. I have the mornings free before I get the boys from school and I usually find myself in the square with a croissant, a cappuccino and my book (rough life, I know). I've also been so thankful to make a new friend and we've gone on some walks/hikes together lately which has been a great way to work off the carbs (so much pasta!) and see the city. Most of the places I go and people I'm around don't speak English all that well so I do a lot of sitting and listening and soaking-in my surroundings and the language. It's almost like I live life in a muted state sometimes and, honestly, I don't hate it.

I've also already been able to go to a few places other than Vicenza. I was able to go to Venice where I got to see my uncle and aunt (you can see pictures here) and a town over called Bassano. The day in Bassano was possibly my most favorite day to-date. We went for a family reunion and after we had been there a while they gathered everyone together. Out of no where came someone started playing "Dancing Queen" by ABBA over a loud speaker. Then out came three sisters dressed in full Mama Mia garb dancing like Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski and Julie Walters did in the movie. It was absolutely amazing!! (If you want to see the videos just message me! Or remind me next time I see you because they're great! You can see a picture below in the slideshow too.) The only thing that would have made that day/moment more perfect would have been if my own family and friends were there.

I am excited to keep going on this journey and experiencing all the things Italy and Europe has to offer! And, I'm so thankful for the friends and memories I've already made. Thanks for coming along on this journey with me.

Below are some pictures from the last two weeks.

A park close to our house.

My sweetest new friend, Zoe.

Zoe takes me on the best walks with the cutest pups.

I've had great food here. One of my favorite things was this. I wish I knew what it was called. I guess I'll have to go back and get it again to find out. ;)