As I tackled my first week of courses at Florence University of the Arts (FUA), I also survived my first week living on my own in a whole new different environment across the world from my little town Brighton, Colorado. Although, I have been extremely lucky to have the most amazing roommates ever, it is still an adaptation process. From grocery shopping and not finding any hot sauce (can you believe they serve jalapeno poppers with bell peppers? I was just as shocked) , to missing the correct train stop to my destination. It has felt like months have gone by, making me feel like I have been doing this for a while and it has only been a week.
Everything is so different yet as similar as it can from the U.S. it is hard to put in words. You will still find those typical American diners with wings and beer, but you also have pizzerias, gelato and piazzas in every corner/street. I am completely infatuated living here and do not regret it at all. As one of my professors here described our time abroad as a “journey”, just like Odysseus, we have decided to be here, we were not told to. The free choice I had to be here, creates a surreal journey the hard work I have to put in to be here, creates it into an extraordinary journey.
I feel like i’ve had to grow up so much during these past days more than I have ever done back and home and it is honestly so reinsuring that if I am able to pack a check in bag, a carry on and a personal bag, get on a plane and leave my home for 5 months then I can tackle anything the world wants me to face.
This weekend my roommates and I will be taking a day trip to visit the famous tower of Pisa, our first adventure together (will have pictures in next weeks blog). —
Who would of thought a little latin girl was going to be studying in Italy. Until next blog, ciao!
Joanely's Wanderlust Adventures 