It's been about a week since I've finished my finals and I'm finally getting used to being home again. I'm realizing now, that as soon as I settle down into a routine, I'll have to release myself to the mercy of another unknown world.
I think the best way to start this blog is tell a little bit about myself and my background so that maybe you can understand me.
I grew up in a rural town in Oregon, population 635. I went to a tiny school, public, not private and really got to know everyone in my town on a first name basis. When it came time to go to college though, I knew I needed to experience something completely and totally new. I love to be placed out of my element and to be forced to adapt to new circumstances and cultures. So, I applied to 6 schools, all out of state except one. In the fall of 2008, I made my way down to Point Loma Nazarene. I'd fallen in love with the campus and the people, and their friendliness. I felt at home, still on the ocean, yet at least 40 degrees warmer all the time! I am majoring in Interior Design and am hoping to restore historical houses (Victorian era and after) for a living, which is why studying in Italy is perfect for me, all those ancient houses.
I've made some great friends at Loma that I will dearly miss this semester. But this calling I have to travel is just too great to stay.
It just hit me today that I'm really leaving. I'm really going to a new country, and that it's only a mere few weeks away. My mom called me this morning to make a packing list during my downtime of being away from my friends and boyfriend. As I wrote things down, I realized how often this occurs in my life. Packing lists. Since I go to school out of state, it's always been a challenge for me to figure out how to fit my life for an entire year in just 3 suitcases. Believe me, it's quite the challenge. But now, I'm packing for half a year.....of an entirely different culture. The part of Italy that I'll be staying in is a short distance from Milan, one of the fashion capitals of the world. I keep hearing stories about the women wearing heels every day. Even in the snow on cobblestones! I've become so accustomed to my California flip-flops and shorts that I've forgotten how to dress like a professional!
To say the least, I'm ecstatic. In a few short weeks, I'll be shopping in an Italian market, learning the language 5 days a week, eating magnificent pastas and gelatos, and exploring some of the most historic monuments in the entire WORLD!
