I've been in Italy for a little more than five months. Five months that have changed me and my weight (Haha, yes I know, I eat pasta and nutella nearly everyday!). Anyways, I don't think I've ever felt so much happiness than this first half of my exchange year has given me. The language is finally finding its place in my brain, and now I want these next few months to pass as unhurriedly as possible. I have met so many people and learned so much and had time to think about my life with a much broader background. I have finally had some time to just ponder my entire way of being in America.
Right now, I'm with another family for one week at the half year orientation in Terralba, Sardegna. All the students with AFS Intercultura in Sardegna are here. We have so much fun when we're all together, and we've really grown to know each other well. Staying with another entirely new family doesn't feel like so much of a terrifying thing now. I guess because we're all so used to things changing at last minute and embarrassing moments. We met the families we would be staying with for a week as we were going to their houses. It has gone very well so far though, and I've learned that there are even more distinctions depending on where you live in Italia. There's of course the huge differences in the way people act and speak in every region of Italia, but then there's the subtleties that a foreigner may not notice very easily in each province of Sardegna. Then there are distinguishing aspects of each town. Not to stereotype though, it's not that every single person acts the same, but there are definitely apparent characteristics. There's an overwhelming amount of culture here and it makes things so breathtaking.
Carnevale starts today in Italia! It's similar to Halloween in that everyone dresses us, but it lasts three days and what you do and the traditions depend on where you are in Italy (more I know!)! We're all going to Oristano for Sa Sartiglia to celebrate. I'll write something after I go about this awesome tradition that's been taking place for over FIVE HUNDRED YEARS!
Here's more information!
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| In treno on the way to the camp! |
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| Intercultura-AFS girls from the local chapter of Nuoro! |
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| Daiki from Japan and me! |
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| Karoline from Norway working on this poster we made with all the flags of our countries on it! |
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| We weren't able to make the American flag much of a masterpiece, but our flag was still there! |
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| We're halfway through our ten months here! |
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| Dressing up for Carnevale! Nicole from America is the cat and I'm the mouse! |
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| Beach near Cabras in Sardegna! On the Sinis peninsula! |
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| Andiamo al mare! Let's go to the beach.... |
