Well by looking at everyone else's blogs I can tell i'm not the only one that's been having trouble keeping up but I am not one bit sorry HA :) December just flew by and it's starting to scare me how fast the weeks are going. So here's what's been going on this month...
1. ROMA: Oh goodness grazie..Rome is just as absolutely beautiful as everyone has always told me. I can't describe the feeling of seeing and touching some amazing piece of history that you've seen so many millions of films and pictures of. I spent 4 packed days, with my host mother, touring through every important site in Rome, I saw tons of ruins and Piazzas and I know I will go back other times in my life but I truly feel like I've seen everything that a person needs to see. It was an amazing adventure..and my feet are still recovering from all of the walking. 2. Switched Host Families: My year in Italy is divided pretty much into three equal parts with three different host families, so I kind of look at this experience in three different phases. I would name my first phase: "Getting to Know ME". Because of the people and location in my first host family, I spent more time alone in those first three months here that I probably have in my entire life. Although it was really, really difficult at times I wouldn't trade it for anything. I grew up in those three months and learned so many things about myself. I learned the things that I like about myself, like how I can even make myself laugh, and the things that I definitely need to work on, like my patience with myself and with other people. I was able to rely on myself for strength and comfort and I know that I am a better and more confident person because of that time. I am also very thankful for my first host mom and host brother, they will always hold a special place in my heart...I'll never forget how hard Gabriele (host brother) and I would jam to Eminem in the car. :) HOWEVER I have moved into the center of Cremona with the lovely Dal Bianco family and I am loving it there. They are so present in my life, and they're constantly teaching me new words and phrases in Italian. It really feels like a completely new experience and I can't wait to see how the rest of it goes.
The day before Christmas Eve, which is the day that I usually have my traditional family Christmas celebration, I went out to a dinner with my class here. I had such a great time chatting with them and we ended up staying at the restaurant until it closed singing songs all together, some in English and some in Italian it was a great night but it reminded me of the people I've met and all of the new experiences I've had here so far. It was the best Christmas present I could've asked for.. I had the realization that I love it here. I miss my family and my friends back home terribly but I don't count down the days until I go home anymore, and I'm really just starting to LIVE.So buon natale and buon anno nuovo from Italy. Ci vediamo in 2011 :)
Baci **
