Saturday, June 6th 2009 @9am
Blog #23
Arriverderci Roma! My blogging has been lacking without an internet connection here in Rome this past week. And what a week it was. I’ve learned more about myself, my peers, and my family in this one week than all my time in Salerno. Both good and bad of course.
The good: the city, where many periods of history and modern times collide at full speed into a mess of different emotions and forms of expression. Some compare it to New York, but I don’t agree. It’s a different dimension and not quite reality. I could spend months exploring all the Roman ruins and Renaissance art here, and I feel cheated doing it in only a few days and under the constraints of others. But I’m not worried. I know I will be back. There’s not a doubt in my mind that many more adventures await me in Italy. It’s hard to explain this passion of mine to see the world, especially when I hear those around me complaining. I yearn to experience different cultures and to see how they affect me, and I feel that I do so with an open mind. I want to understand the world’s differences, both good and bad, and embrace them as they are. It’s ironic that when you travel, you tend to notice that many of the world’s problems root from simple misunderstandings and people’s inabilities to accept simple cultural differences. I can go on forever….
Now for some more good; my family here in Rome. A few days before my parents and brothers arrived, I was warmly surprised by my family who basically ambushed me at my hotel. It was a reunion filled with many tears and catching up, and it’s hard to explain the feelings that overwhelmed me. I guess I was missing that closeness of family after being surrounded by students for 5 weeks. I was also fortunate to meet my cousin Lucio’s baby, for the first time. Luca is 16 months old and quite a hand full! He reminds me of Christian in many ways; very clever and saying the funniest things (except they’re in Italian)!
As I sit here in Fiumincino airport, waiting for my flight to Sicilia, a wave of diverse emotions are stirring in my head. Relief; enjoying the beach of Castellammare after a month of school work. Joy; seeing my Dad’s family after 2 years. Anxiety; coping with trying to get along with my family. I’ve always been different, but I think the more time I spend away from home, both in Boston and abroad, the gap seems to widen. And lastly, I feel love; for certain friends at home, and for Rob. Time apart always does the heart well, and in my case, my feelings have only strengthened.
(Photo: Making my 2 wishes at the Trevi fountain….the first is secret, and the 2nd is to return to Rome)
