And Lift Off! Week 1

And so it begins. I won't lie and say that the travel went completely smoothly and that I was able to rest well on the plane. I had my bumps here and there but the important thing is that I made it to Florence. It's still tourist season here and it will be a while before it begins to really die down, so I'm avoiding a lot of the denser areas for a while. It's also just really hot out right now.

During one of the first orientation sessions this week they brought in some of their student counseling staff to discuss phases that we may go through while here.

1. Romanticizing the experience: We are in Italy! How could you not romanticize it? Its beautiful and old and its a new adventure. But not everything will be like what is shown in media or in your own dreams.

2. Adjusting and difficulties: Honestly, I think I'm already here. I'm not one to try to romanticize my experiences, I try to be realistic, optimistic of course but real about it. Once the first stage ends, the second stage kicks in and isn't always kind. I am by no means an extrovert and every time I try to speak Italian it's like I've suddenly forgotten it and most English. So then I'm a fumbling mess and who ever I'm speaking to just gives me a look of pity. I've spent a lot of time with pigeons though! It makes me feel like the bird lady from Mary Poppins.

3. Homesickness: I MISS AIR CONDITIONING! It's hot here and all I have right now is a sad little fan that keeps me from dying at night (Update: the school is paying for AC units to be put in for the month since it's been so hot here and fall doesn't hit till October. They are bringing them in on Monday!) I am one that loves familiarity and routine. I don't have that here, yet. I miss my friends and family. I text them a lot when I know they're awake but it's not the same as having them nearby, a drive or a door away. Now I'm across an entire ocean.

4. Acceptance and Stability: Working on it. Classes start on Monday and I will be able to establish a routine better that way. Until then, I'm just trying to roll with it.

Even with the challenges I'm dealing with, I'm still able to look past them and enjoy where I am. While on an outing to the Boboli Gardens at the palace with my roommates yesterday I got to see beautiful statues and views of the garden, palace, and the city. But, I was only able to do so because I was willing to take on some seriously steep stairs and hills getting to and within the garden itself. Life has clear ups and downs along with some moments where you feel as if you are constantly swinging between the two. However, each step is worth it if you are determined enough to meet your goal and see the beauty around you and of all the stages you went through to get where you are now. With my classes starting on Monday, I'm sure to ease into adjusting more as I develop a routine. First, I just have to take the steps to make one. After that, who knows what else the world will through at me.

-Kit

Week 1 Photos here!