Today Was a Good Day.

Lately, I've been feeling pretty frustrated with a lot of things... the Italian men, the Italian language, and being away from home. The attention I get from men everywhere I go is sometimes overwhelming, and borderline harassment. I get followed by multiple men every time I go out, without fail. Today alone while I was shopping, a total of about 5 or 6 men attempted conversation while following me, and 2 asked me to coffee within about 30 minutes of each other. One man and his friend actually guessed my name on the first try... which was a bit strange. Going to stores and walking around a bunch of dark-haired Italian who are speaking a language you don't understand is intimidating, and frustrating for someone who already feels like an outsider. Then the anxiety from being away from family and friends and missing out on so much at home, where everyone speaks English, has been adding to my growing grudge toward the Italian culture.

But today, after thinking about all these things, I've come to a sort of epiphany. Now I'm in no way saying that I've figured out all my frustrations or that I won't feel any more, I guess "culture shock", while living abroad, but I do feel much more confident in myself after having taken the time to sort things out.

So my realization is this: I am who I am, an American, a blonde, tall, English-speaking, goofy, smart, and fun-loving. I can not and will not change who I am merely because of where I am. I am going to be proud of myself, and stand proud in the crowds where I so obviously stand out. I am going to have to accept that I am different, but that's okay. All I can do while I'm here is be myself, and try my best to learn about Italian culture and understand the difference from here and America. I'm going to make a conscious effort to keep up my American habits (running, listening to the U.S. news, studying, etc.). Maintaining these consistencies help me feel better, and more myself, which is good!

After coming to these conclusions, I feel so much better about everything! But the solution really is simple, you know (Alloraaaaa...), to just be myself! That's all I can do!


So enough with that! Today really was a good day :) Actually, this weekend has been pretty relaxing and fun, overall. I have the apartment to myself, so the privacy has been nice. Also, I've cooked 2 times already... I made amazing pasta and pretty yummy hamburgers (I think it was beef that I cooked...? The labels are in Italian.) But today I went shopping for a few hours around Florence. I had made a list of lots of things I needed, and was actually able to find everything I needed in one outing!! That's a first! I ventured down one of my favorite streets, Via dei Corso, and onto a smaller side street, and found this awesome Anglo-American bookstore that sells and buys used books! I went inside and looked around a bit. I stumbled upon a booked entitled "The Lovely Bones" which a few friends had recommended I read before I left, and its now a major movie as well. So I grabbed that one and checked out with the British cashier. That's another thing about Florence, there's an abundance of nationalities and languages being spoken everywhere you go. Next, I went to this Italian soap shop where they sell awesome soaps made in-store from organic materials. I bought this cool Jello-style hand soap that's lemony scented and a sky blue color, both my favorites!! Then I got a body wash bar soap that smells like cookies! YUM! Then I wandered around an found some cute sunglasses and makeup at a Sephora (yes, that actually have those here!!). Then on the walk home, I stopped in at a gelateria right by my apartment and got a cherry gelato, my favorite!! I ordered the smallest one, but the guy was really nice and piled it on! :)))

Now I'm meeting up with my friend Nikki to check out more of Florence's nightlife! :)