I don't even know where to begin. As far as logistical stuff, even the boring classroom part of studying abroad is amazing. I'm taking Italian I, Intro to Marketing, Business Communications, and Food & Culture and have seriously loved every minute I've been in the classroom. My four teachers are from all over the world: my Italian teacher is Veronese, my Marketing teacher is Finnish, my Biz Comm teacher is an American who moved here after falling in love while playing softball here and my Food & Culture teacher is from Turkey. This makes every class not only a lesson in the noted subjects but yet another lesson about culture and the wide diversity in opinion and lifestyle across this planet. In light of recent events, it has really opened my mind to how different life can be all over the world. Values and traditions vary so much and it's so important to recognize and understand that our way of life is not THE way of life. There's so much more to see and know.
I have spent my nights sitting at an osteria for 2.5-3 hours drinking aperitivo (like a pre-game drink for dinner which is just such a genius idea) and eating the free mini appetizers with it. I've spent mornings drinking espresso on my balcony having only half a croissant and the coffee for breakfast. I've hopped on a bus and stopped at the market where I bought some of the best wine I've ever had for three euros. I've ridden the bus, I've navigated town, I've walked by Juliet's house while eating gelato. I simply do not know how it gets better than this.
Today we journeyed to the post office to submit paper work for our permit to stay. Sorry mom, but it looks like they gave me the go-ahead to continue residing here for the next four months. After our bureaucratic work was done, our program director informed us that the lookout point to see the whole city was only a 5-minute walk from where we were and that today would be the perfect day to go, considering the sun was out and the sky was clear.
Even the journey to the stairs to lead us up was the most charming walk along the Adige river with bike riders and twinkling lights and balconies with vines hanging. But I was not even prepared for what I was going to see at the top. The sun was setting and the lookout provided the single most beautiful view I had ever seen. The Adige water rushed under the beautiful stone bride and the city spread for miles. I have never been more overwhelmed.
I could not help but get emotional at the sight of the city I overlooked. This trip was something I had been planning for over a year now. I started getting frightened about a week before I left about all of the possibilities and the homesickness and the loneliness. In the moment I was overlooking Verona, I think I was the happiest I have ever been in my life. I am finally here. I am figuring things out on my own and I am doing this for myself. My heart is so very full and I am so utterly happy.
If you ever find yourself in Verona, give yourself the gift of seeing the sunset at Castel San Pietro. I have never felt so small yet so powerful ever.
If this is the happiest I will ever be in my life than this is more than enough for me.
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