Where are we? Do you hear that?

I completely realize that this title sounds like the set up for some kind of horror movie, but everyone can relax because I can promise you that it is the exact opposite! While you travel you learn things about yourself and what is comforting to you. I have had experience of both of these while being in Italy.

The main thing I've learned about myself is that I have a good memory when it comes to getting around a city. For the first week, we relied heavily on maps to find where to go, but now that we have walked around quite a bit I can remember where things are or where we have been before. Now you might be thinking that this isn't all that special, but when you're in a brand new city and especially in Florence things can tend to blend together. The thing is that I couldn't tell you the street name or even the direction that we are headed in, but I can tell you that the Arno is over there so if we are going to the Duomo then we have to go that way. On top of that, it seems to be easy for me to recognize streets. Not street names, those are a lost cause for me, but the streets themselves. I'm not sure if it's the shops or buildings, but I can tell you if we have been down a certain street or not.

I feel that this has really helped me on this trip because it can be really easy to get turned around (which has happened to me a couple of times) so when other girls are a little confused I can help get us back on track. It also gives me a certain self-confidence that I didn't have at the beginning of this trip. The downside is I have to walk in front a lot which makes talking kind of difficult (another thing I'm really good at)!

A thing that everyone gets warned about before coming abroad is culture shock and how to deal with it. While I've been in Italy, I've found my comfort for my culture shock: music. The Italians play quite a bit of American music and of course there are pros and cons to that, but for me it helps a ton! The fact that I can walk into a cafe and hear Justin Timberlake's Mirrors is so refreshing. They play top 40 (some pop, some rap) but they also play quite a bit of classic rock (nothing like a little Don't Stop Believin' to get you through) While your abroad you are inundated with so much culture and some of it is similar to your own, but a majority of it will at least feel different. So, when you are in this world of different and you hear a familiar tune it's bound to make you feel a little more at home.

Now we are well in to our second week and it has been so much fun. Yet, I can't lie I am really starting to miss home and can't wait to see everyone!

Ciao!
Caitie