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It's been a little over 3 weeks since we've been back from Italy. Coming back home has been surprisingly easy with no problems adjusting. I started working full time RIGHT away and have picked up two 4-night babysitting jobs (this is where I get to be a mom for 5 days for two boys on top of a 40 hour work week). Needless to say, I have probably been too busy to even think about adjusting back to our culture. Now that I am sitting down to think about it, the thing I miss the most is being able to take in and enjoy an environment with no real "stress." When we were in Italy, yes, we did a lot of research, reading, and tours, but a lot of the time we did not have a set agenda, and we could roam the streets of Italy however we pleased. This type of cultural immersion is what I immediately responded to. This ties in with exactly the Italian culture, because everything is more laid back. Being 10 minutes late or more is being on time, dinners take hours, and you mind your own business and go on about your day. The U.S is completely different. Like I said, since being back, I have been working countless hours while trying to catch up with a friend here or there. I know that summer will be gone before I know it because it is already flying by so fast!

One thing I thought I would miss greatly is the food- which I do. However, my mom is an amazing cook, so I haven't been missing the Italian food TOO much. :) As far as cuisine goes, I miss my gelato!! I wish we had cheap ice cream stands all around the city. I would be in heaven.

Overall, when I look back on Italy, it all seems like a dream. Even though we were there for a full 3 weeks, I feel like my life picked up right where it left and that Italy didn't really happen or something. It is a weird feeling to explain! I think working so much has hindered my recalling abilities since my focus is on that now.

However, no matter where life takes me, I know Italy will always have a piece of my heart.

Steph