Never thought I’d have to say that i’d need to adjust to my surrounings, or that i’d ever feel strangely out of place. Well, I definintely went through a period of separation anxiety that was brought on by these emotions. For about two days early last week I had a tough time figuring out how I was suppose to behave in Siena. Since I am use to being around some of the funniest and loudest people on the planet, it was major culture shock to be in a situation where no one around me seemed outlandish in public. I need grotesque, obsurd laughter and cursing on occasion. In recollection I can say that I felt restrained physically and vocally. I realized that I put these restrictions on myself as if I needed to change. It was an unhappy and emotionally draining two days thinking I had to shut up and keep my theatrics to myself. I was ready to burst so I wrote a lot of letters and e mails to mom and dad, friends and profs… writing was and still is a huge comfort. In the end I said “screw it.” I’ve never regretted being myself in any other situation so why should this one be so different?
I know how it is painful for me to keep vocally and physically quiet… it is simply how i communicate best especially when I’m introduced to new people and places. Only this time the culture was totally different and I didnt want to get arrested or disuede anyone from being my friend. The exact opposite happened and now i am very content with everything and everyone. I am also glad that BSC opened up the Siena Program to other schools in the U.S. because I’ve met some extraordinary people. They’re absolutely hysterical and out of their minds, like me, so we get along just perfectly. Oh, those Americans!
Aside from writing, another comfort in my life is Lena. Heather and I live with Lena and she is our Italian grandma/fairy godmother. It’s true. Lena was the first person (besides Heather) that I felt I could be myself around. At the end of my day I am so happy knowing that I get to either A) kick back with cool friends from the program at a pub, or B) go home to Lena. Lena is 70 some years old and has been with the Siena program for over 40 + years! Its obvious that Lena has an extended family because I’ve heard nothing but amazing things from our coordinators here and just the other day she received a letter from a student that lived with her a few years back. It was in English so I translated it as best as I could for her and it was much appreciated. Seriously, Heather and I would do anything for Lena! I’m not going to lie that one of my favorite things about staying with Lena is her cooking. OH MY GOD. She blows food network right out of the water - and you wanna know why!? It’s because Lena puts love into her cooking. It’s part of every recipe. I get emotional at the dinner table because it reminds me of my mothers cooking and i just wanna scream and punch things it’s so good. Try and tell me food doesn’t affect you like that… because it should. Lena’s food is cleansing for your mind and body… everything is fresh and delicious. To think I’m not living off of Kashi cereal, Kashi granola bars, bananas, and yogurt this semester is mind blowing - and healthy. Lena doesn’t speak English, but we’re pretty sure she undestands a bit and definitely knows how to decipher bad Italian. We get yelled at all the time for speaking English… I love it.
Living with an Italian family is good for so many reasons. Heather and I cannot escape the culture (why would you want to) so we’re constantly learning Italian and we have a solid foundation where we can explore then have a place to digest everything. God. We get kisses good night, kisses good morning along with early, loud wake up calls in Italian. “Buongiorno! Buongiorno!” It’s so great. Then, at the kitchen table are two cappuccini for me and Heather. Lena is beautiful and I’d go to the ends of the earth for her!
We’re all in love with our Italian families.
Oh, and Italians really do sound like they’re yelling all the time…
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