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Moving to a new city can be nerve-wracking, but moving to a new country can really throw someone for a loop. I was lucky enough to travel for a week beforehand with my family to see and explore the city, before I was left on my own. At first, it all felt surreal. It felt like a vacation, and that I was going to be in the comfort of my home again soon, with iced water and AC. When I saw my family leave on Tuesday, realization hit in, and it wasn’t comforting. The realization that I am in a new country, where I don’t speak the language, and I have to adjust to their ways of living, which is far from my own.

I enjoy a nice iced glass of water with my meals, and it was a shock when I had to pay 3 euros. Another shock was the lack of AC. Yes, I was aware of these two before traveling. The biggest shock was that there isn’t as much greenery as I am used to. I enjoy walking through the neighborhoods in Denver or Kansas City and admiring the nature, but I will have to walk a few miles to the closest park in Florence.

Although there are numerous culture shocks, I am slowly adjusting to my new way of life. I like to keep busy at Denver, with 3-4 classes a day plus 2 on-campus jobs and a sorority leadership position. The way of life here is a lot more laid-back. Shops even close during the day so employees can rest and recharge. This has been something I need to work on. During resting time, I read a book or go for a walk listening to my music. When the night time comes around, I call people from home and gain insight on what is happening there. I believe this way of life will help me slow down and appreciate more things that the world has to offer. I also have learned to set boundaries and say “no” if I don’t want to do something. I have to realize that I am here for four months and will have time to take everything in, as long as I go at my own pace.

Change can be scary, I will be the first person to admit to it. This first week here hasn’t been easy, leaving my family and comfort of my own home. But this is a great learning experience that I know I will miss the second it leaves me. I am hoping this will teach me to live in the moment, not wish for what we used to have what we will have in the future.

Alla prossima volta amici,

Hadley