It's funny how sometimes you miss home so much you think there is no other place on earth quite as good, and then sometimes you think, "Gosh, I'm having the time of my life and I don't want it to end." It's been this way for me all throughout this journey. I had my ups and downs in Ireland and I certainly wanted to be home a lot of the time while I was there, but then there were those moments where all I could do was pinch myself to realize that I was actually on this amazing adventure and it wasn't a dream. I was living a life that many people only hoped they could.
Moving to Milan was a bit different for me as I had never been here before and quite frankly, it's not the most attractive of places. Ireland has an allure to it because of the green...which happens to be my favorite color...you just get drawn to it. Milan doesn't have the same appeal. I will say though that in the last few days, I've really started to feel comfortable here. I've made a new friend who is from New York, but living here in the city. I've been out a few times both here in Milan and to other surrounding areas (day trip to Verona last Sunday). I've had the best mint julep I've ever tasted here in Milan (random how a southern staple like that was done so well here in the North of Italy). I've accomplished the daunting task of learning to drive stick (and I'm having so much fun with it). I tell you, I'm enjoying the crazy traffic circles. It's fun with the kids in the car to go round and round...it's like we're on a roller coaster or something!! I am enjoying the rise in temperature and the fact that I can run with the dog in the park. It may sound boring to many, but my daily routine of exercise, carpool, making lunch, teaching, etc is really quite pleasant. I think that's because basically, I'm playing mom and it's always been a dream of mine to actually be a mother.
Yes, I miss teaching at Stiles Point. Yes, I miss my family and friends in Charleston (and Dublin). Yes, I would like an actual income instead of this little pocket change I'm getting here, but I am so thankful for these opportunities. I was really worried about going home to my "old" life and getting a bit frightened by 1) going back to the real world and 2) things not being as exciting at home, but you know what, life is what you make it. Traveling is and always will be a part of me, but so is Charleston. All of these experiences I've had, places I've been, and things I've seen are part of the great puzzle that is me...it's what makes me who I am.
I'm going to make my time here as memorable as possible. I'll miss it when I'm gone, but instead of being sad that the trip is over, I want to be grateful that I ever had the chance to take it. I hope that when I get home to Charleston I'll be able to fondly look back at my time abroad...I hope that when I'm home, I will remember this roller coaster of emotions in the attempt of reminding myself to appreciate what is in front of me rather than looking over my shoulder for something "better".
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Life Goes On
This phrase is often used after something bad has happened as a way of saying, "Oh well, move forward." That's not the meaning of the phrase I'm thinking today though. In my mind, "life goes on" means simply that. I may not be in Charleston, but life there is going on.
Leaving Charleston last June was difficult for me because I was worried about what would happen while I was away. I knew that things would occur, good and bad, and I constantly checked in to see what the latest scoop was. I'm a very attached person, especially to my friends and family, so I called and emailed very often to hear the latest news. Before moving, I was told that life in Charleston would be the same when I returned. I knew part of this would be true. The family and friends I had would be there when I returned, the school where I worked would more than likely have the same kinds of lessons going on; nothing too extraordinary would have taken place in my absence. I found this to be comforting because I didn't want to miss out on anything at home.
Unfortunately, I moved before one of my best friends got married so I missed the wedding. I let this hang over my head for a long while upset that I'd missed out on this special event. Then I pulled it together and thought about all the wonderful experiences I was having while I was away and I was happy to have the opportunity to make such fantastic memories.
While home for Christmas, another one of my best friends got engaged. I was so thankful to be in town for this because I was able to be part of the celebration. Now that I'm in Italy, I've missed another very special proposal and will soon be missing the birth of a first baby for another couple.
It's bound to happen, when you're away, life goes on. People don't stop living because you aren't there. I've always realized that this was the case and I didn't expect for anyone to put their life on hold waiting on me to return, but I guess living away has proven to me that I am even more of a home-body than I ever thought. I'd never change the fact that I've travelled and I'd not be completely against having to be away from home in the future for whatever reason may cause me to leave again, but I will say, I love my family and friends and I love Charleston, and I'm very sorry that I'm missing out on such special occasions with the ones I care so much about.
Leaving Charleston last June was difficult for me because I was worried about what would happen while I was away. I knew that things would occur, good and bad, and I constantly checked in to see what the latest scoop was. I'm a very attached person, especially to my friends and family, so I called and emailed very often to hear the latest news. Before moving, I was told that life in Charleston would be the same when I returned. I knew part of this would be true. The family and friends I had would be there when I returned, the school where I worked would more than likely have the same kinds of lessons going on; nothing too extraordinary would have taken place in my absence. I found this to be comforting because I didn't want to miss out on anything at home.
Unfortunately, I moved before one of my best friends got married so I missed the wedding. I let this hang over my head for a long while upset that I'd missed out on this special event. Then I pulled it together and thought about all the wonderful experiences I was having while I was away and I was happy to have the opportunity to make such fantastic memories.
While home for Christmas, another one of my best friends got engaged. I was so thankful to be in town for this because I was able to be part of the celebration. Now that I'm in Italy, I've missed another very special proposal and will soon be missing the birth of a first baby for another couple.
It's bound to happen, when you're away, life goes on. People don't stop living because you aren't there. I've always realized that this was the case and I didn't expect for anyone to put their life on hold waiting on me to return, but I guess living away has proven to me that I am even more of a home-body than I ever thought. I'd never change the fact that I've travelled and I'd not be completely against having to be away from home in the future for whatever reason may cause me to leave again, but I will say, I love my family and friends and I love Charleston, and I'm very sorry that I'm missing out on such special occasions with the ones I care so much about.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
All in a Day's Work
Teaching is my job, but more than that, it's my passion. When I'm not teaching, I'm not whole. I struggled with this in Ireland because I was only in a classroom once a week. It was a blessing that my friend Luke set me up with Dublin City University though because without that small amount of time in front of students, I'd have been lost.
It's coming up on three weeks here in Milan and Luke has helped me, yet again, to find a place to teach. I went a few weeks ago to visit a school out in Cesano Maderno (one hour from where I am in Milan). I met the lovely woman who started the school and since then, she and I have been emailing back and forth trying to create a schedule for me. I was contacted yesterday to see if I'd like to start teaching a private lesson to a student once a week. I said yes, of course, and went this morning for my first "lesson." I have to put lesson in quotes because my student, cute as he is, is only 15 months old! I wasn't teaching so much as playing, but still, it was a start.
This morning I drove the car to the metro station, took the metro to the train station, took the train to Cesano Maderno and then walked the last 5 minutes to the school. I met with the child and his mother in her office above the school. She is a dentist (perfect because I need my teeth cleaned!). We played for two hours before I took the long journey back home. It was fantastic though because in my one session with little Georgio, he learned two English words, "Hi" and "Bye."
I know it's not the same as being in a classroom, but with the tutoring I'm doing with Elena and Matteo, and a session a week with Georgio, I'm on my way back to what I love the most. My plan now is to meet with Matteo's teacher (we've already sent messages) and see about volunteering in her English class. I'd like to do the same for Elena's school. If I can have at least 3 mornings a week doing what I love, I know I'll be happier for it. I also know that it is all AMAZING experience to put on my resume for when I return to CCSD!!
It's coming up on three weeks here in Milan and Luke has helped me, yet again, to find a place to teach. I went a few weeks ago to visit a school out in Cesano Maderno (one hour from where I am in Milan). I met the lovely woman who started the school and since then, she and I have been emailing back and forth trying to create a schedule for me. I was contacted yesterday to see if I'd like to start teaching a private lesson to a student once a week. I said yes, of course, and went this morning for my first "lesson." I have to put lesson in quotes because my student, cute as he is, is only 15 months old! I wasn't teaching so much as playing, but still, it was a start.
This morning I drove the car to the metro station, took the metro to the train station, took the train to Cesano Maderno and then walked the last 5 minutes to the school. I met with the child and his mother in her office above the school. She is a dentist (perfect because I need my teeth cleaned!). We played for two hours before I took the long journey back home. It was fantastic though because in my one session with little Georgio, he learned two English words, "Hi" and "Bye."
I know it's not the same as being in a classroom, but with the tutoring I'm doing with Elena and Matteo, and a session a week with Georgio, I'm on my way back to what I love the most. My plan now is to meet with Matteo's teacher (we've already sent messages) and see about volunteering in her English class. I'd like to do the same for Elena's school. If I can have at least 3 mornings a week doing what I love, I know I'll be happier for it. I also know that it is all AMAZING experience to put on my resume for when I return to CCSD!!
Monday, February 6, 2012
"It's Ireland," Wait, Where Am I?
If you've read any of the posts from my time in Ireland you know that my neighbor and friend Josh had a way of describing all the strange things that happened there...he just reminded himself and all the rest of us simply that "It's Ireland." I think of this quote often and it's done me well to remember that traveling is about experiencing and I'm bound to come across things that I haven't experienced before...it's part of the fun so I should take it with a grain of salt. I suppose Josh would have me saying "It's Italy" now that I've moved to Milan.
A few weeks ago I wrote that I was disappointed in the graffiti on all the walls here in the city because it made it look like a rather grungy place. I'm so used to the old villages in Italy or the beautiful Italian countryside with vineyard after vineyard. I know that coming to a new place is about experiencing all it has to offer though so I've come to accept the graffiti as part of the city and although it's not the most beautiful place, it's growing on me. In a conversation with the family last night, Clara, the children's aunt, was asking me if I liked it here. She put it very well when she said "it's got what you need." There is fashion, food, fun, family for many, and work of course. Those that live here (that I've spoken to) seem to like it and so I'm game for living here part time...of course I know I get to leave in a few months, but that's not what I'm focusing on. I'm trying to take the "It's Italy" attitude and appreciate it more than anything else. Instead of "It's Italy" as an excuse or explanation, I'm trying to think "It's Italy!" with an exclamation!
Last weekend it was freezing out, but I decided to brave the cold and go to the Navigli (canal) for the antique market that takes place on the last Sunday of each month. This is something Italy does well...very well. The market was fantastic and when it's slightly warmer, I can guarantee I'll be out for a longer period of time. I had just enough warmth to get me to the end and back with a bit of browsing, but no lingering. I could barely feel my toes when I returned home!
Another thing we know Italy does well is food. The great thing about Italy is there are many types of restaurants you can choose from depending on your appetite, and often wallet. Check out the list below from Rick Steve's Italian Phrase Book and Dictionary for a description of each:
risorante-a fine dining establishment
trattoria-typically a family-owned place that serves home-cooked meals
osteria-more informal, with large shared tables, good food and wine
pizzeria-casual pizza place that offers pasta and more
pizza rustica-a cheap pizza shop that sells pizza by the weight of the slice (usually take out)
rosticceria-a take out or sit down shop specializing in roasted meats
tavola calda-inexpensive hot/cold buffet-style
bar-the neighborhood hangout that serves coffee, soft drinks, beer, snacks, etc
enoteca-wine shop or wine bar that also serves snacks
I haven't eaten out too many times, but I've had great experiences so far. I am looking forward to aperitivo this week with some friends (drinks and appetizers) and the big highlight is my plan for Valentine's Day. I figured I might as well do something so I think Connie and I are going to try out ATMosfera. It's an old tram that takes you on a tour around the city center and while doing so, serves a three course dinner! What fun!
I've got to share one more example of "It's Italy" before closing out this post. Yesterday was Matteo's 15th birthday. Let's pause for a moment and consider that that makes him half my age. Ugh! Ok, so for his special day we went to Acquaworld. This was a first for me. Yesterday it was about 30 degrees and there was snow on the ground from the previous day's weather, but we all bundled up on top of our bathing suits to head to this massive place for swimming and water slides. Please understand that I haven't put on a bathing suit in 8 months and that was exactly the last time I saw sun so I was a bit self conscious of my white body compared to all the lovely hues of the Italian's skin, however, with the family I went inside to peel of the layers and headed straight to the slides. I was surprised to see all the names in English rather than Italian...Blue Ice, Turbo, etc. I went down a few times and then promptly headed to the adults only "Relax World" where it wasn't so relaxing, but I was able to go in the sauna a while as well as swim in the outdoor pool. Snow was on the ground but it had the steam coming from off the water and it was actually a pretty cool experience. It's not something I'd do back home, swim when it's soooo cold out, but hey, "It's Italy," what else was I supposed to do?
A few weeks ago I wrote that I was disappointed in the graffiti on all the walls here in the city because it made it look like a rather grungy place. I'm so used to the old villages in Italy or the beautiful Italian countryside with vineyard after vineyard. I know that coming to a new place is about experiencing all it has to offer though so I've come to accept the graffiti as part of the city and although it's not the most beautiful place, it's growing on me. In a conversation with the family last night, Clara, the children's aunt, was asking me if I liked it here. She put it very well when she said "it's got what you need." There is fashion, food, fun, family for many, and work of course. Those that live here (that I've spoken to) seem to like it and so I'm game for living here part time...of course I know I get to leave in a few months, but that's not what I'm focusing on. I'm trying to take the "It's Italy" attitude and appreciate it more than anything else. Instead of "It's Italy" as an excuse or explanation, I'm trying to think "It's Italy!" with an exclamation!
Last weekend it was freezing out, but I decided to brave the cold and go to the Navigli (canal) for the antique market that takes place on the last Sunday of each month. This is something Italy does well...very well. The market was fantastic and when it's slightly warmer, I can guarantee I'll be out for a longer period of time. I had just enough warmth to get me to the end and back with a bit of browsing, but no lingering. I could barely feel my toes when I returned home!
Another thing we know Italy does well is food. The great thing about Italy is there are many types of restaurants you can choose from depending on your appetite, and often wallet. Check out the list below from Rick Steve's Italian Phrase Book and Dictionary for a description of each:
risorante-a fine dining establishment
trattoria-typically a family-owned place that serves home-cooked meals
osteria-more informal, with large shared tables, good food and wine
pizzeria-casual pizza place that offers pasta and more
pizza rustica-a cheap pizza shop that sells pizza by the weight of the slice (usually take out)
rosticceria-a take out or sit down shop specializing in roasted meats
tavola calda-inexpensive hot/cold buffet-style
bar-the neighborhood hangout that serves coffee, soft drinks, beer, snacks, etc
enoteca-wine shop or wine bar that also serves snacks
I haven't eaten out too many times, but I've had great experiences so far. I am looking forward to aperitivo this week with some friends (drinks and appetizers) and the big highlight is my plan for Valentine's Day. I figured I might as well do something so I think Connie and I are going to try out ATMosfera. It's an old tram that takes you on a tour around the city center and while doing so, serves a three course dinner! What fun!
I've got to share one more example of "It's Italy" before closing out this post. Yesterday was Matteo's 15th birthday. Let's pause for a moment and consider that that makes him half my age. Ugh! Ok, so for his special day we went to Acquaworld. This was a first for me. Yesterday it was about 30 degrees and there was snow on the ground from the previous day's weather, but we all bundled up on top of our bathing suits to head to this massive place for swimming and water slides. Please understand that I haven't put on a bathing suit in 8 months and that was exactly the last time I saw sun so I was a bit self conscious of my white body compared to all the lovely hues of the Italian's skin, however, with the family I went inside to peel of the layers and headed straight to the slides. I was surprised to see all the names in English rather than Italian...Blue Ice, Turbo, etc. I went down a few times and then promptly headed to the adults only "Relax World" where it wasn't so relaxing, but I was able to go in the sauna a while as well as swim in the outdoor pool. Snow was on the ground but it had the steam coming from off the water and it was actually a pretty cool experience. It's not something I'd do back home, swim when it's soooo cold out, but hey, "It's Italy," what else was I supposed to do?
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