In just over two months, I've visited three cities in Italy. We have settled in to a new house. We are almost adjusted to not having a car. We've made friends and voted via absentee ballots.
We haven't learned as much Italian as we should have. It will get better, but a one day a week class is just not enough. One of these days, we will actually start practicing outside of class.
The internet problems have been solved for now, thanks to a USB key that connects to a wireless network. Wireless internet is an ongoing battle at the school (200 students always wanting to watch you tube videos is not a good thing), but this is a temporary solution so Tom can work.
On Monday, our "stuff" comes. Warm clothes and shoes and our bikes are the things we most look forward to. While none of it is anything that I "need" and my mom kindly points out that I probably already have more clothes in Italy than many of my students, I will still be happy to see our 24 boxes.
We have not adjusted to being residence tutors. Living next to teenagers is difficult. They are not intentionally loud, but we hear chairs being pushed around and doors slamming at all hours of the night. Their idea of "quiet hours" and ours is quite different. They keep telling me the residence is "calmer and quieter" this year than last, and all I can think is that last year must have been awful.
Last week my boss was in New Mexico visiting the US United World College. He commented this week that "the US is really quiet different, culturally, than Europe or the UK. Have you noticed that?" Um, yes, we have. And there are things we love about it and things we hate about it. But overall, we are still loving our adventures!
Check out some pictures from our first few months here (no facebook account or sign-in necessary).
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