Packing and Preparing

As I continue my preparations for my trip to Italy, I can't help but think about all of the different things I am about to experience. I have already been to Italy once before for a 10 day trip, but that was all over the country where I never spent much time in a single city. On the island of Sardinia, I think that it will be warm and the people will be very open and outspoken. I know a couple of people from Cagliari, and they are both super nice girls that are outspoken and loud. They are very helpful and open to others though. Any preconceived notions I have about Italians, especially from this location, come from the time I spent with these two girls. I also think that having a Latin-based language makes me think that Italy will be similar to both Brazil and other Latin American countries, but with more of a European touch. The culture might also be very traditional as the country itself is much older than any South American country. I also think that a lot of the culture might revolve around being around other people as well as food. 

For me, the idea of being immersed in another culture isn't something that I am completely unfamiliar with. I spent my junior year of high school abroad in Brazil for 11 months and upon arriving had very little background in the culture and the language. I assume this will be similar to the experience that I am about to have in Italy. Even though I am not familiar with the Italian language, I hope that I can figure out enough to get by in the city. I also hope to draw on both my Spanish and Portuguese backgrounds even though they are not exactly the same languages. When I first arrived in Brazil, I remember everything was confusing to me, and I was constantly frustrated because I couldn't express myself in the way that I wanted. Now looking forward to Italy, I know that at times I will be frustrated and not know what to say. I know that I might and probably will make cultural mistakes. But from these, I hope to learn and grow and adapt myself to the Italian culture. In order to experience everything to the fullest, I hope to get out as much as possible and interact with as many people as possible. I also hope to try many new things that are considered local or traditional. 

As the date comes closer, I can't wait to experience the Italian culture and all this dialogue has to offer both academically and culturally. Andiamo!