The Rush of Immersion

It has been 10 days since I arrived in Viterbo, Italy, and I am quickly discovering how studying abroad is way cool and totally about “getting out of your comfort zone.”  I have always loved adventures and exploring, but the total immersion you experience as a non-tourist is immediate:  it’s scary, overwhelming, exciting and exhilarating all at the same time! No stores open on Sundays, limited weekend transportation, no tv, radio, dishwashers, clothes dryers and the streamlined efficiency of everything! I have been so impressed with the USAC (University Study Abroad Consortium) and the way they have transitioned all 50 students from the U.S.. They have given us a lot of independence to get acclimated and yet, are there to answer all our questions and concerns.  I think everyone is very pleased with the housing, we have picked up alot of Italian, and I think everyone is trying to get a handle on the serious “travellust” we are experiencing. 

Very few Italians speak English.  Nor should they.  Which means we are pretty much on our own at the market, in the train station, the bus station etc.  You learn pretty quickly which essential Italian words are necessary for communicating.  We have all made lots of mistakes.  But the Italians seem to like it better if we at least try.  This is a university town inside medieval walls and with historic buildings that date from the 12^th century.  And a smile and a “grazie” goes a long way.  And in Europe, we are on European time.  I have hardly looked at my watch except to be sure I am getting to class on time.  In 6 weeks, I have already gone from thinking about what new car I might buy next summer after I give my 2005 Toyota SUV to my son…to thinking about moving to Clifton or downtown, so I can live in Cincinnati without a car.  Go figure!

Our first week of classes was a good introduction to our semester.  We have all jumped right into our language classes:  our Italian professors are great.  It is harder to get into school mode than I thought and my blog is taking up alot of time.  The other students are really helpful  in giving me pointers and video recommendations, so hopefully, I will not disappoint!  It's important to me because it is part of my Gilman scholarship and Taft Endowment scholarship requirements! So, video blogging yet to come! I am taking a heavier load than most students, but I should be ok (va bene).





outing to Lake Bracciano



semi common vehicle and plenty of nice cars too!




Stefano during orientation







MK at one of Viterbo wall entrances







potluck dinner at friends




St Rosa Festival -all weekend party!





100 ft statue carried through Viterbo




Viterbo Duomo - 12th century




french fry pizza




MK's temporary apt till october



 

 


 

St Rosa parade



cars and pedestrians happily together!



nights of dancing and music shows





shu cafe






breakout group 2nd day



I cannot tell you what a rush it is to get on a regional train or bus, knowing only the basics of the schedule, crossing your fingers about station changes and that you're on the correct one,  remembering to validate your ticket, realizing if you get lost, the worst that can happen is you will spend the night in a station, having very few directions or information, spending an exciting day in a whole different region or town and arriving back safely to your new town…Every day is a journey and you go to bed at night with a “Wow, thanks God... I am one of the luckiest and blessed people on the planet and what an awesome, wild ride!”