 WHOAH I'M IN ITALY!!
AIRPORT
I thought packing all of my things into two 50lb. suitcases was honestly
going to be easy. I wasn’t going to bring any personal stuff just clothes
and hygiene products. I was very very mistaken, my parents ended up paying
an extra $150 for a third overweight suitcase so instead of packing my life
into two 50lb. suitcases I packed two 50lb. suitcases and one 75lb. suitcase
and for carry-ons a humongous weekender laptop case with all my electronics,
a 40lb. suitcase with all my jeans and sneakers, and a backpack with photo
albums and books. As an exchange student I definitely failed the two
suitcases rule - it was hard to bring skiing clothes, winter clothes, summer
clothes, school clothes, and going out clothes in just two suitcases.
The day of my departure I was oddly calm, actually I was
surprisingly calm my last week even saying good-bye to a majority of my
friends was perfectly fine, so I thought I was perfectly fine until I said
good-bye to my best friend the day before I left. It was horrible. I hadn't
broken down like that in a verrrrry long time but we talked it out and I
felt better than ever. At the airport I was fine up until the moment I had
to say bye to my sisters who couldn't come past security (my parents got a
pass). I must say that was absolutely horrible. I realized how much I love
them. Getting through security wasn't fun I was fighting back tears the
entire time. I sat with my parents at my gate for about an hour, they were
always so good at comforting me. I did my tearful good-byes to my parents
and boarded on the plane that would take me to D.C. for a transfer.
I felt bad for the lady sitting next to me, I think it was
her first time on a plane and I definitely didn't make it any better by
looking so depressed. She tried making small talk but at that point I
honestly was not in the mood. I silently cried for the majority of my trip
to Washington. I went to my next gate to head to Rome. I got a taste of what
was to come - many of the people at the gate were speaking Italian - this
was actually happening. There were a few moments that I stood at the gate
contemplating if I should just miss my flight and take the next plane back
to Florida but instead I called my parents to tell them my flight was
alright.
My seat on the Rome flight was perfect. I had my own TV
and they were giving good movies. I sat next to an old Italian couple who
were supremely nice and very caring; this was very reassuring - if these
people were so nice, maybe most Italians are too. I slept through most of my
eight hour flight. When I got off the plane I was very groggy but I was
ready for my exchange year.
I had a three hour layover in Rome. In these three hours
the worst things that have happened on my trip were here (which isn't
horribly bad). I realized that I had forgotten my Little Mermaid blanket
that I've carried since early childhood. I hurriedly went downstairs using
the escalator ... bad idea. That day I had a long dress on which got stuck
on the stairs (my luck). I realized this when I tried to get off but
couldn't. Could this really be happening? Did I actually get my dress stuck
in the escalator?? Luckily two airport workers were right behind me and saw
what happened they stopped the escalator from moving and then started to
tell me to make sure to stay calm and asked when my flight was leaving. I
wasn't supposed to be in Rome for another hour so there was no need for any
rush. I was able to understand a majority of what they were saying but when
they heard me try talking Italian to them they realized I wasn't a native
and asked if I spoke English. They ordered a team of mechanics to take apart
the escalator to get my dress out and tried to figure out where my blanket
might've been. After a slew of funny looks from passers-by I was finally
free with a torn dress. The lost and found was on the complete opposite side
of where I was supposed to be. I went to my gate and nobody was there. They
couldn't have left - I had another thirty minutes?! My heart stopped as I
realized I might've missed my flight. I asked a worker if my flight left
early. I was happy to find out that it just moved over a gate. I
contemplated going back to the lost and found to get my blanket, but after a
scare like that I definitely didn't want to miss my flight so I stayed.
ARRIVAL
I instantly noticed my Italian dad waiting for me and
Rafaela’s sister Elena was with him. I got my suitcases and greeted them I
told them that a carry on that I checked it at Washington was missing (this
was the carryon with every pair of jeans I have and my sneakers). It didn't
worry me too much because I was so blissfully happy to have landed and meet
them. My house is beautiful!!! And the Mediterranean is 10 steps away! Was
this actually happening? I couldn't believe it.
After I got settled for a bit Elena took me to meet some
of her friends that were hanging out by the beach. We talked (I mostly
listen trying to understand what they were saying). We started making plans
for the nighttime and agreed to just go to the plaza. Now something I've
been getting used to is what Italians consider afternoon and night. Back
home I considered afternoon to start at around 1 or 2, but in Italy
afternoon is from 4-8ish and night doesn't start until 10 which is after
dinner. We came back from the beach at around 7 and when we got home I had
my first dinner with my family (dinner usually is at 9). They told me that
today was my vacation day, the only day that the whole family was making
conversation in English and the only day that I didn't have to help set the
table or do the dishes.
After dinner Elena and I got ready to go to the plaza. We
found the people that we were with at the beach plus some. What I love about
Italians is that they never seem to travel in small groups. There hasn't
been one time on my trip so far that I've been with less than 10 people.
After walking around we decided to go back to Elena’s and play Monopoly.
That was so random because it was about 1am, but I was so glad to play
something familiar. Monopoly is one of my favorite games. Monopoly was a bit
different - it was of course all in Italian and instead of the
5,10,20,50,100, and 500 Monopoly dollars you get 1000,5000,10000,20000 lire.
The game was really exciting. I love hearing Italians talk - they talk with
such enthusiasm, there was never a boring moment. After the game we said our
good-byes with two kisses on the cheek. When I'm introduced to someone new
we shake hands, after our first greeting we kiss on the cheek. Day 1 was
finished and I was sad to see it end.
DAY 2
After having breakfast I went to go read at the beach for
a bit. It was nice to do some people watching. After a week here I'm finally
used to seeing a lot of men in Speedos. I think 2 out of 3 wear Speedos.
Everyone is very tan - it almost made me feel a little too pale, which I
never thought could happen. I'm almost certain that Sicilians have a special
gene that grants them such beauty. I have yet to see a non-attractive
person. Try to think of the most beautiful person you've ever met, Sicilians
are probably 10x prettier. I don't think it's only their physical beauty.
Sicilians exude a sort of confidence and happiness I've never seen before.
They appreciate life - the worst thing could happen but at the end of the
day they will still be enthusiastic and living life to the fullest. Back in
the States kids are completely different than Sicilian kids. Sicilians play
together in a way I've never seen American kids play. If you were to put two
Sicilian kids in an empty room they could probably find a way to have a lot
of fun. After my people-watching, Elena and I rode our bikes down the
boardwalk to meet some friends at the beach. The water is perfect. Unlike
Florida the water is clear and the sand is soft. I love it!! The weather is
really hot but not humid, which makes everything so much better. The sun was
like a warm blanket and the soft sand was the like a comfortable bed.
Later that day we and all of the girls in our group went
to play some soccer!! Never did I think being on a soccer team in the US
would help me later in life. It was six against six and the guys were on the
sideline trying to coach - it was so much fun! The game brought me a lot
closer to the group as we cheered together when we made a good play,
laughed, and joked. After about two hours of playing, we finished dripping
in sweat and very tired. We made plans to go home and get ready to celebrate
people who passed a very important test to get into medical school. This
test is sort of like their SAT except 20x harder - no multiple choice, no
calculators, and a lot of science. It's a very big deal when someone passes.
A fleet of motor scooters left the soccer field; Elena and
I rode our bikes - we wanted to squeeze in some extra exercise before going
to the pizzeria tonight. The pizzeria we went to was absolutely amazing. We
toasted to our friend and ate amazing pizza! After much lively conversation
we left to go to the plaza where we met some more of our group and we
altogether went to another place to toast to someone else who has also
passed the test. It was here I had my first Italian debate (Italians love to
talk about politics). It wasn't on Italian politics - they were all
interested on my point of view with things in America. I applauded myself
greatly for being able to hold an in depth conversation, it of course wasn't
perfect but it was something. We walked around a bit and then headed home I
went to bed right away. I was extremely tired.
DAY 3
After waking up and having some breakfast Elena and I
headed to the beach to our usual spot where everyone meets up. Here is where
I learned how much Sicilians value tanning. In Jacksonville no one ever
tells me how pale I'm looking, here on the other hand I was given some
advice that I should get as tan as possible before starting school. This for
me as an extremely easy task since I can tan like no other, but for them
it's more of an art form, something that takes the whole two months of
summer to accomplish. At the beach we played some volleyball, beach tennis,
and a sport that is like soccer and volleyball mixed together (basically
volleyball except with feet). After the beach we had lunch and then we got
ready for another round of soccer, which I was very excited about!! This
time I scored TWO goals, which ultimately led my team to win. I was
extremely happy. The bike ride back home gave me a chance to catch my breath
from the intense game. I always love riding back home from the field because
I just have to push my bike down hill and let it ride. At home we had dinner
and got ready to go out again to the plaza. I love seeing all of the people
in the plaza. There is usually a lot of music playing: a live band in the
middle of the plaza and a lot of different clubs blaring music, so it's
never quiet. Everyday that I go to the plaza I meet new people and try a
different Italian dessert. It's very hard to remember most of the people I
meet. I only know them by their face, but they all remember me and always
call me by name. I guess it's only a matter of time before I remember
everyone else’s name.
DAY 4
I've started to get used to the routine of waking up and
going to the beach and look forward to it. I'm having so much fun every time
I go out I love it here!!!! My understanding of the language is getting
better than I thought it would in the past days. I understand A LOT more
that I actually speak, so I get a lot of their jokes and stories. I usually
don't understand the small details but I get the big picture. My sister
Elena introduces me as her new sister, which is always comforting. Also when
people ask if I know Italian, she says if you talk slowly she'll understand
you, which is a big step up than "she doesn't know Italian." I'm becoming
increasingly comfortable (even more comfortable than what I was) and
everyone seems to notice and become even more relaxed around me. I
absolutely love everything. That night we went to the plaza. I walked around
and checked out all the street vendors and tried a really good Italian drink
called granite. My friends are slowly trying to teach me some Sicilian words
as I get better in Italian they are going to give me more and more Sicilian
words to use. Now when I ask what something is they usually give me the
Italian and Sicilian word for it.
DAY 5
Today was FANTASTIC! It was the last official day of
summer, the day before everyone leaves Ragusa Marina (the seaside) and goes
to Ragusa (the main city). Most were sad about the end of summer and having
to go back to school but that doesn't stop them from celebrating! We went to
the beach like we always do, today I was as tan as all of the others and
they were to say the least jealous. I had gotten just as tan as them and
they used about 20 different tanning oils while I slathered on the SPF 70 -
it was rather amusing. We played games in the water, hung out by the sea
cafe, and had a really good time.
I went back home for lunch but decided to just stick with
the cheese and tomatoes, it feels like I've never tried cheese, tomatoes, or
olive oil before because that is all I want to eat! The family makes the
olive oil we used and the tomatoes are picked fresh. Every chance I get I
eat them! My family has commented that they've never given me something that
I haven't liked, that's very true. Foods that I usually don't eat or like in
the US I eat a lot here, like mushroom, eggplant, cucumbers, plums or fish.
I usually HATE mushrooms and refuse to eat it but there have been some pasta
dishes with mushroom that I couldn't resist eating. I've also discovered
that roasted eggplant and olive oil is delicious! I also refuse to eat fish
but there was one fish soup dish that was absolutely amazing. I couldn't
resist! In the States scrambled eggs is usually a breakfast meal, but here
we have it as a quick dinner. I never like scrambled eggs (unless made by my
dad) but here their recipe is perfect - it's eggs, homemade tomatoes, pasta
sauce, lots of different cheeses, some milk, and of course a bit of olive
oil and voula! I also never thought that putting olive oil in your pasta
could taste so good and I'm probably never going to buy another store bought
can of sauce again, especially after I found out how easy it is to make your
own pasta sauce.
The streets were PACKED. It's like they took every Italian
in Sicily and plopped them in the board walk. It was the last day of summer
and the whole city was having one big party. At midnight there would be a
fireworks showcase with the three best firework makers in the town. They
would all have thirty minutes to put on their best showcase. The winner is
dubbed the best maker and gets the most business. There was a big party at a
friend's house as we awaited the showcase, while some of us watched
Miss Italia (one of the finalists was Sicilian). The firework showcases was
beautiful. It reflected on the Mediterranean, and we had the best view. We
were all sitting on the balcony seaside watching all the fireworks go off.
After, we walked to some cafes and then to the beach where
we joked and talked for the last time before everyone headed off to go back
to college. After the beach, seven of us managed to magically fit into a
tiny European car - it was like watching clowns squeeze in - and go to a
pizzeria. Most of the cafes and shops were closed by this time except one
pizzeria. I was so tired and almost relieved when we finally decided to call
it a night. I said my good-byes to everyone (I'm going to see them during
holiday breaks) and headed back home at 4:30am.
DAY 6
I slept in today!! This made me more happy than you can
imagine. In Florida the last day of summer usually means that we're in for
another three months of hotness and humidity, but here that is not the case
at all. I woke up to what must have been Hurricane Ike deciding to hit Italy
- rain, wind, thunder, and lightning and a lot of it! So much that it
temporarily messed up our phones and electricity. My family wanted to know
what a hurricane was like, well this was it. I was so surprised. For the
past five days the weather has been unbelievably amazing - it made me
question if I was going on a vacation or an exchange. We stayed in, which I
didn't mind for the least bit. Going to bed so late and waking up early had
taken a toll on me, so getting the extra time to myself was really good.
Elena and I played an Italian card game, which took me three games to
understand. Trying to learn a new card game in English was always a
challenge for me so in Italian it definitely made it more difficult.
The rain didn't stop until eight that night. Elena and I
went on a bike ride to see the damage that had been done by the storm. It
was rather eerie - for the past week the boardwalk and the streets had been
so crowded with people that we could no longer ride our bikes but now it was
empty and quiet. It was very relaxing. The water seemed bluer after the
storm. The bike ride was definitely a challenge trying to ride against winds
that could quite possibly knock me off my bike, but nothing makes things
better than a nice gelato. That night the whole family played the card game
that I had learned earlier that day - gestures like this make me feel that I
am part of the family.
DAY 7
Today was my first day visiting my extended family
members. I was advised to not eat a heavy breakfast or well anything because
there was going to be a lot of food. That was an understatement! I never eat
fish but I just HAD to try the dishes, and my gosh were they good! I don't
think I've ever eaten so much food and the desserts were to die for -
chocolate mouse and a chocolate and rice pudding. My family is great and
energetic and talk a lot, this wasn't so different from my Hispanic family
so I felt right at home. I also got to hear Sicilian spoken for the first
time. It randomly happened - one moment I was getting the gist of the
conversation and the next I was completely lost and after five minutes my
mind wandered. I had no idea what the conversation was about! Finally my mom
paused and asked do you understand, still not aware that they weren't
speaking Italian. I had to say "No, I have no idea what you're conversation
is about" I was instantly relieved when she told me they were speaking
Sicilian. That made me feel so much better. Later that day Elena and I went
on a much needed bike ride to help us "try" and burn some calories though
this would be an impossible task. The streets were completely packed with
people. I love riding around on the bike, everyone is just so beautiful and
full of life and the view of the sea is breathtaking.
DAY 8
While my host parents were working I went to my host mom's
sister-in-law's house. I had a better time than what I thought I would. She
had the most beautiful garden that was so tranquil it felt like I was an a
garden that would be described in a Victorian-era novel. I helped her tend
to the garden, roses and even picked some tomatoes. She has a daughter who
is my little sister, Krystle's age. This was really comforting. We played
some board games which was fun. It reminded me of when I played with my
sister. After I went to meet some of Rafaela’s friends in Iblea (a part of
Ragusa where a lot of people hang-out). It was absolutely beautiful, they're
so nice, and I really enjoyed hanging out with them.
DAY 9
My first day on the motor! My first time riding
(passenger) on a motorcycle was on flat land, riding in Ragusa is completely
different. There are hills everywhere, humongous ones! Going downhill in
streets 5 ft. wide definitely gave me a rush of adrenaline and for the first
20 minutes I was focusing on not falling (knowing me this would probably
happen - I've been falling and bumping into things all the time). A couple
of friends and I went to different schools to meet with some different
people and ate some gelato. In school I was surrounded by scooters. It was
definitely different. There were like a hundred scooters driving around and
parked around the school. In America some of my friends would poke fun of me
for always buying sunglasses, purple pants, and boots. Here it's completely
normal. I usually don't see any of my friends eyes because they are ALWAYS
wearing sunglasses and all the stores sell 80% of their items in purple.
This makes me very happy, I fit right in. By the end of the day I got used
to riding around on the motorcycle and love it, it's very exhilarating and I
feel that much more Italian.
DAY 10
First day of school, I felt like a little kid again, my
parents making sure I had a good breakfast and that I was ready with all my
supplies. My sister walked me to my classroom and introduced me to some
girls in my class. Everyone was suddenly interested in me because I was new
and then once they found out I was American all bets were off. I was
surrounded by the whole class. It's very easy to make friends in Italy,
almost shockingly easy. Maybe it's because I'm new and foreign but everyone
wants to take me out and show me around Ragusa. Throughout the day I met
more and more teachers and in every class my classmates would explain to all
the teachers who I was and where I was from. Most of my classmates assumed
that I didn't understand or speak any Italian. The first two hours of school
most of them were trying to scramble to remember things they learned in
English class (it was hard to get two words in and tell them I speak
Italian). After they realized that I kept responding in Italian they got the
point
P.E. is easily my favorite class. All we do is play
foosball, which I'm really good at =) After my first day of school I was
rewarded with a night out - a group of us went on a pasta tour! The
restaurant was really sleek modern (like a lot of restaurants I've been to
in Italy). How it worked was like this: we all get a plate and the waiter
gives us a few big bowls of pasta that we divide amongst ourselves and after
we eat the pasta he brings out another type and another and another. In
total I tried about ten different pasta dishes one of them being nookie! It
was D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!!! For dessert we had crepe, tiramisu, and chocolate
mousse. I hesitated eating my dessert because the presentation was just so
pretty I didn't want to mess it up! I'm obsessed with the food here!
The subjects I have are math, physics, biology, Latin,
Italian, French, English, history, philosophy, art, P.E., and religion.
These subjects are done about 2-3 times a week. I go to school from 8:30-1
and on Tuesdays I have an extra hour of school and get out at 2. The one
horrible thing about school is that I have to go on Saturdays. This is a bit
hard to get used to because I always seem to have the T.G.I.F. thinking only
to realize school is the next day. I have been very lucky though because I
have yet to go to school on a Saturday. One Saturday was because I was on
vacation and the other was because of a saint. School has been cut short for
three hours a few times because teachers can't come to school or class is
canceled (I absolutely love it when this happens). In Italy it is very
common for the students to protest the school and not go to class. There's
been two times where class was canceled. This is very different from the
U.S.
My family took me to BELGIUM!!!!! It was unbelievable. We
were in Brussels for five days. It was incredible! It took me awhile to
grasp the concept that I'm actually going to Belgium! We spent a day in
Bruges, which was beautiful. In Bruges I went on the boats and took a ride
on the canals. With Elena (my host sister) we stopped at every chocolatier
that we saw and bought the best tasting chocolate I've ever tried. In
Brussels we had Marcolini and Godiva chocolate and waffles everyday, we went
shopping, checked out the museums, the plazas, the parks, everywhere getting
lost in the city (the best way to get around).
This week I started trying some activities for after
school. I checked out the swim team, which I really enjoyed and tried
volleyball for the first time. I was a bit nervous to go because I have
never played before, but the coach was so nice and all the girls helped with
the basics and now I love it! I'm going to join the team and can't wait
until next practice. Swim practice was also a lot of fun and I like being
back in the pool swimming again. Yesterday I checked out the community band
to join. I loved doing this too. In this band I'm playing the flute. I'm
definitely doing volleyball, but band and swimming are on the same days so
now I have to choose. This has been the hardest thing right now having to
choose, which says a lot.
|
Alexandria "Andee" Matos
