I can’t believe it’s almost time leave đ And I can’t find time to do anything fun because I’m neck-deep in art projects and a ten-page paper. But I’ll try to enjoy what little time I have left.
Drama aside, I’ve become so used to living here I feel like I’m going to be so homesick when I come home. Most of the people here are so friendly- I had to carry a big board from one of the art studios to my apartment (which is about a 30-minute walk) but I was having so much trouble I had to keep stoping because it was so heavy, and someone approached me and offered to help.
For those who will study abroad here or anywhere else in Italy know these points: There will be people constantly trying to sell you things on the street, just shrug them off and say “no grazie” and the men will leave you alone. The women here will be a little more trouble. A friend of mine just kept saying “Go AWAY” for a few minutes before she finally left. Also, personal space isn’t much of a thing when walking because Italians often brush up against your shoulder. And be ready to barter with your money (one of my roommates bought a selfie-stick and the guy said it was 10 euros. She talked him to at least 5 euros)
Most importantly, and I’m sure most, or at least some of you are worried about this: DON’T worry about the language barrier. Italians are just as much eager to interact with you in English as you are to interact with them in Italian. My advice is just speak the few words you know and they’ll appreciate that you’re trying.
One more warning- the boys here can get very “flirty”. They’ll try to kiss you after spending a few minutes after meeting you, and try to touch you, BUT just to push him and his hands  away and he’ll usually get the idea, but just don’t look them in the eye if you don’t want to deal with it all together.
With that out of the way, despite some of the stressful work, I think I might, MIGHT have found my calling here. In my Art history course, I had the opportunity to do an oral presentation on Michelangelo’s David, in front of the David. So I was presenting my favorite art piece from my favorite artist. It makes me think I should go to graduate school and get a degree in Art History with a concentration in the Italian Renaissance (if such a thing exists) because I just felt so unbelievably comfortable presenting that day-And I’m usually a nervous wreak when doing those. All I have time to do at this point is think about it, but I’d love to do.
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