This first week (and a half) has been an absolute roller coaster of emotions for me! I am truly enjoying my environment and all the changes that have come with living in a city, but to be honest, it hasn’t been all butterflies and rainbows! For example, in our cultural orientation we learned about the “U-Curve of culture shock” and how after a while you may feel a tad homesick..this has definitely rang true for me. However, it not so much feelings of wanting to go home, but rather wanting everyone that I love to be here and joining me on this awesome adventure!
I also am having to adjust immensely to the heat. Growing up in the Pacific northwest, we get excited over 80 degree weather with limited clouds! So adding humidity to the climate has been interesting…sweat seems to be inevitable, especially when I take the metro (all the heat gets trapped underground, with no breeze). Nevertheless, I love not having to wear layers of clothing.
Other than a few minor adjustments, my first week here has been filled with sight seeing, exploration, good food, and great people! Just yesterday we returned from a weekend trip in Valencia (about 4 hours south of spain by bus) and it was incredible. Gorgeous beaches, much less crowds, tons of shopping, and I made a few more friends from the program that I hope to continue to hang out with not only here, but back in the states as well!
This upcoming week is packed with lots of activities, so I look forward for week 2’s entry.
Adios!
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This is exactly how I felt my first week! It was interesting trying to figure out how to act in another culture. I also said that exact same thing about wanting to stay in Italy, but I wanted my pets and family to come to me! I’m glad you have some adventures planned out!