FYI

It's almost been a month since I left, and I feel like I've left you with more emotional baggage, than actual substance about my trip. So, here are some fun facts for you about Italy.

-At my school, there are mixed gender bathrooms. This means that you walk into one bathroom that has several stalls and it's for members of both sexes. It is very awkward for us Americans, however, all of the natives find it completely normal to meet in the general room and chat it up while we wash our hands.

-bars are the everything store here. You buy your bus tickets, pastries, cappuccinos, sandwiches...you name it, they probably sell it. So saying "I'm going to the bar" at a Christian institution is completely normal, and usually means you're going to get bus tickets to go into town, or a snack in between classes.

-contrary to popular belief, this place is not perfect. Actually. It is infested with mosquitoes, and it rains at the most inappropriate times here.

-not that it's a bad thing, but there are probably more Romanians in Italy, than there are Italians.

-Disney was right, gypsies really do where long flowing skirts and hoop earrings.

-late night bus stops are super sketch.

-"prego" can mean just about anything. From you're welcome, to please buy this flower for me.

-After a week of getting stared at, you realize that the men stare at everything that is or appears to be female. You also learn how to keep walking and ignore sketchiness.

-Also, safety comes before courtesy when it comes to men here.

-Street vendors have a magical power that allows them to identify you as American. No matter how European you try to dress and act.

-The best things to do here are free. Watch sunsets, take silly pictures, and stroll through the center people watching.

-Italians praise you if you pronounce the first syllable in a paragraph in Italian correctly.

-They're also geniuses. In art, in culinary skills, in people reading.

-There are more churches in Italy than Chuck Norris could count.

-Little villages are the best.

-Italy really does make you wish you were in love.

-It is impossible for me to forget you. Everytime I go somewhere, I can't help but think who else would enjoy that place with me. And I get very homesick for the people in my heart.

-But. I don't want to leave, either. So, just come join me :)

Details on adventures and experiences to come. Much love!