Italy Things and Disney Scenes

Reverse Culture Shock. I am having it. What worries me is that is has literally been only 8 days since I have been home and I am experiencing it now. I didn’t get homesick until about 3 months into being in Italy. Let’s start with the biggest things, shall we?

First shock was not being able to sit down at the bar with my mother and have a beer and talk with her. When we did that over seas I felt like we were bonding on a more mature level. Now I feel like I have been knocked down to being five years old again.

Second shock was realizing that everyone around me could now understand what I was saying so naturally I had to watch my mouth to not sound like an idiot or to accidentally cuss in front of children. I even today almost said grazie and ciao while at a Mexican restaurant. I thought they were speaking Italian to me. 

Third shock may make you laugh, but it did happen. When I walked into a Walmart I forgot the sheer size of the store. I ended up linking arms with my friend because I was so taken back that clothes and food and car service and electronics and everything was sold in the same store.

Fourth shock, free public restrooms. Free. That does not exist in Europe. You either have to sneak into a cafe or something or pay 50 or 60 cents (or pence in the UK) to use the restroom. Oh, and tap water at a restaurant did not exist. You have to pay for a bottle of water and there are no free refills. 

Fifth shock, and I know this may sound mean or prejudice but I honestly do not mean for it, but the size of people in America. Everyone in Italy I saw was small, so I got used to it. I saw maybe a dozen bigger people (including myself). But being back in the States I began thinking to myself how some people get that way. Then I remembered; Americans typically don’t walk everywhere, and I mean everywhere. Not only that, but the food here is more processed and not straight from the farmers. I went into Walmart today (didn’t have to cling to my friend the entire time) and got excited seeing strawberries. I searched through the entire bin but they all were either beginning to rot or squished. At Billa (a grocery market in Italy) the strawberries looked big and like they had just been picked and gently placed into each container and sealed with a kiss. (not really, but they were amazing :D) Also, the variety of people in America accounts for all different types of bodies. I firmly stand by the notion that every person is beautiful no matter their size. It was just a difference much like it was when I first got to Italy and felt so insecure because I was bigger. 

Sixth shock, portions! A meal here is two or three for me now! I am not complaining about it, I am just surprised as to how my body has changed so much. A DQ small Blizzard is a size so big for ice cream it does not exist in Italy unless is was a take home box for the family. No joke. With my roomies in Italy we started the joke that when we ate too much and felt sick we were “American full”. I am shocked as to how I used to take the same full feeling as okay as now I feel so sick because I ate so much.

Don’t get me wrong, I really did miss home, but I am not excited to fall into this reverse shock right now. I can only pray I stick to the portions I have learned overseas and continue to lose weight. It is one of my deepest wishes to not gain the weight back I worked to lose in Italy. That, and I am a step closer to being the right size to be a princess at the parks (I am still wishing the dream will come true!).

More to post later. I need to sleep. Funny to think that if I was still abroad I would be getting up right now (9 am there) and having fresh strawberries with my cereal, a cappuccino then getting ready for Italian class at 10:30. But I am quite content with waking up and seeing my dogs next to me and text from my friends wanting to hang out. God bless America. 

I haven’t been a very good blogger, have I? :(

I am sorry guys, I have just been so wrapped up with school then reverse culture shock I haven’t kept up. I still can’t fathom I am not in Italy anymore… 

More to come my friends.

Do you happen to know where I can buy these clothes? Specifically go  the distance ensemble? 

I just wanted to say thank you to my few followers! It is nice to see your interest!

I have just returned from Spring Break and will be posting again soon. Also!—Be on the lookout for a new blog I am going to be starting :) It will prove interesting to say the least. 

Ciao my friends until tomorrow!

-Ren

Just watched Aladdin with my roommates in our living room after taking apart the couch to make it more comfy. I feel right at home here.

I promise posts are coming soon! But as for right now, I am heading to the soccer game in less than 15 hours! IAMSOEXCITED!

Look what I managed to do! Luckily this was two days ago and it is much easier to walk on now. This weekend will be pictures, oh glorious pictures of Florence since the weather is finally wonderful! It just makes me… makes me…

SO HAPPY! 

By the way followers, I am going to be posting my weight loss every month. Two days till measure-in!

The Venice Carnivale! It was so pretty, but it was FREEZING! 

The view from the bus (3.5 hour trip) getting up there..yeah…snow.

It was nice though. Got a few nice masks and gifts for my girls back home :)

I plan on heading back when it is warmer for nicer pictures. Look for those soon!

By the way, found the Disney store in Venice!!!!!!!! EEEEEE!!