So its been about 7 weeks since I have been in Perugia, Italy.
Perugia, Italy is located in the central part of Italy. Time really goes by too fast. I have literally been traveling every weekend. Well not the first one but just about every weekend. Being a part of this study abroad experience has enhanced my perspective on global politics, humanity, culture, and family. It has truly been a worthwhile experience. I know for being able to experience and see the world is a blessing God has granted me.
He is so amazing to me. I can't believe soon I will be able to say that I will have been 5 countries from studying abroad in Perugia, Italy. No big deal, right? Actually, it totally is a big deal!
I don't take studying abroad lightly and I believe that everyone who wants to see the world should do it.
What do you have to loose? Besides, money. Yes, money is very important in an economy that is dwindling however; if its your dream to see the world don't give up on your dreams. Dreams are important and I honestly believe being here takes my breath away. I can't imagine not seeing such gorgeous places in Italy and abroad if I don't take up this offer :).
I know that I will have so much to say by the time this experience is over. I know that I do miss American food but luckily I had a cheeseburger today for the first time in Perugia.
Its so crazy to me how I carve American food, but hey that's what I am use too. I had Chinese with a group of girls from my program. It was really nice to have some Chinese food in an Italian speaking country. Though, I do love Italian food its nice to have some variety.
Speaking of variety....
A lot of people here are inhabitants who are not exactly use to having foreign people stay here for long periods of time. Even though this is a college town and many college students are here from all over the world. Perugia is still filled with tradition and modernism at the same time. In some ways its like a walking contradiction.
Even with some diversity Perugia is not the most friendly of places. I have met some nice people but overall a lot of people seem to be into there own thing. I have seen tons of men and women smoke and drink outside of the catherdal here which is known as one of ugliest 'duomos' or 'churches' in Italy. They look at me as if I'm the forbidden fruit. I really did not notice all the looks and stares my way until the third week studying abroad.
I was totally in dismay as to why this was all happening. I couldn't help but think are they looking at me because I'm black, a foreigner or an immigrant. Its kinds of like they look at me in amazement to know my intentions. Are you a student? Why are you living abroad in Perugia?
Were they amused by me or did they hate me? I was new to this land so I felt like I didn't really have a right to be so forceful with my own beliefs.
However, talking with some people I realized I probably have done the same thing to someone else. Why did I need to go outside of my country to realize this tragedy?
All of the questions I feel constantly rattle in there heads as they see me. Men and women here stare at me in the awkard manner. Its quite different being looked at as if your an 'outsider' or an 'invader'. For me I know now that they mean no harm. But when being by myself in a place that is in a foreign place with malice looks of disdain don't help the feeling.
I am used to people smiling and wanting to get to know me for me. Here men and women always look like there in their own world. I was beginning to feel like I would never meet nice people here. I thought more Europeans would be warm and accepting but some are quite nice. It just takes time for them to open up.
At first they may not always smile or look like friendly people. But you can find nice people anywhere. Like the man at the nearby store everyone in my program Umbra Institute call the store "Ciao Ciao.'' Its funny that no one knows the real name if the store lol. The man is absolutely a sweetheart though. He gave me lasagni , box of cereal, and a sugar donut free. He is always so kind to everyone who comes into his store. He always remains positive and upbeat. I love to go into his store just to be around all the positive energy!
His employees are very kind too. I think one of the premises for working at this store is one must be kind and hospitable to others. The girl who works there is quite nice. The guy who works there is nice too. I remember when I asked him "Come stai?" I asked him how are you in Italian. He replied, "bene" which means good. At first I didn't know if he was flirting with me or not. But body language is universal and his eyes were saying something else lol. Anywho, one time when I ordered a sandwich he attempted to tickle me and ask me several questions in Italian. I knew that he was totally into me. Even if I am the forbidden fruit I am going to have fun here.
At the same time I think I needed to feel like a minority in order to understand the true concept of 'minority.' Being a minority here is not a taboo but it just makes me appreciate my culture, heritage and people that much more.
"Minority" according to Dictionary.com means:
noun
2.
a smaller party or group opposed to a majority, as in voting or other action.
3.
a group differing, especially in race, religion, or ethnic background, from the majority of a population: legislation aimed at providing equal rights for minorities.
4.
a member of such a group.
5.
the state or period of being under the legal age of full responsibility.
I can definitely say that I still feel like a minority here. But I don't care about that stuff anymore. I'm black and I happen to be a woman. There's no changing that and getting advice made me see the importance of immersing myself in the culture here. I choose to be here in Perugia, Italy, so its important that I take full advantage of being here.
In order for me to get outside of self I had to get out of my own way. Its didn't happen right away because week 3 was definitely difficult for me to fathom that I was actually living here. Its as if the honeymoon stage was over. I am in Italy for an alloted time period. There's no turning back.
I remember I was at the big Coop which is located in Perugia. I put my stuff on mover but I remember that when I put the stick behind my stuff she did not put herself right after mine. It was very shocking to me.
I guess people in the states are more subtle with there racism depending on where you live. But I guess I never expected it to happen to me in the grocery store of all places.
From getting off the airport in NYC to being here now is totally a blessing. When I first came here I was expecting sunshine! But instead I had to see gloomy clouds and darkness. That totally wasn't the atmosphere I wanted for my first arrival here. But low and be hold I met some great people on the group flight. We all ventured together from Rome, Italy to Perugia Italy!
Its crazy looking back now at the time I have spent here. Its not like its all a blur, it just goes by super fast. I'm 6 hours ahead and I constantly feel like I am moving or doing something. At first I had to get use to the time difference but eventually about 2 to 3 weeks in I got to use to the time zone. But I know what was weird for me at first was realizing I was actually in Italy.
In the streets, I would hear people speak in Italian and in the night time all I heard were screams in Italian. At first it startled me. Why would someone want to scream at night? At times I hear people continously scream for what seemed like hours. I just couldn't understand why someone would want to scream that loud. I mean there are children, parents, and students sleeping, but they seemed oblivious to that completely.
But, being here has taught me to appreciate not only the cultural differences amongst people but to appreciate the different perspectives and points of view people have to offer.
Its hard being a forbidden fruit here in Perugia, Italy. But I am not gonna let that stop me from experiencing everything this place has to offer.
