La Vita é Bella

You’re probably wondering what the title of this article is. You’re probably like Shannon I don’t speak Italian, I am not in Italy, and I have no idea what you are saying. Well, I do know all three of those things. I am going to tell you what it means so you can learn some Italian. Now I can’t help much with you not being an Italy part, but if anyone would like to come and visit I will not stop you! I can always use some company in Florence! Anyways, back to La Vita é Bella. Any guesses, any guesses!?

La Vita é Bella means life is beautiful. There is just something about this saying, and the way it is said that just rolls off the tongue. However this saying is 100% accurate, although living in Florence just makes me realize it a lot more. I know it has been only a two short weeks but waking up everyday, and being a mere 100 feet from Santa Croce, or your class includes touring the streets of Florence learning about the history behind the city you live in. Realizing this opportunity is a once and a lifetime trip to travel all over Italy and Europe. Speaking of traveling… It is official so far I have booked two trips, in late April, one for Interlaken and the other for IRELAND! Finally, my dreams are to come true! To get to travel to the beautiful countryside! We still have many more trips to book. We have decided to go on a nine-day trip to Greece for Spring Break (sorry dad). Other places include the Almafi Coast, London, Budapest, Barcelona, Berlin, and possible Paris.

Life is just so beautiful; I can’t say it enough. I can’t say how much in only two weeks Italy has taught me. It has taught me to use my cooking skills; I am really getting good at making pasta and zucchini, the normal dinner for me. But also, to understand the things we take for granted when being at home. Trust me it’s not easy to shop in a grocery store here when no one speaks your language. Somehow you manage and learn to try new things. You learn its okay to stay out late, and to enjoy the piazzas. The best part is the live music that goes through the streets. There is nothing like a good old jazz band marching through the street with a crowd behind them. Although I would love to give you all the opportunity to see that, it is just something pictures can’t capture.

My final thing Italy has taught me about my beautiful life is the people who care will be there. It may not be in my same county, but they will find the way. They will be there to ask me how my travels are, see how I am doing, to cry with me when I get home sick, or just to laugh with me. As the message of many lectures this week was actions speak louder than words. All in all whoever walks in or walks out of your life always remember La Vita é Bella.

Ciao!

Photo credit goes to Kayla Todd a wonderful woman and student who is studying here in Italy with us! She has been such a wonderful person to get to know already! Can't wait for the rest of the semester!