To be honest I can't believe we've already lived here two years. It seems like only yesterday that I was living in Louisiana, looking forward to moving across the ocean and starting a new chapter in my life.
I'm not sure that I've mentioned this much on my blog, but the first month or so I was in Italy I was homesick beyond belief and I was in culture shock. The first night we were here was the worst. After flying for over 24 hours and then driving along the Autostrada at a ridiculous speed, looking at all these signs in a language that I didn't speak. I felt completely overwhelmed, almost to the point of a panic. I felt so bad that I felt that way because I had so looked forward to moving here and had prepared (somewhat) to be living in a foreign country. Gradually though I got my groove back and felt more comfortable in my new home.
If you asked me today, I'd tell you I love Italy. I love Europe and would probably make this my home if my friends and family weren't living back in the States. I miss them a ton and I hate missing out on things like seeing my best friends and watching their children grow up. I miss my family terribly. Christmas away from them was very hard and I hope not to repeat that again.
However, I've had so many good experiences living here. I've seen places I never though I'd see until much later in my life. I've been to 9 different countries since I've been here and I'd love to see 9 more before we leave. I feel like living in Europe has had an impact on me. I appreciate things in a different way than I did before. I've also grown to love wine and will miss the wonderful (and cheap) selection once we move from here.
I'm not sure how much more time we have here in Italy. If I had to guess I'd say we're here for one more year, but with Sean's upcoming surgery, I'm not sure how that will play out. We are thinking he'll switch over to the WTU unit here to heal after his surgery and I'm not sure how long that will take. We're also looking at a medical reclass sometime in the near future and so where our journey goes from here I have no idea.
My goal this year is to enjoy Italy and Europe to the fullest. I plan on going to festivals around here that I've yet to go to, build up my wine collection, eat food I've yet to sample and see sights that I've yet to see.
Here's to a great and (possibly last) year in Italy!
We have a little over 2 years left here, and I'm already sad that time is going by so quickly! I can't wait to read about your upcoming adventures! :)
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ReplyDeleteMy hubby has been getting his wish list together while in AIT & I am hoping Italy is on his list!! =) While my son is not yet in school, it would be the perfect time to take advantage of the opportunity of such an experience! He's mentioned Germany, Korea, among others. I am not sure why, but I feel like Italy is calling me! LOL =)
ReplyDeleteWe are getting ready to move to Misawa, Japan in late Spring. I am so excited but know I'll be home sick, just not sure how terrible it will be. Trying to be positive though. Would love to get to Italy sometime too, who knows! I hope you get to visit more places before you leave! Enjoy it.
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Enjoy it NOW. Trust me.
ReplyDeleteWe are counting down the days until we are back in the states. We love our time here in Italy but we surly miss family too. Can't wait to see what's going to happen with you all!
ReplyDeleteI would so love to live out of the U.S. at some point. The experience is so eye-opening, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteThat's so great that you've loved your time in Italy!!
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy the rest of your time in Italy to the fullest!
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more with this entire post. I'm still in that first month here in Germany(heading into the second) and the culture shock it me more than I ever expected. I was like you and wanted to come to Europe/Germany and just get out and explore; see everything and go everywhere!
ReplyDeleteHope your last year in Italy is everything you'd hoped it'd be!!
We're in our last year in Germany and I'm sooooo sad. Of course we've lived here 3 times (it will be a total of 9 years), but I will miss it like crazy when we move. Indy has spent more of his life in Europe than the US (he was also born here). He has huge culture shock when we visit the States. Enjoy every moment of your time and drink up the good (and cheap wine). That's one of the things we'll miss too!
ReplyDeleteI definitely see how it could be hard living abroad. It's hard for me knowing how rarely I get to see my family and that distance is only between California & Louisiana.
ReplyDeleteBut still I think you're able to have an amazing experience. I'd love to be able to live in Italy for a year a two. I'm sure this is going to be a time you look back on later on in life, where you had so many awesome experiences!
Can't believe you have already been there for 2 years!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe it's your third year already! I'm glad you're loving it. I would really love for P and I to live overseas once during his career but we'll see.
ReplyDeleteHope that this year brings good things!
Seriously crazy. I feel like I just started reading your blog and you were still at Fort Polk, ahhh!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your year!!
Wow! Time has flown! I know you are going to make the most of whatever amount of time you have left in Italy. You're going to have so many fantastic stories to share!
ReplyDelete2 years already?! Holy cow! I started reading your blog right before you made the move...time goes by quickly!
ReplyDeleteYou know what I like about you? You make the best out of living in Europe! I have seen so many wives that get depressed because they just don't give living in Germany or Italy a chance at all while stationed overseas. It's great to see you happy and enjoying every second of this great time of your life.
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