Week 8: 325

As I sit here, staring out into the countryside of Italy, I find it difficult to write this blog. I don’t know why. I can’t figure out how such an awesome experience is leaving me speechless. I am literally writing exactly what I am feeling at this point. Excuse the random thoughts that might appear. I can’t control them.
When I think about how I have changed during this trip, I struggle to keep my mind focused only on myself. There is a constant interference of you guys; Ben, Clint, Andrea, Carol, Nicole, Eric, Pammers, John, Professor, Sara, and Danilo. The eleven of you have taught me so much without even knowing it. I have learned about myself through you. Every excursion, every meal, and every conversation has given me insight into each of your lives and I thrive on that. Your personal stories and experiences have made me question certain things in my own life, helping me to see what is really important. One experience I would like to focus on is my journey with Euchre. As insignificant as learning Euchre is, the journey is worth mentioning. I have had a bad experience with this game and had no desire to learn it. I cringed at the word “trump.” After seeing how much you guys loved to play and the passion you had for the game, I was determined to be part of that. I wanted to know what made Sara yell at Eric and why Clint would put cards behind his ears. Your continued support, patience, and assistance, even on the bad days, are what made me the player I am today. You guys would not let me quit and because of that, I can now officially raise my hand to the famous question, “Who here knows how to play Euchre?” I am proud to say that I now know how to play, but more proud to say of how I learned how to play.
When I sit here and think about the overall trip, I am stuck on the words “make an effort.” I have always tried new things and what not, but this trip has made me break out of my comfort zone even more than before. The one stand out experience of this was going to visit Fernando and the family. When my grandma gave me his address back in January, a little part of me never thought it would pan out. While I was in Italy, I would always see the number, but always put off making the call. Finally, one night at dinner, Danilo said, “Ok, so we will call them tonight.” I was so nervous about the phone call. So many questions of uncertainty, I couldn’t take it. Once Danilo finished speaking Italian ridiculously fast and got everything organized, he handed me the phone to thank Fernando. This is one moment I will never forget. Just hearing his monotone voice confirm times and say you’re welcome, I sensed his excitement and gratitude that shot a burst of emotions throughout my body. I was on a Fernando high for the next four days. After the trip, I realized where a little push and a little effort could get me. I had the time of my life experiencing my extended, Italian family. This was definitely an experience that taught me the value of family and confirmed the saying “You never know what life will bring.” (John Scheetz came with me on the trip. Who would have thought?)
Italy has shown me how to attack life. There’s no room for pretty good; you have to be “Da best.” This doesn’t mean you have to be the strongest, smartest, or richest. The measurement of the best is within you. Clearly things are not going to be perfect, but with so many ways of seeing things, maybe it is better that way. It is through imperfections that we discover the most about ourselves. In Smiles, Fellini states that one of the most striking things about Rome was its “monumental rudeness” and “gigantic vulgarity.” After reading this statement, I was convinced that he hated the city, but he turned these negative qualities positive. He later mentions that the vulgarity “is an enrichment, an aspect of the fascination that Rome inspires.”
While we were waiting outside the airport for our flight out of Palermo, I saw something that turned around my whole weekend and gave me a new outlook on the whole trip. It was a pigeon on barbed wire. When I saw this little bugger, I just got the feeling of freedom, independence, and confidence. This pigeon was going against what was socially acceptable and taking on a challenge that didn’t even make sense. Did he care that his pigeon friends thought standing on barbed wire was a stupid idea? No. He had a vision, got the urge to explore, and did it. I know he is a better pigeon because of it. That pigeon helped me to realize that that is the type of attitude I need to develop. Take that stand above negativity and doubt and confidently make moves towards knowing myself. It was a moment of inspiration and oddly enough it came from Europe’s most trusted bird.
“You only get one first shot at Italy.” This is a line taken from my first 325 blog and to be completely honest, I would not have wanted my first time to be any other way. From Johnny sandwiches and Danilo sayings to Kemps and To-Lido, we have made nothing but memories. It has been a pleasure and a true blessing to have been given this opportunity. Thank you.