Last semester, I was blessed with the opportunity to spend 3 and a half month in beautiful Florence. Throughout my time there, I had the chance to travel all through Europe and even visited several different cities in Italy(I even bought a shot glass from every place I visited and ended up with about 21). School wasn't stressful in Florence and the work load was at a miminal. We had a midterm, final and maybe a paper throughout the whole the semeseter. But now as I am in the middle of the quarter back at my American University, I am having a rude awaking.
This quarter I am being buried by projects, papers and tests(which I forgot how to handle). I have so much too do and it is begining to stress me out. Why can't I travel every weekend anymore? Where are all the new and exciting sights to see? School here is very routinue. I get up, make coffee, go to class, do homework, go to bed and start the whole process over again. Living in Florence, I got to see something new or try different foods almost everyday. I miss Florence and my miminal stress occupied life.
Well, since that I have wasted some time and procasinated on my loads of work that are waiting for me, I should say "Ciao" and get on my way.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Body Image and Self Esteem
Magazines across the newspaper stands and actress’ throughout the media are telling girls how they “should look”. These images of skinny women send out messages that they have the “ideal body.” However, this is false. There are many different body types out there and each girl is beautiful in her own way.
Body image and self-esteem are social issues that I am passionate about because they have been things that I suffered with in the past. During my sophomore year of high school, I started to question my beauty. I thought that I was not pretty or skinny enough. I constantly compared myself to other people. I became a very unhappy person and started to fade away from my friends. I thought that losing weight would make me happy, so I started depriving myself of my favorite foods and exercising. Just losing a few pounds transformed into an obsession. I discovered how easy it was to lose weight and, at the time, I thought it was rewarding. So I started to lose more and more weight, thinking that being thin would make me beautiful and solve my self-esteem problems.
However, I was wrong. Losing weight hurt my self-esteem and happiness. I became so obsessed with being thin, that I started missing out on the more important things in life. I stopped hanging out with my friends and I spent countless amounts of time worrying about gaining weight.
As time passed I realized, that being thin didn’t make me happy and having the “perfect body” shouldn’t be the main focus of my life. I realized that I had so much more to offer the world and I should focus on my good qualities.
I still have days were my insecurities sneak back into my mind and try to tell me that I am not pretty enough or skinny enough. But I try and find the courage to dismiss those thoughts and tell myself that I am beautiful. I tell myself that outward appearance isn’t everything and if I could look past all that I could truly enjoy life more.
Now as I think about the way I was my sophomore year in high school, I get embarrassed. This post is very hard for me to write because I have been ashamed of my past and have tried to hide the truth from so many people. After some consideration and a lot of convincing, I decided to share my story to reach out to other people who have the same issues I dealt with. I want to tell those girls that they are not alone. I want them to know that taking those drastic measures to stay or get thin isn’t worth it. Once you reach your goal, you still won’t be able to find happiness. Happiness comes from within and cannot be found by looking a certain way. There is so much more to life than what you look like. I just wish I realized this five years ago.
Body image and self-esteem are social issues that I am passionate about because they have been things that I suffered with in the past. During my sophomore year of high school, I started to question my beauty. I thought that I was not pretty or skinny enough. I constantly compared myself to other people. I became a very unhappy person and started to fade away from my friends. I thought that losing weight would make me happy, so I started depriving myself of my favorite foods and exercising. Just losing a few pounds transformed into an obsession. I discovered how easy it was to lose weight and, at the time, I thought it was rewarding. So I started to lose more and more weight, thinking that being thin would make me beautiful and solve my self-esteem problems.
However, I was wrong. Losing weight hurt my self-esteem and happiness. I became so obsessed with being thin, that I started missing out on the more important things in life. I stopped hanging out with my friends and I spent countless amounts of time worrying about gaining weight.
As time passed I realized, that being thin didn’t make me happy and having the “perfect body” shouldn’t be the main focus of my life. I realized that I had so much more to offer the world and I should focus on my good qualities.
I still have days were my insecurities sneak back into my mind and try to tell me that I am not pretty enough or skinny enough. But I try and find the courage to dismiss those thoughts and tell myself that I am beautiful. I tell myself that outward appearance isn’t everything and if I could look past all that I could truly enjoy life more.
Now as I think about the way I was my sophomore year in high school, I get embarrassed. This post is very hard for me to write because I have been ashamed of my past and have tried to hide the truth from so many people. After some consideration and a lot of convincing, I decided to share my story to reach out to other people who have the same issues I dealt with. I want to tell those girls that they are not alone. I want them to know that taking those drastic measures to stay or get thin isn’t worth it. Once you reach your goal, you still won’t be able to find happiness. Happiness comes from within and cannot be found by looking a certain way. There is so much more to life than what you look like. I just wish I realized this five years ago.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Cooking
Moving into an apartment is definitely starting to teach me about cooking. Before I this quarter, I haven't really cooked for myself. The only thing I really myself was quesadillas, grilled cheese, sandwiches and microwavable dinners(which don't get me wrong, are all delicious), but sometimes you just want a home cooked meal, something that reminds you of home after a stressful day. Instead of complaining about it, I decided to try and make my mom's famous chicken for my friends and me.
I quickly call my mom and ask for the ingredients. Which really wasn't much: just chicken, lemon pepper marinade and bruschetta sauce from Trader Joes. As I start to make dinner, I realize I do not know the first thing about cooking. How do I marinade? How long should I marinade? How long should I bake the chicken? I then again call my mom with a whole set of questions. Finally after a long conversation, I get up more confidence to prepare dinner.
First I place the chicken on the cooking pan and cover it with lemon marinade. I then place tin foil over it and let it sit for about 45 mins. While the chicken is marinating, I preheat the oven to 350 degrees. After the 45 mins are up, I place the chicken in the oven and let it bake for about 45 mins.After it is done baking, I add the bruschetta sauce on top to give it an Italian taste. Sounds pretty simple, right?
Well it didn't taste as good as my mom makes it. I think it could have used more lemon pepper marinade. But now I know. The best way to learn is through doing. And this experience has taught me to try out different recipes. As I continue to try my hand at cooking, I am sure I will become a master chief in no time. Or least I hope.
I quickly call my mom and ask for the ingredients. Which really wasn't much: just chicken, lemon pepper marinade and bruschetta sauce from Trader Joes. As I start to make dinner, I realize I do not know the first thing about cooking. How do I marinade? How long should I marinade? How long should I bake the chicken? I then again call my mom with a whole set of questions. Finally after a long conversation, I get up more confidence to prepare dinner.
First I place the chicken on the cooking pan and cover it with lemon marinade. I then place tin foil over it and let it sit for about 45 mins. While the chicken is marinating, I preheat the oven to 350 degrees. After the 45 mins are up, I place the chicken in the oven and let it bake for about 45 mins.After it is done baking, I add the bruschetta sauce on top to give it an Italian taste. Sounds pretty simple, right?
Well it didn't taste as good as my mom makes it. I think it could have used more lemon pepper marinade. But now I know. The best way to learn is through doing. And this experience has taught me to try out different recipes. As I continue to try my hand at cooking, I am sure I will become a master chief in no time. Or least I hope.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
The Customer is Always Right
I have a fascination or rather an addiction to Starbucks Coffee. I go through gift cards rather quickly and go to Starbucks at least once a week. My love for caffeine has led to me trying virtually every espresso drink offered on the menu. After some time, I have gotten tired of the drinks Starbucks has to offer. Instead of changing my coffee loyalty and going to a new place, I decided to create my own coffee drinks. I request normal espresso drinks with random syrups. Since there are various different types of drinks and syrups, virtually endless options of what kind of treat you can create are available. The workers sometimes give me strange looks, but they have to make my request anyways. After all, the customer is always right.
Some of the drinks I have come up are the following:
1.) A caramel mocha- basically a regular mocha with caramel syrup. This tasty drink reminds me of a Twix.
2.) Hazelnut mocha- similar to a caramel mocha, but with hazelnut
3.) Toffee nut mocha- I think you are getting the picture
4.) Zebra- half white mocha and half regular mocha. Super delicious! I love white mochas, but sometimes just plain white mocha is too sweet. This combination is just right on the sweetness factor, in my opinion.
5.) Toffee nut coffee Frappuccino- gives the bland, yet simple coffee flavor a kick. The coffee flavor Frappuccino is great because it doesn’t taste too chocolaty or sugary. But without a syrup the Frappuccino tastes too boring. You could almost add any syrup to it. I am sure hazelnut, caramel, vanilla, peppermint or gingerbread would also be good with this cold treat.
Starbucks has plenty of options to choose from. Even if it is not on the menu. Just pick a drink and a syrup, and try a new combination.
Some of the drinks I have come up are the following:
1.) A caramel mocha- basically a regular mocha with caramel syrup. This tasty drink reminds me of a Twix.
2.) Hazelnut mocha- similar to a caramel mocha, but with hazelnut
3.) Toffee nut mocha- I think you are getting the picture
4.) Zebra- half white mocha and half regular mocha. Super delicious! I love white mochas, but sometimes just plain white mocha is too sweet. This combination is just right on the sweetness factor, in my opinion.
5.) Toffee nut coffee Frappuccino- gives the bland, yet simple coffee flavor a kick. The coffee flavor Frappuccino is great because it doesn’t taste too chocolaty or sugary. But without a syrup the Frappuccino tastes too boring. You could almost add any syrup to it. I am sure hazelnut, caramel, vanilla, peppermint or gingerbread would also be good with this cold treat.
Starbucks has plenty of options to choose from. Even if it is not on the menu. Just pick a drink and a syrup, and try a new combination.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Hotel Del Cornado
Located on Cornado Island, just about 26 miles South of San Diego lies a beautiful high-in resort. Its famous red and white exterior can be seen from virtually anyone on the istland. The Hotel Del Cornado is a 65,000 square foot hotel located right on the beach.
This hotel is one of my favorite travel destinations. My family is fortunate enough to have the oppurtunity to have a family reunion there every year. Prices can be a bit high( rooms range from $270-$500 dollars a night). However, the hotel offers a varitey of fun activties from guests of all ages to enjoy.
There is a pool, hot tub and beach right near the rooms. The beach rents out surf boards, boggie board and various other equipment ended for a fun day in sand. If the weather isn't great, then one can shop in the various Shops at the Del, go to the spa or dine in one of the hotel's great resturants.
Also, if you are at the Del during winter time, you can ice skate with an ocean view. From November to January, the hotel places an ice rink on the lawn. Ice skating in front of the ocean is an amazing experience. It is like the best of both worlds.
One of my favorite places for a sweet treat is located right on the hotel grounds, Moo Time. Moo Time is an ice shop that has many different flavors and toppings to choose from. They even allow you to make your own milkshake. Just tell them what type of ice cream you want and they will make it(my cousin once got a silly vanilla milkshake, which is basically vanilla ice cream with blue food coloring). If you want just a scoop of ice cream, you can have that or you can mix toppings inside the ice cream. This tasty dessert can be expensive, but the taste is worth it. It will be sure to satifsy any sweet tooth.
However, this hotel is said to be haunted by a ghost named Kate Morgan. She killed herself at the hotel in 1892 when her lover failed to meet her at the hotel. There have been several people who have clamied to have seen Morgan roaming through the halls.
I have never seen Kate Morgan and even if it is haunted, I still have the time of my life every year at the Del. I even want to get married there someday.
This hotel is one of my favorite travel destinations. My family is fortunate enough to have the oppurtunity to have a family reunion there every year. Prices can be a bit high( rooms range from $270-$500 dollars a night). However, the hotel offers a varitey of fun activties from guests of all ages to enjoy.
There is a pool, hot tub and beach right near the rooms. The beach rents out surf boards, boggie board and various other equipment ended for a fun day in sand. If the weather isn't great, then one can shop in the various Shops at the Del, go to the spa or dine in one of the hotel's great resturants.
Also, if you are at the Del during winter time, you can ice skate with an ocean view. From November to January, the hotel places an ice rink on the lawn. Ice skating in front of the ocean is an amazing experience. It is like the best of both worlds.
One of my favorite places for a sweet treat is located right on the hotel grounds, Moo Time. Moo Time is an ice shop that has many different flavors and toppings to choose from. They even allow you to make your own milkshake. Just tell them what type of ice cream you want and they will make it(my cousin once got a silly vanilla milkshake, which is basically vanilla ice cream with blue food coloring). If you want just a scoop of ice cream, you can have that or you can mix toppings inside the ice cream. This tasty dessert can be expensive, but the taste is worth it. It will be sure to satifsy any sweet tooth.
However, this hotel is said to be haunted by a ghost named Kate Morgan. She killed herself at the hotel in 1892 when her lover failed to meet her at the hotel. There have been several people who have clamied to have seen Morgan roaming through the halls.
I have never seen Kate Morgan and even if it is haunted, I still have the time of my life every year at the Del. I even want to get married there someday.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Tahoe
Hello fellow readers,
I want to take a few minutes to tell you about a fabulous hotel I stayed at in North Lake Tahoe over New Years. It is called the Hyatt Incline Village and is located 111Country Drive Incline Village, Nevada. The hotel has many activities to choose from and is located within a few minutes of some great ski resorts. The closest ski resort is Diamond Peak, which is only about five minutes away. In fact, you can even rent your ski or snowboard equipment from the hotel. This is very convenient because the lines at the ski resorts can get pretty long.
If you aren't interested in skiing or go to Tahoe during the summer, there are still plenty of things to do in the hotel itself. For those 21 and over, there is a casino full of table games and slot machines. For the kids, there is Camp Hyatt. At the camp, kids can play games with other kids while the parents get some relaxation time. While the kids at having a blast at the camp, the parents could either gamble, go to the Spa or take a dip in the heated pool and hot tub.
The hotel is also beautifully located on the lake, which provides gorgeous view. It is a nice play to take a walk.
Next time you are craving a visit to North Lake Tahoe and are looking for a place to stay, I suggest Hyatt Incline Village. It is in a great located and has excellent customer service. The staff goes above and beyond to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Those 21 and over even get a glass of champagne upon arrival. Talk about a warm welcoming!
I want to take a few minutes to tell you about a fabulous hotel I stayed at in North Lake Tahoe over New Years. It is called the Hyatt Incline Village and is located 111Country Drive Incline Village, Nevada. The hotel has many activities to choose from and is located within a few minutes of some great ski resorts. The closest ski resort is Diamond Peak, which is only about five minutes away. In fact, you can even rent your ski or snowboard equipment from the hotel. This is very convenient because the lines at the ski resorts can get pretty long.
If you aren't interested in skiing or go to Tahoe during the summer, there are still plenty of things to do in the hotel itself. For those 21 and over, there is a casino full of table games and slot machines. For the kids, there is Camp Hyatt. At the camp, kids can play games with other kids while the parents get some relaxation time. While the kids at having a blast at the camp, the parents could either gamble, go to the Spa or take a dip in the heated pool and hot tub.
The hotel is also beautifully located on the lake, which provides gorgeous view. It is a nice play to take a walk.
Next time you are craving a visit to North Lake Tahoe and are looking for a place to stay, I suggest Hyatt Incline Village. It is in a great located and has excellent customer service. The staff goes above and beyond to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Those 21 and over even get a glass of champagne upon arrival. Talk about a warm welcoming!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Travel
One of my favorite things to do is to travel and explore new places. Before I die, I would like to have visited all the 50s states and as well as several other countries. So far, I have been to 12 out of the 50 states. I was also fortunate enough to study abroad last fall, which enabled me to visit 5 countries(Italy,Germany, France, Ireland and England). And even before my study abroad experience I had the chance to go to 2 other countries(Japan and Spain)through People to People Student Ambassadors.
People to People Student Ambassador is a leadership program where high school students travel to different countries in order to foster friendships with people that live abroad and learn about their culture. Through the program, not only did I get to see beautiful places but I also got to learn about those places. The program taught me that people who live in different countries are not much different from myself. Like Mark Twain has said "travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow mindedness." I 100% agree with this quote. Since I have traveled to several different places, I no longer judge people who come from different places.
Travel is an amazing experience. I encourage each and everyone of you to travel somewhere someday. Not only will you get to see beautiful things and meet wonderful people, but you will also gain a better understanding of the world around you.
People to People Student Ambassador is a leadership program where high school students travel to different countries in order to foster friendships with people that live abroad and learn about their culture. Through the program, not only did I get to see beautiful places but I also got to learn about those places. The program taught me that people who live in different countries are not much different from myself. Like Mark Twain has said "travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow mindedness." I 100% agree with this quote. Since I have traveled to several different places, I no longer judge people who come from different places.
Travel is an amazing experience. I encourage each and everyone of you to travel somewhere someday. Not only will you get to see beautiful things and meet wonderful people, but you will also gain a better understanding of the world around you.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Facebook. Almost everyone has one. They use it to communicate with friends, learn what people are up too, to brag about their lives or (my favorite and most common reason I use it) to procrastinate. Because of that, it is also probably one of the most visited sites by young adults and teens today.
I am not going to lie.... I have Facebook opened right now as I am supposed to reading for one of my classes. Every time I log onto my computer to work on an essay or class assignment, I have one tab dedicated to Facebook. It serves as my distractor, my five minute break between blocks of writing and release from the hard work. I tried to write an essay with the internet turned off once and I couldn’t do it. Instead of taking a few breaks to update my Facebook, I would just stare at the screen. Without the distraction, I couldn’t get much done. In a way, Facebook helps me to get my papers done.
Facebook is also good for reconnecting with people. I enjoy spending countless hours catching up on what my friends are up too and chatting with a person I do not get to see often. Facebook is good for communicating with people that live far away. When I was studying in Florence, I used Facebook to keep in touch with my family and friends back home. Phone calls would have been too expensive and E-mails seem outdated. With Facebook, my friends and family could see my pictures and with that they got a better understanding of what I am doing during my time abroad. I also got to quickly read what everyone is up to via status updates. I didn’t have time to email everyone and catch up. However, I did have time to read a couple sentences about what everyone was doing.
Facebook is not always a good thing. There are those people out there who find it necessary to post everything they do. No one cares what you had breakfast, no one cares that you are too lazy to get up and go use the restroom (yes, I have actually had a friend post that as her status) and no one needs to know what you do every minute of the day. One status update per day is more than enough. I do not care to read a play by play of your day. I am seriously considering deleting people who post a new status every few minutes. Limit your posts and people (or maybe just me) would not be annoyed by your Facebook usage.
Facebook also makes it easier from stalkers to stalk you. With pictures and info posted on the web, almost anyone can found out anything about you. This may also make it easier for teens or children to become victims of cyber bullying. Cyber bullying is a major issue today and may make children feel alone. Some schools are taking a stand and teaching kids about the consequences of their actions and to respect other people.
If one takes precautions and is well formed about the potential dangers….Facebook can be amazing thing. I love Facebook and would probably we lost without it.
I am not going to lie.... I have Facebook opened right now as I am supposed to reading for one of my classes. Every time I log onto my computer to work on an essay or class assignment, I have one tab dedicated to Facebook. It serves as my distractor, my five minute break between blocks of writing and release from the hard work. I tried to write an essay with the internet turned off once and I couldn’t do it. Instead of taking a few breaks to update my Facebook, I would just stare at the screen. Without the distraction, I couldn’t get much done. In a way, Facebook helps me to get my papers done.
Facebook is also good for reconnecting with people. I enjoy spending countless hours catching up on what my friends are up too and chatting with a person I do not get to see often. Facebook is good for communicating with people that live far away. When I was studying in Florence, I used Facebook to keep in touch with my family and friends back home. Phone calls would have been too expensive and E-mails seem outdated. With Facebook, my friends and family could see my pictures and with that they got a better understanding of what I am doing during my time abroad. I also got to quickly read what everyone is up to via status updates. I didn’t have time to email everyone and catch up. However, I did have time to read a couple sentences about what everyone was doing.
Facebook is not always a good thing. There are those people out there who find it necessary to post everything they do. No one cares what you had breakfast, no one cares that you are too lazy to get up and go use the restroom (yes, I have actually had a friend post that as her status) and no one needs to know what you do every minute of the day. One status update per day is more than enough. I do not care to read a play by play of your day. I am seriously considering deleting people who post a new status every few minutes. Limit your posts and people (or maybe just me) would not be annoyed by your Facebook usage.
Facebook also makes it easier from stalkers to stalk you. With pictures and info posted on the web, almost anyone can found out anything about you. This may also make it easier for teens or children to become victims of cyber bullying. Cyber bullying is a major issue today and may make children feel alone. Some schools are taking a stand and teaching kids about the consequences of their actions and to respect other people.
If one takes precautions and is well formed about the potential dangers….Facebook can be amazing thing. I love Facebook and would probably we lost without it.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Interview Assignment
A young blonde Sam Bernstein sits down and pulls out a sheet of paper and pencils. He begins to draw storyboards and stretches of characters for potential video games. At the age of fourteen, he already knows what he wants to be when he grows up and is working hard in school so he can one day reach his goal. Sam has dreamed of becoming a video game designer since he was eight years old. “I think it will be a fun job,” Sam says. “And I have a knack for it.”
Video gaming has been a part of Sam’s life since he was three years old. He would frequently play with his sister’s Game Boy to entertain himself. He didn’t have his own Game Boy and playing his sister’s Barbie game was his only option. Although mentioning the name of the first game may be embarrassing, he is grateful for having the opportunity to discover his passion. “My sister introduced me to gaming and I have a ton to thank her for that.” Ever since then, his interest in video games has grown as he has spent countless hours trying to perfect his talent and discover secrets about his favorite games.
He enjoys games that have easy controls, yet are hard to complete the most. He enjoys a challenge, but does not think the controls should be a part of the complexity. If the controls are too hard to manage, it makes game play frustrating, Sam explains. He hopes to one day make a game that challenges kids, but also is enjoyable to play.
His interest in video games does not stop at game play. Sam also reads about the history of video games, watches game play on YouTube and is often brainstorming ideas for games he would like to invent. With his determination and a binder full of ideas, he eagerly begins to attempt to accomplish his goals. “I think it will be a little hard, but I will try,” Sam said with his head held up high.
Video gaming has been a part of Sam’s life since he was three years old. He would frequently play with his sister’s Game Boy to entertain himself. He didn’t have his own Game Boy and playing his sister’s Barbie game was his only option. Although mentioning the name of the first game may be embarrassing, he is grateful for having the opportunity to discover his passion. “My sister introduced me to gaming and I have a ton to thank her for that.” Ever since then, his interest in video games has grown as he has spent countless hours trying to perfect his talent and discover secrets about his favorite games.
He enjoys games that have easy controls, yet are hard to complete the most. He enjoys a challenge, but does not think the controls should be a part of the complexity. If the controls are too hard to manage, it makes game play frustrating, Sam explains. He hopes to one day make a game that challenges kids, but also is enjoyable to play.
His interest in video games does not stop at game play. Sam also reads about the history of video games, watches game play on YouTube and is often brainstorming ideas for games he would like to invent. With his determination and a binder full of ideas, he eagerly begins to attempt to accomplish his goals. “I think it will be a little hard, but I will try,” Sam said with his head held up high.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Writer's Block
We all have it sometime in our lives. It sticks with us at the absolute wrong time and hinders your creative process. It makes simple tasks like writing a blog about anything frustrating and difficult. I have writers block right now and cannot think of any good stories or ideas to place in this blog.
Writer's block is even making my assignment for fiction writing class seem almost impossible. I enjoy writing fiction and am aiming to have a book published one day, but lately my creative juices have not been flowing.
Hopefully with some time and after I complete some of the assigned fiction writing prompts geared to help deal with writer's block, my mind will be full of fabulous ideas for stories. But as for now, I will go through my day and try not to let my writer's block get in my way.
Writer's block is even making my assignment for fiction writing class seem almost impossible. I enjoy writing fiction and am aiming to have a book published one day, but lately my creative juices have not been flowing.
Hopefully with some time and after I complete some of the assigned fiction writing prompts geared to help deal with writer's block, my mind will be full of fabulous ideas for stories. But as for now, I will go through my day and try not to let my writer's block get in my way.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
The Best Semester of my Life
I have been back at Santa Clara University for about four days now. However, it still feels strange to be back on campus because it has been so long since I was last here. This fall I was blessed with the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy.
I spent 3.5 months in Florence and fell in love with the city. The food, people, sites and shopping were all fantastic. I enjoyed being able to walk everywhere. Florence is the perfect size; not too small where you see the same face all the time, but not too big that is unmanageable to navigate. I walked everywhere in Florence and most other towns I visited in Europe, which allowed me to consume all of the different kinds of fabulous food that is found in Italy.
If anyone knows me well, they can tell you that I normally do not eat a lot and have a relatively small appetite. However, this was not the case in Italy. With all the walking I did and all the delicious food surrounding me, I indulged and ate my way through Italy. I love Italian food and took advantage of the fact that this food was available to me.
I miss several things about being in Italy. I miss the people I met, the food, being able to walk and see beautiful churches and monuments. At first adjusting back to life in American was difficult. I couldn't walk anywhere I wanted to go, I couldn't find amazing pasta/pizza, I couldn't be impressed by a new work of art everyday and I couldn't see all the fabulous friends I made. To be honest, I was a tab bit depressed at first. I had the time of my life in Florence and I did not want to leave. After awhile, I started to get used to life back in America. I rediscovered the awesome taste of Mexico food(which one can not find in Italy) and I got to reconnect with my friends and family.
Even though I still miss being in Italy and am eager to return one day, I am happy to be back at Santa Clara University. I will always look back on my study abroad experience and smile because, it was the best semester of my life. And I was truly thankful that my parents supported me and made my dream to study in a different country a reality.
I spent 3.5 months in Florence and fell in love with the city. The food, people, sites and shopping were all fantastic. I enjoyed being able to walk everywhere. Florence is the perfect size; not too small where you see the same face all the time, but not too big that is unmanageable to navigate. I walked everywhere in Florence and most other towns I visited in Europe, which allowed me to consume all of the different kinds of fabulous food that is found in Italy.
If anyone knows me well, they can tell you that I normally do not eat a lot and have a relatively small appetite. However, this was not the case in Italy. With all the walking I did and all the delicious food surrounding me, I indulged and ate my way through Italy. I love Italian food and took advantage of the fact that this food was available to me.
I miss several things about being in Italy. I miss the people I met, the food, being able to walk and see beautiful churches and monuments. At first adjusting back to life in American was difficult. I couldn't walk anywhere I wanted to go, I couldn't find amazing pasta/pizza, I couldn't be impressed by a new work of art everyday and I couldn't see all the fabulous friends I made. To be honest, I was a tab bit depressed at first. I had the time of my life in Florence and I did not want to leave. After awhile, I started to get used to life back in America. I rediscovered the awesome taste of Mexico food(which one can not find in Italy) and I got to reconnect with my friends and family.
Even though I still miss being in Italy and am eager to return one day, I am happy to be back at Santa Clara University. I will always look back on my study abroad experience and smile because, it was the best semester of my life. And I was truly thankful that my parents supported me and made my dream to study in a different country a reality.
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