I Can Sleep On The Plane

As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do.  ~Zachary Scott

After a long day, with the early morning fast approaching, it often seems like the best thing to do is curl up into my bed with a good book, or movie and settle in for a relaxing evening. At least it's probably the most responsible thing.

That was my plan Wednesday night after a long day in Rome; finalizing my trip home, last minute shopping, English lessons - I was worn out. But as I sat in the living room with Bea, Francesca and Vincenzo enjoying some of our last moments together, Francesca told me to get up, get dressed and go out with Sabrina.

“You can sleep on the plane,” she told me.

Sometimes responsibility needs to take a back seat and the moment in front of you needs to be seized.

It had been our plan; spend Wednesday night at one of the biggest night clubs in Rome with our friends - and then I changed my mind, told myself I was too tired. 

Too tired?!

I had 4 days left in Rome, and I was “too tired”??!

Sabrina wouldn’t take no for an answer, and she was right. If I wouldn’t have gone, I would have missed out on one of the best night I’ve had in Rome. 

Muccassassina, a 4-story Gay club in Rome; live shows, great music, and a night I’ll never forget. 

In the end, the decision to go with Sabrina was the right one. I’m not saying every Wednesday night you need to throw responsibilty out the door, but as I’ve mentioned in the past, sometimes you need to allow yourself pleasure - allow your cares to fade away and happiness to overcome your entire being, even if just for a moment - trust me, you won’t regret it. 

Such A Small World

"Friendship is the golden thread that ties the heart of all the world."

Sometimes we strive so hard to find happiness. We decide after we successfully accomplish something, we will be happy, or, we will have the right to be happy. Living in Italy has helped me realize to be truly happy, you can’t tie it to material objects or measures of success, you must tie it to your outlook on life; the people you surround yourself with, the joy you can allow yourself to feel when doing the most basic activities; talking a walk, singing in the rain with friends, sharing a glass of wine under the stars. 

The last two weekends I got to spend with my friend Andrea from Reggio Calabria. He was in Rome taking his GREs and IELTs (English tests). His plan is to go to Penn State to study next year! This amazes me, absolutely amazes me. The world is so small, I mean, after meeting just over a year ago from a crazy study abroad experience, I  have made one of the dearest friends in my life. Now, not only are we together in Italy, but we will be together in America. The memories we make will last a lifetime & I love knowing that not even that big pond can separate us. TVB <3

Let's Go To The Movies!

“Cinema should make you forget you are sitting in a theater.” 

 ~Roman Polanski

In Rome last Saturday it was miserably hot, and sometimes, Italy is too much - the coffee isn’t big enough, the gym’s smell like B.O., and everything closes at noon for a siesta.

Alas, finding a movie theatre, in Rome, where you can watch Harry Potter in English gave me and Michelle a little slice of America just when we needed it. 

Popcorn, candy, red velvet seats, surround-sound, and English - lots of English.

For two hours we escaped the heat and felt at home; and sometimes, there’s nothing wrong with going home.

Due

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you did not do. 

So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. 

Catch the trade winds in your sails. 

Explore. 

Dream. 

Discover.”

Two girls, from two completely different countries, time zones...basically, two completely different worlds. But together, they have formed a common a bond; spreading their wings out to fly solo, amongst strangers, all while trying to figure out what direction their life should and will take them next.

There is no better place, to relax from a long day and think about their future, then along the sandy beaches of Ostia, Italy. Watching the sun set over the Mediterranean, they watch the day light colors of white and blue fade into long ribbons of purple and pink, all while sipping on a quite memorable wine and laughing at the creepy Italian men as they pass by.

Two girls.

Two Au Pairs.

Two friends <3 

We don't have it all together; we have faults and fears, and every day stresses, but, somehow, lying on that towel, feeling the breeze in our face and the sound of the ocean reaching the beach, we realize everything will be ok. 

And for a moment, life is picture perfect.

Fulfilling Our Dreams

 Who ever says dreams don't come true? 

A dream is a wish your heart makes...and believe me, I'm a perfect example of conquering your fears and fulfilling your dreams, as is my friend Travis! 

On one of our final days together in Reggio last summer, Travis and I stood on a balcony over looking the sea, and the beautiful beach of Scilla.

Together, we promised each other we would return to Italy.

On Saturday, our promise to one another came true!

We both have returned to Italy; venturing off onto two different paths, but our promises, our dreams, came true.

I was thrilled to be with him in Rome. It was nice having a familiar face around! We ate Italian food, drank some wine (and some more wine), traveled around Piazza Venezia, and finished our evening eating gelato in front of the Pantheon...

The beauty of Italy is something we both treasure.

I’m excited for his adventures, and although we are missing many links to our Summer 2010 group, the memories remain in our heart, and on our minds constantly!

Dining at Piazza di Spagna

I had the pleasure of eating at Hotel di Russie last night at

Piazza di Spagna. A client of my dad's is vacationing in Europe for a while, and we were able to meet up and enjoy an unbelievably amazing meal. 

La Bella Vita!

Just Taking A Walk....

Oh hey there Colosseum!

 Never have I enjoyed walking so much!

 Ancient Rome...what a site

 The Two Brothers lol

 I Love This Fountain

 Sabrina e Io :)

 Sabrina, Meggie e Io...ROMA!

La Bella Vita

Meeting Meggie

It’s amazing the type of people you meet in your life. Here I am thinking packing up from State College and moving to Rome at 22 was a big step for me....then I met Meggie.

Meggie - in just a few words is an English blonde who has traveled all over Europe working as an Au Pair. 

And she’s YOUNGER than me! 

We meet last night as Francesca (my host mom) and Simona (Meggie’s host mom) are  best friends. There was an immediate connection with her, and I know we will have fun together; once I get over the shock that she is not only bi-lingual, or tri-lingual but can speak 4 languages fluently....and again..

SHE’S YOUNGER THAN ME.

Man do I feel under-accomplished?

Both families, including the young ones went into Roma last night. We walked around Piazza Trilussa, drank some white vino together and chatted outside with mingling Italians.

I’m strongly starting to feel the urge to speak fluently in Italian. Everyone around me can, and my level isn’t even up to par with Beatrice (who’s 4)...but as I sit here blogging, I’m also studying the language.

Maybe Meggie will help. 

After all, she does know four different languages.

Meggie will be a big help though, and I am grateful for knowing her. She has so much experience in this area of work, and I can already tell she will guide me as best as she can. Which is something I know I will need.

I’m off to eat some Gelato and walk around Ostia. I need to figure this place out a little more!

Ciao ciao! Noi parleremo a presto!

For Good

"Who Can Say If I've Been Changed For The Better, But, Because I Knew You, I Have Been Changed For Good."

Last night I met up with one of my most cherished friends. Jill and I have been close since 8th grade, and we have been through it all! I hadn’t seen her in literally 4 months, but, despite our time apart, it felt as if we hadn’t missed a beat. 

We were that annoying old couple sitting at an Eat n’ Park talking for over three hours  about life, family, jobs...boys. 

There was a lot of laughter, some tears, but most importantly, there was love.

Simple, basic and pure love between two friends.

No matter how much distance is between us, or the length of time we go without seeing each other, the love NEVER dies. 

This is true for all of the friends in my life I love. 

Next Tuesday as I bored my plane to Rome two things will be on my mind:

1. When will I get to eat gelato?
2. When will I see the people I love again?

I can’t tell you how scared I am to move to a strange place knowing I will be without my friends. If I could, I would pack up each and every one of you and put you in my suitcase.

I know that is not realistic.

I know we all have destinies to fulfill, our own lives to live, and different places to go. 

Never underestimate the power of friendship. I am the person I am today because of my friends, and I love you all with my entire soul for being in my life.

I wish I could name all of you, but you know who you are.

You’re the ones I laugh hysterically in front of; smile uncontrollably at; drink loads of alcohol and watch stupid movies with. 

You’re the ones who hang out with my parents and wait for me when I’m 45 minutes late.

You meet me for Starbucks, or talk with me on the phone for hours. You make fun of me, all the while making sure I know you’re being sarcastic. You complain with me about work and our jobs, but then hang around Whiskers or an unnamed radio joint just for the company. 

When people try to hurt me, you stand up for me; and when I’m down, you pick me up.

You play basketball with me, then get dressed to the nines for a night out. You laugh at my obsessions with the Backstreet Boys and Kobe Bryant, but you let me sing out loud when I feel the need. We dance to Lady Gaga and Rihanna, and you save me from the most faithful creepers of all.

You hug me when I need it, or just cause, and you support me, through thick and thin.

And most importantly, you love me, ‘cause I’m amazing, Just The Way I Am :) 

We all have people come in and out of our life.

Sometimes, it hurts when we lose someone, Other times, its freeing to let go and live.

Either way, I know everyone who has been in my life has impacted me in some way, shape or form. And for that, I am thankful.

As I prepare for this move, please know one thing. No matter where I go, or how far we are from one another, I will carry your presence, your love and your friendship with me wherever I go.

Wicked, the smashing broadway musical says it best in the song “FOR GOOD”

"It well may be 

That we will never meet again 

In this lifetime 

So let me say before we part 

So much of me 

Is made of what I learned from you 

You'll be with me 

Like a handprint on my heart 

And now whatever way our stories end 

I know you have re-written mine 

By being my friend.."

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