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

Feelin' A Bit Irish

“May you never lie, steal, cheat or drink.
But if you must lie, lie in each other's arms.
If you must steal, steal kisses.
If you must cheat, cheat death.
And if you must drink, drink with us, your friends.”

-Irish Proverb

Everyone has their favorite hang-out spot. You know, that place where you can meet your friends after work for Happy Hour, or for coffee and gossip, or to clear your head and unwind after a stressful day. 

The place where everyone knows your name.

That was so cliche, so I digress.

I had these places back home; Starbucks (all three of them in State College), Barnes and Nobles, and Whiskers, (when I wasn’t working of course). These places offered me comfort, a place to study, or read, or a place to relax with my friends. 

When you move on from college, or move away from a comfort zone, it’s often difficult to find that “place”; You want to have fun, meet new people, all at the same time, feeling comfortable and “at home”.

Finally, after a few months of wondering Italy trying to fine a few “places”. I’ve succeeded! VIVA!!! I know where I can go to have the best aperitivos, coffees and gelato without feeling like an outsider.

And, when I want to feel at home...

like, really at home, I can head over to Scholar’s Lounge.

An Irish Pub where I can watch Penn State football, The NFL, AND the Lakers, eat grilled chicken salads, or buffalo wings, and speak English without feeling like I’m being disrespectful. 

It took me a while, and a few uneventful experiences, but I found these places that make Rome a little more like home. Everyone wants that place they can go; where the people are friendly, the music is good, and the atmosphere allows you to sit back and smile and enjoy the beautiful life they have been granted. If I can find these places, ANYONE can!

So if you’ve recently moved, and are looking for that “place”, have patience and give it some time - you’ll eventually stumble upon it the way I did, and you’ll cherish the moment you do!

My Best Friend

“We have something special that no one, no distance, no time can take away...we have each other.” 

-Andrew Tawney

I’ve spent the last 20 days with my best friend Nichele. Someone who I can sit beside on a couch, without saying a word, yet feeling completely satisfied. 

Someone I feel completely invincible with, whether we are running around Rome, or catching invisible trains to Reggio Calabria. When I’m with Nichele, my happiness reaches a completely different level. 

I can count on her to be there when I need her the most, to tell me when I’m overreacting, smack me when I date the wrong guys, or be my sidekick when a girl needs put in her place. 

But most of all, despite time apart, and a big pond between us, nothing changed they way we are together. We are both growing up and finding our own way through life, but, no matter what we do, or where we end up, we will always stay grounded and always stay true to each other. 

We have had our moments, times when we destroy everything and everyone in our path, when we drink too much and say things we don’t mean.  Without Neesh, I wouldn’t lose my keys and get robbed, without me, Neesh wouldn’t get stuck in Italy and lose her phone. But, we realize without each other, these moments just wouldn’t quite be the same. We are learning and growing together, and making an impact everywhere we go (good or bad).

Because that is what true friendship is about, loving each other and accepting each other for who we are, no matter where this crazy world takes us. We conquered Penn State together, we are conquering Italy together, next, who knows, but with her, I am confident we could conquer the world.

Ti Voglio Tanto Bene Neeshy <3 

M&M Take Rome By Storm!

“You May Say I’m A  Dreamer, But I’m Not The Only One”
 - John Lennon

Two years ago I spent my summer in State College as a PR intern for the American Red Cross. While there, not only did I develop skills in my field of interest, but I met people who would become staples in my life. 

People I would be able to count on. 

Friends I could trust. 

That summer was a life-changing summer, for many reasons, and I feel blessed with the people who found a way into my life, for I am a better and stronger person because of them today.

Crazy how life comes around full circle

One of my dear friends I made that summer, Michelle, has been a huge part of my life for these past two years. We’ve laughed together, drank way to many Monkey Boys together, cried together, and now, we are working together!

Three weeks ago, Michelle packed up her bags and jumped on a plane to Rome to live with an Italian family and help guide and teach their children.

We both have dreams, dreams to take the PR world by storm someday, and we are both willing to leave our comfort zones and grow. Whether that means living in a foreign country or not, now, I have a dear friend next to me to take Rome by storm. Even if we pay 8 Euro for pictures with fake soldiers :)

Finding Chu Pito

“So here’s to all those summer nights 
when my feet hit the sand, 
the waves break my fall, 

and my friends out number the stars.”

Tonight marks the beginning of Summer in Ostia as the discos (dance clubs) on the beach open up for the season. I'm slightly nervous, as this is a new world to me, but excited as I recall the many evenings I spent with some beautiful friends at the discos in Reggio...

Dancing on the beach, next to the Mediterranean.

Cold drinks (expensive, but cold)

Great friends...

La Bella Vita... 

And how can I forget our "spot?"

Ahhh Chu Pito...

...Chew what?

Chu Pito - the infamous “shot bar” in Reggio. Literally, a complete hole-in-the-wall. The size of a small bedroom, packed with bottles of alcohol, sweaty, greasy Italians, and bartenders who could quite possibly out-rank any professional mixologist.

Chu Pito.

This is where it started. 

All of our summer nights spent dancing in Calabria along the shore of the Mediterranean.

“Posso avere una Margarita?” 

I laugh thinking about my first attempt ordering my first “drink” in Calabria. In my hot pink halter dress my mom bought me from Victoria’s Secret...the bartender was certainly not listening to me, just starring at my chest.

Probably a good thing though, I sounded utterly ridiculous trying to annunciate and pronounce my Italian phrase - they could tell I was American and it was embarrassing.

I can only hope that now I sound a bit more Italian - and less like an American!

From that moment on, our nights in Calabria relied on our pre-game at Chu Pito. And often on our way home, we relied on Chu Pito for a bathroom stop, or a much-needed water break :)

Our first stop at Chu Pito came after our group dinner at Via Veneto, my favorite place to eat in all of Reggio! There, we met our new friends who would make our Summer 2010 unforgettable. 

When we ventured out into the evening, Chu Pito seemed nothing more than a typical Italian bar (cafe in our minds), but it quickly became a favorite meeting point, a familiar spot for us all.


Tonight, as I begin my summer in Rome, me and my friend Sabrina will walk along the marina, and stop for a drink somewhere.


Will it be quite like Chu Pito? Absolutely not.
There is only one Chu Pito!
But, if there's one thing I'm sure of, wherever we go, I'll have a chance to make new friends and find a new "spot". A spot that could become my new Chu Pito where lots of memories will be made and smiled upon when I look back on this summer, Summer 2011.


This is true for everyone. Memories are not made because of where you go, or the places you frequent- memories are made by the the people you're with - together, you create the memories that last a lifetime.

Lost in Rome

Friday the 13th - you’ve done it to me again.

Actually, this one was probably the best joke yet!

After a beautiful evening eating at a very “posh” restaurant in the Piazza di Spagna, I couldn’t imagine how my evening could go wrong. I’m in Italy, everything is always perfect...at least so I thought.

Around 11:30 I headed back to the Metro station to make my journey back into Ostia - to my surprise, the trains for this one particular line had stopped working (Che palle! I knew I should have read the signs).

I asked a few people how to get back to Ostia, but I knew my time was running out - remember, this is Rome, not New York, bus lines don’t run 24/7.

I was filled with a variety of emotions; 

I could cry - but what would that do? I would just look vulnerable and ruin my makeup...

I could freak out - 

again, what would that accomplish? 

Or, I could laugh.

I went with the latter.

I laughed and smiled as I walked down the pebblestone streets in stilettos contemplating what alley I could sleep in for the night. But, I wasn’t afraid, in fact - I felt adventurous. I could either sink or swim in this situation. I needed to get lost, to find my way home, because I am alone - there is no security link for me to latch onto - independence is a must - as well as strength.

With hope diminishing, I decided to text my friend Saso, 

“Saso, OMG, I’m lost - in Rome! Aituo! (help)”

He called me immediately, and I just couldn’t help but laugh. What was he going to be able to do? He lives 8 hours from Rome, in Reggio. Hearing his voice was helpful though - comforting. A familiar voice is always helpful in times of stress. And I was grateful to have someone to talk too ( I didn’t want to look like a complete fool).

He helped me - rescued me in fact! I got to Piazza Venezia in one piece and found the right bus to take my straight back to Ostia. 

I had never felt more relieved to walk into my house and lay down in my little bed then I did Friday evening. 

Friday the 13th - you tried hard to screw with me, 

and you almost won. 

But - just like usual - I beat you again!

I was home - safely and soundly.

And I had discovered a friend I knew I could count on - even if he is 8 hours away!

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.."

.