GL350: Week Five

After this week I have a new appreciation for the meaning of "home". While I am excited to return to the U.S. my heart is breaking knowing we leave in three weeks. I was reminded this weekend that I not only have a "home" in Ohio but in Spain and Italy as well.
     
This past weekend, I returned to Spain for the second time to spend more time with Leire and her family. This year was the first time I have ever met her family and friends since I first met her two years ago. From the very moment I arrived I felt like I was at home. The warmth and hospitality her parents offered was more than appreciated. Even though her dad barely speaks English and her mom speaks some, I feel like I connected with them both. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet them both. While standing at the airport, I was reminding myself and reassuring Leire that I wasn't going to cry, because it wasn't a goodbye. (I have high expectations now that I've seen her two times in less than three weeks.) Something that will stick with me forever is while hugging me she told me, "This will always be your home, too." For only meeting her parents twice and staying at their house two times, I feel as if I've known them my whole life. Amorebieta-Exanto, Spain is home.
     
Thursday we carried out the American tradition and celebrated Thanksgiving. Thousands of miles of way or not, we are still American. While at an English mass on Thursday morning, it really struck me how truly American we are. I know during the week whether it be by dress or food we sometimes try hard to fit in with the Italians. Who are we kidding? Seriously. I'm pretty sure the only one who can pull it off is Dave. I am loud, express my emotions, eat peanut butter, love ice and take pictures of everything. I can't hide the fact that I am American, nor am I ashamed. At the end of the mass on Thursday, The Ambassador for the U.S. in Italy read the proclamation given by President Obama, and we sang "America the Beautiful". Correct me if I'm wrong, but everyone was belting out this tune...well at least I was. Talk about pride.
When we are in class discussing the differences between the U.S. and Europe whether it be healthcare or culture, it is now clear why we judge Italy so much. Nothing really compares to America. I will be the first to say that it is hard to conform to another society. I came here with an open mind and try to still keep one while keeping the complaining to a minimun; but I have to catch myselves at times. Taking a step back and realizing the differences makes me makes me appreciate where I come from. The food, the culture, the American way of life. I love every bit of it. I now understand how Barzini states in The Italians how Italians will always come back to Italy and they are drawn here, I feel that statement applies to Americans as well. America will always be home.

In these past four weeks, I have learned more than I would have ever expected. I don't want to think about leaving, and it literally brings tears to my eyes knowing that in three weeks we will be boarding a plane headed home. No more pizza, no more gelato, no more trains; back to snowy Ohio. While I am excited to reunite with my family, friends, and beloved pets I don't want to leave. Just as in Spain, it is amazing how acclamated I have become with Rome and Italy in so little time. Italy will always be a part of me, and I will take everything I have learned with me. "Rome Home" will always be home.
Three beautiful places I can call "Home". I would consider myself pretty lucky.