Parma, Perspective and Personhood

Entering a new country, traversing foreign segments of the globe and inhabiting a new household amongst complete strangers, evokes challenges, insights and alternative modes of seeing. Over the past few months in Europe, I have oriented myself towards various destinations, while remaining anchored in Parma for the duration of my experience. The weekend features of my stay have been incredible, but are the embellishments on the fabric of my experience, rather than the primary composition that has made it so special. Parma has become my home. It has been the place where I return, at the conclusion of a long weekend, where I spend time after classes and where I dine amongst the family that has warmly welcomed me into their home and into their lives.

My initial impression of Parma pales in comparison to what it has come to mean for me today. As I sit at the kitchen table of my host family, enjoying a fresh cup of coffee while one of my brothers ventures to school with his Nonna and my other brother sits to my left eating cereal, pleasantly surprised by an immediate vacation from school due to a teacher strike, I contemplate the elements of my experience that have distinguished my time in this lovely place.  Just last night, I stood, embracing my host brother as tears streamed down his face, after discovering that Santa Claus was imagined and not real. Positing that the magic still exists can’t compensate for the destruction of innocence that accompanies this realization. Small, but pivotal moments like this serve as a reminder of the time and space I occupy in the lives of my host family members, in addition to them occupying a place in mine. The reciprocal exchanges we have shared over the past months have been highly impressionable and have differentiated my life as a Parmesan, as well as molded their experiences.

Living with my host family has certainly made my study abroad experience. There are challenges embedded in this immersion process, but it is undoubtedly a inequitable feature of living in this new home. Living with a host family makes the experience real. Not to detract from other living arrangements, but it allows you to see the moments of struggle and epitomes of joy people undergo while conducting themselves in an environment that is not subject to the artificial regimen of a school-sleep-play schedule. Pensive and meaningful conversations take place. People are vulnerable. Sometimes, it isn’t all that grand. But it allows me to see and experience and live amongst others who are managing more than a predetermined schedule that alternates by block classes on Monday, Wednesday, Friday then Tuesday, Thursday. And this is different. I have never lived, and directed my experiences without the commitments of clubs and alternative activities, amidst my studies before. I haven’t constructed a lifestyle in the same ideology of the concept, while in school before. The autonomy embedded in the study abroad experience, coupled with the experience of a host family living situation, evokes an entirely different perspective than I would have acquired at Boston College or any environment at an educational institution in America. The emphasis on conversation, priority of family relationships and immersion in the present, in the joy of the moment, are tendencies I appreciate and hope to transplant to Boston College. While I realize this is impossible due to the dynamics of my schedule and the extent of my commitments, I am still thankful for this perspective and introduction to a mode of living that presents an alternative to my usual mode of operation.

In addition to the relationships I have bridged with others in this setting, I have been able to develop a better relationship with myself, delving into areas of introspection that where previously left unperturbed due to other commitments. During my time abroad, I have been blessed with the time to reflect. This unique gift has allowed me to truly take time for myself, contemplate the relevance of my experiences and reconsider how I would like to proceed in my time at Boston College and beyond. While this was not originally an ostensible benefit of going abroad, it has been one of the most invaluable pieces of my experience. The lessons learned and perspective acquired will truly transcend the extent of my stay in Parma, and help me formulate my life going forward. For this I am thankful. For study abroad I am unequivocally appreciative. For all of those that enabled me to take on this new adventure, Grazie.

Admiring Athens, Adventuring in Amsterdam

The past few weekends have decimated my expectations, erected a new realm of knowledge, and absolutely astonished me in every way possible. Whether climbing around the Acropolis or arranging Amsterdam museum visits, I have been pleased by the cultural experiences I have acquired over the past month in the company of great friends. In Athens, I was able to traverse the land with some of my favorite Parmesans. Sights seen include the Acropolis, Olympic Stadium and Parthenon. While wandering the intricate streets of Plata, I saw numerous cafes, boasting with character and a unique flavor. Markets and shops were abundant- I even purchased an evil eye necklace for good luck.

The dining experience in Greek was very pleasing to the palate. Plates ranged from falafel to Gyros and café freddo, my favorite beverage of the weekend. This coffee drink was a frothed version of a iced espresso, dolloped with a dash of foamy milk. Simply amazing.

Amsterdam had it’s own set of accouterments, many of which are a tribute to the unique and rich culture of the area. My first impression of Amsterdam was very welcoming. English was spoken everywhere. My succeeding impressions were highly variable, based on the attractions I encountered. I did enter and pass through the Red Light district and saw some interesting cafes. The highlight of the experience was the Van Gogh Museum, The Rijksmuseum and the “I (Am)sterdam” display. Not to mention, I had excellent (haha) omelets and hollandaise sauce. I also treated myself to a steak dinner (for Thanksgiving) and some chicken wings (different meal). The food was almost as varied as the clientele and educational features of the city. Again, expanding my world view was much appreciated and beckons further interest traveling abroad. 

Bests in Belgium

This past weekend, I travelled to Brussels and Brugge, in the beautiful land of Belgium. I was fortunate to be amongst my best friends, weaving through narrow streets and tasting fine chocolates, in a landscape speckled with fall foliage. The elegance and warmth of the scenery was a perfect complement to the company of my best friends. We convened in central Belgium, which became our anchor point for the weekend, although the majority of our time was spent in Brugge. Only an hour by train, Brugge was an intimate town of immense character. Delicate, sugar dusted waffles, heaping piles of warm fries with mayonnaise, and morsels of fine, marscarpone infused chocolate pleased my palate throughout the entire day. We were also able to sit down in tea shoppes, enjoy Christmas shopping and laugh as our silly, silly selves.

Conversing about our differential experiences develops my knowledge about how my  friends new homes have been transformative, as well as reminds me how much I appreciate my temporary home of Parma. Learning about Molly and Bridget’s host mom, the paella that is her staple dish, and the intricacies of the flamenco dance class that takes place on Monday evenings. are the small details of the conversation that give me a glimpse into life in Seville, even if I will never visit or life there. Rome occupies a completely new space in my mind when I learn of the places and experiences Krista has had while living there over the past few months. Despite the variable nature of our experiences, a common thread remains embedded in our desires; to enjoy the company of each other, return for our next semester at B.C. and continue to grow throughout the duration of this experience. 

Ciao for Now

For all those who have been following my travels, I thank you for your interest. I will continue to update my blog in the following weeks to come. This week has contained an abundance of examinations, commitments and experiences that have not been typical of my routine so far. I am excited to share the weeks to come, which will also feature travels to Brussels, Amsterdam, Athens and the Alps! Ciao for now!

Home for Halloween

This lovely weekend was spent in the locality of Parma. My home for the semester. the place where I belong. Amidst my trips and travels, I have truly cherished the chance to explore Parma and develop an enhanced sense of familiarity with my gravitational axis for these three months. Parma is unlike anywhere I have previously been. The nooks and crannies filled with numerous paninoteccas and handmade jewelry shops are truly unique- they comprise the authentic Italian setting I have craved to inhabit throughout my study abroad experience. So as I dance from one pananinotecca to the next, deliberating on whether I would like prosciutto crudo or cotto, my preoccupation about the revolving door of internships I will circle through when I return to Boston dissipates. Here, I am where my feet are, concentrated on what lies before me. The present dominates my thoughts. I am liberated from the past and future ; I am anchored to the immediate.

Halloween evening was much different than the traditional American celebration that occurs back home. With recent globalization patterns, American tendencies have transmitted to Parma, prompting acknowledgement for the holiday but a diminished prevalence of dressing up. Thereby, Halloween is not the focal point of the weekend. Rather, All Saint Day takes precedence; all stores and shops suspend activity for the day and families are able to convene in honor of their lost loved ones. Even so, I was able to carve a pumpkin with my little host brothers, Leo and Lo. The Jack-O-Lantern was quite spectacular, I must say. It even required an implant. The second tooth was mistakenly removed. With a tooth pick addendum, we managed to reconstruct the facial identity of the pumpkin. All restored, the carved masterpiece sat tabletop during our dinner.

After dinner, we managed to pump up the tunes. Ranging from Macklemore to the Beach Boys, we covered the spectrum. Queen was also included. The missing element was a song described as “duh-duh----duh-duh-duh-duh – HEY” by Lorenzo. A Shazam attempt to discover the tittle was unrewarded. However, I was able to decipher the beat-box of my little bro and pick up on the song as “On Top of the World” by Imagine Dragons. I am now officially cool on account of the little brothers. If the nerf gun fights didn’t impress them, this cemented my awesomeness in their perception. The impressionable moments like these are the things that authenticate and create my experience.  When I am dancing around the kitchen table, carving pumpkins, jamming to the Beach Boys, and eating Parmesan cheese, I feel on top of the world. 

Live, Louvre, Laugh

My adventures in Paris were spent in a great city with even better people. Giggles and pastries trumped any tribulations of my travels, which consisted of many more transfers than I had originally considered myself capable. My days in the beautiful city were spent with my best friend, Krista Veikos, and many more people that made the experience so incredible.

Our first destination was the signature landmark- the Eiffel Tower. The 301 meter masterpiece was well worth the glory it had received. Winding through the intricate pathways of the tower brought excitement, more giggles of course and also appreciation- for this unique experience I have been afforded. In the midst of these adventuresome days, I am still in a stupor of disbelief that this opportunity has been one I have been able to seize. I am literally with my best friend, prancing up the Eiffel Tower, with my cheeks glowing from either the cocoa covered cappuccino I just drank or the consistent bouts of laughter that emerge from me being with my best friend. Atop the tower, the view of Paris was simply magnificent. The sprawling buildings had an eloquence I haven’t encountered throughout my other travels. I was overwhelmingly impressed, to say the least.

To the Louvre we continued. Gaining free admission with my Dante Alighieri student status, I entered what is one of the most famous galleries in the world, with the objective of seeing the Mona Lisa. Selfies with the Mona Lisa? Sounds good to me.

I will admit that in the span of this Parisian weekend I did make moves to get Chipotle and Starbucks, as unauthentic as those undertakings may be. No regrets. No disappointments. Simply more giggles.

Saturday’s agenda was centered around Versailles. The Chateau was exquisite and  irreplaceable. The gold gated palace was one of a kind, as were the many fountains in the vicinity. The crepes beforehand set the scene for a wonderful adventure. There is arguably no better place in the world to have a first crepe experience. My gorgonzola, ham, walnut and arugula masterpiece fully supports that statement. Supplemental supporting evidence would most certainly be my chestnut and crème infused, cinnamon ice cream topped second attempt at crepe consumption.

What a wonderful world.