From me to You(pl.)

Macerata - A portion of the outer wall

      The last bits of the program are lasting but not long enough for my liking. I am going to offer some observations, available to all but aimed at my successors abroad, before the end of the term exams and impressions tangle me up and the chance to write for please/employment jumps as far out of my reach as late pomegranates behind local-garden walls. The following tidbits were rustled up in my own mental kitchen, though other students in my situation may have baked (completely or partially) similar impressions independently, and generic disclaimers about an individual representing the entire organization apply. What I have to say, though it may prove helpful, is in no way necessary for survival. I got along fine without these ramblings for a good portion of my time here, so if you’re a person who prefers to avoid extraneous musings then read over your pre-departure packet a few more times, mow the lawn or go running; I do not want any wasted time on my head.

-I brought the following pieces of luggage and their contents with me to Italy:

Large suitcase – roughly 40 lbs. of textiles and woven goods

Small suitcase – even rougher 15 lbs. of boots, shoes and belts

Day pack – some poundage of iPod, camera, their respective chords, rechargeable AA batteries, books, trapper-keeper, and other school tools.

Guitar – hard shell case with two harmonicas and a capo

I wish I had brought the following:

Large backpack – combination of my favorite items from the two suitcases

Small duffel bag – same items as the above daypack but including my textbook and useful verbs book from Italian class back home and a plug adapter for Italian outlets (one student brought one from Radioshack that worked well).

Guitar – all pieces previously mentioned are indispensable

*Leave some space in one of your containers for items you purchase while here. If nothing else you’ll probably buy some new shoes because you’ll wear out a pair from all the walking.

Notice the difference in the number of rolling suitcases, a reduction from 2 to 0. My apologies to Debrilla M. Ratchford and company but when it comes to Italian train travel and cobblestone streets, using contemporary luggage reminded me of transatlantic travel with all my belongings in a Radio Flyer.

-My classes through AHA were consistently interesting, and a lot more fun than a good many from back home, but if I had a second shot or a wrinkly continuum I would make an effort to audit some at the local university. Even if they do not offer any courses in your major, which is unlikely, the language experience would be top notch.

-Do some research about Italy before you come. I thought that as a somewhat young person with a soft and malleable brain I could just pick up on the culture of my surroundings, pulling it out of the air before it smacked me in the nose. The result: my nose is still sore daily (I’m pretty sure that even students with a heightened sense of nasal self-preservation could do well to brush up) and I wish I had learned a little about this country before coming in and setting up camp; if nothing else it would have made deciding where to go on the extended weekends a little easier.

    With my two cents deposited (two cents is worth even less in Italy so do not take me too seriously) I am going to relinquish the computer terminal so someone can check their Facebook.