“Taught to live and let live, so go on and live it up baby.”

I have never been the type to give up on something easily, especially something that I’ve wanted, and I have wanted for some time now, a big change. In one of my first blogs, I said that I need to bite the bullet and deal with this change because it will be the best thing I ever do, but lately I haven’t been feeling very happy. Luckily, I have my dad to re-read that line to me a couple of times a day, reminding me that things aren’t going to be easy. Don’t get me wrong, I do not expect a smooth transition or for everything to be easy breezy right off the skip, but when the going gets tough, I usually go to my family and girlfriends to make me feel better. However, this is the first time in my life that none of these people are a car or train ride away. That in itself is the hardest thing for me to get used to. I know that there are many people who would kill to be here doing what I'm doing, but sometimes, I would kill to be at my mema and pop’s with my parents and brother enjoying some Sunday sauce, or lying in bed with Nicole & million watching a movie, or at Diesel in sweatpants with Jaime & Leigh, or even sitting in Starbucks with Fonda. I know that my friends and family will be there when I go home and so will the things that we do, but not having those simple yet delightful things in my life gives me the blues from time to time. Also, I have been more than blessed with amazing parents who would find a way to give me the world if I asked for it, so if I wanted to come home, I know I would have a plane flight in minutes, but that is something I need to stop taking advantage of. The harsh reality is, that although they will support me however they can for as long as they can (and I don’t mean financially), they will not always be there for me to depend on; I need to start depending on myself. But knowing that they will put me on a plane faster than I could say “I want to come home,” provides me with an amazing sense of comfort, but I need to stop relying on their comfort while I am so far away from them.

Luckily, Viky and Max do a phenomenal job of providing me with comfort every day – it’s amazing how that feeling can help you through the day – which makes being here a little easier on my heart. Viky lived in the states for two years so she knows exactly how I feel, making it very easy for me to go to her when I’m feeling uncomfortable. Although I get extremely frustrated when I am feeling like Giorgio doesn’t like me, I need to take a breath and remember that he too is trying to adapt to something new; me. It will take more than four weeks for us to get used to each other and find a way to have fun together. The good news is that he now calls me “ta-ta” – a way to call your nanny – and knocks on my door when he’s missing me, which brings quite the smile to my face! 

Some days I forget that I’m in Italy, which makes me angry. I’ve always said that I wanted to travel everywhere I can, and every day that passes is a day that I lose the opportunity to do so. Fortunately for me, Viky’s boss’ daughter Mel has been backpacking through Europe for the past six weeks and she stopped in Bologna last Thursday to do some sight-seeing. Finally, someone who speaks fluent English, with a nice thick Australian accent! Thursday night after Mel arrived, we went for Mexican with Viky and her dentist friend Dino. A note to my Milford babes – the frozen margs were delicious but most definitely not as delicious as Cabo and the company was not quite up to par with you guys! We spent the day with Giorgio on Friday before we had some delicious homemade pizza and then called it a night pretty early. We decided to go to Florence for the day last Saturday. Finally, someone to travel with! Thank god Mel is a world class traveler because I have a hard time finding my ass from my elbow, and she was able to direct us around Florence! We stopped at a market downtown - kind of like a flea market back home but much much nicer and not as gross – before stumbling into the Basilica di Santa Croce and the tourist information center, where we found a map and mapped our route to see the Statue of David and then took a bus to the fake (how bizarre?!) statue of David which was located at the Piazzale Michelangelo. We happened to arrive at sunset and it was the most beautiful view I have ever seen. Pictures just do not do this justice, you have to see it yourself! 

  Basilica di Santa Croce - Florence

   

Piazzale Michelangelo - Florence

the real and the replica Statue's of David - Florence

           Sunday, Mel and I took a trip downtown to the Towers of Bologna, also called the Two Towers, and climbed up 498 steps to the top of the Asinelli Tower (the taller one)! Woof it was quite the hike and my ass was burning within minutes. The view at the top, to me, was more amazing than the view at the Piazzale Michelangelo. I felt like I could have stayed up there for days to read, write, or to sit there in silence and just observe. It was the best head clearing moment I have experienced in a long long time.

 The Two Towers - Bologna

 A view of the way up and of the way down!

Some pictures from the view at the top!

            So, although I’ve been having a couple of rough days, I have decided that I am going to grab the bull by the horns and just run with this experience. I have only been here for four weeks, another eight won’t kill me. I will then make the decision about whether or not I want to come back, but as of right now, I am living in the moment and taking one day at a time. Giorgio has just woken up from his nap and is already yelling ta-ta and giggling so I am going to see what this afternoon has in store for us! Check back soon to hear about the latest adventures!

Best wishes & God bless…

XOXX ~ JLI

Ps. Whoever sees my parents next, please give them the biggest hug and kiss from me 

and tell them that I said thank you for pushing me to do this

and believing in me as much as they do.

I am so blessed it’s amazing <3