Adaptation: My New Home in Italy

A few days ago I arrived in Padua, Italy after three flights and two train rides - I was exhausted. I had one day between ending my summer job in Nantucket and boarding my plane in Boston. I was unprepared for the adventure, but excited nonetheless.

At first I was nervous to ask questions because of my limited language skills. I quickly discovered that trying was better than isolating myself or pushing English in a country where I should be the one having to adapt to the locals. I was questioning my decision to live with a host family over choosing the guaranteed easy transition of living with American college students in a dorm.

About a week later, I had zero regrets. My housing situation has been nothing less than respectful, comfortable, and enjoyable. I decided that no food was off limits, I wanted to try everything new and fit into their lifestyle. My attention to energy conservation, what I was eating, and other small habits were immediately altered as I began to adapt. Although stressful, I am glad I pushed myself, the food here is totally worth every moment of anxiety.