Arrival and Getting Settled

Bongiorno!
It’s amazing to me how quick time flew since arriving in Paderno del Grappa. To my surprise a week and a half has gone by since my arrival. I feel like it was merely a day ago that I was in a hotel room in Chicago with my family, repacking my suitcases and stressing about whether I was taking too much or too little. In what seemed like a flash, I was on a plane headed for London. I didn’t sleep on either plane ride due to my exploding excitement of actually arriving in Italy. Getting from the airport to Paderno proved to me a bit more challenging than I had anticipated. Hauling my belonging with me, I left the airport on a bus to the train station. Took the train to Bassano del Grappa and after another bus ride finally arrived in Paderno.
I immediately fell in love with the quaint town and the ever present Mount Grappa in the distance. Every time I look out my window it still amazes me that I’m actually in Italy. The day following arrival I had 2 of my classes and started the LIFE Program in the evening. LIFE was one of the most unique and challenging experiences I have ever had. Even though a few frustrated tears were shed during the program, I can proudly say I’m so glad I stuck with it. The LIFE program was full of many ups and downs but in the end it was one of the most amazing things I have ever done. What really surprised me about LIFE was that it pushed me to my limits and how I was able to do things I never would have before coming here. It was life-changing for me and it’s extraordinary to think that something that only lasted about 48 hours could have that much of an effect on my outlook on life. So, for anyone who has the opportunity to take part in it, I highly recommend it!
On Sunday we had our first day off from class, meetings, and the LIFE program. A few friends and I went to the market in Crespano. It was a short 15 minute walk to get to the market. There were large stands filling the streets with anything from clothes to fruit to jewelry. It was packed with people and very exciting. It gave us an opportunity to use what Italian we had learned so far and it’s nice the Italians are so patient with you because they can tell you’re really trying. All the fruit and fish were SO fresh, hands down the best strawberries and calamari I’ve ever had. After shopping there for a few hours we gathered our new belongings and headed back. I am headed to Interlaken, Switzerland this weekend so I have much to get ready for. Until next time,
Ciao!