As the farm I had just spent the last five weeks working on receded in the background, the driver of the airport shuttle car asked me, "So, wait a minute, you're going to Italy.....because you want to?" The shock in his voice indicated it seemed incredulous to him that someone would just pack up and decide to visit a different country simply because they wanted to. But since I have spent much of my life doing what I think I was supposed to, the feeling of freedom that accompanied my decision to go to Italy was quite wonderful. I only spent a couple weeks in this beautiful country, exploring and volunteering at a Language and Cultural Center. However, I loved every minute. Rome was beautiful, filled with history, culture, delicious food, and beautiful scenery. And Sicily was breathtaking. As I gazed out the window, staring at the landscape from Palermo to Sciacca, I kept catching my breath. And of course, just like every other country I have ever visited, I learned a lot about myself during my time in Italy.
I learned how much I loved working with and teaching adults. I had previously worked with children and as much as I enjoyed being a grade 5 and grade 1 teacher, there was something really special about empowering adults by helping to improve their English. They knew that being able to speak English would open doors to employment, education, travel, etc. I also experienced the joy of things working out perfectly, even when I didn't have a plan in place. For example, I had no idea how I was going to explore Rome by myself and when I left my hotel one morning, I had no plan. But I found a shuttle to the City Centre and then I found a tour company that travels around the city and I could just hop on and off the bus when I wanted. I wandered the streets and fields of Rome - Palatine Hill, Roman Forum, Colosseum, Vatican, Tiber River, Trevi Fountain, etc.
Further, I also learned the importance of doing things differently, if you want to experience different results. One night I was hungry and decided to go for a walk to find a restaurant. I left the hotel and went right, just like I had done several times previously. But I didn't find what I was looking for. So I looped back around and walked the other direction. I noticed some locals were walking down certain streets, so I followed (when in Rome, you know). And there, not five minutes from my hotel was a gorgeous scene - water, boats, benches, and eventually, a cheap little pizzeria. My carbonara pizza was so delicious.
Bottom line - if you want different results, you have to be willing to try something different. This is something that all of my travels continue to teach me. Plus, things can turn out really awesome if you let go of control and all your plans. Give it a try and let me know how things work out!
I learned how much I loved working with and teaching adults. I had previously worked with children and as much as I enjoyed being a grade 5 and grade 1 teacher, there was something really special about empowering adults by helping to improve their English. They knew that being able to speak English would open doors to employment, education, travel, etc. I also experienced the joy of things working out perfectly, even when I didn't have a plan in place. For example, I had no idea how I was going to explore Rome by myself and when I left my hotel one morning, I had no plan. But I found a shuttle to the City Centre and then I found a tour company that travels around the city and I could just hop on and off the bus when I wanted. I wandered the streets and fields of Rome - Palatine Hill, Roman Forum, Colosseum, Vatican, Tiber River, Trevi Fountain, etc.
Further, I also learned the importance of doing things differently, if you want to experience different results. One night I was hungry and decided to go for a walk to find a restaurant. I left the hotel and went right, just like I had done several times previously. But I didn't find what I was looking for. So I looped back around and walked the other direction. I noticed some locals were walking down certain streets, so I followed (when in Rome, you know). And there, not five minutes from my hotel was a gorgeous scene - water, boats, benches, and eventually, a cheap little pizzeria. My carbonara pizza was so delicious.
Bottom line - if you want different results, you have to be willing to try something different. This is something that all of my travels continue to teach me. Plus, things can turn out really awesome if you let go of control and all your plans. Give it a try and let me know how things work out!