It has now been 4 days that I have been home, and I finally feel coherent enough to post a blog to all of you. I realize that it has been a while, but I had a hectic end to my trip to Italy. I'd like to post a few comments for you about what it was like to be overseas.
The overwhelming opinion that I have of Italy is that it is one of the most wonderful places to visit, however it is somewhere I would not want to live. I saw one site after another that each had a strong effect on me, but I was blown away by the pessimism of the country. Italians don't hold out much hope for their future, it was a bit depressing at times.
The economic situation there, while obviously not on the same level of areas of the third world, is still a difficult one. Many even felt that while change was needed, that Silvio Berlusconi would be more of the same. It was frustrating, but it also strengthened my resolve to affect change here in the United States. I'd like to become more involved in the upcoming election, and at this moment I have volunteered for the Barack Obama campaign. So it is exciting times.
One of the other frustrating things about Italy is that it is not a culture set up for customer service. I spent an hour and a half to deposit money when I got to Italy, and then spent the same amount of time to get that money back at the end. And at the same time, there is no real standard for a store's hours of operations. Things would remain open or closed based on what seemed like whim, there was no rhyme or reason to it all.
Don't get me wrong though, I loved my time in Italy, but I am extremely pleased to be home here in the United States. I have a new appreciation for my home as of now, and I cherish this place, even with all its flaws. America is my home. I know it sounds like another cheesy patriotic message, but I really feel it now. I strongly support everyone to spend time overseas if they get the opportunity.
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