Up until now, I've thought I've desperately wanted to return to the States as soon as humanly possible. For me, Perugia was synonymous with creepy men and unseemly store-hours (a.k.a the italians have too much siesta time). However, as my departure date looms ahead, I've begun to revaluate my time here. I've realized that there's only a certain period in a girl's (or boy's) life that she can do whatever she wants in a carefree and spontaneous manner. That's why I took this gap-year after all - to do whatever I want when I want to do it, and to experience life to its fullest without being tied down with responsibilities such as school, work, having a family etc. When I really think about it, while I've been annoyed and at times scared due to the sexist nature of most Italian men, I've had some amazing times as well. I've been able to learn a new language at my own pace, without having to stress over grades or tests, I've learned that I have a passion not only for eating (those who know me well can attest to this) but also for cooking, I've had fun nights out with my friends (pretty much every night), and with these people I've shared countless laughs due to the awkward situations in which we always find ourselves. And there's something to be said for experiences, as my dad so wisely says. Whether they be bad, good, or awkwardly funny, experiencing new sights/sounds/tastes/smells at this time in my life - when I'm completely uninhibited - is priceless.
I have to say though, as I've said before, without my parent's support I would not be able to this in the slightest. Financially and morally, they support my decisions, whether that may be wanting to return to the States at one moment, or continue staying in Perugia the next moment. They know that the experiences that I'm able to have during this gap-year will be unparalleled in the course of my life, and they are so willing and obliging to do everything that will let me have the time of my life, and seriously, for that, I could NOT be more grateful. It's a beautiful thing, to have the full support of my parents behind everything I do, even if what I do at the moment is drink cheap italian wine and host cooking parties at my apartment.
Take last night for example. My friends and I met some Italian guys who just happen to be chefs at a little home-style restaurant in Spoleto, Umbria. I invited them to the apartment, as they said they would cook for me and my friends. They said they would be over at 8:15, but when the clock struck 9 pm, I began to wonder if they were coming at all. At probably 9:05, two of the guys trickled in to the apartment .... without any food in their clutches. Disappointed, I thought they had probably gone back on their word. One of the guys said that he had to go get the rest of his friends, and disappeared. That left me and MY friends (4 of us) entertaining this one guy who was randomly in my apartment. The rest of the guys resurfaced though ... this time baring bags upon bags upon bags of STUFF. They had brought their own utensils (plastic, so that they/or I wouldnt have to clean up - kind!), their own glasses, and LOTS of foodstuffs. I asked them if they needed any help, but they made themselves at home in my kitchen, and told the ladies that we could just wait out in the living room or on the terrace, whichever we fancied more, while they cooked. Now I could get used to this.
So while we were on the terrace, one of the guys called us down, and there he had self-made drinks ready made (since his job is a barista). So, we were given a nice little aperitif and then left to relax again. A little bit later the boys called us again, this time beckoning us to the kitchen, where they had set out plates and plates of appetizers (sauteed prawns with soft-boiled egg and a slice of lime to accompany it)! - As we ate, they continued cooking, and after appetizers, they had made us tortellini with cream sauce and bacon. Afterward, they cleaned everything up, while the ladies were allowed to just sit around (don't worry, I offered to help, my parents taught me well!). But we didn't even have to pay for this feast!
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