15 Days!

It's true, I leave the United States in just 15 days! I really can't believe how much time has passed and how quickly it has gone by! I'm definitely a little bit nervous--just about everything coming together--but I am more excited than anything else. This is going to be an experience of a lifetime for me, and I want to get the most out of my time in Italy as possible. I feel like I'm at this funny point in life where I am on the brink of entering into a new phase of life; I'm leaving so much behind and everything in my future is new--it's unknown! I have 3 days left of classes at BYU, I will take my finals, I will graduate and walk in Commencement on April 20th. Then, in 4 short days, I will leave my friends, my family, and everything that I am comfortable. I will live in a foreign country for 3 months and come back to a new set of unknowns: grad school.

I have really been trying to plan things out and be prepared, but I think what my field directors have been telling me for months is finally really starting to sink in, "I need to be okay with ambiguity." I'm still trying to determine if my mindset has really shifted that much by choice, or that if it has shifted because it had to--because I realize that as much as I try to control something, I can't (like my housing for instance--still up in the air). Either way, it has. I don't know where I'm going to live, who my friends will be, how I will do with communication, or even how I'm going to go grocery shopping. One thing I do know though is that I will figure it out. I think everything is so ambiguous now because I'm not there, once I'm actually in Italy, my life won't be ambiguous because I'll be living it. Does that make sense? Right now my future is ambiguous, even tomorrow is ambiguous--I can plan my day out (which I usually do--hour by hour), but unexpected things will happen and I will be fine; I am doing all I can prepare now, and I will figure out every curve ball that is thrown at me when it comes. That's how it should be. I played softball for 8 years, and I think the analogy works out very well. You don't start swinging--or even determine where or how you will swing the bat--until the pitcher releases the ball; if you did, you would strike out just about every time. I think that by understanding that concept, I can better grasp what living with ambiguity means. It doesn't mean I'm not prepared, just like a batter who has spent hours in batting practice, I have spent dozens upon dozens (probably more) hours preparing for this field study. And with the skills and knowledge I've developed, I will step up to the plate in Italy and take the curve balls as they come. :) I hope this all made sense, because I really feel like I've just had an epiphany.

Being okay with ambiguity doesn't mean that I'm okay slacking off and not preparing, it means that I've prepared, and because of that preparation, I am ready to handle ambiguity--to thrive in and with it.

Historical Immersion!

Rome is a culture with such a strong history--one that I definitely want, and need, to learn about to truly understand the Italian culture. I was talking to a woman yesterday who recently had the opportunity to travel to Italy and she was going off about how you can just feel the history in some of the ancient buildings. I've always felt similarly with things like that. I was reading/looking at some ancient manuscripts for a humanities class a year or two ago and felt such a connection with the past--someone, or maybe several people, spent their time making those manuscripts hundreds or thousands of years ago, and they were preserved so that I could experience them. I feel like I will have similar feelings about the ancient architecture and artwork in Rome. Yes, I want to be immersed in their current culture, but in order to understand the present circumstances, I feel that it is so important to learn about the past. I want to not only see the art and architecture around the city, I want to experience it, hopefully with friends that I've made in Italy that have a better understanding of it and can help me understand it's importance to them. I guess it's not directly related to my project, but it's related to my overall experience which is the most important part, isn't it?


So, although I won't be at museums all day, they are an aspect of Rome that I want to experience--so, to get the most bang for my buck, I've looked into some potential passes that I can purchase


Roma Pass

• 3 day pass

• free transportation 

• free admission for 2 museums or sites, exhibitions and events

• can be used at more than 40 monuments

• costs 25 euros

Vatican and Rome Card

• admission & no waiting in line for the Vatican Museums and Colosseum

• includes transportation, open bus Roma Cristiana, itinerary audio tours and maps, traveler medical assistance and dicounts

• discounts for admissions to most other monuments and museums in Rome

Appia Antica Card

• good for 7 days from first use

• free admission to the Baths of Caracalla, the Villa of the Quintili, and the Tomb of Cecilia Metella

Biglietto 4 Musei - 4 museum combination tickets

• free admissions to each of 4 national museums of Rome;  Palazzo Altemps, Palazzo Massimo, Diocletian Baths, and Balbi Crypt

http://goitaly.about.com/od/romeitaly/qt/rome_pass.htm

So, these all seem great, but I definitely feel like they're more geared towards short, tourist trips... I just bought an international student ID card, maybe I'll look more into what that offers...I am going to be there for 3 months, I don't want to try to crunch all of my historical exploration into 3 days, or even 7, I'm hoping that I can find an option that spreads it out a little more. I guess all I can do is keep my eyes and ears open!

Safeguarding My Money

I've got my cell phone plans almost all figured out for Italy, the next thing I need to worry about is money. I feel like my trip is so close at hand that I'm really getting down to a lot of the logistical details of my trip--which is great! It's also a little bit taunting. There are SOOO many little things I can do now, before I get to Europe, that will make my experience a lot less stressful when I'm actually there. The trick is trying to determine what all those little things are, and then making time to actually do them. Like I said before, I've got my cell phone situation figured out, and I have bought my International Student ID card--2 checks off my list. Now I'm trying to figure out how I will withdraw money, and when I have the money, how I will keep it secure.


I was reading online (http://goeurope.about.com/od/moneymatters/a/atm-card-fees.htm) about withdrawing money in Italy. There is a 250 Euro limit per day that I can draw out, and I've found that in the long run, it is better to withdraw larger amounts of money. This is because each bank charges different service fees and has associated costs for withdrawing money outside of the United States. This website tested several different debit/credit cards in Italy and fond the top four ones for international use. I was relieved to see that my bank, Wells Fargo, was among them. Sadly, it wasn't thee best--there is a $5 fee for all withdrawals, which is more than the 1% fee charged by a couple of other banks. Because of that, it will be important for me to make sure to always withdraw the maximum amount of money, so that I waste the least amount of money possible from service fees. 


A problem that comes with withdrawing the maximum amount of money is, of course, safeguarding my money.  Italy is somewhat well known for their pick-pocketers, and purse snatchers. The advice the website suggested was to keep the majority of my money and important documents (passport, etc.) in a travel security wallet or passport holder, worn under my clothing (which may be slightly uncomfortable), and then to carry a small amount of cash and one credit card in my purse, pocket, or pack.


One great piece of advice this website had was to take down the foreign phone number for each atm and credit card so that if it is lost or stole, I can report it. They also suggested making a photocopy of my passport--will do!! Obviously, I will be staying with a family, so I hope that I will be able to leave it there--in a safe and locked location.

Beyond that, some typical smart advice was things like: carrying my purse in front of me where I can easily see it, being aware of my surroundings, not putting my purse, day pack, or camera anywhere where someone could take it, and to close all zippers. Another precaution is to be aware of robbers use of diversions--like having someone hold a piece of cardboard in front of me to read, or using a child as a diversion while I am pick pocketed. Honestly, I don't think I would have thought much of that--being a foreigner, I think I'd have probably taken the time to read a sign or talk to a child. Ah, there is just so much to be aware of--these are great things to know! (http://goitaly.about.com/od/italytraveltips/qt/pickpockets.htm)

Cell Phone

The time is getting close and closer for me to go to Italy, and there are still a lot of little things that I really need to figure out before I get there, one being cell phones. I have talked to a few different people about purchasing a cell phone in Italy, but no one has given me direct advice, or connected me to any resources where I could get advice. So, I took it upon myself to do some research. :)


First of all, I think there are some huge benefits to having a cell phone abroad. Since I am not just a tourist, and will be immersed in the culture--with no other American students (at least none that I know of at this point), I am going to have to rely on myself, and the Italians I meet, to get around; they will be my social network. An important part of a social network is communication. I can't name one friend I know that does not have a cell phone in the U.S. While I cannot make a overarching statement about people in Italy, I am guessing that most--if not all--young adults there also have cell phones. Having a cell phone will not only be useful for getting around the city (when I get lost, which I know will happen), but it will be useful to hear about events going on. The first month I am in Italy, before doing any research, I hope that friends I meet might let me know of things that are going on through texting or calling (which is common here), rather than hoping I run into them so that they can tell me. When my research does actually start, having a cell phone will be a useful way for me to connect with participants and check in to make sure that we are on the same page as far as the timing and place of meetings goes.


Clearly, having a cell phone will be a huge benefit, but 1) What kind do I get, and 2) How do I get it?


Solutions: 



Purchase a SIM card for use with an unlocked GSM cell phone 

1. must make sure the phone is 'unlocked' and compatible with other SIM cards
2. SIM card determines phone's number and allows access to the service that particular SIM card supports
3. Buy FOR (not in!) the country
4. purchase from a dealer in the US who specializes in selling and renting cell phones for use abroad
5. if you get it early, the number is embedded in the phone and I can give that number to friends and family; active SIM card when in the country

Rent or buy an unlocked GSM cell phone and prepaid sim card from Cellular Abraod

1. local Italian number for calls in Italy
2. Free incoming calls
3. fixed low rate for calls to the US
4. all menus in English
5. 24 hour a day service
6. include foreign adapter for charger
7. come with small prepaid initial credit (4 Euros = 23 minutes calling in Italy, 11 to US)
8. it's possible to buy additional prepaid minutes directly from Cellular Abraod when I place my order
9. can easily add time while in Italy
10. UNO mobile service

Italy SIM Card Rental and Purchase Options
http://goitaly.about.com/od/italytraveltips/qt/cell_phones.htm

SIM & Cell Phone Packages for Italy http://www.cellularabroad.com/packages-italy.html

Well, now I know! Next step is probably talking with my parents and those that have lived in Italy, and figuring out which option is best for me.

Italian Fashion

I was talking to a girl who recently went on a field study to Italy (I think I've mentioned her, and this story before). She said that she felt really uncomfortable in Italy a great deal of the time; so, she ended up dying her hair brown so that she would fit in more. I definitely think that that was a dramatic move, but one that was obviously important to her. So, to help myself fit in--and not stick out like a total tourist--I decided to look up Italian fashion. And, while you might think this is a young woman's excuse to look at clothes, honestly, fitting into the culture is extremely important for me to have a full immersion experience, and even to do well on my project. I've talked with Sarah, my field director, and a girl in my class, Caitlyn, about style down there, but Sarah was in Rome during the fall, and Caitlyn spent all of her time in Northern Italy. Hence, I don't really know what types of clothes I should bring. I know my packing options will be limited, so I want to make sure that I what I do pack is appropriate for the weather, the culture, and so that I feel comfortable.

To do this, I decided to look up Roman fashion blogs, articles, and magazines so that I can get a good idea of what I want to pack. One thing I do know is that Rome is extremely humid in the summer. Anyhow, without  further ado, Roman Fashion!

I looked up an article titled "What to Wear for the Summer in Italy" on usatoday.com and here were some of their tips:

• Italy travel writer Jessica Spiegel writes, "Truthfully, you can pack and wear whatever you want in Italy ... but it really is smart to think about what you are wearing and alter it slightly when visiting. You’ll fit in better, and feel more at home." 
• What suits most Americans in the hot season is too informal for Italian fashion; go for longer shorts, dress and skirts; sandles are suitable; stilettos are extremely common! (Whaaa?)
• Italians will often give up comfort (being to hot) rather than look sloppy; it would be a good idea to do some shopping down there.
• While open "breezy" clothing is acceptable, it's always smart to bring a sweater with you to cover up in case you go into more formal places, like churches, where respect is necessary
• No red tonails! Apparentely paiting your tonails in bright colors may look trashy to an Italian--this could be the best advice I've gotten so far
• Steer clear from big backpacks, it's much more appropriate (and less touristy looking) if you bring a small purse
• Black is probably the number one color for Italians--it looks good with almost everything and is easy to accessorize with

I think I will definitely pick up a lot while I'm there, but here are some photos that might help me focus on the type of clothes I plan to bring!

Challenges and Concerns in the Field

I really enjoyed our last class period, we had all of our field directors go to the front of the room to form a panel and discuss challenges, mainly unexpected ones, that they had while in their perspective countries. A few that stood out to me were 1) finding housing and 2) being alone. I don't know whether it's a good or a bad sign that I already know these things will be challenges...bad because I'm already having problems and I'm not even in the field yet. However, if I take the "glass half full" approach, then I guess I can look at this as a positive--I know now that they will be challenges, so I can work on diffusing them before I get to the field, right? Right.

Housing

Housing has definitely been more of a challenge that I originally had expected, a lot of this probably came from the fact that it took me so long to decide where I was going to live. But I've realized that, while it would be great to get help from others, this really is my responsibility--or at least it has become my responsibility since I am now going to Italy as an individual student. So, since I have exactly 37 days until I will be in ROME (how did that happen so quickly?), I have exactly 37 days to figure this out. While I'd love to figure it out today, my goal is to have it set in stone in 2 WEEKS. I think I've mentioned before that I'm networking with every connection I have to Italy--return missionaries, other students who have done field studies or even internships in Italy, and I recently got in contact with the head of the Italian department, who gave me their contact in Rome. I have been emailing back and forth the last couple of days--he is originally from Milan, but just got stationed in Rome and is actually still looking for a house for him and his family this moment. He said he would start asking around and see if he could find a room that a family might be willing to rent out. So, right now I definitely have my fingers crossed on this one! I really do want to stay in Rome, I have a couple other contacts outside of Rome. Honestly, this who experience has been a huge testimony builder--I'm learning to have faith and know that, as long as I do all that I can, things will work out. The Lord's plan is better than anything I can imagine, and part of His plan is His timing. So, I am trying as hard as I can, and putting my faith in the Lord that it will work out.

Being Alone

I'm telling you, a good majority of the times that I tell people about my plans for Italy, their reaction includes asking me, "Have you ever seen taken?" AKA: The movie where two young teenage girls go to Europe alone, make some dumb choices, and end up being taken by criminals who sell them to be sex slaves. My answer, "Yes, I've seen it, but I'm also much more mature, prepared and ready to take the necessary precautions for my safety." I do think these people have a point, going to a foreign country alone does come with it's risks, but I'm doing what I can now to diffuse them. I'm planning on living with a family in Rome, I'm not going with a friend alone and staying in an apartment. I've already started making friends with some of the young adults in Rome's Young Single Adult program, whose contact information I've gotten from Return Missionaries. While I don't want to limit my experience to hanging out and interviewing members of the church, I feel that the more friends I can make before I get there, the better. Sarah talked about how she was really lonely in the beginning, that it would have been nice to have someone to talk to about--anything and everything--at the end of the day. I think it will still take me building relationships and friendships once I get there, but I figure that breaching relationships right now will help me a lot my first few weeks in Rome.

Snap! I'm so excited!!!!! Yes, it will be tough, but aren't all things worth achieving?

So Many Questions AND SOME ANSWERS!

Yes, I have been figuring out more about how I will conduct my field study by the day, but here's the thing: I'm still a bit naive (for lack of a better word) when it comes to international travel and a lot of specifics about Italy. So, for this blog, I am going to draft a list of questions that I have about traveling and living in Italy. My goal will be to get these questions answered. :)

1. How should I handle my money when in Italy? 
1. There are lots of options, often best to carry cash. 
2. Where/how should I carry it?
1. You can buy money holders that are discrete. 
3. Should I carry cash, or use a credit/debit card and take money out when I need it or pay with that?

1. Cash, but since I'll be there for such a long time, I may be able to do okay with a credit card--I will just have to check the fees for taking out money at ATMs.
4. What are the best places to meet young adults?
1. Young adult ward
2. Just in the town; networking. I was talking to a girl who did a similar project to mine on a field study and she said that she doesn't know how she would have survived without a facilitator and someone who spoke the language to connect her to other people. Makes me a bit nervous...
5. What big safety precautions should I make sure to take?
1. Don't go places alone, just use common sense. The girl I was just talking about actually dyed her hair brown to blend in more; that said, she was staying in Naples..
6. What is travel like between different cities in Italy--is the train the best way to go? Should I purchase a Eurorail pass?
1. There is the train, the metro and the bus system. I can buy a bus pass for about 32 Euros a month and get all around Rome (or where ever I end up staying)
7. How much should I pack for 3 months?

1. Always best to pack light (I guess that was obvious)
8. How much does it cost to bring a suitcase on a plane?
1. about $25 for 1st bag and $50 for 2nd.
9. What are common things that people do during the week?
1. No one had a solid answer, it just varies by where you are; in Rome young adults usually spend most of their time at school or work, similar to here.
10. What are common things that people do on the weekends?
1. Again, so variable, I didn't get a great answer.
11. On Sunday?
1. I spoke with a couple RMs who said that the young adults are not very into going to church. Members of the LDS church do, but outside of the church it is not as common.
12. What is the church like in Italy?
1. Quite long, most young adults don't go--according to the RMs that I spoke with.
13. Are most Italians strong Catholics?
1. Not the younger generations.
14. How do people dress in Rome?
1. Similar to here, appearance is definitely important to them.
15. Will my curling iron/straighter work in the outlets?
1. Nope, I'll need to buy an adapter. 
16. What are some MUST SEE things in Italy?
1. The list is too long to put in here, but anywhere I can go with the locals are the best--they can show me the little known places
17. How is Rome different from a small town? Is it a lot less traditional? 
1. A lot more of the 'melting pot' feel, but the RMs said that I will still be able to pick up on a ton of Italian Culture.
18. What is the difference between Northern, Central, and Southern Italy?

1. Northerners are definitely more educated and wealthy; Central (Around Rome) is much more diverse, and the South is described as having a lot of heart. :)