Getting Comfortable

So it's becoming painfully obvious that I'm categorized by two things here. #1 I am American. There is no doubt about that. Even though I try to dress more Italian (dresses, skirts, and strappy sandals) and my name is Italian, I am not Italian. The second point also ties into this. #2 I cannot speak Italian. What I can do is speak Italian cave-woman talk through my phrase finder/dictionary (courtesy of the ever thoughtful Chelsea Usher) and I can use hand signals. So , yesterday I went to the Farmachia (pharmacy) for some cold medicine. Somehow I made it out of there with sinus medication, taken 2 times a day that makes me slightly drowsy. Thank you dictionary!

I'm still experiencing a bit of jet lag and mixed with my cold and depreciating eyesight everything seems a bit of a blur. The past couple days here have seemed much longer than 24 hours. To the point that it feels as if I have been here for weeks, can give directions, go on the Mini Metro and grocery shop. I wouldn't say I feel like a local (for resoning see numbers 1 &2, but I'm definately feeling more comfortable traveling throughout the city, but don't worry mom and dad I never travel alone.

For most of you that know me well, you know that I love being outside and I like to exercise. The problem here is not being outside. We are outside alot of the time, walking to class, eating at cafes and socializing on the steps. The problem is exercising. They only have one "modern" gym in the city which is very small and very expensive, a far cry from the $10 a month plans in the states. Luckily, (or unluckily) to get to class I have to walk uphill all the way and the way back is nearly as difficult due to our apartment being on the 5th floor. It's also helpful that we have no form of transportation other than our feet and even if we take the Mini Metro we need to walk to get there as well.

Needless to say, I'm tired, usually hungry, and awkward at best, but i'm trying. I'm trying to acclimate. I'm trying not to be homesick. I'm trying to cook. But most importantly, I'm try to learn.