Mia's Life

I’ve officially been here for a month and four days. As time passes, I can already look back on all the sweet memories I’ve made. I hope each day continues to be as rich with experiences as it has been. I never want this chapter of life to end.

Of all the months, October is my favorite, for many reasons but mainly because it’s when the air begins to feel like fall. In Texas, ‘fall’ is more of a mindset since the weather stays in the 90s. But here, the leaves have changed colors, it rains almost daily, and everyone is bundled up in winter jackets and trench coats. My host family welcomes autumn by preparing different comfort foods each night. Last year, I longed for it to feel like fall—I’d wear sweaters and binge-watch Gilmore Girls all day. But now, I don’t have to convince myself; Mother Nature has me covered. One of my new favorite fall pleasures is roasted chestnuts, which my host family prepares often. In the city centers, vendors sell them fresh and warm. The markets have embraced the season, selling everything fall-related. Walking through town, bundled up in my cozy clothes, browsing stands filled with scarves, blankets, and pumpkins, makes me feel like I’m living in a movie.

After school on Saturday, Irene and I went on a much-needed shopping date, starting, of course, with pasta. We needed full stomachs to shop at our best! I ordered carbonara, and she had some type of tortellini. It was my first time having pasta at a restaurant in Italy, and it was amazing. Afterward, we headed to Levi’s, where I picked up a new pair of jeans—an essential purchase since shorts aren’t allowed at my school. At Zara, I bought a simple black sweatshirt and a small black top to layer under a jacket. I debated getting a winter coat, which I’ll definitely need to survive the year, but I’m holding off until December when I plan to buy one at Florence’s famous leather market. If it gets too cold, and I’m on the verge of frostbite, I might cave, but for now, I’ll manage. I also picked up a gray sweater and a couple of sweatshirts from a local Italian shop—nothing too extravagant, just enough to avoid wearing the same outfit every few days.

On weekends, Padova is filled with markets, so Irene and I wandered through them all. The quality of the items is impressive, especially considering the reasonable prices.

Later Saturday night, I went over to a friend’s house from school, and there were nine of us in total. I had the best time! We ordered pizzas, and when I asked what I should try, they got me one topped with fries. You’d think this was an American invention, but apparently, it’s really popular here. It tasted just like you’d expect—delicious! We spent the night upstairs, where she had a disco ball, color-changing lights, and a massive speaker blasting music. We danced and sang, though I was mostly singing gibberish. Still, I was having a blast.

They spoke in English the entire night, which was so thoughtful, though I always feel a little guilty when people switch languages for me. They even played some American party music! Their English is incredibly advanced, so I’m always a little impressed. Toward the end of the night, we walked around outside, and I couldn’t help but feel like I was living out the nights I used to dream about before I came here.

On Sunday, I woke up early to head to another city: Treviso. I met up with another exchange student from Mexico, whom I had already met in Rome, so it was great to see her again. Since October 6th was National Tiramisu Day, we had to visit the city where tiramisu was created. There were stands all over the city, offering tiramisu from different cooking schools, and we couldn’t resist trying three of them. While waiting in line, a guy with a camera and another with a microphone interviewed us. Bella’s Italian is better than mine, so she did most of the talking while I muttered ‘sì, sì’ into the microphone whenever they asked me something. Later, we found the channel we were broadcasted on, Channel TG5, and, thankfully, they cut out my responses. So yes, we’re practically famous now—let me know if you want our autographs!

(Link to Bella and I being featured on TV)

As if all the tiramisu wasn’t enough, we also treated ourselves to gelato. We both went for the panna cotta flavor, and it was amazing. Honestly, I have a problem because every time I get gelato, I swear it’s the best flavor I’ve ever had—each one outdoes the last! We walked around the city three times, taking in every shop and admiring the beautiful architecture. The weather was absolutely perfect, especially after a week of rain. We were so relieved to see clear skies.

Even with all the food, our appetite never waned since we were walking everywhere. Eventually, we sat down at a charming restaurant for an Aperol Spritz and were pleasantly surprised with a free appetizer. I’ve learned that in many places, if you order a drink, they’ll bring you a small plate of snacks, which is such a nice touch.

I’ve often credited luck for my placement, but I honestly don’t know how else to explain it. I hear about the struggles other exchange students are facing, and I just can’t relate. I have the best host family, who is always going above and beyond to make me happy, and the most welcoming class I could’ve imagined. I wasn’t prepared for such an enthusiastic, interested, and inviting group of people to surround me.

“One day share my life. Be my dearest, first on earth.”- Jane Austin