_these are a few of my favorite things_

For the next couple days I shall post about the 'new' things in Italy that make me ridiculously happy :) So here are some new favorite things:

Some of these things are definitely not new, some are old and found again. I love the smell of the green and the cool and the leaves falling when I exit the Palazzo of the school. It’s this amazing mix of warmth and freshness and nature. If only I could repeat that feeling and that smell all the time. 

part of my walk to school!

Despite the fact that it can be incredibly overwhelming sometimes, I love being completely surrounded by Italian speakers. I love not really knowing what they are saying but just observing their (many) hand motions, their facial expressions, their body language and the tone of their voice. It’s surprising how much of a conversation you can understand just by watching it. My Italian comprehension is getting better though. I really love listening in on conversations. …that sounds creepy and nosey, but it really isn’t. It’s more like continual opportunities for me to test my Italian comprehension.  I love that feeling of knowing what’s going on. But I do love just sitting and letting the sounds wash over me, letting my brain keep silent and just let them talk (This often happens when they talk too fast). It is a beautiful language.

Ah! Also with this, I was told today/yesterday that I am one of the easier Americans to understand. Apparently I am able to communicate beyond that awkward language boundary alright! My favorite was today when Marina’s old friend Roberto visited, and we were all talking and he told me “I speak English very beautifully and fluently.” Haha. Well, I’m glad I’m fluent in my mother-tongue. YES. But really, it was a nice compliment. Sometimes I don’t feel like I speak very eloquently, but apparently my English isn’t as bumbling as I thought!

And for food. My favorite new foods are the ‘granola cookies’ Sarah and Kateri and I have been devouring these past couple weeks.  I think they are called “Grancereale” and kind of taste like NutriGrain bars in a round cookie format.  They are pretty fantastic. Especially since they have around 11% of your daily fiber, and little sugar, and make me feel much better about eating them J But actually, my new favorite thing is dipping them into espresso. MMMmmmm. It makes this nice warm tasty snack, keeps me awake, and the coffee brings out just the right flavors in the cookie – and not too sweet like American biscotti. Anyway, it’s my happy indulgence :)