Oh. My God-dah. That’s how Nico says oh my God. And that’s how I feel. Life in Italy is overwhelming right now. Challenging, frustrating, beautiful, charming, exhausting, and all new. So much to learn. But right now my focus is frustration, unfortunately. And it has little to do with Italy.
K and I are living here together. She is fun, outgoing, smart, and fairly laid back. Her family has taken us into their home in Napoli for our first week in Genova. SO generous. They’re all wonderful, and I am incredibly grateful for their hospitality and warmth. That said, having spent the last week 100% with K, I want some space on my own. Our first day out, we took turns paying for things, intending to figure it all out later. After such a tiring day, I think I had paid about 6 euro more, but neither of us had the energy to sit down and write it all out, so we said let’s just move on. It’ll all come out in the wash, eh? And since then she has borrowed when convenient and penny-pinched when lending, with regular reminders to pay her back. Of course, it’s my responsibility to make sure my own finances are in order. Just a little frustrating, ok?
We bought phone cards. Dad told me (and I told Kim about 7 times), that the minutes reduce greatly when using them on a cell phone. We bought them for 5 euro each. On her first try, she lost the call after 5 minutes. We tried a different kind, and the same thing happened. We bought minutes on our own new cell phones later. So last night when she had to talk to her boyfriend, the minutes didn’t last as long as she thought. So after keeping me up talking about how everything is so hard, she used my minutes on my phone, and now wants to take one of my phone cards to use to meet up with her new boss tomorrow. Then, “When I’m done, I guess I can give it back, if you want.” What?! I paid 5 euro for it! I plan to use it wisely from a land line – of course I want it back!
Ok, one more. She’s whining about everything. “Why is this so hard? It should be easier than this. Not talking to b/f is soooo frustrating. I wanted to do this. I wanted to do that. I wanted to get up earlier. This is really expensive.” Durr. Of course it’s harder. Takes longer. Quit bitching at me! This is hard for me, too! This morning, our very first conversation was her complaining to me. And I’m tired.
So after all of that ranting and venting (which was good to get out), she has taken me in with her family for a whole week. She keeps up good spirits with me when it’s hard. She walked around town all morning yesterday helping me find and obscure part I need to charge my computer. She’s a good person. I think maybe, as a popular, pretty girl, she’s used to being taken care of somewhat. And takes that for granted. And I’m too polite/weak to stand up to her about it. Grr. I’m almost as much at fault as she is, I think.
Today will be hard. We’re moving to Genova today, and each carrying our own TONS of bags through multiple train stations. We will be stressed and tired. But when we’re done, I’ll be in a separate apartment with my own room and own space. I am so ready for that!
This week, though dramatically challenging, has been incredible. My stress is getting the better of me this morning, but what a rewarding experience this has been.
Today is my 29th birthday.
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