Well here we are, folks. The middle of my third week in Italy in the midst of the second week of classes. It is so difficult to think that I've only been here for such a short amount of time. It feels as if we have already become locals- although I'm sure the true Italians would beg to differ. It already seems like second nature to go to the mercato centrale every 3 days, and finding our way through the city is a breeze. This city feels so small already; once you know the main streets you can really find your way anywhere without a map. And I'm pretty sure I'm never coming home. I could eat pasta and mozzarella and fresh tomatoes and gelato and canoli and drink wine all day, every day. And it would never get old. Ever.
I want to give you a quick update on the many unique places I've already been and the upcoming trips I'll be taking! The very first Sunday we were here (think back to August 25) we were already off to our first exciting destination! This breathtaking place is called Cinque Terre, literally meaning five lands in Italian. A lot of us from the fashion school went with a group called Florence for Fun, an organization that plans trips and tours around Europe for students or anyone who is abroad to get as much out of their European adventure as possible! The trip to Cinque Terre is by far the best deal they offer, it's super inexpensive when considering all that's included and is a really easy day trip to fit into a hectic schedule! We went on guided tours and then had free time in each of these 5 coastal escapes, each humble paradise with it's own unique characteristics. While certain parts of Cinque Terre weren't possible for our trip, I so loved taking pictures of colorful buildings on cliffs and hiking through probably the most beautiful place I've ever experienced. I've met some truly incredible people and made new international friends! Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.
This last weekend, I found myself at a beach in a town called Viareggio, if I am not mistaken. It was absolutely gorgeous! While the bus ticket was a little more expensive than anticipated, it was worth every cent! We planned on going to the free beach to save a euro or two, but we immediately realized the benefits of paying a little extra. Not only did they have someone available to watch our belongings if needed, but the sand was softer and our beach chairs were expertly positioned to help us soak up the gorgeous Italian sunlight. That day was quite a perfect retreat!
Coming up: Paris in 2 weeks, Milan in 5 weeks, and London in 7 weeks!!! The fashion school is taking us to Premiere Vision, Trend Union, and Wicked just to name a few activities!!! My roommates, some friends, and I are also planning our own trips to a European chocolate festival in Perugia, Oktoberfest in Munich, Barcelona, Dublin, and I'll be making another visit to Amsterdam!!! I am so excited not only to experience different cultures and amazing cities, but also bask in all of the amazing fashions that will be presented!!!! Just today, a group that I'm in for one of my studio projects spent over an hour and a half talking about fabrics and yarns and color schemes and illustrations. It was one of my favorite studio days!
Which brings me to a funny place. Sometimes, people discourage what I'm trying to do. They think fashion design is something you do when you have no "real" options, or when you just like clothes. Well, friends, in case you've never heard my side of the story, I'll lay it down. I'm about to go on a tangent/rant, so feel free to skip ahead if you're easily offended by opinionated people.
Fashion is about more than clothes. Fashion is about more than the "trends" you find on Pinterest and Tumblr and things that you think look cool. Fashion is about innovation and interpretation. It's about taking nothing and making it something worth remembering. One of my new friends taught me a word for this in German; the word for "strange" literally means "worthy of remembering". And fashion is strange. It's quirky and weird and if you look at runways sometimes it doesn't really appear to make sense. But that's the love of my life. The way you can look at something and admire it for it's fresh take and its beautiful construction and elegant craftsmanship. The fact that someone spent hours deciding not only the color, but the very fibers that would be woven. So today, when I say that I spent an hour an a half on fabrics and yarns, I'm saying I ONLY spent an hour and a half. I would have loved to spend the whole day, given the opportunity! It's about taking your vision from inspiration to reality, from lofty concept to something tangible. And then, we, as designers, have to consider not just what works with our vision, but what works within our price point, environmental standpoint, etc. So I work DAMN hard. That's right. DAMN hard. I've gone without sleep more nights than people who work the third shift. I've literally poured our my blood, sweat, and many, many tears for this major. And excuse me for sounding like Miranda from Devil Wears Prada, but you picking out your clothes from a pile of stuff based on what's offered at your favorite store does NOT constitute the type of work I do. And now I thank you, because I know no one who reads this would think, in any mindset, to make a comment so foolish as to call fashion, "fluff". That's like making medical school out to be something you can do in your spare time when you're bored. You attempt at understanding Kent State University Fashion Design is comforting to my soul.
Now that I've gotten that off my chest, I'm going to turn the conversation around. While living in a European city is absolutely fantastic, everyday my list of obstacles is being redefined. I'm pushing myself farther and farther, not only in my classes but in my tolerance level. You see, when I'm at home, things follow an order. It's more like a general outline, but nevertheless there is a relatively black and white definition of things that I either can or can't handle. I feel like I'm pushing myself to the limits being here. Five very different girls living under one roof definitely isn't making life easy. But I'm finding the biggest challenge is honestly dealing with my own issues. I'm definitely seeing the ugliest sides of myself come out with the small things I get annoyed by. I'm realizing I have a lot more growing to do and God's nowhere near done with me. It's also been extremely hard to have quiet times; there isn't a single church here like there is at home. I've gone to Catholic mass in Italian at the Duomo and am still looking forward to attending English mass, but I find myself missing my home with Willow Creek and h2o on campus. I know I'll be home soon, but all of this longing is starting to feel lonely.
I encourage you to comment, ask questions, and join me in praying for myself as well as all of us on this indescribable journey. Also, follow me on social media accounts and keep checking my Facebook Photos since I won't be uploading any pictures to my blog for the time being! Sending lots of Florentine love your way, and I hope to hear from you all soon- no matter where your corner of this grand Earth is! Ciao <3
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