So today was a really great day! I did...not a lot a lot but a lot. It was more action packed at night and even then the action was more emotional/internal. Anyways let me break down the day real quick.

We had a bunch of orientation stuff in the morning and my roommates and I were a little late to our first meeting...but it's okay. We got yummy little things at a close by bakery.


Orientation stuff took a little while because we had to do a thing with our passports to make us legal students in Italy. We tried grabbing lunch after but we didn't have enough time. Next, we went on the walking tour and I saw the twins I shared a cab with! (Note to self: get their viber numbers.) They're really chill and I'd really like to go travel a weekend with them.
 I saw a lot of motorcycles on our tour and lots of places that I don't actually remember how to get to.




R's DiaryI walked with some other girls after the walking tour and I tried getting out more cash but that was a fail. But at least I finally set up my viber account so there's that.

Speaking of phones, later on I was going to take a nap and not go out with my roommates and their friends because I was slightly fearing we didn't really connect and that I was reverting back to shyly ways but I decided to suck it up and go because I needed to buy laundry detergent anyways. We went to the store and bought the things we each needed and returned to our rooms to drop it all off.

Then, they had all discussed different phone plans with different cellular providers earlier in the day and they wanted to go back and get it done. I wasn't planning on doing it because well...it'll be okay. Not that I suggest you do what I'm doing, you should really make sure you are safe and have a way of communicating with your school if there is any emergency. That's really the safer option in all honesty.

Anyways, it took an extremely long time getting the phone plans all worked out and by the end I was starving Marvin! We walked to a restaurant our friends had gone to and we ordered our food. Mine was one of the last two meals to arrive at the table and let me tell you--waiting was pure agony. My tummy had been rumbling for over an hour but once I got the delicious meal it was all worth it.

 My roommates and our friends had been planning all day to go out at night and at first I was totally in but as the day went on I started feeling weary about it. I wasn't sure if it would be my scene. I wanted to back out. But luckily with a pep talk from my best friends and la Bigsis I  decided to go because--well hello I'm not in Rome to stay in my room! It's all about breaking out of your shell and stepping out of that comfy zone! So I went out...and I was extremely scared.

 We took a taxi to the Square and got a table at a Hookah Bar. I had already told them I wasn't a drinker mostly because I've yet to find a drink that I like. But I really did want to try something. I didn't want a soda because I could have that at home and I didn't want water because I wanted something new. So I asked the waitress for something sweet and not too expensive and she recommended a drink to me.
 It was so good! It was like an alcoholic dessert! So tasty! So me! The alcohol wasn't enough that I'd say I was tipsy or any of that but it was good. (Also note we are of age to drink in Italy).

 I will admit I'm not a fan of Hookah really though. It's really not that good for you, but what you do with your body on your own time is not my business. But I'll also say I love the atmosphere of Hookah. Outdoors. Chilled. It's nice. Everyone was talking, getting to know each other a little more, planning more trips, and adding each other on the social media sites. It was fun! I was so glad I went out.






Eventually we decided to take a taxi back to campus. (Side tidbit: the first taxi cab we tried getting told us to "f*ck off" when we told him it was for six people.)

And that was my day. Now for the feels. (this section is a bit more selfish as I do it to let it out so don't worry if you don't want to read it you don't have to).

Feelings:

I felt kind of like an outsider. It felt like everyone had clicked and had their own cliques they belonged in and I was just there. And what's worse is I kept meeting semester students.
Faast forward to the night: I was truly terrified of going out because I thought they wanted to get drunk and honestly I pictured sloppy little individuals. But I was so wrong. I ended up having a great time! Did I end up drinking? Sure. Did I try Hookah again? Yeah. But I discovered that I really like sugary things more than alcohol (which I half knew already) and I really do not like hookah. But also I learned I can say no and feel okay. I didn't drink because they pressured me to. I wanted to try something. And after taking one puff of that dreaded smokey thing I had never felt more confident in knowing--I really don't like it. Also I learned that you need to get out of your comfort zone no matter what your head is telling you. It's okay to be scared to. In fact you should be a little scared. But I'm very proud of myself for not letting it stop me from having a great night with some new lovely friends. :) I can tell my shy self well be challenging to overcome but I can and will overcome it!

Remember the goal: be an outgoing drunk with a sober mind.

On that note, it is currently 3am as I write and I neeeeeed to sleep so...goodnight loves!

Until the next one,

Laytah!!

xxLechuga