Three Years Ago Today...

Something my professor told me today in class really rang true for me, and inspired me. She said, grosso modo, that Bologna is like a mother, her porticoes protect you from the world while her beautiful red-tiled roofs welcome you into a warm and inviting city whose history and culture creates a place where you can feel at home and safe. Everything in Bologna is in walking distance and the small narrow streets create a sense of closeness that you don't get in the U.S. I definitely feel at home in one of the most influential cities in Italy. Bologna is known by three names: La Dotta, La Grassa and La Rossa. La Dotta, meaning "the learned one" refers to its history of being home to the oldest university of Europe, dating back to 1088. La Grossa, "The Fat One," refers to Bologna's absolutely amazing cuisine! Yes, the have what American's like to call 'baloney,' but here it is called Mortadella, and it tastes much, much better. You also will never, ever find what we call "Spaghetti Bolognese." Try to order that in a restaurant and more than likely they will kick you out. Another no-no? Ordering tortellini al ragù ( with meat sauce.) We read an article in class that gave us a great warning. It says: "Mai contradire la tradizione. Per un bolognese è come insultare la mamma." Translation: "Never go against tradition. For a bolognese, its like insulting someones mother." And in Italy, you never insult someones mom! "Yo mamma..." jokes do not exist here. So basically, tradition here is very important in every way...but particularly when it comes to food.

On a more serious note, I woke up this morning and realized two things. One, that today is the first day of classes for everyone back home in Minnesota and two, that three years ago today I was flying Air France, on my way to Rennes for nine months. The thought that 1,095 days have passed since that incredible moment when I met my host family for the first time is staggering...I can't help but regret certain choices from that year, and now... like not speaking enough French, for example. Above everything else though, I regret not keeping in touch with the amazing people I met while there. I am the first one to admit that I am absolutely and undeniably horrible at keeping in contact with people. The fact that I've started and have somewhat kept this blog going these last couple of months is testament to the fact that I am trying. I really am.