Summer Era!

Howdy!

I am back after a little blogging break. I missed last week because I’d been studying every grape variety, soil type, and wine region in the world (yay for memorizing content from 2000+ power point slides). But, I passed! And as of last Tuesday, I’m officially on Summer Break! Woohoo!! This week was mainly spent trying to beat the heat.

My friends and I spent a few days at the Trebbia River, swimming and tanning and reading. The little swimming hole we went to is about a thirty-minute drive out of town, so we had a few carpool karaoke sessions on our way to and from the river. We get to drive through a lovely valley, and going from the hot pavement and tall buildings of Piacenza to seeing mountains, hills, farms, villas, and vineyards is so refreshing. It’s truly a breath of fresh air.

We swim in a secluded spot near a little manmade waterfall. Above the waterfall the river is shallow and calm and perfect for sitting in while reading a book, then down below is a deeper pool that’s good for diving and swimming. There’s a little current but don’t worry, it’s safe! We get in the water and start acting like kids, splashing and floating and giggling and playing mermaids. I honestly think it’s the most fun I’ve had since being in Italy. Each day I’d come home sunburned and absolutely drained from the swimming and the sunshine… I don’t think there’s a better feeling in the whole world.

Aside from days at the river, the gals and I had some fun evenings this week. The night after the exam a few of us went out for an aperitivo and I ended up staying at my friend Tori’s house until 1am chatting about life. Another day I was up till 3am chatting with my friend Lauren. Friday, we went out to celebrate almost everybody being done with exams and ended up watching a regional roller-skating competition in the center of town. There were mats that almost looked like ice spread across Piazza Cavelli and there were people figure skating but on roller skates. It was so random, but we got so invested watching all the routines.

This weekend was a perfect end to a great week. I spent Saturday on the couch reading a book and I didn’t move until 7pm, when Ruby and I went on a bike ride to a park on the other side of town. Other than being attacked by bugs, it was such a peaceful evening. We set up a picnic blanket and had some white wine and these pepper and lime potato chips we are both obsessed with. We watched the sunset and rode our bikes home, then I stayed up to finish the book I’d started that morning.

Sunday, I slept in and walked to a café for a cappuccino and cornetto, and thought I’d look to see if I could find any cheap tickets to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Milan that night. I did. I bought a ticket for myself at 11, I hopped on a train at 1, and I headed to the Eras Tour. I was a little anxious that my ticket would be fake, I forgot my friendship bracelets at home, and I was so sweaty from the heat, so I felt like a bit of a mess when I arrived in the San Siro Stadium area. I will say though, I’m learning to really love doing things by myself because even when I’m stressing about things not going as I plan, I know it’s only affecting me, so if they don’t work out it’s okay! One of the biggest things the past year has taught me is the more you do things that make you anxious, the more you learn to assess the stress and let it go. Type A me is learning to go with the flow, and that’s something I never thought would happen. Going to a 70,000 person concert by myself in a big city with only a couple hours to plan for it? Who am I?! But I digress.

My friend Mariana was going to the concert with her sister, so I met up with them and we walked to the stadium together before going our separate ways. I cannot even tell you how relieved I was when my ticket worked and I got in. The stadium swiftly sold out of food so for dinner I had a bag of lays potato chips and a beer. I became friends with the concession workers because I spoke Italian each of the four times I bought water. They said, “your Italian is bellissima! And you have been so patient. Thank you for not being like the others,” and one lady even blew me a kiss. I did not tell them I’ve lived here for a year and ordering at a bar or restaurant is all I have to show for my Italian speaking skills, but I did take the compliment and my water and happily headed back to my seat each time.

The concert was unreal. I saw it in Seattle a year ago with my best friend, Sofia, who I miss dearly, but I was so happy to get to see it again. Since last year there is a whole new set from Taylor’s new album, and I was blown away by the production of it all. Also, Italians know how to be LOUD, so the atmosphere was incredible. I lost my voice for a while after the show from screaming all 46 songs with the crowd. She plays surprise songs at each concert and the ones she chose last night made any money and time spent stressing yesterday worth it. Mr. Perfectly Fine mashed with Red and Getaway Car mashed with Out of the Woods. Are you kidding me!?

I left before the final concert set of the night to beat the crowd, and my sweet friend Tori drove from Piacenza to pick me up and take me home. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect night.

This week a few more friends are leaving for the summer, so I’ll have to find some new ways to stay busy for the next month. Hopefully lots of river days, park picnics, bike rides and books ahead!