Excerpts from Italy and Belgium

30/6/2013

After walking for most of the day, we decide to take a break on a bench. It is nice and cool in the shade. We are currently on an island—Lake Trasimeno—that is located on a lake close to Cortona. We took a small ferry over to the island. The occasional passerby exchanges glances with me, but they usually chat in Italian with whomever they are with. I just said “ciao” to an old couple walking by, and it reminded me of how friendly people are here. Contrary to walking around campus at UNC-CH, people around here stare you down until you cross paths. I think they are waiting for a simple recognition of their presence from you, but being accustomed to people passing by me without acknowledging me, I simply will glance at them or exchange a friendly smile. When I do say “ciao,” they will always respond back. The Italian people seem so friendly.

5/7/2013

My trip to Brussels was superb. The trek through the sketchier areas of the city was worrisome to say the least; however, the whole experience was wonderful. Our landlord was odd, hilarious, and pleasantly helpful and kind. His English was decent to average, so we could not communicate for too long, but he was as helpful as he could be.

Contrary to Italian people, the Belgian people gave me a weird vibe. Being in Italy for a while, I learned to look Italians in the eyes as I approached them, so as normal, I would look the Belgian people in the eyes as I passed by a person or a group; however, their expressions as they looked back at me were a little scary and a bit aggressive. I would constantly catch people staring at us as we walked by, and when I would turn to look at them, I would flash a quick, friendly smile. Unresponsive. Their expression when I smiled at them did not change from their normal scary and aggressive faces. They seemed to be telepathically saying to me that I do not belong here. Do not judge everyone in Belgium by my description however! Many people we met were kind and helpful. Maybe we were just on the wrong side of town.