With about two weeks left in Rome, no water pressure (or hot water), a broken washing machine, a non-functioning Internet connection, and the continual feeling I need to wear a pollen-resistant face mask in order to breathe while walking along the Tiber River, I have finally begun to miss home.
I think it hit me last week while walking back from class when I had a very unpleasant and embarrassing experience that included a pair of broken sandals, barefoot street-walking and stepping in a nasty pile of dog poop.
I know it's probably not very "cool" or whatever for a college kid to admit they miss the little things while they are studying abroad, but I think I hit a low point when the bums laughed at me walking with my bare feet covered in feces, so I am not ashamed to admit that yes, I finally miss the homey commodities I once took for granted. After wiping the dog poop off on my sweatshirt and buying some new shoes, I compiled a brief mental list of these things I miss oh so much.
No. 1: A Coffee Machine. I hope most of you will understand where I'm coming from, but just think for a second how awesome it is to be able to make a huge, roasting pot of Starbucks in the morning that you can actually use to pour MORE than one cup of coffee. It's an unbelievable invention really, and I think the Italians might enjoy it over their one-serving mochas.
No. 2: Water Pressure. Although I'm told by other study abroad students that I got really lucky with my apartment here, I have to say the thin stream of water that comes out of the shower head in the morning just isn't doing it for me anymore.
I find myself going longer without showering and I now actually look forward to staying at hostels because they have EXCELLENT water pressure (and most even have hot water!)
No. 3: Personal Space. Without question, this is what I miss most. I have grown accustomed to falling asleep to the rumbling metro and constant honks and ambulance sirens outside my bedroom window. I have learned to ignore the strange men touching my butt and smelling my hair in the buses. And I have stopped noticing the thick smell of city smoke that leaks into my nasal passage while I'm running. I have not, however, been able to remember the last time I sat in complete silence, alone, breathing nothing but fresh air.
So to all you coffee machine owners, hot water pressure shower takers and personal spaces, despite the fact that I envy you greatly, I ask next time you are enjoying any one of these commodities, please take a minute to truly enjoy them for me.
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