The house internet hasn't been working for a couple of days, so I missed an Observations Sunday! But here it is (although it is Monday...)
1) It's time to talk about gun control. The other day, my Global class talked about gun control after the Oregon shooting. We started offering ways we could tackle this problem without the legislative changes (since it appears that there will be none any time soon). We concluded that education is key: the younger generation should be taught that guns are NOT cool. At first, I thought that was a dumb idea; no one thinks guns are cool. Or at least, I didn't think they were cool as a child. But I came back home that evening, and my host brother, wanting to play, offered me a toy gun and started "shooting" me. I suddenly became aware that this is a problem. Kids are exposed to this idea that guns are cool and hip. Maybe after this, you may also start noticing that too.
2) On a brighter note, I found out today that I live close to a very famous villa in Bagnaia (my town) called Villa Lante. Apparently, it has a huge, must-see garden, and the houses were built in the 16th century. I just love that everywhere I go in Italy, there is something incredible to see that I did not even notice for two months!! My host family is going to take me soon :) I attach some pictures for you to enjoy (credits to Wikipedia):
3) Today was my mom's birthday, so I Skype'd her to wish her a happy birthday. Luckily, the timing worked out, and when I called, my family had just gathered around the dinner table with the birthday cake. So they placed the phone on the empty seat and I sang happy birthday with them. I felt so present even if the experience was virtual. Moments like this make me realize how great technology is.
4) It seems to me that piracy is pretty popular here in Italy and also in Korea. I do not know how the concept of piracy is more condemned in the United States. Meanwhile, since Netflix is finally out in Italy (YAY), let the binge watching season begin! *aka Doctor who *cues the theme song
5) The Italians seem to be Earth-friendly in general, and they are into recycling and saving electricity/water. I admire that. But having no window screens and air conditioning sounds awful. I mean, I am writing this post as a group of flies/mosquitoes/God-knows-what is flying over my head. If it is like this in November, I bet that the summers here are unendurable.
Anyway, tomorrow is my birthday, so I am really looking forward to spending a great day with friends and my host family. A domani!