Saturday, February 6, 2016

Quo Vado?

Quo vado is an Italian comedy movie made this year which highlights typical Italian stereotypes. Some are quite true. Anyway, I have put Quo Vado as the title of this entry as it means in half Latin and Italian "Where do I go?". Quite befitting for me these days as I am once again in a state of confusion and trying to figure out just where I want to set up roots as I have severe doubts that it's gonna be here in Italy. I like it here but I am looking at stability and long term now rather than just the quick fix, although that option is always alluring.

My goal for this year is to make a definitive decision in order to have a clear direction for the future. And I hope I am able to put words into action as we're all bravi behind the keyboard with wonderful ideas that are easy to say, harder to do. I think John Lennon was famous for that, "We have to work for peace". That's nice and noble but where's the meat? I digress for a moment...I am not at all a John Lennon fan. I think he was an egocentric, pretentious fake. I don't wish death on anyone, however. Anyway, by the summer I want a clear idea of what I want to do. But I am overwhelmed with the choices I have. I have my American and Italian passports which allow me to work on two big continents in thousands of different scenarios and thus leaves me with a lot of what ifs. But I suppose that's normal. However I believe I am narrowing down my options and I think I will try to continue with teaching although I am seriously thinking of the UK and possibly the US again. I just don't see much of a future here in Italy unless I get a job with an English and or American company, doing what is a big mystery.

I had a parent-teacher meet and greet last night and it was interesting. It was nice and humbling to see the faces of the loving and hard working parents who pay good money to send their kids to my school. In a way it inspires me to take my job more seriously. I have changed my attitude towards my work as I want to take it seriously even if I may not stay here past the summer. It is nonetheless still worth it to do my best, leave on good terms and get the experience from it. Only one parent I didnt like and it was the child's London grandmother who said "our daughter isn't the only one having problems in the class". That is unfair to paint me into a corner and it opens up the door for gossip. Their daughter is a brat and an unmotivated student. I don't know if my lessons with the kids are the best or the most exciting, but I teach and I want them to learn. However I can always improve.

I find it amazing that am considering the USA again. I used to hate it, but my last few visits were kinda nice and it was great to not feel a foreigner for once, although I am certainly used to the idea living here since 2009. Why would I go back? Not because I am a ultra patriot nor do I believe it is the "Greatest country on the planet", but I am looking the stability factor and the fact that I turn 36 in 9 days. However this going to take some more deep hard thinking.