Press play and start again

It took me a while to start writing this blog. I kept on procrastinating it, because I refused to think that my journey here is coming to an end. I have spent my last few weeks pretending that my Erasmus was endless, which seems to have worked well: it enabled me to enjoy those last moments left with my friends. But now August is so close that it is almost impossible to simply “forget about it”. A flight needs to be booked and my bags will be packed soon. So here I am, finally writing my farewell blog.

People try to describe endings to make them sound so wonderful and poetic. But we all know the truth: endings suck. Especially when they imply leaving behind amazing people and memories you know you will never forget. And my Erasmus in Munich is a perfect example.
Before coming to Germany, I had heard a lot about Erasmus; some people shared exciting stories, some others made it sound way less appealing. After 10 months in Munich, I can draw my conclusions: as everything in life, it can have both negative and positive sides, so it is up to you where to put the focus on.

I have encountered a lot of difficulties here: I had to deal with health problems, unpleasant flatmates, and even the police for a traumatic event I experienced at the end of winter semester. I was scared and disappointed, I could not sleep at night, and I felt unsafe every time I went out. My parents were worried, and I was about to give up. Just one week before that horrible day, I had asked to extend my Erasmus for the second semester; but all I wanted was to go home. Nevertheless, even in that time, I decided to look on the “bright side”, and I found the motivation to stay. Now, with hindsight, it was the best decision I could make.
The hard times I have been through made me stronger and helped me grow. I have found sides of myself I did not even know that existed. Last but not least, I got closer to the people who supported me, the real highlight of my Erasmus.
Munich is a surprisingly wonderful city, perfect for both students and families. However, I will remember it as a beautiful place framing the lovely people I have met.

There is something magical in international students. Knowing they only have a limited time to spend in the city they are living in, they always try to make the most of every situation. Prejudice, discrimination, and proudness seem to disappear to let curiosity, kindness and happiness prevail. At the end of the day, we do not want to miss any opportunity, and we have no time to lose for stupid arguments.
I am grateful for every single moment spent with them. The laughter, the international dinners, the house parties when clubs were closed, the picnics at the Englischer Garten, the Sunday excursions, the study sessions in Giselastrasse, and the beers we drank in the Bierstube every Wednesday, will always remain in my heart.

I had ups and downs here, but my friends have always been by my side. I have found a new family and I am sure that time is not over for us. The distance will just be a good reason to travel more; the love and the affection will not disappear.

Saying goodbye will be painful. Not only because I will leave my friends and my new habits, but also because it means to come back. It seems that my life in Italy had stopped in October, and now it is time to press play and start again. I am not ready for this, not ready to step back. I feel that I want to go on, so it is what I will try to do: Anzio will be a layover to prepare for the next stop. I can’t wait to find out what the future holds for me.

Thank you so much for reading, it has been a pleasure to share some of my thoughts with you. A special thank for Miram, for her empathy and kindness, and for making the exchange blog possible!

Goodbye,

Ludo 🙂