As new thoughts begin to arrive...

*Disclaimer* This post does not necessarily reflect my study abroad in Italy.  However, the idea behind this post is my current belief(s) and possible ideas based on what I have learned while living here for almost two months.

I guess we never really value how important it is to have a travel buddy with you regardless of where you go.  Many times you'll find that they will point out things that you haven't seen!  This would be something similar to the saying "two heads are better than one." This may not be in just standard traveling situations, but in any situation.  I don't think that we should ever be afraid to ask for help or companion when it comes to conquering a new goal.  Sure, we could probably do many things alone, but it isn't as fun and exciting, is it?  Henry Ford's Assembly Line wouldn't have worked if it wasn't for the help from a number of people.  They were able to accomplish something so innovating and new at such a quicker pace, more efficiently.  What if we were to become more connected, rather than striving to be an individualist country?

Assembly Line

Italy is an individualistic country, but much more collectivist than the United States will probably ever be.  It is very important to fully utilize all of your networks, connections, and tools given to you by others.  Reason for this is people are able to share, collaborate, and get things done much easier.  For example, shopping at almost any super market:  If you consistently go to the same producer / provider, they know that you are loyal to them and probably recommending them to your colleagues.  In return, they do you favor.  So you are exchanging favors with somebody.  Italians (generally speaking) usually expect some type of return of good or service from a gift.  Nothing is not returned.  People know each other, help one another out, and are there to support each other.  Ever noticed how in America people usually just fend for themselves and are only worried about the self?  Let's think for a minute if we decided to do somebody a favor for once without expecting anything in return?  Hmmmm......

What if America worked to help one another out?  What if we started becoming more of a collectivist country, rather than having everybody working to be so much different than one another.  Sure, we can continue to have our own unique individual selves, but look where the country is now.  How many political parties are there besides the main two (Red vs. Blue)?  People are constantly arguing over who is right, and who is wrong.  What if we took a minute to sit and listen to what the other party has to say, and maybe try to interpret in our own minds on why they would think the way they do?  Okay, we don't agree with everything they say, big deal?  It's their decision, not yours, and there is absolutely NOTHING you can do about it.

With the elections coming up, is there anybody that truly fully 100% supports either one of the two gentlemen running?  From everybody that I've asked recently, people are either: A.) caught in a dispute on who they want to vote for, B.) Don't care anymore, or C.) supporting either one but still have doubts.  Now, I am not giving away my political point of view, but I'm sure you may or may not have an idea of where it could be heading.