ROMA: the first few days
After waiting almost six months it was finally time for me to leave for my study abroad semester in Rome Italy.
What was planned to be a typical flight, I originally had a flight from Raleigh to Philly and then from there I would go straight to Rome. With studying within a program we were asked to book our tickets so we can be there at a specific time so they can provide transportation for us and to take us to our apartments. Well, six delays later, an extra flight, the loss of my luggage in London, a 32 hour travel day, and I think the loss of my brain function I had touched down in Rome at 10:30 pm when I was originally supposed to be there at 9:30 am. I texted my mom in the airport when I realized they did not have my luggage and I said “mom turn me around I need to go home.” The anxiety was overwhelming and I had begun to panic.
Oh my gosh would that have been the biggest regret of my life. Living in an apartment building with some of the most beautiful people I have ever met and exploring a city that holds such grace is something I truly can never take for granted.
There have been so many obvious adjustments like of course the language barrier but what has been really fascinating for me is the little nuances and differences that separate what I am used too in America. You definitely cannot just walk into a coffee shop and ask for an iced latte because if I said that here I would be asking for iced milk….and I don’t think they enjoy that.
The way Italians prioritize their bodies and minds has probably been one of my favorite new observations. They truly take pride in their peace and the comfort of the company they are around. Most restaurants and lots of businesses close mid day and will not open back up till around 7 or 8. It gives them time to prioritize their day and look forward to the company they share at the end of their day. Being able to walk everywhere is truly a gift and it gives you a moment to just breathe and look around as there is always something to be in awe of.
As classes start tomorrow, for our first few days getting settled in, we not only got to become accustomed to life being abroad but also we were able to see the magic that Rome has to offer. On our first tour we did a walking tour and we were able to see the stunning architecture within the piazzas as well as visit some landmarks that are nothing short of breathtaking like the Trevi Fountain.
On our second tour which was to the ancient ruins and The Colosseum being able to witness such a massive piece of history is something that is a bit hard for me to wrap my head around. Knowing that these landmarks are not replicas and they are the same buildings that have been around for centuries offers perspective I haven’t known previously. Definitely a landmark that will make me persevere through 98 degree dry heat. I’m from Florida and this heat makes Florida look like we could go skiing. Being able to capture these tours on video is memories I am ecstatic to share with my future family as well.
Apart from the guided tours, all of us have tried to shove in as many excursions as we can before school starts. Going to the infamous Singita Miracle Beach where a mojito bucket was presented to me, getting a leopard tattoo at 2 am (my mom has a dolphin tattoo so this is justified), girls dinner where I absolutely annihilated cacio e pepe, taking a lime scooter at 6 am while Rome is still quiet, morning cafe lattes at Antico, and I am probably am still missing a few. Being here has made life so fulfilling and has given me such peace as I explore not only myself but to a whole new world for the next five months. Being able to see your perspective change and explore new things you would never do in just 72 hours makes my heart explode for the weeks to come.
I love Roma. Mom and Dad please let me stay lol.
