After a seven hour flight from JFK, I landed in Rome on Tuesday, August 27. I only slept one hour on the plane and am still trying to get over my jet lag and the six hour time difference. It was reassuring to see that the airport was filled with other college students getting ready to study abroad-- all of us feeling the same nerves mixed with excitement.
Preparing to leave for Rome was difficult, especially during my last week home. Saying my goodbyes to friends at Stonehill and loved ones at home was one of the hardest things I've had to do. I already miss everyone, but I am already starting to adjust to my new living situation. I was placed in an apartment in Trastevere, a well known neighborhood in Rome. There are four of us in our apartment with two bedrooms, a small common room, kitchen, and one bathroom. It is a lot nicer than what I had been picturing, but there are some quirks. For example, in our bedroom there is a giant neon green triangle painted on the back wall, bright red curtains, and incredibly tall closets with more neon green shapes painted on. Not like what I am used to at Stonehill, but the ceilings are high and there is plenty of space. After a little rearranging and decorating we have started to make the room our own.
We had a couple of maintenance issues in the last couple of days regarding our shower. There is a giant water heater hanging above the bathtub that needs to be kept on at all times. First, we couldn't figure out how to switch the water flow from the faucet to the shower head, so my first shower in the apartment was me and a bucket of hot water. When in Europe, right? Once we figured out how to switch the water flow, the water heater stopped working. So my roommates and I were talking ice cold showers. The landlord came into our apartment, walked straight into the bathroom, and flipped a switch. Three hours later we had our hot water back, simple as that. We are learning one step at a time here in Rome.
Trastevere is absolutely gorgeous and I still cannot believe that this is going to be my home for the next few months. It is located on the other side of the Tiber River, across from the city center and historical monuments. The past few days have been spent exploring our neighborhood and trying to get to know our way around. Rome is not only overwhelming in its tremendous beauty, but also in its layout and design. Every street looks identical to the other. We have already done plenty of walking just trying to find our way back to the apartments, but getting lost in Rome is nothing to complain about.
The gelato is incredible, the pasta is to die for, and the pizza is delicious; however, I think I am going to need to expand my food selection eventually. This trip has to be all about trying new things. Both my roommate and I have been surprised at how different life is in Italy. It is a much more relaxed atmosphere compared to our fast-paced American lifestyle.
This past week has been busy with the scheduled Orientation program at John Cabot University -- info sessions, tours, etc. I have spent a lot of my time with the girls from Stonehill, but we have also met a lot of new people from all over the States. I had already been good acquaintances with a couple of the Stonehill girls, but I did not know them well before this trip. It has been so much fun going out with all of them and exploring Rome. I am very excited for our adventures to come! We finally ventured out across Ponte Sisto (one of the bridges over the Tiber River) and saw the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, Campo dei Fiori, and much more. There is so much to do and see in Rome! It is amazing because you are right in front of these magnificent structures with just a turn of a corner.
I am going to do my best to keep everyone updated on my life in Rome. I'm sure it will be interesting. I've only been here for five days, but it seems like it has been one month already. Next weekend the API group is traveling to Tuscany for a wine tasting in the countryside, after that we will be starting to venture out to see more of Europe. I love and miss you all!
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