Whelmed in Rome

View from the Spanish Steps

Ciao from Roma, where I have been for about a week and a half now! I was expecting to be in a constant state of awe this first week or so, but maybe Bianca Stratford was right in 10 Things I Hate About You... I haven't felt as overwhelmed as I expected.

Of course, this isn't to say that I have not been in awe often since coming here - everyday on my walk to class or to get a panino (I'm trying to use Italian grammar here), I wonder if it is possible that everyone who lives in Rome is used to the beauty around them. The Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and all of the other famous spots are amazing, but so are the things you'll find on every street. The buildings, the food, the trees - I am convinced that everything in Rome is more aesthetically pleasing than what I am used to. Even the elevator in my apartment - which requires closing three separate doors and can barely fit me and my two roommates - is cuter.

The toughest part about arriving here was my appetite. Jet lag luckily did not mess with my sleep schedule, but during my first few days in Rome, I wasn't very hungry at mealtimes. Imagine being in a place where you can find pizza and gelato sold at every other storefront for a few euros, but not being very hungry!! Obviously, you continue to eat the pizza and gelato, but still. Thankfully this is no longer a problem, and I do plan on getting gelato every day as no one is currently stopping me. So far my roommates and I have found two gelato places that I love; the others were amazing too but Bianca Stratford also taught me that there is a difference between like and love...

Obviously 10 Things I Hate About You taught me a lot of major life lessons. Speaking of teaching, classes have been good so far. I am especially excited to continue Italian, because I refuse to be the American that makes all the locals speak English. I had my first Rome Sketchbook class yesterday, which as the name suggests, involves touring Rome and sketching what we see! Yesterday we visited a few beautiful churches and learned a little history on the way. I drew one of the many cherubs seen in the churches.

That's all for now, but stay tuned for pictures, gelato related food coma updates, and more. Ciao ciao!!