Finally Photos! And A Great Night in Italy

I finally got my laptop to work! So now get ready for pictures!! 

This is a photo of our dorm! The bunk beds are on the left hand side and behind is the sink :)

It gets a little warm, but it's a great room!

Our second full day in Rome we were rested and ready to go explore! Sarah, Sarah, and I headed to the Vatican because it was so close to us! I have been there before but seeing those great big walls again and St. Peter's Square...I finally began to feel like I'm in Roma!

We ran into a couple other people from JFRC, so we all gathered for a photo!

The whole day was amazing. We are all beginning to live La Dolce Vita :)

We had a large dinner at a place called Capperi, about 100 of us were there! It was a great chance to enjoy a full Italian meal, with antipasti of bruschetta, prima (pasta), and of course the dolce course (the dessert)!

After plenty of vino della casa we took our adventure into the city center! We started at the Spanish Steps, a great meeting spot and it was crowded! But it was so beautiful at night, the crazy tours were gone and real Italians come back into the city center.

                                

The next step was obvious! To the Trevi we go! It's so crazy, you walk down these small streets..then you hear it, the rushing water and you know that you are close! And then you turn a corner and wow! There on the side of a building is one of the most famous fountains in Rome! It's shocking no matter how many times you see it. It was crowded of course, with plenty of tourists and people trying to take your money. But throwing that penny into the fountain makes it all worth it. Don't worry, I'll be back Roma. The Trevi says so.   

Then was one of the highlights of the night! A lovely lady at a snack bar gave us a great deal on a bottle of wine and let us sit and chat until 12:30. She was adorable. There were also all these set shots of Roman Holiday, these lovely behind the scene shots of Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn. She was adorable. So obviously we took a photo together!

The story is not over! It's only 12:30! We are in Rome! So unfortunately (well not really) we took a wrong turn and ended up at the Forum, and the Colosseum! And let me tell you, it was quite a walk! But it was the best night of my life so far. And I know I will have more to come! Seeing it all lit up and knowing the number of Ancient Romans who have walked the same streets, seen gladiator fights, and shopped at the forum. It's one reason why I love Rome and I love Roman History. These structures have stood the test of time, and they are here to remind us of what came before and learn from their mistakes and recognize the impact they had on our lives. ...I know I'm a sap when it comes to history. 

But look at this photo and tell me you are not amazed that this has survived centuries upon centuries upon centuries.

 

Until next time, Ravenna and Assisi up next!

Ciao Bella!

First Full Day..and So much to do!

I am finally on Italian time. And I'm sorry but I will hopefully figure out the wifi for my laptop shortly. Then I will be able to post pictures! Including the amazing gelato I got at the gelatria down the street from us. The girls in front of us asked the guy for his favorite. "Ti piace" I did the same, when means a cone of chocolate, white chocolate...and nutella. My goodness was it good!! Add on the whipped cream and a little wafer and I was in heaven. 

Speaking of food, can I mention that I am in food heaven? Pasta all the time, rich tomatos, and plenty of herbs and olive oil!  I might not look italian, but I sure eat like one! I'm also enjoying my first iced cappucino as I write this. 

Am I making you jealous? I apologize!

Anyways, more to write after finally heading out to the city center and seeing the Spanish Steps. I have my survival Italian class first! I hope I learn a lot!

Anyways, I'm so excited to for Ravenna and Assisi on Saturday! I will make sure to keep you posted!


Ciao Bella

Ciao Roma!

I have landed in Roma! Despite an hour delay in Chicago (of course, it's O'Hare after all) Waiting forever for my bags (they both came over safely!) And finally spending 20 minutes on a shuttle bus waiting to take us to the Rome Center. I am finally here at JFRC :)

I met my roommate she is really nice, her name is Kate. Our room is small but cute, and I'll post pictures as soon as I get around to it.

All I wanted to do once I got here was to drink some water and take a nap. But there is a walking tour around Monte Mario in about an hour and I'll be on that. No rest for the weary I guess!

I'll write more when I have more time. It's going to be hectic during orientation in the next couple days, but I'll keep you posted!


Ciao Bella

A Quick Note on Packing...

If someone could please inform me on how to pack for 3 months and 3 different season that would be wonderful.

I have crap all over my brother's old room with stuff that I feel like I need. But I can't pack only summer stuff because it does get cold there, about 30 degrees. However, I want to be fashionable too. There is a reason why Italy is the fashion capital of the world. So no to the zip off pants (that everyone thinks is the perfect article of clothing for travelers) or crappy wrinkled t-shirts. I'm not backpacking through Europe here. I'm living in Rome for 4 months.

So although it would be awesome to bring all of my fabulous boots and dresses, they will not all fit in my suitcase. I also decided against a winter coat and boots, if I go anywhere that cold I'll buy the necessities. What I need to do is find the correct balance between sundresses and sweaters, t-shirts and dressy clothes, and comfortable shoes and fashionable ones. That is the most difficult part.

I have been slowly making these little decisions over the past week or so. But not one article of clothing has actually made INTO my suitcase yet. I leave for Chicago on Tuesday. Let the freak out begin....

Ciao Bella

It's Not All Excitement Anymore

11 Days until I get in my car with my family and drive to Chicago to catch my flight to Rome. And now I am getting all the same basic questions...

"When do you leave?"

"Are you excited?" or "I bet you are excited!!"

To which I respond,

"August 25th"

"Oh Yes! I can't wait!"

But inside, my head is screaming, "Of course you are excited Megan, but you are just as freaked out!"

I feel like I deserve some nervousness and hesitation at this point. This isn't a quick vacation I'm going on here, this is living in another country for almost 4 months. I feel like I'm starting all over again. I'm starting school all over again. Not knowing where to go or anyone I'm with. And for an introvert like me, that is unnerving.

But isn't that what travel is all about? Going somewhere and not knowing the language, the customs, or anyone that can help you-- but you go anyways?

So yes, sometimes I can't sleep at night and I run downstairs and sit out on the deck looking at the stars thinking, wouldn't it be easier to stay at home?

Of course it would.

But I had the same doubts the week leading up to going to Loyola. And that didn't stop me. It was not always an easy ride these past two years, but it was one of the best decision I have ever made.

I think this will be the next best decision I have ever made.

Screw the hesitation, I'm getting on that plane.

In the words of Eat Pray Love, Attraversiamo!

Yes, let's cross over that big ocean. Roma, here I come.

Ciao bella