My weekend in Rome.

It was a long and eventful weekend.

Thursday at Scholars. Had a rough time getting back to the apartment, as the night buses can be difficult to navigate. As a woman, I've learned that asking directions from a man here is not a good idea. In fact, making eye contact or anything of the sort is apparently an invitation for courtship. So, we keep our gaze straight and our hands to ourselves and expect they do the same.

Friday morning Liz left for Dublin. I woke up as she was getting ready to head out the door, sleepy eyed and dragging her feet.

"Where are you going?!"
"? Dublin!"
"Oh yeah."

Caitlin and I decided that we would go exploring on Saturday. We mapped our route and decided we'd hit up the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica, then head to the crypt of the Capuchin Monks. As we approached the Vatican, we were promptly funneled into a line of people entering the square through metal detectors and before we knew it our bags were being sent through security scanners. As we walked into the open square, we were met by thousands of people, all crowding together, and to our surprise, the Pope was out on the steps of the square, blessing people. He said a prayer and rode the Pope-mobile through the crowd, kissing babies and touching hands before disappearing back into the Basilica. What an honor!

After the random Pope citing, we went to the crypts. It was easy to find - right off the Metro line. I've come to love the Metro as it saves me a lot of time and effort in navigating the bus system. The crypts were completely decorated with human bones. Thousands of dismembered skeletons lie in pieces, piled to make a bed for fully assembled and clothed skeletons, some still wearing their skins. Lining the ceilings and walls are ribs and vertebra, pieced together to make almost pleasing designs. Eerily, dead monks stand behind a gate, holding crosses and looking out over the layer of dirt spread out before them, surrounded by skulls and thighs and arms. You can smell the damp dirt when you walk in to the cool chapel. It was one of the most bizarre experiences I've ever had.

We left the crypt and walked to the Trevi Fountain and watched people for awhile. I have a hard time getting over how HUGE the Trevi really is. We headed to Punto and did some grocery shopping before going home and getting a call from Marghi, asking if we would like to come to dinner at Ostiense. We headed over and were shocked and awed the by sheer size of their apartment, jealous and bitter about the one IES placed us in. We drank wine from a box - why, I'm not sure, as we're in Italy and wine is so cheap - and made pasta with shrimp. We sat around the kitchen table and chatted for hours. Cait and I headed home around midnight and slept until noonish the next day.

I woke up on Sunday to 70 degree weather and opened all the doors and windows to the apartment. I cleaned off the balcony so it may be of practical use now. It is no longer a closet for our cleaning supplies. No, those are in the hallway. I'd rather have a balcony than a hallway.
Cait and I left for the park of Villa Borghese around 2 and met some friends at Piazza del Popolo. We picnicked in the grass with homemade sangria, fresh fruit, bread, cheese and various meats. An interesting note about the Italians - not only do they wear an impressive amount of black and other dull, disinteresting colors, but they also wear their winter jackets and hats in beautiful, warm weather. I received the funniest stares in my flipflop sandals and my tank top. I wore green with a black and white striped skirt and people looked at me like I was an outlaw. It made me feel vulnerable and embarrassed until I remembered I didn't want to spend my day being self conscious.

After the sun went down a bit, the temperature dropped and we got chilly, so we left for home.

After class today I made an extremely unnecessary trek across town on the 61 bus in an attempt to make a meeting I was already 10 minutes late for (not my fault) and wound up in a strange part of the city where the scenery is ugly and littered with plastic bottles, matted paper bags and trashcans full to the brim. I decided I was better off simply heading back home. So I did, and I made myself pasta and talked with my mom (finally).


Today was a long day and tomorrow will be even longer with school. It was around 60 degrees but somewhat cloudy. I have homework to do yet, so I should get on that.

Campo

This morning I woke up and found the recycling bins near my house. Proud.
It's so warm out. I ventured in sandals and a sweater and felt just fine. I took the 40 to the city and went to Campo Dei Fiori around 1 for the market. It was lovely and scary and colorful. I say scary because I had no idea how to bag anything, let alone communicate with the vendor. So much fresh produce. So many vegetables and fruits. I think what I'll do is read up on Italian cooking, make a list of things I need and return later this week with a mission, instead of wander like a lost puppy. Today I bought a lot of strawberries for 3,50 euro and 10 white tulips for 8,00 euro. Lovely. Everyone bustling about between vegetable stands, bagging their apples and green leafy things while the statue of Giordano Bruno observes from above. I sat on the fountain with my strawberries and watched for awhile. It was picture perfect.

Last night we went to Scholars and had a few drinks. Elvis was there and he brought the mic over to us and we belted into it. We got lost on the way back, clueless as to how to use to night buses and hoping it would be just as easy as the day routes. Wrong. We went in one big circle on the N2, from Termini to the Colosseum and back, all the while being followed by two men we had earlier asked directions from. "Termini?" "Piazza Bologna?" Anyone? No one seemed to know, and when they did, we didn't know how to understand their directions. Finally we made it back to the apartment and slept well until 11 this morning.

I'm not sure what my plans are for the rest of the day. I really miss my mom and I would love to talk to her but we're having phone issues. Imagine that. And I really miss Spence and I'd love to talk to him, too. I need to plan my spring break and some other upcoming trips. I'd really love to travel, but I don't want to do it alone, so I need a buddy. We'll see. For now, I'll just eat some cookies with nutella.

Wednesday.

Ciao ciao ciao! Yesterday we saw the Roman Forum. It was a quick trip on the 40 from the IES center to the Piazza Venezia, and the Forum was just a short walk from there. It was breath taking. Did I mention we went for a class "field study?" My art history class has a lot of those, as does my Roman history course. We go to the locations that we are studying and get to talk about it while its in front of our eyes. I'd like to go to the Forum on my own and just wander and stare, without having to strain to hear what my professor is saying.

After that, I went to Scholars, an Irish pub with a few friends and had a beer. It was nice. We had nachos, too. Hey, we all need a little break from the culture shock sometimes.

My political science class met for the first time last night and it sounds interesting. I wish it weren't so late, but then again, the city is lovely by night time. I'm excited to learn about the Italian political system. The elections will be held while we're here. In fact, they're held on my birthday.

Today I had only one class - Italian - at 2:30. I slept in and took it slow this morning. While I was walking to the metro and chomping on a ham and cheese sandwich, a little old man, out for a stroll with his little old dog, said, "Buon appetito!" to me as I passed. I knew then it was going to be a nice day.

I came home after class and spoke with my Cafe Abroad editor. I tossed out my story idea and he tweaked it here and there. We came up with the idea of a photo essay about all the monuments that are currently under restoration. I feel good about it and I'm glad that I'm being aggressive with my ideas. I think our group is finally meeting next week. Hooray!

I spoke with Spencer earlier today on Skype. He bought us Tom Petty tickets for my birthday. I am, to say the least, THRILLED. I cannot wait. It's scheduled for July 3, the day before one of my all time favorite holidays.

Yesterday I received two letters - one from my dad containing my new ATM card, and one from Chris from the Deli. I was so excited all afternoon. And I finally figured out how to use the Italian postal system, so I will be sending many more post cards from now on.

I'm feeling more adjusted and a little more optimistic. I think tomorrow I'll explore a bit here and there. I'd really like to go to the Vatican again. I find it romantic and mind blowing. Next weekend the Pope is addressing local university students and I get a free ticket. I'll let you know how it goes, but I feel it's a once in a lifetime opportunity. I get to be an audience for the Pope!

What else?

The Metro is increasingly stinky every time I get on it. I think I'll start taking the 62 in to the city on a more regular basis. It takes me from Piazza Bologna straight to the Castel San'Angelo. Therefore I can avoid the Metro and its crowds.

Well, tomorrow is a new day. A Thursday, at that. Almost three weeks down. Where should I go for Spring Break? Any suggestions.

Ciao.

The semester begins.

Today was decent. I give it a C+ for its ups and downs. Right now I'm listening to NPR on my computer - morning edition. I'm not sure what day it's from, probably yesterday, as its not morning here or in Indiana. It makes me feel a little bit comforted and a little more comfortable here.

We had our first day of real classes today. I wanted to leave a little early so I could eat a quick breakfast before class, so we left around 8 in order to get there at 8:45. Class started at 9 and we got to the IES center at 9:10, thanks to the rush hour traffic on the Metro. In fact, we tried twice on two separate trains to pack ourselves like sardines into the already overstuffed cars before finally forcing ourselves onto the third train as to not to be TOO late. Tomorrow, we leave earlier.

The first few hours of class were hectic for me. I started the day not really enrolled in any classes at all and just attending the ones I wanted to be in. My name wasn't on any of the lists so I was never actually called for attendance, and it made me uneasy. I'm not used to that sort of disorganization. I like knowing exactly what's going on and exactly how I'm going to approach it. I started in a history course called Italy in the 20th Century. My professor reminds me of my grandpa only Italian. He is nice, and he seems to harbor a lot of information in his head. I'm eager to learn about Italian history and culture. I'm taking another history course called The Roman Empire: history and myth. How enticing! I wandered into my art history class and found a seat, surprisingly. The room we were assigned to was one of the smallest in the building, and yet this particular class was one of the largest offered. So we were, again, packed like sardines. It seems like IES is just kind of winging it, since this is such a new building and a new way of going about things. I tried to stay calm, despite my growing urge to scream and/or have a nervous break down.

By noon, everything was worked out and I FINALLY had a schedule. Diane, a guidance counselor pulled some strings and got me enrolled in both history classes AND the art history class. I'm also enrolled in a political science class which I haven't been to yet. It starts tomorrow. I have two "field studies" this week. I'll tell you about them later.

I am still coughing, unfortunately. It's somewhere in my chest, this rattling.

It was chilly today. I wore my new jacket to the grocery. I miss having someone bag my groceries for me. How pathetic.

Between classes, I wandered down to the Nero Caffe and had a cappuccino and a panino. Then I realized they had pancakes and so I played the American role and ordered some. They were 4 euro and not very big, but there were three of them and they were delicious. Exactly what I needed after a stressful morning of travel and class. The cameriere (waiter) brought me this funny off brand American syrup, and on the front it said, "2% real maple syrup!" I laughed and tried in my broken Italian to explain it to him but he didn't get it so I giggled to myself over my delicious American breakfast. It's hard to go without a little bit of relief from the vague Italian breakfasts. I'm sick of cornetti (croissants). What I would do for a bagel...

Costa Rica wants to be carbon neutral by 2021. Wow. Nature air - the world first carbon neutral airline. Interesting. What if the entire country was carbon neutral? What if everything was carbon neutral? I love NPR.

I wish I could start in with my Cafe Abroad internship. I'm not sure where the group is, but the learder, Michelle, hasn't gotten in touch with me for a meeting. I'm eager to get started.

Well anyway, I think I'll go do some reading. Ciao!

A down day.

One thing I've learned in the past few days is that a change in location does not indefinitely change your outlook on life. You can move across the world to a place where they don't speak your language, to city full of historical monuments, and still feel half empty. My troubles have followed me here. My boredom has come along with. My life feels generally the same, only I am without my friends and family, and without a comfort zone that extends beyond my apartment.

Today, everything is closed in Rome. It's a holy day, so not even the supermarket is open. I learned that the hard way and came home discouraged, but with a gelato. Yesterday I refused to stay in for another afternoon, so I went to the Vatican Museums and saw the Sistine Chapel. I really loved it. It was a different experience alone. I'm glad I did it, but it didn't leave me feeling inspired. I suppose that's what I came here looking for - inspiration. The most inspiration I've felt since I've been here is the kind I experience when I talk to my family and friends and Spencer. I'm bored a lot. I'm lonely a lot. I'm confused a lot and I'm uncomfortable a lot. And more often than I'd like, I am asking myself why I'm here. I don't feel depressed. I only feel detached and listless. I thought maybe the city would wake me up. I thought maybe a drastic change in scenery would light my fire. Maybe I'm going about it wrong. Is it bad that I don't FEEL like socializing?

I'm frustrated. I'm only two weeks in and already, I am fed up and dying to come home. I'm dying for the familiar, which is why I spend hours at a time at my computer, or reading a book I've already read. I'm waiting for the lightening to strike. I'm waiting for that moment when I don't feel so afraid or tired or alone or blank. I'm not sure what to do. Everyone said, "You're going to have such a good time!!!" What am I doing wrong? I'm tired of being alone all the time and I'm tired of not knowing how to navigate or communicate.

It's a test of stamina, being here. How long can one hold out before they have a mental break down?

I'm only being pessimistic. Tomorrow will be better. I promise.

A bug.

I'm sick today. I only get sick once a year and I was sick like this last year at this time. I told my dad - at least I'm consistent. It still sucks though. I have to get up early and make the 45 minute commute to the city on a crowded bus and train. I probably got it from one of those two things...being around so many people like I've been. I suppose I could have had a better start to the semester, but it could have been worse, and lets hope that it can only get better from here.

Tomorrow I have to stay in the city after class ends at 12 noon until 1:45 when I am meeting Mariana somewhere near the Vatican for my permission to stay appointment. I'm supposed to have another meeting with the Cafe Abroad crew, but I think we're having some trouble getting situated and communicating. I haven't ventured anywhere near the Vatican yet, so I'm excited. If I feel well enough, I'd like to go in...maybe see a museum or two. And in between class and my appointment I'll probably go to the Piazza Navona and read for a while. I hope it's warm tomorrow. It's been lingering around 40 and 50 here, which is nice but sometimes cold in the wind. With my chills today, I felt like everywhere was freezing.

Liz accidentally left the stove on today after she and everyone else left for the cooking lesson. I was trying to figure out what the smell was and why I was feeling so dizzy when I discovered the pot previously filled with water that had boiled off and was simply burning above the open flame. I had to open all the windows.

The walls are so thin in my apartment. I can hear everything both inside my apartment and outside of it. They ask us to take our heals off at night because it disturbs the people downstairs. Our windows don't have screens and aren't very well sealed, so it takes no effort to open them and almost every morning I wake up to the construction on the street or an ambulance siren. Meh. I still like the apartment, and I feel like time is finally on my side. I'm managing myself pretty well and I am getting the hang of the metro. I can find my own way home from class without worrying about getting lost...all I need is a metro ticket. If you don't validate yours and you get checked by the ticket checking man, you have to hand over 50 euro on the spot.

I had some gelato today. The IES building is located really close to a lot of little shops, and we get a break in the middle of our 2 and a half hour Italian class, so tomorrow I think I'll go down and get a banana or something. The hard part is communicating with the person at the counter...eesh. I went to the grocery again today. The Italians aren't shy about protesting when they feel they've been wronged. It's not uncommon to see a cashier arguing with a customer. Everyone acts like it's not happening. Anyway, I bought notably cheap kiwis, swiss cheese and some ham slices for sandwiches. I wish I was feeling well enough to attend the cooking lessons, but I just couldn't do it. The cheese at the grocery is one of the most expensive things. You can find cheap cheese, but it's usually passed or is passing its expiration date. Regardless, you'll find a lot of people rummaging through the blocks of parmesean and brie, trying to find the most recent expiration date.

Also, they have baskets that you can either hold by two handles, like in the States, or you can wheel it around, like a suitcase. A retractable handle is available if you'd like to do the latter. It's funny, wheeling it around between people. "Scusa, scusami."

Italian is going well. My teacher is loud and keeps me awake. I dread making the trip in, though. I hope classes will be later in the day next week.

I got to talk to Spencer for a while on Skype today and it was great. Getting to see his face, hear is voice and have him see me, as well, is great. And it's free! That's way better than a phone call and way cheaper.

I'm getting tired now and I think I'll turn in. I'm still the only one home, so I'll probably get woken up in a little while when they return, but that's okay. I hope I feel better tomorrow. It figures I'd get sick here.

Update

I'm tired today. Not exhausted as I've been in the past week, but just sleepy. I'm also feeling overwhelmed by the size of the city and the very little of it I've actually seen. There is so much I want to do and so much that requires a lot of time and a lot of money and a lot of navigation skill. I'm consulting all of my books and I really want to explore the various museums and landmarks on my own, but its hard and intimidating when you don't know the language and it's easy to get lost. This week we started our intensive Italian courses and mine is from 9:30 until noon. After that, I'm done for the afternoon and I have all the time in the world to do whatever I want. Tonight I need to do some homework, and there is an Italian cooking class at 7, which sounds fun. I had my first homemade Italian meal last night. A salad made up of some amazing greens and some awesome pasta pictured below. Right now my roommates and I are sitting around the kitchen table . They are eating and I'm sipping wine and trying to do my homework. I have to draw a diagram of my apartment and label it in Italian. Fun, right? More later...long day.

Give me back my card.

I've been having a lot of trouble taking money out of ATMs with my bank card. It's a gamble. Sometimes the screen just says, "We have been instructed to return your card. Please contact your own bank." Sometimes it gives me money. I figured I would just deal with it and try to take out smaller amounts, as dad called the bank and they said the amount could not exceed 150 dollars, which is about 100 euro. This morning Cait and I wanted to go to the grocery because it would be nice to have some fruit and veggies and pasta here to make on my own, instead of spending the time and money venturing out into the streets and finding something suitable to eat. Dealing with the invasive street vendors and their offensive comments, along with trying to communicate with the people selling me food is really hard and it wears on me. But when I went to take money out of my account, the ATM ate my card, and my mind turned to static. BUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.

So, on the verge of tears, I called my dad and tried to figure out what to do. Because of the trouble I've had retrieving money, I had no cash on me. The bank was closed. It's not open tomorrow. And the Italians behind us were frustrated with the amount of time the transaction was taking. I didn't want to leave my card inside this machine for anyone to walk up and grab if the machine decided by chance to spit it out. We walked back to the apartment, frustrated, and I wrote a hasty email to my bank, asking for help. A few minutes later Lori called me and tried to talk me through what was going to happen next. Luckily, I have in my wallet a leftover temporary ATM card issued to me this summer when I lost my wallet. It can be activated again to use until they send me a new card. So, long story short, a minor mishap this morning with money, and a huge wave of culture shock hitting me all at once, finally. I'm glad it's here, so I don't have to worry about waiting for it any more. The funny thing is that my inner voice told me to keep that stupid spare ATM card just in case. As if I could have ever foreseen my card getting eaten by an Italian bank machine.


I still haven't found the grocery. I had a crepe for breakfast. And I'm tired. I miss home. But, thank God for Lori, and dad, too. They are home base, and they take care of everything technical. And I'm so glad to have them as a support system. My mom talked to me for 30 minutes and helped me calm down. And I am so happy to have those things at my back.

Cait brought back some milk and cereal. Because she is an angel.

I'm exhausted.

We just got back from Umbria about an hour ago. I am finally back in my apartment, but it smells like garbage for some reason, so I'm a little frustrated. But it's amazing to have an internet connection and a place to sleep that isn't a foot from two other people in a hotel room in Perugia. The hardest part about the past three days has been having no personal space or time. We are constantly meeting people, usually for the second or third time and having to reintroduce yourself, try to memorize their names, and make a good impression. It's really tiring. We have been in huge groups, going on walking tours, listening to the jibber jabber of Italian people around us, as well as the STUPID small talk between IES students that you are more than likely to get sucked into sooner than later. Blah.

These pictures are from our first night here, and the meal our Italian Manuela made us. I don't remember the names of everyone in the pictures, but these bits and pieces of our apartment, including my room. The two girls posing are some of our italian companions, Manuela is the one on the right, and she's very sweet. She lives in the room next to me.

I've been taking tons of pictures. I've been taking notes, too, especially when we're on the tours. I would really like to remember everything I can.

We toured Perugia (pronounced Pear-ooch-a) on Tuesday morning. It was lovely, but I would describe it as being a bit abrasive. We arrived at the end of Carnival, which is some sort of Pagan festival here. It's cause for lots of celebration. Everyone dresses up in costumes and prances around with masks on and throws confetti. At sunset, all the teenagers came out in their outfits to drink and shout. The hotel we stayed in was an extremely nice one, although we were in close quarters with our two roommates. The meals they served us were huge and consisted of three courses. There was usually a plate of cheese to start with, then a pasta plate, followed by some sort of meat and potatoes and then the dessert. I just can't eat that much.

My roommate Caitlin and I just took a chance and ventured into the unknown world that is Via Salento and the Bologna metro station. We were hungry and went looking for food and but for the few pizzarias, there was little open. We settled for some calzones, both of which were pink on the inside so we didn't finish them. I started a conversation with a woman that knew no english, but was trying to tell me something about her Polish husband before her phone rang and we parted ways. But, her kindness encouraged me not to be so afraid and intimidated by the Italians, despite their pushy ways. I'm making effort to speak with them. After the calzones and their uncooked meat, we went for gelato down the street. I asked the woman behind the counter how she was, or at least I thought I did, and got no more than a nod...but at least I tried. It's funny because often, we are too afraid to try speaking in Italian for fear of making fools of ourselves, but I think I'd much rather someone try to speak to me in broken English than expect me to interpret their foreign language. I'm trying not to speak English by default. I'll never learn if I don't make an effort, even if it makes me uncomfortable.

So, I got nutella gelato. Wonderbar.

Assisi was yesterday, and it was a lot like I remembered from high school. I loved St. Francis Cathedral, and St. Claire's Cathedral. Both were lovely and sacred places. A few of us climbed to the top of the mountain and visited the highest point in Assisi, the fortress. It was a tiring walk but a wonderful view. We had dinner at a restaurant outside of town and I slept through the third course, literally. I was so exhausted and so full and sleep sounded great. We woke up early this morning. I showered and ate breakfast and we left for Orvieto.

I'd never been to Orvieto before. It's smaller and simpler than the previous towns, but it follows the same format; high on a hill, small shops full of fun little doodads, etc. But there was a huge cathedral there dedicated to the virgin Mary. It had such intricate designs on the front carved out of limestone depicting scenes from the bible from the new testament to the last judgment. The detail of the carvings were incredible. Every tooth on every demon was in place, and every grape on every vine recognizable. The inside was huge and made me look forward even more to the beauty that is San Pietro.

After the cathedral, I walked around the small streets and hid in doorways as the cars came zooming through. Clothes hung on lines outside windows and dangled in the wind. Some of us bought some wine. I bought a nice bottle of red that I had a glass of before dinner, but it didn't sit well with my empty stomach.

I think the most intimidating part about being here is trying to speak the language. I'm sure I could have predicted that, but it's going to be hard not having a guide with me all the time, but it's going to be really fun practicing what I learn in glass.

Perhaps the scariest part about Rome itself is how busy it is, and how crazy the Italians drive. There is no caution. Cars zoom by at rapid speeds, honking and braking quickly when they have to stop. They don't stay in their lanes, and they don't yield often. There is no rhyme or reason to it, and I think for any American, driving like a European would take a great amount of effort, as we are so used to rules and regulations and courtesy on the road. Oh well. So long as I'm not hit or in a car accident, I'll be okay.

Tomorrow we wake up at 9 and leave at 10 with one of our neighboring groups. We'll try to navigate to the IES center for our language placement test at 11:30. When you stand outside the center, to the left is a view of the Vatican and Piazza San Pietro. Straight ahead is the Castel Sant'Angelo.

Ali - try not to be too stressed out about studio work. You are resilient. Thanks for reading and keeping me posted on the news at home :-) Love you.

Mom - I sent you a facebook message, and I miss you a lot. I picked out a piece of paper from the jar you gave me and it was the one about the storm in my jeep. I liked that one for today, because bravery is something I have to keep in my pocket and hold tight to around here.

And Stace - I love you, I miss you, and I can't wait to see you when you visit. Tell Mike I miss him, as well. I'm online a lot now - anytime before midnight when my internet shuts off for some reason. I feel like if you were here with me, I'd be a little more brave. How did the class go in Indy? And how is Karma? I hope she's behaving and I hope she is still cute.


To anyone else reading, feel free to leave messages and/or send me letters. My address is in a previous post and I'm so tired that I don't even remember it.

Ciao. Buena sera, mi amore.

Hello from Rome.

Well, I suppose I have to update.

It's been a long 36 hours. The flights were boring and generally uneventful. The last flight was my wakeup call, sort of a reality check. I realized I was really going to Italy when everyone around me was speaking Italian. It really freaked me out, and for a good two hours I wanted to buy a ticket home. I was terrified. But I tried to sleep and had little success. I'd say I got about 3 hours in. The three Italian boys sitting to my right were obnoxious and making obscene gestures with their hips. Again, I was terrified. Dinner was pasta with chicken. Bland but welcomed by my empty stomach. I played with my cards a lot on the flight. We watched two movies, one was about global warming and the arctic, and the other was Finding Neverland. I spent a lot of time sniffing my pillow and choking back tears, breathing deep and calming myself down.

We landed and I met up with a girl named Molly, also in the program. We were all funneled into a room full of chairs and IES staff, where they made copies of our passports and visas and grouped us together before sending us off in a taxi. My roommate Cait and I took a cab all the way out to Via Salento 4, our apartment. The total was 55 euro, and the cab driver was nice, so we tipped him. When we got into the building, we had to take the elevator one at a time, as it is incredibly small. Our Italian roommate Manuela met us at the door and helped us move in. She is very sweet, and she's a journalist, which is quiet coincidental.

Cait and I took the room with a view onto the street. It has a huge window and lots of shelving. Right now it's storming, and below you can hear the rain hitting the pavement and the mumble of Italian men wandering around.

The city feels different this time. Living here is so different from being a tourist. But, the scenery is still breathtaking and the buildings are incredible. I can't wait to sightsee. I can't wait to see the Pantheon.

I miss Spencer terribly. But I am so lucky to have internet in my apartment by chance, because I can contact him on a more regular basis. He is such a huge system of support for me, as are the rest of my friends. Stacy, Steven, Ali and Spence all met me at the airport to see me off. Spencer hugged me tight, took my right hand and started to dance with me while singing "Pride and Joy." I love him very, very much, and I don't think I could have asked for a better goodbye. He watched me go through security and was jumping and waving until we could no longer make eye contact.

Wow, lots of thunder and lightening outside now. Lovely.

We had a lot of people over tonight for dinner. Two other households and their Italian roommates. I really like the people in the program so far. Tomorrow we all leave again for Umbria for three days. We'll be staying in a hotel and I can't decide if I should bring my computer or not. We'll see.

Anyway, I'm exhausted and I have to get up early to pack a bag and all that jazz.

Ciao from Rome.

A goodbye

I leave tomorrow morning, and I know I won't have internet access in a stable environment for a few days until I get settled, so I'm doing a quick update.

There was a going away party on Thursday. So many friends, so many good times, so many smiling faces I will miss until June. I got a web cam from Steven and Stacy, so I'll be able to Skype with friends and see their faces without having to spend a ton on phone calls. That makes things so much easier for Spence and me, assuming the skyping works. I've just made Skype a verb.

Spencer, Stacy, Steven and Ali are meeting me at the airport tomorrow, which is amazing and it gives me one last thing to look forward to before I head off towards a day of exhausting travel. Spencer is amazing, and he's made the past few days of my life wonderful. It feels so good to be in this with him and to know he has my back. Things could not have turned out better. I can't wait to tell him about my trip.

I'll arrive in Rome around 8 am, which is 2 am Indiana time. I have a layover in Chicago and in Newark, so wish me luck. Until we meet again across the pond, ciao.