Today's the day!

I made it! It took awhile, but I finally made it. Two plane rides with absolutely no anxiety and even less sleep. It took me a few days to warm up to the city, and also to realise that I am no longer in America. I am the foreigner, the alien, and everybody knows it. I've spent three full days in Rome so far, the first days were tough. Adjusting to the time change, customs, and rhythms are going to take the entire semester, but it is going to be really fun figuring them out. The director of the study abroad program, Dr. Dawson, said that we should treat every challenge as an adventure and make sure to do things that make us uncomfortable. I hope to adopt that attitude during my time here and embrace the city, rather than sinking under some kind of a security blanket.

The most shocking thing hasn't been the language, or the weather (although it is about 60 degrees in the afternoon as opposed to New Jersey's 30 degrees) Its the people in the city. The pace is slower, the people are really warm and friendly-- but I've already witnessed an attempted pick-pocketing... oi.

The ruins, monuments, statues, and obelisks are so much more beautiful than any picture makes you think. The city itself has a character that I didn't expect it to have, the buildings are all bright, cheery, and old. Getting my bearings in the city has been pretty challenging. The street signs are hidden on the sides of buildings, many streets look the same, and the city isn't a grid like I'm used to in D.C. There are corners, alleys, and most especially piazzas where the whole neighborhood gathers during the day. And, of course, the food is delicious, everything is better than I have ever had it in America.

In all of my research before coming to Rome, everyone said that it was pretty hard to navigate Rome because it is such a big city, to European standards. In reality, Rome is smaller than many American cities, especially within the Aurelian Walls. All of the ancient city is relatively small, the forum, Colosseum, and all of the biggest tourist destinations are in walking distance of each other.

Two days ago, the school was split into groups and we went on a scavenger hunt throughout the city, it was amazing. We got so lost and stumbled onto things that I'm sure I never would have seen if it weren't printed on the task sheet. The Villa Borgese was phenomenal, so pretty. Its next to the Spanish steps and has one of the most beautiful views of Rome that I have ever seen. I loved it. It was funny to see all of the church steeples.

Yesterday, we had tickets to the Epiphany mass at St. Peter's church in the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI said the mass and ordained 4 bishops during the 3 hour mass. The mass was crazy! People were standing on chairs and getting wild to get a glimpse of the pope. The basilica itself was really beautiful and there was something new to see every time you looked around. I don't think I am ever going to forget it.

Now, the rest of the dorm students and I have been adjusting to our new home away from home at St. John's University's campus. The dorms are new-ish with a beautiful courtyard and settled into a lovely neighborhood that's only about a 10 min walk from the heart of The Vatican. It all seems unreal, I can't believe I'm here.