This trip to Italy is a big step out of my comfort zone.

Before now, I’d never set foot on a plane; imagine my excitement (terror). Stepping onto my first plane, my body almost went into shock. I couldn’t stop my limbs from trembling.

I took my seat next to the window, with a view of the left wing.

I looked up, seeing an elderly couple stowing away their carry on bags in the overhead bin. They greeted me with a comforting smile, and the lady sat next to me.

We conversed for a short while, before the plane took off and the actual horror set in. They were extremely friendly, telling me about their prior travels, easing my first flight anxiety. The woman even grabbed my hand, assuring me that it would all be okay. Their names are Mr. and Mrs. Prague (but not really. I didn’t catch their last names, but they did tell me their destination, so they became that for me).

Big surprise guys: I survived both flights! We landed in Rome, and as soon as we hit the ground, our day began.

We headed to St. Peter’s Basilica, climbing 28 flights of stairs to the tippity top of the dome, absorbing the brilliance that is Michelangelo’s masterpiece. And yes, you read correctly. 28 flights of cramped winding staircases that we all had to travel up; all truly worthwhile (for the beauty and of course the toning of the glutes and thighs). Then we got to participate in mass…AT ST. PETER’S BASILICA. I was able to do communion, which was a new concept in itself for me.

Afterwards, my lovely roommates and I dolled ourselves up for dinner at a small nearby restaurant. I enjoyed a Trevisana pizza, and even attempted to eat my roommate’s pizza (she was full, the pizza was delicious, and I have no regrets).

After dinner, we headed back to the hotel, and all of us practically collapsed onto our beds. A mixture of exhaustion from stair climbing and jet lag was all it took.

Our second day in Rome was just as eventful.

We awoke, enjoyed a light breakfast courteous of the hotel, then walked to the Pontifical University for class. From nine to twelve, the professors went over lessons in World Religions and International relations, but as soon as twelve hit, we wasted no time. We were back on our feet, eating lunch, then heading back to our hotel to meet up with our lively tour guide Jill.

We rode the real city bus (the space-invading buses with no mercy for those who are standing and forgetting to hold onto bus rails), all the way to the ancient ruins of Rome, literally walking through centuries of Roman history in one day.

Then we headed to the famous (but not so beloved by ancient Rome) Colosseum, where we admired its structure and story. Afterwards, we enjoyed a quick stroll through St. Peter’s Chains, marveling the paintings, and the overall exterior of the church.

To conclude our second day, we enjoyed light meals of salads (or meats and cheeses) and later made our way to Jill’s recommended gelato spot. (For all of you out there, Tiramisu gelato is where it’s at.)

Can’t wait too explore more of the beautiful Italia, capturing moments with my five year old brother’s matchbox Dodge Challenger.

Until tomorrow,

Drive safely 🙂