Today was an interesting day. The streets are so beautiful. I just love walking and walking here. For lunch, I had Prosciutto e Melone. It was the first time I had eaten it and it was delicious! The melon was juicy and tasty, and the ham was very flavorful as well. I am going to miss the food here so much. I have also adapted some of the laid back culture here.

On our tour today, we saw many churches, but the pantheon was not open since it is a holiday. After dinner, we are going to see Michelangelo designed fireworks. The Spanish steps were…. just steps…

The churches today were interesting, but nothing compares to the view from the inside of Saint Peter’s Basilica.

The Trevi Fountain was very crowded, but I thought the architecture was cool. I also thought it was nice that the coins that people throw into the fountain are all donated to charity.

The atmosphere was amazing this evening at dinner. I love the music being played as I sit there and enjoy the breeze, the relaxation, and of course, the food. I will never get enough of the roasted potatoes.

It is strange to me that most places do not offer any salt or pepper. The food is not salted, yet it is still delicious. I tried putting some salt on my green beans today and realized that the salt in the shaker was hard as a rock. It looked as if it hadn’t been used in over fifty years!

Saving the best for last, we watched the fireworks show designed by Michelangelo. I have not seen fireworks in a long time, and it was so enjoyable. The only fireworks I see are on the Fourth of July, which is full of mosquitoes and humidity. Here, it was cool and breezy. No bugs or humidity. A bit of cigarette smoke, but that is unavoidable anywhere.

The fireworks were beautiful! It made me smile to see the bright colors in the sky. This evening was like a new mindset for me and I cannot complain. I love the leisure.

After dinner, I was sitting there enjoying the atmosphere and I realized that I was one hundred and fifty percent free of all anxieties. In that moment, I felt free, lighthearted, and most of all, my stomach felt very satisfied. Another big day tomorrow!

Class was interesting today: not my favorite to debate on issues which have no solution. We debated on abortion, gun control, and Hilary Clinton. For lunch, I had a chicken dish with carrots. After lunch, we went back to the hotel for a moment before going out shopping for the day. I am not much of a shopper, so I didn’t buy any Italian designer clothes, but I walked back to the hotel with Ms. Boyle and ended up buying a stash of souvenirs. I practically want to take Italy home with me! I am going to miss it so much.  We are eating an early dinner tonight and spending the rest of the evening on a tour of the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel.

I have seen way more Hindus in Rome than I was expecting. It is interesting that other religions still make the effort to travel to Rome even though it is so highly influenced by a different religion.

The Vatican Museum can be equated to a nightmare, but not necessarily a bad one. For example, the hallways are so intricately designed and in your face, and just when you think you step out of one room full of designs, you enter another room full of different colors and patterns. It’s like one long hallway, but its color scheme and decorations change every 50 meters. I thought it was comical how so many artifacts are from Egypt. It seemed like every time the Romans wanted something cool, they would just to to Egypt to steal it, then bring it back for their own decorations.

The inside of the Sistine Chapel was different than what I was expecting. It was… smaller. I watched a movie on it in sixth grade, so my memory may have been slightly exaggerated. It was incredibly detailed and symbolic, but the ceilings were not as high as I thought, nor was the length as long. We were not allowed to talk or take any pictures, so the only thing I have is my memory. I thought it was incredible how detailed the human artwork was. They looked so three dimensional and intricate. It was like every human that was painted had some significant story behind it, or some specific reason for being painted. I also thought it was weird that no matter how long I stared at this, I could not figure it out: Where does the wall end and where does the ceiling begin? The place had an almost dome-like feature to it.

Mr. Hesting gave us a little history lesson while inside: Michelangelo did not want to paint the chapel, because he hated painting to begin with. Yet, the Pope told him that he would either paint it or do no work at all. I learned that the different colored cloths were later painted on over the private parts because the Pope disliked the imagery.

Michelangelo did this because of how angry he was to have to paint it, being a sculptor. It was basically a slap in the face. All the long hallways which seemed like a beautiful nightmare were actually a form of intimidation to the people who were waiting to see the Pope because of how amazing they were. I can totally understand the tactic because it really felt like I was hallucinating at some points during the tour.

I can’t say that I want to go home in the slightest, but some downtime would be perfect! Today we are headed to the United States Embassy of the Holy See (the Vatican).

For lunch , I had a tuna salad with real tuna, not the canned junk, along with beans, carrots, and celery in there as well. It was mouth-watering! There was no mayonnaise in it, and yet it was still really flavorful. I also had some green beans.

The Embassy was very interesting. Sadly, we were not allowed to take any pictures in the building, so I have no photos from it. It was a beautiful building and I learned about the job of an ambassador. While it seems fun at times, it seems like it would be a challenge at other times. Even so, the job seemed very rewarding. Afterward, we walked into another church. We also saw the smallest country in the world, “Knights of Malta.” It sounds like a quick day, but it was a lot of walking and more of a history lesson rather than sightseeing.

Also, we saw Saint Valentine’s remains (skull) in a church. We also went to the underground part of the church where there was an ancient worship area for the god, Mithra.

After breakfast, we talked about international relations at school and headed back to the hotel for a few minutes to put school stuff away before entering the Vatican. It was a bit of a line to get inside Saint Peter’s Basilica. We started climbing… 551 stairs. Luckily for me, it wasn’t too bad because I’m small and used to stair climbing, so it was no problem fitting through the narrow staircase. The worst part was the elevation because the air was really thin. I was panting. Once we got to the top, it was all worth it. Holy moly! The weather was beautiful. No humidity and a slight breeze to cool me off. The only graffiti I saw on the walls were name + name = <3 (love notes)

Last night, I even took a picture of the graffiti because it said “Smile.” and I thought it was really cute. Women are much classier. They dress modestly and wear the cutest clothes. My clothes don’t even compare!

Back to the view from the Vatican… it was breathtaking! We just looked out for maybe half an hour. The way down the stairs was actually harder on my legs, but easier on my lungs. By that time, my legs were shaking and sore.

For dinner, I had a salad topped with corn, tomatoes, tuna, and hard-boiled egg.  It was like an overload of flavor. It didn’t even taste like the tomatoes at home; it was like an entirely different food. I also ordered “Baked Potatoes” which was a side plate of potato slices, golden in color and slightly crispy on the corners.

After that, we walked to Castle Saint Angelo where the market was supposed to be, but it wasn’t there. So we decided to go out for Gelato at one of the best places in town. I had blueberry yogurt gelato and pineapple Gelato. Wow! It was definitely a nice treat after a tough day.

I love walking around the city after dinner, before it gets dark out. The lights on the outside of buildings are just starting to come on, but it isn’t too dark yet. It is quieter and peaceful. I love the architecture, the cafes, and the people. I don’t go five feet without seeing a nice looking guy, and have yet to see ripped jeans, saggy jeans, chains, or tank tops.

I haggled today!  I got cute clothes and it was worth it even only for the tags that say “Made in Italy.”

Today was a busy day; incredibly busy. The day started off with a nice cup of English tea and some yogurt. We then boarded the bus and went to the Train Station. It was my first time on a bullet train, and I was surprised. Our average speed was 243 km/h. The most unpleasant part was the pressure/elevation issues regarding my ears. They kept popping and it was painful – a hundred times worse than on an airplane. I also felt a bit sick because we were traveling backwards. It was weird seeing things the other way around, I’m not sure I liked it. The whole ride there, all I could think was that it reminded me of “Tuscany” as is portrayed on the Italian spaghetti sauce commercials back at home. Turns out, I learned from my tour guide, Tuscany is a big area which groups Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Naples. So, in a way I was correct, yet still incorrect. Our tour guide taught us about art history today. It was a good learning experience, even though we were not allowed to take any pictures in the museum.

For lunch, I had salad and spinach. The spinach was fabulous, but the salad tasted too spicy for me. We also got to watch the chefs make homemade pasta and cook the pizza in the stone oven. After we had all eaten and were in a better mood, we headed to the market which was full of more interesting experiences. Well, I was wearing my Panama hat today.  I got a friendly “Buon giorno!” from a sales person at the market, and as I left, he looked me right in the eyes and said, “Ciao bella.” – I’m going to miss that when I am back in the United States.

The train ride back home was hilarious, even though we were all tired. It was a long conversation about bidets. This was the biggest culture shock of the entire trip: I finally figured out what they are used for.

Our tour guide said that the reason for all the beautiful buildings and cobblestone streets was because everybody wanted to copy Paris! It makes so much sense to me now. I totally and completely fell in love with those streets, which also explains why I want to live in Paris so much when I grow up.

Class was interesting. The University was a long hike to get to. I didn’t mind because it is perfect outside. No humidity and a slight breeze. It feels like 70 degrees outside. We had a great discussion on religion and opinions about religion. I had a great time and afterward, we headed to the cafeteria for lunch. It was incredibly beautiful for a college café. Sleek bar chairs, cute little tables, and a glass wall with a great view of the university. For lunch, I had a spinach salad with a bit of corn and tomatoes sprinkled on the top, some potatoes. I can’t describe the taste because I have never tasted it before. Also, I had two slices of pork. It was very moist and flavorful. I never knew meat had so many flavors! It makes my mouth water just thinking about it.  Back at the hotel, we opened the window because we have a perfect view of the city. I want to live in a place like this. It is perfect for me! There are tiny cars and Vespa’s everywhere. There’s a cafe or market every other building. I love eating outside as well. It is funny how the restaurants are practically on the sidewalk, but I love it. It is actually possible to eat healthy and still taste delicious flavors. At home, healthy food lacks flavor. Here, it seriously tastes like dessert for every meal. The architecture of the city is so charming. Oh yes! And I don’t mind having a roommate at all; wouldn’t mind having one when I grow up. It’s not bad in the least.

For dinner, I had Zuppa di Verdure (Vegetable Soup). I had no idea vegetables could be so tasty. Also, the night life in Rome is beautiful! I feel safe being outside at night . Everything is lit up. People love to take evening strolls after dinner. Couples were just walking together, arm in arm, talking, enjoying the music.

I think it is practically impossible to be overweight in Europe. The portions are smaller, the food is all healthy, and it’s just too expensive to overeat anyway. I tried “haggling” for the first time this evening. I felt bad the first time, but then I got used to it.

Yesterday, we went to Frescati for the afternoon. We also saw the Pantheon. I thought it was pretty amazing how architecturally advanced the Romans were to be able to build a structure with a dome and shape the floor in a way to keep it from flooding or collapsing in on itself. Sometimes, I wonder if the Romans ever intended for their legacy to last so long. What would they think that we are touring their buildings, taking photos of their homes, and scavenging all the items left behind? Were they like the Egyptians, who wanted this? I guess it is something we will never know for sure. Many times, we have stories and scenarios in our head of how a certain group of people lived based on the evidence we have, yet there is so much evidence left to be discovered in a place like Rome that it is hard to tell if the stories are accurate or not.

Our day yesterday also consisted of a tour of the church of bones. I learned where the name espresso comes from: monks! The shrines of bones, honestly, were creepy to me. I understand the meaning behind it and why the monks did it, but I don’t understand why someone would go to such great efforts when dealing with dead bodies. It was weird and impressive at the same time because the decorations on the ceiling were made of jaw bones, the arches were made of thigh bones, and chandeliers were made of back bones. It is very creative, but I would never want my own dead body to be mutilated and stored with so many other dead bodies. The monks were trying to show that the human body is just a passageway. It was a way of saying, “Your soul has moved on and this body is needed no longer. Do not be afraid of death because the soul still lives on.”

It was a shame that we were not allowed to take any pictures, but I got a postcard instead. We also went to the park in Rome. I thoroughly enjoyed just strolling on the sidewalk outside under the shade of the trees. I don’t think I have ever felt as content and calm as I did in that moment. It was really impressive that the map of the park was (whether an accident or on purpose) in the shape of a heart: the heart of Rome. People enjoy the simple things so much more in Italy. The people walk here, there, and everywhere. They eat in outdoor cafes and laugh with their friends and family for hours. They ride their little double bikes together, smiling away. Families were eating lunch on picnic blankets; couples were strolling together hand in hand and talking. Others were running. Overall, I had the time of my life in Italy. I wished I could have stayed longer, but I am determined to come back again when I learn the language.  I also noticed, early on actually, that people in Italy (and probably all of Europe) travel in pairs of two more than they do in the States. In America, I always tend to see a group of girls walking and laughing together, or a group of guys hanging out together. In Italy, it was usually just one girl and one boy. They walk arm in arm and simply talk to each other. The simple things in life are better.

In Frescati, we went to dinner at this place that used to be a wine cellar. Josh and his family came with us. It was a beautiful and wonderful evening and end to a busy day. We ordered a bunch of food and passed stuff around like a big Italian Thanksgiving dinner. I had some zucchini strips, some prosciutto, and some of their famous slow-roasted pork. It was the best zucchini I have ever had and the most flavorful pork as well. After dinner, the sun was setting and we had an hour to spare before our train ride home. We strolled with our full bellies over to the market. It was my favorite market of the entire trip, so I wished we could have stayed longer. The salesman asked me where I was from and I said, “America.” He asked, “New York?” and I said, “No, Florida.” “Oh! I have friends who live in America and it’s such a great place to live.”

I just nodded my head. I guess it is something I take for granted. America really is a great place to live, so I shouldn’t complain, even if it isn’t perfect.

We rode a taxi home. It was such an amazing and fun experience. The “road suggestions” were a bit crazy at times because the driver was in the center of the road, weaving in and out of cars, and slamming on the breaks for pedestrians. Rome at night is a beautiful place, and a taxi ride at night gave me a whole different perspective than walking down the sidewalk.

This morning, I woke up early, finished all last minute packing, and rode a taxi to the airport. It was bittersweet. I was really going to miss the place, miss the people, and miss the whole experience, but at the same time I am excited to get home to my mom and tell her all about it. In some ways, I feel like a completely changed person and I’m just hoping I can keep it that way; a change for the better.

Ending with a few final notes, I want to say more about what Josh said yesterday at dinner. “I take bits and pieces of culture from around the world and incorporate it into my own family. I leave the bad behind and take what I like from other countries.”

I would love to say that everything is going to be different when I get home, but I don’t know if that is possible. I can’t make my family change. I can’t make someone else act in a way they don’t want to. So, I will keep Italy in my heart and mind and maybe one day, when I am on my own, I will move there. I learned to savor my food; not to rush, but rather take time to “smell the roses.”

It is interesting how Italians seem so laid back and slow, but in the end they get more done than Americans. Instead of running around in circles and creating unnecessary stress, they just take life as it comes. I am also going to make more of an effort to enjoy the simple things. I am going to disconnect from the internet more, go outside more, and definitely walk more. It was so weird to me how their culture isn’t obsessed with fat, weight loss, and calories, yet the majority of the people are still super skinny. This is the lifestyle I want to live.

There is no need to have more of anything, as long as it is quality. More isn’t always better. Instead of eating a giant plateful of food, Italians savor a smaller amount of food. Dining is an experience, not a race. In the same way, life should never be a race or a contest.

I love the big city feel, as well. When I grow up and live on my own, I want to live in a place that has small sidewalk cafes, instead of huge fast food corporations, a place where the people rule the road, rather than cars almost hitting me while I am outside. a place where everything is in walking distance of my home. I want to feel safe and alive in the evenings, the way I did in Rome. In contrast, in Florida, I feel scared to be outside past eight o’clock. I have also grown up in a place where bigger is better. This is not the truth. Big cars have nothing to do with manliness. Big houses are unnecessary. Big meals is gluttony. I also want to have more to life than just having a job when I grow up. I am going to take things easy and enjoy the company of my friends just like Italians do. Simplicity is best.

Today during class, we talked about genocide issues in multiple countries. It’s sad to say that nobody could come up with a solution. Especially since the government is the main leader behind genocides.

It was an afternoon full of education. We rode the public bus to the Jewish Ghettos. The bus ride was interesting because it was crowded and there weren’t any seats in it. Everyone just stands and holds on to the railing overhead. I was hoping I wouldn’t fall.

The ghettos were not what I was expecting at all. Honestly, they didn’t look all that awful. Then again, buildings have probably been restored and repainted, since the area is still active today. Also, any type of segregation that takes place is awful. The area was filled with many restaurants, all of which followed Kosher laws. Like always, there was graffiti everywhere, but nothing bad. There was one area that was very run down because it had been burned, even though the buildings were made of marble. Marble doesn’t usually burn, but the frames of the buildings were made of wood, which explains why the fire was able to burn, and thus make the marble crumble in on itself.

We viewed a Jewish Synagogue next, but were not able to take any pictures because of security reasons. There had previously been a bomb threat, and out bags had to be checked before entering the building. Our tour guide explained how Jews were not persecuted much in Rome because they didn’t branch out to other people. On the other hand, Christians were persecuted because they were constantly trying to convert pagans into Christians, which is a problem because Christianity is monotheistic and they would no longer be able to worship Mithras, Venus, and any other pagan God. It was rare that Jewish Synagogues were burned by the Nazis during WW2 in Rome. I learned about the colors which decorated the inside of the synagogue: red and gold was meant to symbolize a union with the city of Rome (since these were the “team colors”) and the church, and the beautiful rainbow colors on the square dome ceiling represented peace.

Afterwards, we went into another Catholic Church which had art from different time periods. The artwork on the ceiling showed angelic babies; very detailed and three dimensional looking. Yet, the painting behind the church’s alter showed the hand of God, saints, and other religious symbols in two dimensional form and purely facing forwards, and used small tile instead of paint to piece the picture together.

When we arrived in Rome, it was breathtaking. The buildings are ten times bigger than they look in pictures. Being on a plane at night kind of feels like being on a cruise at night. I also felt like a foreigner for the first time ever in my life. The lady at the grocery store checkout didn’t speak any English! Luckily the 13 Euros number came up on the register, or I would have had no idea how much to give her.

We also listened to the Pope’s speech today. I had no idea what he said, since it was in Italian. It was interesting how people in the crowd were representing their country. I saw many flags from Brazil, Hungary, and Israel. It was scary to realize that there are no “rules of the road” in Rome. There is no speed limit; no lines to divide the lanes, and apparently the unwritten rules are only suggestions. People often drive on the wrong side of the road just to squeeze more lanes onto it. The condos are so beautiful. On the bottom floor of buildings is a little shop, and on the next few levels above it are condos/apartments with huge balconies overflowing with greenery and blooms. There are pink and white wild flowers on the side of the road and it is very fragrant to walk down the sidewalk.

I saw a bunch on nuns today! I think it was the first time I had ever seen a nun. Another thing to point out is the graffiti. In America, graffiti is trashy and ugly. Here, even though it is still bad to touch public property, the graffiti is very artistic and not vulgar.
Saint Peters Basilica: the largest church in the world. I was beyond awestruck at its beauty. Once I walked in, it took my breath away and all I could do was stare in amazement. How in the world could ancient people build such intricate and ginormous buildings? We sat through mass done by the Pope. Interesting… I couldn’t understand him and quite honestly it was hard to focus with gold enveloping you in a blanket of awe. Plus, I could barely keep my eyes open.

Dinner was amazing. I ordered a salad with delicious lettuce, cucumbers, and juicy flavorful tomatoes. It was so good that any dressing would have ruined it.

Backing up a bit, we had lunch at a café as well. I had a beautifully sliced fourth of a pineapple along with “ham.” I was expecting to get a plate of honey baked ham but instead got thinly sliced prosciutto. It was like a flavor bomb went off in my mouth. Food here is an art, not a moneymaking factory.