When In Rome

B-e-a-utiful. That is the best word to describe my orientation in Rome. Between the Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, Spanish Steps, the Vatican City, and Pompei (I know, its not in Rome but we went there on Tuesday) everything was breathtaking. After the 24-hour journey of getting to Italy, and taking a nap Sunday afternoon, I was ready to begin the semester of a lifetime. The first dinner did nothing to disappoint, as the food in Italia is as good as advertised. One aspect of the Italian food that differs greatly from food in America is that the portions here are much smaller, and not meant to have leftovers for the next day. Monday morning, after the first of a few rough nights of sleep, we walked around the ancient-city part of Rome, which would have been much nicer if it wasn’t so gloomy outside. The coliseum was quite a site, and it is crazy to think about the number of people who were killed there. Tuesday the wake up call came at 5:45 AM so that we could get to Pompei at a reasonable hour. Again, the weather created quite a disturbance, as rain and Pompei are not the best mix. After a miserable tour of a beautiful city and a three course lunch (these Italians don’t mess around food wise) we took the long route back to check out the Amalfi coast, but again the rain spoiled what is supposed to be the nicest stretch of land in Italy. Finally on Wednesday the sun decided to make its first appearance of the trip. I am usually not one for art or historic churches, but the Vatican city and Sistine Chappell are in a league of their own. After walking around the house Jesus built, we walked about 500 stairs to the top of St. Peter’s Cathedral, where we could see all of Rome (pictures to come at a later date). This was the most incredible view that II have ever seen in my life, and was the moment that I truly appreciated where I was. Finally, after a long three days and nights in Rome, we boarded the buses Thursday morning for Firenze. Our apartment is located less than a block away from the Ponte Vechhio (the only bridge remaining from pre-WWII when the Germans destroyed most of Florence’s bridges on the way out of the city) and just a 5-minute walk from the Duomo. It is getting late, and the traffic in Italy means waking up early every day, but hey I’m in Florence for the next four months…Holla…

A Prseto,

JK

Pilot

Hey Guys, hope everyone is doing well and thanks for checking out my blog. As I sit in Deerfield, bored with all of my friends either back at school or abroad, Saturday can't come soon enough. I am really glad that I am getting the opportunity to study abroad, as it is an opportunity that I have always looked forward to. I remember sitting at camp in late June when I realized it was time to get going if I wanted to make this trip happen. If you know me well enough, then you will not be surprised to hear that I didn't actually get the application turned in until September, shocking. When I received the e-mail from Wells College saying that I was accepted into the program I was thrilled. There are so many reasons why I am excited to go abroad; easy classes, the opportunity to study in a foreign country, the ability to travel through Europe, I could go on for hours. But the one opportunity that stood out more than any was the opportunity to branch out and meet new people. I am looking forward to Saturday the same as I did 2 years ago before heading to Champaign for the first time. The only difference is half of my high school class will not be stepping on the plane with me. My apartment is comprised of 6 guys including myself, and only one is from the midwest (granted it's Marc but whatever). I can't wait to get to Firenze (apparently they are too cool to call it Florence there) and see what the next few months has to offer. Thanks again for reading and I will do my best to post again when I arrive in Rome.

A presto,

JK