As I’ve had some time to settle, I began classes this past week, establishing a “normalcy.” I’m taking Art of Yoga and Meditation, Cultural Perspectives, and Wine Culture and Society of Tuscany.

I am super excited for my yoga course as we practice as well as learn about the history and meaning behind what we’re doing. This is really helpful too as it’s the first thing on Monday mornings which helps to set the tone for the week. My professor is really helpful and kind which makes it even better!

I will be traveling to Sicily with my Cultural Perspectives class and hiking Mount Etna! I am really looking forward to that- although this class is a bit of a challenge. We read a sociology research paper for homework this past week and while it was interesting, it was more than I was expecting to do! I will definitely learn a lot in my Wine Culture class, plus we get to have a wine tasting each week to practice the skills we’re working on!

My favorite moment of the week was when Sophia, Brooke and I went to the Pizzale de Michaelangelo to watch the sunset which eating a baguette and drinking wine!

This past weekend, Maddy G., Bridget, Brooke, Sophia, David and I took a trip to ROME!

We began Friday with a brisk walk to the bus station at 4:40 am on Friday and later arrived in Rome by 9:20 am. We saw the Trevi fountain (smaller than it looks in Lizzie McGuire the movie), the Pantheon, Spanish Steps, and watched the sun set by the Colosseum. We then ate dinner at Bobby Flay’s (maybe?) favorite pizzeria. The pizza was below average in my professional opinion, but I was hungry so I ate it all nonetheless. I miss the American deep dish, greasy pizza (Jets!).

Brooke and I (the seniors of the group) woke up early(ish) for a cappuccino and pastry at a cafe near the Airbnb which was super cute! We then journeyed by train to the Vatican City for the day. We waited only 30 minutes in line to go into St. Peter’s Basilica and a few of us climbed the steps to see the view at the top as well. The church was my favorite part of Rome for sure! We finished the night at a local restaurant and our wait staff did not speak English which is the first time we experienced this since being in Italy. I was IN LOVE that they did not cater to us! I learned how to order in Italian and our waitress beamed after I butchered it. It was also the best fettuccine Alfredo I have EVER had.

Sunday morning was spent at a local flea market near another CMU student’s housing in Rome! We then waited only 45 minutes in line to get tickets into the Colosseum, the Forum, and Palantine. I wish I knew more about the history behind each place, but what I can tell you is that it is worth the 16 euro. The structures have withheld so much over the past thousands of years and the remains still strongly stand. The history and the countless number of people once in the same space is even more magnificent to think about.

Another high of the weekend was that my face got sun-kissed! My freckles are prematurely poppin and I am so thrilled.

They say when in Rome, do like the Romans- and we sure did follow the pasta and wine custom! All in all, Rome was beautiful if you stay on the beaten path of tourism. However, I don’t think it is on my bucket list to return.

Next weekend we are off to Venice and Verona!

Ciao for now, xx