Do as the Romans Do



The Christmas tree and Nativity scene at the Vactican



Ciao, greetings from Roma! I arrived in Rome on January 7, the last day of the Christmas season, so I was lucky to be able experience the festivities. Everyday while I pass the Colusseum on the way to class, I have to pinch myself because I can't believe I'm actually here (or as we say at Loyola, "is this real life?"). Everything about Rome is beautiful. Whether it's one of the thousands of breathtaking historical sites or monuments, or just an office or apartment building, everything in Rome has an old-world charm that I love.

I named my blog La Passeggiata after a common Italian ritual in which I hope to partake during my time here. In the evening, after work and school, the Italians like to stroll through the piazzas with friends and family members. They leisurely walk through the streets nearby and catch up with neighbors and friends, while enjoying the atmosphere. I love walking through Rome. Everyday is new and exciting here, filled with amazing sights, sounds, and tastes! Rome is so rich, and the best way to take it all in is to do what the Romans do, which is la passeggiata, leisurely walking through the city and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

 



View of Rome from the Spanish Steps



The Italians are classy people and always look sharp. Why they are all so thin yet eat the world's best cuisine everyday still remains a mystery to me! However, the Romans do have a very healthy lifestyle, which I am enjoying. Rome is filled with little bars (lunch cafes) that have panini that are delicious and fresh, and cheaper than a mediocre sandwich at Loyola! My favorites are the caprese panini and pomodori and fromaggio tramezzini, which are toasted triangle sandwiches.

I live with my friend Stephanie from Loyola in our host mother Paola's apartment in the Centro Storico neighborhood, the historic center of Rome. Paola, a retired teacher, is a great cook, and makes a delicious and healthy three course meal every night. First is the pasta, my favorite, and Paola makes the best pesto I've ever had! The next course is meat and salad, usually Paola's delicious caprese salad, followed by the dessert course, which is always fruit at our house. She makes homemade marmelade that we spread on our bread at breakfast. Paola speaks very little English and I just started taking Italian, so communicating is a challenge, but a great learning experience. Learning Italian is difficult but it is an absolutely beautiful language.



Courtyard of the CUA Rome campus



I love exploring the city and seeing something new everyday. The program is in a great location, which makes getting around and seeing the sites very easy. The campus is close to the Vatican, and my host mother's apartment is a block from the Colesseum, and within walking distance to most of the major sites. Our Italian school is off of the Piazza Spagna, near the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. We walked through the Villa Borghese park during a break from class. Rome has a great metro and bus system that takes you everywhere, but despite the city's large size, everything is in walking distance. Rome is so rich with history and culture, I hope to make the most of every second here...when in Rome!