First Week in Rome

After being in Rome for five days, I can actually imagine myself living here for four months. Our apartment is really nice and spacious, which I was not expecting. It's about a mile walk to school, but I pass by this:

St. Peter's is so beautiful!

And then this guy and other statues:

And finally this:

Castel Sant'Angelo

And on the way back home at night this is my view:

I still cannot believe that I am really here! We've had orientation the whole week, so I haven't gotten to explore that much. We had to sit through talks about adjusting to Roman culture, health, academics, and safety. An apparently common incident is drunk people falling into the Tiber. We did see the Pantheon while walking around one evening and I am excited to return and go inside.

Yesterday I went to the Vatican. I thought that there would be some sort of indication that you are leaving Italy and entering Vatican City, but you can just walk right in. I climbed to the very top and being the frugal person that I am, I refused to pay 2 euro to take the elevator and I climbed the 551 steps instead. It was exhausting, but totally worth it.

The view from the top of St. Peter's

I've had a couple classes of Italian now and it's exciting being able to speak some Italian, even if it's just basic greetings and ordering food. Most people that I've run into speak English, so not knowing Italian hasn't been a problem. My professor has given us assignments, like ordering coffee and going to a market.

All of the buildings are so beautiful!

I have been walking everywhere, which I love. Today we ended up in Piazza Navona, which is also beautiful. I had my first gelato there! It was so delicious. The food is so good here. I have been eating pasta and pizza every day.

Piazza Navona

Overall, I feel like I am adjusting to living in Rome pretty well. When my flight took off from Nashville, I was so worried that I would be too homesick to stay. Now I feel like I will not want to leave in May.