January 26th, 2009
Well now that I've been in Rome for about three weeks, I'm in love. This country blows my mind. Every time you turn a corner you find something more beautiful than before. This city is so rich with history, art and architecture. I spend most of my weekends trying to see the sights and just love it! Although the locales are not very inclined to speak English with you, many of them do. At first it was very difficult to get around. I felt like such a jerk not speaking the native language, knowing how much it annoyed me in the states when someone didn't speak English. I don't think I'll ever be annoyed again, haha. I have a much different outlook on that!
I recently traveled to Florence and was told the locales could tell we were from Rome because we attempted to speak Italian to them, whereas Americans who study in Florence don't. Florence (although only an hour away) is much different. They don't tolerate your poor excuse for Italian and will just speak right back to you in English. Whereas in Rome, some who speak English will refuse to speak it with you if you're not clearly trying in Italian. It's kinda of funny, but can be very frustrated.
The food here is so amazing! Paninis have become my main staple as well as pasta, pasta and more pasta. We traveled to Pisa to see the tower and of course try their amazing pizza. It was, hands down, the best pizza I've ever had. American pizza seems like a cruel joke now, haha. Mostly we cook for ourselves though. We've noticed Romans don't really eat chicken, and usually are sold out of it at the grocery store because they buy so little of it. They also don't have peanut butter, but have nutella as a wonderful alternative!
I haven't really mde any "local" friends yet. I feel like most places we go out are swarming with kids from all other places of the world but Rome! I've meet a lot of interesting internationals though, especially when staying at hostels! Everyone's got a fun story to share about where they came from and where they're going. It's really fun!
I'm loving my classes. I have wonderful teachers for my Art & Architecture, Italian Sketchbook, and Italian I classes. They're so smart and patient, it makes class very enjoyable! I am also taking a Religions of the World: Theology course. This class is a little... ify. It's taught by a Catholic priest and seems to be very biased. St. John's is however a Catholic University, but I'm hoping the class grows to be a little more unbias as we move away from Catholicism. I only have classes Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday which leaves a big wide open weekend for traveling and exploring. I'm really lucky, and I love every second of it!
December 16, 2008
Hello, hello! My name is Caitlin. I'm a junior Theatre: Technology, Management & Design major. I'm currently preparing for the journey to Rome, Italy for my Spring semester. I'm wicked excited and of course nervous! I debated between going to London (for the theatre scene), Semester at Sea (for all the different countries you get to visit) and Rome. I ended up choosing Rome because I thought I might get a chance to work in London and I can take a cruise around the world when I'm old, right?
I wanted to make sure I got the study abroad experience to the fullest. I think going to Rome will allow me to really get into another culture, not to mention there's so much beautiful art, architecture, shopping and men there (so I've heard). I hope studying abroad will open my eyes to what's outside the US. I want to see what another culture views Americans as and hopefully show them what an American is really like. I think studying abroad is an amazing and humbling experience that every college student should have if they can!
I've been trying to wrap my head around packing in one suitcase what I'll need for 4 months. I have less than 3 weeks to go and all I've done is put a suitcase in my bedroom and buy some XXL zip lock bags (thanks study abroad veteran Mae Deevy for that tid bit!). So I guess my biggest fear right now is that I won't be able to pack everything I need. Living within a driveable distance to Wagner I've never had to worry about anything like this. Besides packing I think I'm most nervous about getting pick pocketed. *Crosses Fingers* Hopefully this won't happen to me! I have absolutely no idea what to expect when I'm there, but I'm excited to take it all in!
Going abroad I know I'll miss Wagner just a little. I was the president of Vocal Synergy, Wagner's a'capella group. I will miss singing and performing with these girls so much! I also lived on the Earth Floor and will sorely miss the ladies of that floor. The community I had there was like nothing I've ever had before and I cried like a big baby when I had to say goodbye to them and Vocal Synergy. It's hard to say goodbye and scary that things might change while your gone. I'm not sure yet if everything at Wagner will change or if I'll change... or maybe both? Whatever it is, I know it'll be for the best and it will all work out! Overall I'm very excited to embark on this adventure! Rome, here I come!