roma!!

This morning we departed Roma and left for Firenze (Florence) and on our way stopped in la citta di Viterbo (The city of Viterbo.) Staying Rome was a wonderful introduction into the Italian culture. It was a very easy transition since it’s a tourist destination; it wasn’t difficult to find someone who spoke English. In fact, it was so easy it was almost annoying. I’ve been enjoying my attempts to speak Italian. I’ve become fast friends with a girl named Emogene, from Minnesota, and we’ve become travel buddies. She knows more Italian than I, so she’s coached me through some basic conversations. Today, I managed to go into a bar (not quite the same as American bars, you can order gelato and sandwiches at these.) and say hello, ask where the bathroom was, then order a drink, ask how much, pay, and say goodbye all by myself. A small accomplishment, but an accomplishment nonetheless. Not bad for only three days in Italy. I’m really excited about the prospect of actually learning to speak Italian. I’m taking a class once we get to Cortona, but I’m learning a lot through immersion. Yesterday, Emogene and I meet this guy who is an artist in Rome. We stumbled across his studio on a side street. She was able to have a 15 min conversation with him and she’s only been studying Italian for a summer. His work was awesome and there was so much I wanted to say to him, but I could only stand there and grin. That really motivated me to try and learn as much as I can while I’m here, and try and pursue it after I leave as well.
I’ve seen so much it the last few days its overwhelming. Ancient ruins, churches, and so many paintings and sculptures, its really hard to absorb it all. It’s amazing that so much is pact into one city. Even more amazing is that it’s a thriving modern town and not just a giant museum. We went into the Vatican yesterday and saw St. Peter’s Cathedral and the Vatican museum. It was an exhausting but exhilarating five-hour tour. When we finally got to the Sistine Chapel, I felt like my head was going to explode. Serious sensory overload... It was so beautiful though, I almost wish that was the only thing I saw that day so I could really take it in.
I’ve enjoyed finding quiet spots to sketch, when you slow down like that, you can really see where you are and fully appreciate it. It’s hard to race around and try to absorb it all.
It seems like I’ve been here a lot longer than a few days. I guess its because I’ve experienced so much.
The group of people I’m traveling with is great. We have bonded so quickly, it seems like I’ve know some of them for years. All of the vegetarians have to sit together at one table at dinner and the 8 of us have really grown close. It’s a hilarious time; we’re definitely the fun table at dinner. The group has required dinners every night, so the good times will carry out through the semester.
Tomorrow, we explore Florence!!