Bellissima!

Today I found my way from Piazza del Popolo to my apartment in Trastevere without a map, on my own (not to worry anyone – especially my mother – it was 4:00 in the afternoon..or 16:00 by an Italian watch). I took at wrong turn along the way, but I was able to get back on track and put myself on the side street where one can find Giolitti, the most amazing gelaterria in all of Rome (not that I have tried all the gelato in Rome, but seriously…watch me), right by il Panteon (it competes with the gelato by la Fontana di Trevi, but I will let you all make the decision for yourselves when you get the chance).

My shining moment of independent and geographic domination was prefaced by a three-hour stroll around the beautiful city. I felt pretty awful today, but I refused to let myself sit inside all day, so I chose to venture with Nicole, one of my friends who is living in a home stay. We went to Via del Corso and popped in and out of cute shops. I made myself a mental shopping list of all the Rome souvenirs I want for myself (uh…and of course for others…), but was too frugal and gross-feeling to think about buying today, one especially being a Roma jersey (for the soccer match that was unfortunately cancelled this weekend, but will be attended hopefully next month). We also ran around to the sights I have already seen just to get some exercise and soak it all in again. This time when we were by the Trevi, we split a banana and nutella-filled crepe. Amazing! Did I mention 30 pounds are on their way? Don’t even try to pretend I’m kidding.

Nicole convinced me to buy Angels & Demons by Dan Brown today for some spare-time reading. Everyone was raving about it before I left and also when I got here. She tells me that it takes place in Rome and actually describes some of the most important sights. I think it will be a good book to read while I’m here, and the theme is also interesting: a battle between science and religion. Always a good battle.

This week flew by…I can’t believe it, especially since last week dragged on, as I was pretty homesick and stressed out by the change of moving to Rome and the final realization that I will be gone for three more months. But after hitting rock bottom last Thursday, and with the help of my best friends and family, I metaphorically shook myself out of my bad attitude and I’ve been really enjoying myself ever since. I have fallen in love with Rome. And I know I have amazing people to go back to in America. I’m in a good place. I am so lucky and so grateful for everything and everyone that I have in my life. This has already been an amazing experience, and there is so much more to do and see!

Grazie a tutti!