Getting adjusted to a new place, let alone a new country was a challenge for me. The ways of transportation and a whole new lifestyle is something that I am still getting used to. Trains, buses, and subways are all still a little confusing to me. There's no hopping in your car and getting from point A to B on your own time.
There are many different nationalities that are in Rome and you will see them in trains stations and in markets. Just as Barzini asks in "The Italians," "What do they (tourists) seek that is better than what they left behind?" I thought about this question for awhile and did not really come up with a good answer. Why did I come to Italy? Why did I leave the United States? Why did I choose Italy and not some other country? I have found that the answer to these questions are still unknown and even somewhat unclear. I believe that after these eight weeks I will be able to answer these questions with confidence because as of now I am certain I came for an experience, for a change in culture and language and lifestyle, and this is certainly what I am immersed in. Now I just have to find how these experiences will change me in the positive ways I have hoped.
Going into the city is always exciting because we always see something new. We were able to take a tour of the Coloseum and the Baths of Caracala. Both of these places were massive. I never thought they were so huge in person. Seeing the Coloseum was the best so far, it is a structure I've seen in many movies but never imagined how massive and real it would be in person.
Emily- I am on the same page as you when it comes to moving into the Italy campus. Its very weird not having my own car and driving around like in the U.S. The bus schedules are hard to keep track of! Also, when we went to the Colloseum, I was amazed by the size of it too. I was not expecting it to be anywhere near that size. I am so excited for what else we have in store for us in the future!
ReplyDeleteEmily, I cant agree more that is was tough to adjust. But you will be just fine :)And you are absolutely right that we have seen some amazing stuff! Looking forward to the rest of the trip!
ReplyDeleteEmily, how about that bus?! I do not think i will ever or could ever get use to the madness of it. I traveled to Barcelona this weekend and I feel like I am never going to get rid of the jet lag. Hopefully, with the coming days we can get through it all together! Atleast you dont have to learn to ride a bike Thursday! :)
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ReplyDeleteGood blog. Good use of the readings. Thank you for clearly labeling it 350 week one. Looking forward to reading more.
Ok so 1. you are so right! We are no longer on our own time anymore; if that train says it's leaving at 2:23 it's definitely leaving at 2:23. and 2. you are beyond right about the size of the Coloseum! I'm pretty sure my jaw like hit the floor when we stepped out of the subway station I had NO idea it was that big in real life!
ReplyDeleteI would definitely agree to getting adjusted i'm sure it will take us awhile to do so. And the question i feel we all are a little unsure of as well. We are young, we had the opportunity and we took it. Simple as that.
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