BEWARE CULTURE SHOCK

Ciao friends! Welcome to my Roma travel blog. With this being my introductory post, I will write about my first thoughts of the eternal city.

Since I only slept three hours on the plane, I was running on adrenalin while taking tours of the city and the neighborhood I would call home for 5 weeks. The neighborhood that my apartment is in is called Prati. It is a a historic neighbourhood in the centre of the city, bordering the Vatican State. On our neighborhood tour, we were shown the farmacia, the local markets, ourschool, and other essential locations. Our school is in an ancient palace owned by the Orsini family. The most beautiful place to learn and create. The walls are covered in frescos and the architecture of the building is breathe taking.

“In the end, you're just happy you are there - with your eyes open - and lived to see it.”

Everywhere I look is dripping in history. How could anyone want to live anywhere else? I am writing this on day six and finding myself falling in love with the little things about this country. I am in love with the flowers. I am in love with the hospitality. I am in love with the means of transportation. Must I go on? One year ago today, I had no idea that I would be immersing myself in roman culture. Life is funny like that. I think that is what I am most fond of about living; the unforeseen.

Culture Shock

Before coming to Italy, we were warned that we would experience culture shock. The only thing I find shocking is that I've lived twenty-one years without being in this city that feels so warm and friendly. The older women remind me of my relatives on my father's side. The dogs are friendly and poised. The people are immensely affectionate. I do wish that I spoke Italian, but I have the rest of my life to learn. And I will learn.