My first struggles in Rome!

As most of you know, I LOVE Rome. But in life there are always some issues, which I have now officially encountered. One of my roommates had a rash for some time but due to her many allergies we chalked it up to an allergic reaction. But when her bunkmate, who has no known allergies, also got a rash we got a little worried. They both went to the doctor and a specialist came to look at our apartment. Unfortunately we became displaced students in the process. We were given about 30 minutes to pack a small bag and moved to a temporary apartment that thankfully was closer to campus and still had all the amenities we needed. We were moved out thursday night and were to stay here until monday and were told to only bring enough clothes for that time. We got an email today saying that the house was in fact infested with bedbugs and we now have to stay until Wednesday. Although it is wonderful what our program is doing in order for us to live comfortably it is a bit of a hassle to live out of a suitcase when we have forgotten so many of the things we needed because of the short amount of time we were given to get our stuff. All of us are hoping to be able to get into our old apartment to get some more clothes and such before Wednesday. Although it was a misfortunate event I am glad the bugs weren't in my room and really feel for the other girls in my house--such troopers they are! 

Along with our tiny bug problem, I have lost my phone. Rome is infamous for pick pocketing and I think I may have fallen subject to this petty crime. I am not totally sure if I was for sure pick pocketed or if I have just lost my phone. Because so many of my loved ones and self defense instructor have nailed into my head to always be aware, I have yet to catch myself day dreaming on the Tram or paying more attention to the young boy picking his nose next to me. I thought I was constantly aware of my purse so it could be possible that I may have dropped it or set it down and forgot it somewhere (I have been known to do that a time or two..). 

In the bigger scheme of things, I am grateful. I know that sounds silly, but I'm almost glad that I'm not able to be connected with everyone almost all the time. I needed to get away and getting away is what I plan to do. I'm sure i'll be kicking myself for saying this when it comes time to buying a new phone when I just bought that iPhone in June. But never the less, I think it is a blessing in disguise. 

Now on to the good stuff! Well, there's this...

I mean I get to eat food like this daily so that's a start :) The copious amounts of pizza will never get old! 

I also have been enjoying meeting crazy amounts of people. People in my program, people in my classes, and even people my age visiting from other european countries. It is amazing to me how easy it is to go all over Europe! My roommates and I are planning our spring break trip and were thinking of spending a few days in a few different places. London, Paris, Copenhagen, and Prague. I'm not too positive how that will all pan out but I'm hoping to book flights soon!

My first week in Rome was spent being a tourist! Pictures to prove it...

Small markets fill the Piazzas (Piazzas are like town squares) during the day where you can buy anything from clothes to fruit.

Many Piazzas are filled with amazing architecture and intricate fountains. Our tour guide explained the significance of most of these but of course I don't recall :) Information OVERload!

The Pantheon! I was so surprised because it was tucked away in a tiny Piazza surrounded by tiny shops and pizzerias. 

Inside the Pantheon

Some significant building I don't recall why it was important but beautiful none the less.

 Hand painted, took them about 4 to 5 years with a crew of about 10 painters.

The Trevi Fountain! 

My wish :) Shhhhh I'll never tell 

My coin I threw in for my Bestiemcloverpants Talia Smith! Coincidentally a bird ruined this picture... I think that may ruin your wish Talz ;) 

These ruins are in the center of rome and are just a glimpse at the amazing things that are uncovered when people go to build new buildings. Here strangely cats come to live and is considered a local cat sanctuary. Volunteers even feed the cats. Naturally I hated every minute of it!

This building is in the center of Rome and is right were a large amount of main roads intersect. Although I again don't remember the significance of the building, it is amazing to me the beauty of almost every building in Rome.

I think that is about as much of your time I can waste for today. I hope to share more later :) I hope you enjoy all the blessings in surprise as I have! 

Until next time, 

Emily :) 

Buona Sera from ROME!

It has been a crazy couple of days, but don't worry everyone! I made it! My days so far have consisted of walking, pizza, walking, orientations, walking, walking tours, more orientations, pizza, walking, and more walking. Watch out boys, I'm coming back with one hot pair of legs :) It has been amazing. Here is a quick iPhone picture of a street near my University. It is a 15 minute tram ride from my apartment in Monteverde to my University which is in the next neighborhood over, Trastevere.  

My lovely mother has hidden short verses' or quotes in my luggage that were very encouraging when I was unpacking. As I always say I'm so incredibly lucky to have my supportive family! 

The only thing that has got me worried is ordering things (bread, meats, cheese, pizza, etc.) IN italian. I have been practicing certain phases but i'm REALLy excited to get into my Italian class to really work on talking in Italian. I tend to feel bad because SO many Italians know a little English, but I know almost NO Italian. I will definitely work hard on it! 

My roommates are all wonderful, and I have one from Milwaukee. We met a guy at orientation that works at a bar that streams the Superbowl (which would be around 6am here) it is going to be awesome! 

Classes start on monday and things are very hectic this week but I thought I would make a short post of whatever I could get off the top of my head before heading out! 

Until next time, 
Emily :)