Roaming Rome
I came to Rome with dark red hair and very pale skin. I'm leaving Rome with dusty pink hair and the first tan I've ever had in my life. Apparently only Italy can tan a vampire. And now, when I've finally adjusted to Italian time here, I'm leaving to return to Washington. But as I wait for my plane to arrive, I'll share with you some things I learned to be able to survive Italy, a place that is as different from Washington as you can get.
1. When they say wear walking shoes, they mean it. I bought new burkinstovks sandals before the trip, was in Italy a month, and by the end they were so trashed by the cobbles that I had to throw them out.
2. Don't go out on the heat of the day unless absolutely necessary; in fact, 1-3pm is a great nap time.
3. Eat a banana every day because you'll need the potassium to retain water.
4. Actually, even with the potassium, if you aren't sloshing while walking, you aren't drinking enough water.
The weather in Italy is hot and very dry, and the water tastes just as bad as Florida water. Say goodbye to Washington's 3rd cleanest water in the US. It may taste worse in Italy, but drink the water anyway. There are fountains all around Rome, so don't waste all your money on eater bottles when you could be buying delicious food and coffee instead. Also, bring church appropriate clothes (ie. either clothes that already cover your knees and shoulders, or a scarf to throw over you) because there are dozens and dozens of beautiful churches spanning from the classical era, through the medieval ages and Renaissance, all the way to the baroque period. You'll regret it if you miss seeing even one, trust me.
After being here for only a month, I've learned some helpful cultural things. By cultural things, I mean things about eating. I now know that if I want a soy latte here, order a cafe latte dei soia, because a latte is just milk. Most places don't offer coffee to go; thankfully, the cafe riggt across from the campo where we have class every evening knows students are always coming to and from there and has it to go. Meals in Italy are social, so be prepared to have a minimum one hour meal, more likely a four hour meal when you sit down. And note that you have to pay to sit down in Italian restaraunts and cafes. However, while in Rome, I had the best olive bread I've ever eaten, and now American pizza and Starbucks will forever taste inadequate to me.
This program was no vacation. It had a rigorous schedule.
7am wake up
8-830 be at the site for the day
830-930 site presentation
930-12 write as much as you can about the sites
12-530 time to eat, sleep, and do your assignments and readings
530-630 small groups
630-7 large groups
7-8 lecture
Crash (sleep)
The program was intense, and was no vacation, but it was more fun than any vacation I've ever taken. It's worth the 9 hour difference of jetlag. But don't be like me and wait for the perfect program. I waited until my last quarter of my undergrad for a program that was for creative writing (my major) with one course on the history of Rome (classical studies minor). It was perfect for me, and I'm glad I went, but I wish I could do it again even with a program outside my major. Even with a random program, there is so much you could learn and experience. I wish I could do it again.
If you decide to roam Rome, here are my takeaways: Do it, and stay hydrated.