Arrival

We are finally in Rome, Italy as of 9:37am Rome time. The flight had its ups and downs, but overall it was pretty smooth. We had some pretty scary turbulence halfway through which isn't really my preference. Though it was amusing to find out that Italians apparently always clap when a plane lands.

The airport in Rome wasn't as scary as I assumed it would be. Most of the signs are in both English and Italian, and we actually all got our luggage and none was lost. On the way to our dorms, seeing Rome was not at all what I expected. The areas we've been in still remind me of an American city without all of the skyscrapers. Some parts are modern, yet some definitely show the history here. I did notice three Chinese restaurants and a Japanese restaurant on the way though - pretty typical for a city.

Our living quarters are nice. We have a view of a large courtyard and have a floor with seven rooms, with a shared bathroom, living space, and kitchen. I'll be satisfied once I completely unpack my room and find an adapter/converter for my laptop and camera.

We went to an Italian market (supermarket) today and got some basic food and toiletries. It was interesting seeing all of the food that Italians normally buy. Most of the toiletries were American... probably a good way to try to rip off tourists. Can't say I blame them. We bought large (1.5liter) bottles of water for 29 euro cents. Score. If only they had that in the States... though usually in the States tap water tastes a lot better.

It is hot here. I finally had adjusted to the temperatures at home and here, its over 90 degrees, 34 degrees Celsius. Most of the clothes I have are probably going to be uncomfortable... not to mention will make me look American.

Finally being here has calmed my nerves a bit, though I still need to adjust. Some things I still don't know how I feel about them. I'm sure we'll all adjust sooner or later.

Pictures in the next post.

Tomorrow?!

Ok so, I officially have way too much stuff. I seem to be a pro at stressing myself out too. I have two open suitcases, one a carry-on and one checked, sitting in my family room. I keep realizing I need more things that I would never even think of needing here, but no place to put them. Hopefully, everything will magically find itself a place eventually.

Honestly, right now, I'm a bit too anxious and nervous to be excited. I've never been on a flight longer than three hours, and I've never been to Europe either. It's going to take some serious adjusting. I'm sure I'll figure it out in time. I don't think I ever fully believed I'd actually be studying abroad until these past few days. After visiting State College for the weekend, I realized that I'd be leaving when everyone else was starting classes. It was great to see everyone, but it was a bittersweet feeling when I left.

It also feels strange still being home when mostly everyone is away at school. Usually I'd be with them. I know after tomorrow I won't have as much time to think about it, but it's still odd. I realized on Sunday how much I'm going to truly miss everyone in State College, especially Eric and everyone in studio who I would normally see everyday. We shall keep in contact through email, facebook, skype, and even awesome video chatting on Google+ if I can figure out how it works. Don't forget about me, please. I'll be back in December. I'll miss all of you so much.

Tomorrow I'll be meeting up with Clarissa, Rachel, and Kyle at the Philadelphia Airport to fly to Rome. It feels so weird. It always seemed like Rome was ages away, even when we were applying for our visas and setting up finances. I'll probably be leaving for the airport around 2pm, and will end up sitting there waiting forever. Better safe than sorry, I guess. However, that just gives me a few more hours tomorrow to obsess and wonder about what I should be packing. Wonderful. I'll be happy when I arrive in Rome and am basically settled into the dorms where we will be living.

In just a bit over 24 hours, we'll be embarking on a semester-long adventure. Hopefully, the adjusting process doesn't give me an ulcer. It will be in the 90s in Rome for a while, and to think, I was starting to enjoy the constant 70-80 degree weather here. Oh well. The next time I write here I will be in Rome, Italy for the next 3.5 months.

So Close

There are officially nine days until we are off to Rome. Its crazy. I have no idea where the summer went.

It still doesn't feel like I'll be in another country in a little over a week. We finally received our visas a few weeks ago. They're very official looking, and are even in Italian. Shame my passport picture is so awful looking. I realized I really need to start figuring out what to pack, and how I really won't be able to bring a lot with me. I think I have all of the supplies I need, and I need to tackle my clothes next.

 I have too much stuff.

Living in another country is going to be such a new experience, even in the airport. I'll be surrounded by Italian language and culture, not to mention I'll stick out like a sore thumb. I'll be tripling the amount of places I've seen in a mere four months. I have a train pass for France and Switzerland, and am considering one for Germany as well. I feel like once I get to visit all of these places that it will be hard to leave.

I went to the bookstore the other day and got tour books for Rome and Europe. They seem helpful and very overwhelming. Maybe they're useful, maybe not. I guess I'll find out. I've actually always wondered if what was published in those tour books was how it actually was. I even have an Italian phrase book, but I feel like I'll learn more Italian trying to navigate (probably more like stumble) through Rome.

I don't really have much more to say. I'm scared to death, and really have no idea what I need or what to pack. I'm excited too. I've never been overseas or to Europe before, so the new experiences will start the second I get off of the plane. I'll probably spend the ten hour flight reading as much as I can about Rome.

Nine more days until I am in a new world for four months of my life.

Quickly Approaching...

This is my new blog for all Rome-related adventures. Let's see if I actually keep up with it.

As of last Friday, there is less than two months until we'll all be in Rome. It still hasn't really sunk in yet, but I'm fairly sure it won't until I'm standing in the airport in Rome.
I'm still in the middle of the preparation process - filling out visa forms, health insurance, course selection.

Keep checking back. Hopefully I'll be recording my experiences in Rome in this blog during the fall semester!