Ciao Roma! This past weekend I had the amazing opportunity to visit a good friend from my home University in her new study abroad location, The Eternal City! This was my last weekend in a different country besides London before I go back home to the States. I knew I was flying there and back by myself, but it turns out this was my first time walking around another city solo! I’m very thankful that it went well. It was a major first, and scared me a bit if I’m being honest. But the key is confidence. Because my friend is studying here and it’s close to finals week, she had some homework she had to get finished. So, I was out in the city, touring the Coliseum, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum alone.
And let me tell you, I had an experience that was very much a representation of the kindness of strangers! On my tour, I met a very kind father and his 16-year-old daughter from Singapore! The girl began talking to me, she saw I was alone and was concerned although I assured them I was meeting my friend back later, and we had so much in common! We had a lovely conversation and her father even bought me a cup of tea. This experience taught me that there are truly kind people everywhere, also that traveling is much more interesting if you travel with friends. But, as I mentioned earlier, there are also benefits to traveling solo. It really depends of your personality and what you want to explore. That being said, there are definitely kind people in the world, but that does not mean you should let your guard down when you’re out and about! Always keep a watchful eye and use street smarts. That being said, the Coliseum was beautiful! I very highly recommend that you take the opportunity to tour the inside of it, and pick a tour that allows you through the group entrance because that will save you a lot of waiting time! Rome truly is the Eternal City, our tour guide was very informative and explained that it truly is amazing that this ancient arena is still standing.
Following that, the view of the Roman Forum from Palatine Hill was picturesque as well. After telling us about the area, our guide set us free to wander around the Roman Forum. Some of the world’s oldest buildings and churches are still standing there! Then, I met my friend and we decided to make a wish at the Trevi Fountain. Actually I made a few! It, also, is as glorious as the images. After visiting the Pantheon I indulged on my first authentic Italian pizza! It was simply delicious. We then took a short walk to what my friend declares as the best gelato here (150 flavors including sorbetto and vegana!) Another Roman rite of passage conquered! We ended my first night here ROMEing the piazza’s and listening to the music of street performers.
Day two was all about shopping! There’s a huge street full of designer stores, souvenir shops, outlets and even chains like H+M and Zara. My friend, her roommates and I started with an Italian brunch (a croissant and cappuccino/ginseng) then they went back to do work and I took on Via del Corso solo again. It was so difficult not to buy everything! But, I did purchase an Italian bag for my souvenir! When in Rome, right? In my shopping endeavors, I happened upon the Spanish Steps (huge staircase building)! At this point, my feet were a tad sore so I hopped the tram back to my friend’s apartment and we rested before we went back into the City Centre and searched for a pasta place! Tip from my friend: don’t go for the obviously tourist-catered restaurants because they are often overpriced for the quality. We found a delightful little “hipster-esque” pasta restaurant with twinkling Christmas lights! Followed by some make-your-own tiramisu! It was a wonderful end to my lovely time-traveling visit to Rome! It was just amazing to see my friend from home once more in Europe. To think the next time we see each other will be back in the States is insane. Take advantage of every opportunity when studying abroad, your future self will thank-you!
Meet Me On London Bridge? 