It's been awhile since my last blog post but I decided that during my last couple weeks I wouldn't focus on blogging or uploading pictures. So a month later here it is!
I remember walking into my dorm room on the first day thinking "It is going to be a long three months." I anticipated missing my friends and family, American food, and my cell phone! These thoughts were not calmed by the lack of hot water, sleep, and communication with America. I had to switch rooms because of mold and I kept wondering if I really should have come to Rome at all.
How could I have ever thought these things! In hindsight these worries that I experienced are silly. But really that was part of the process of adjusting and getting used to my new "Italian" way of life and living in a dorm (unlink one I have ever lived in).
Fast forward three months...There are 25 people crammed in my room, all drinking wine. I'm sitting on my top bunk wondering how we will ever fit more people. Low and behold, more people come in. 27 people now in my room. Turns out my room was dubbed "the party room." Maybe because my roommate and I are so fun, but also because there are two doors to our room...blocking out all sound that would run the risk of being written up! The point is, I went from questioning my ideas about coming to Rome (3 and a half months ago) to wondering how I ever lived without these 27 people in my room. They are all wonderful people who enjoy living life to the fullest.
During my last couple weeks I had sudden thoughts hit me. One such thought: I can't imagine living my life without this experience and not meeting all the people that I did. It is a deep part of me now and I will always hold these memories very close.
Another thought: The mindset I developed in Rome (namely acquiring a passion for travel, making the most of each day, and appreciating every day of life) should not end with Rome. I will carry it with me and if I ever have doubts I will whip out my journal and read about my day in Florence or my weekend in Spain. I truly believe that the people I met in Rome and the experiences that I had re-sparked my passion for life.
I'm not going to lie, I had these images of coming to Rome and finally figuring out what I want to do with my life. I figured in such a relaxed and stimulating environment I would discover my life calling. Nope, didn't happen. I am as much in the dark now as I was before coming to Rome. Should I be a teacher or an occupational therapist? Should I volunteer for a year or teach English abroad? These are many questions I will be facing my senior year and I'm sure will be asked by everyone "What are you doing after graduation?" Wellllllll, I don't know is my response. Yes, I have a lot of decisions to make and thinking to do. Rome did help me figure out that MY happiness is what I should worry about and that I shouldn't put pressure on myself to please people around me. Positive thinking, a good attitude, and hard work will help me end up where I belong, wherever that may be.
Here's to an amazing group of friends that I made, nights that have turned into mornings, sunny days in Rome, and a journal full of memories.
Colorful. The word I would use to describe Spain and my weekend with Ellen. So far, I think this may have been my favorite trip, for many reasons. One being I got to spend 4 days with Ellen, meeting her friends and seeing what she does on a day to day basis. I hadn’t seen her in almost a year! It was so great to see someone from my family after 2 ½ months of not. I also liked this trip because I traveled alone and got some time away from my JFRC family (I love them all so much but a break was needed).
Day one started with a tour of Seville with Ellen and her boyfriend Manuel. There was quite a language barrier between us, but with my little known Spanish and his English we made it work. We visited Alcazar, an old palace, and took some great walks (and a nap) through the park.
Spanish food is amazing! I had seafood paella (fresh by the coast) and Tappas. Also, it was nice to have home cooked food and fresh squeezed orange juice everyday thanks to Elle. I also feel like I got to learn about the culture being with Ellen since she has adjusted to the Spanish way of life. We made sure to have our daily siestas and marienda’s (light evening snack…usually ice cream or chocolate…yes!). One day we didn’t have dinner until midnight and the Flamenco show we went to didn’t start until 2 a.m.! Everything is just pushed back a couple hours there. Spending two days on the beach topped the weekend (although I did get sunburned after the first day and spent the whole second day under an umbrella- it was worth it). I feel like spending time with Ellen’s friends helped me to understand Spanish culture whether it was greeting people by kissing them on the cheeks or eating ham and cheese sandwiches (Spain is famous for their dried ham legs).
I also realized how many parts of Spain seem beautiful and interesting…looks like I will be going back someday.
Day 1 (Tunis): Asslema! (Hello in Arabic, one of the few words I picked up in Tunisia).We landed in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia and stayed there for 2 days.The plane ride to Tunisia was a hop and a skip from Rome, one hour actually.It was so bizarre realizing that after an hour plane ride I was in Africa. I was in a great place arriving to Tunisia.I had just finished my midterms, my monologue went great, and I was ready for a break.
Tunisia instantly reminded me of Arizona.As we traveled to the southern part of the country, towards the Sahara, it continued to remind me of that desert I love back home.Right from the plane we headed to the American Embassy, where we met with the ambassador.He talked to us about America-Tunisia Relations and some basic facts about the country.Two things that were interesting to me were 1.) YouTube is blocked and 2.) Tunisia is the only Muslim country (98% of the population is Muslim) where polygamy is illegal.That night we went to a hookah bar, or hubbly bubbly as they call it, that was over 300 years old in Sidi Bou Said, a really cute town.
My first impression of Tunisia was that it was probably the most foreign place I have ever been to.They mostly speak Arabic and French here, and the Arabic was impossible to read.Apparently it is one of the hardest languages to learn and I believe it.The food was very foreign too.It was spicy and very meat and vegetable based.Couscous was very common and I ate it every day!I even dreamt about the Sahara Desert made of couscous and not sand.I think I may really like couscous!
At the hookah (Hubbly Bubbly as its called) place in Sidi Bou Said.
Day 2 (Tunis):We started with meeting a Tunisian professor, who explained Tunisian politics and religion to us.They are a Muslim country with harsh authoritarian rule.Also, in terms of politics, Tunisia is considered the Middle East; however, it terms of geography they are considered North Africa.I found that very interesting and might have never known that unless I went to Tunisia.After the lecture we had lunch with Tunisian students.It was so fun to sit and talk about their country.I got some good recommendations for discotechas and we talked about politics and life in general.They are all very curious about America and Obama.
After lunch, they came to the local souk (market in Arabic).I have never seen a market like this before!So many things, so much bartering, and so much fun.The Tunisian vendors all tried to guess where I was from thinking England, America, or Holland.Once I said America, they instantly exclaimed with a huge smile “Welcome to Tunisia” or “I love Americans, they are so nice” or “Obama!”I definitely do not get that attitude in Italy.Don’t get me wrong, I feel welcomed in Italy, but I don’t get greetings like that.The people are so friendly and down to earth in Tunisia.It’s also interesting because they don’t see many Americans there so they were very curious about us.It was a lot of fun bartering and I got a necklace from 65 DINAR (Tunisian currency) down to 10 DINAR, which is about 7 U.S. dollars.I also held a chameleon randomly hanging out on a table of souvenirs.
Day 3 (Carthage): This day was full of sightseeing but it was unfortunately pouring rain all day, which made it difficult.We went to an overlook view of Carthage, some Roman ruins (baths and ancient sacrificial sites), and the American Cemetery, which was a highlight of the trip for me.The cemetery was very moving.There are over 3,000 graves of Americans, many of them unknown.It was surreal seeing the names of Americans and the states they were from on the grave stones in Tunisia.This experience, and being abroad in general, has made me so proud to be an American, and I have never felt it more than that day in the cemetery.I thought of my Grandpa Lucky and Pat because they would have appreciated that so much.
Day 4 (Matmata):On the way to Matmata (southern Tunisia) we stopped at El Jem to see the 3rd largest amphitheatre in the world (very similar to the Coliseum) and went to a couple museums.That afternoon we began our drive down South, where the terrain changed very quickly in Saharan dunes.This is when it finally hit me that I was in Africa and in the Sahara Desert.It was so beautiful at sunset and I kept thinking of Arizona how the colors are always changing at Sunset.I love the desert.That night we went to the Star Wars bar, where scenes from the movie were filmed.My professor bought us all 2 rounds of beers and we hung out there for awhile.We stayed in a hotel similar to what Luke Skywalker and his aunt and uncle lived in for the movie.They are called Troglodytes and they are basically caves underground in the Sahara.
Cave hotel!
Day 5 (Douz): Best day in Tunisia!We went camel riding in the desert.I had a white racing camel that was really tall, but sweet.Her name was Naeim.We wore traditional camel riding garb and turbans.My camel was married to my friend Emily’s and apparently they have 3 babies together. Cute!Riding a camel was just like riding a horse, a really tall and smelly horse that is.As soon as the camel riding was over the weather started to get iffy.A sand storm kicked up and it started raining.This was the night we were supposed to camp in the desert and it was being considered to cancel it.However our tour guide Magit said “You are Americans so you are strong.You can handle it.”So we hopped in four wheel jeeps, blared some Arabian techno, and drove about 15 kilometers into the middle of nowhere to Habibi Camp.Literally the middle of NOWHERE.Camp was set up, some Tunisians were cooking us dinner, and me and some friends sat on a dune and watched the sunset.It was amazing.I don’t think any us could comprehend what we were experiencing.I felt so lucky.
The night in the desert was a cold one.I ended up bundling up like it was a blizzard in Chicago.But I bet the temperature got down to 20 degrees or so.We danced around the fire with a Tunisian band and belly dancers, drank some beers, and watched the stars.Once again the sky in Tunisia reminded me of PortaI, AZ, which has the same view.I saw six shooting stars.I thought of my mom because in Arizona we are always stargazing and looking out for a shooting star.I have always found that stargazing and fires stimulate great conversations.I had some good talks with friends that night.
I feel asleep to Arabian music in the background and people talking around a fire.But sleeping was rough.I woke up about 5 or 6 times with cold limbs and a freezing nose.I already had about 3 blankets over me but it somehow just wasn’t enough.There were about 14 of us in our tent, all huddled together.We woke up at 6 am to see the sunrise and it was beautiful!That sunrise made the cold night worth it.
Day 6 (Tamerza):After a very sleepless night in the desert we had a busy day.We went in the jeeps again to a desert oasis called Chebika and a huge dry lake filled with salt. It was so beautiful!It was nice to hike around and get some exercise.After more jeep driving through the mountains, we arrived in Tamerza, about 2 km from the Algerian border. We stayed in a gorgeous hotel with a view of mountains and ruins from my balcony.Apparently the trip is scheduled to have the nicest hotel after the desert to pamper us a little bit.People spent the rest of the day at the spa, in the sun, and napping.I was happy to have a couple hours to myself and recoup after a jam packed six days.At this point we were about halfway through the Tunisia trip and I grew to love it more and more every day.
Above: My two contortionist friends Emily and Emma. Definitely not me in that picture!
View from my hotel room!
Day 7 (Tamerza and Sbeitla): Went four wheel jeep riding on dunes in the morning and saw some more great sights of the Sahara like wild camels, mirages, and mountains.The four wheeling was wild and an adrenaline rush to say the least.We drove up and down and on the sides of dunes to another Star Wars set.This one was better than the first one we saw because it was a whole town.I think it was Anikan grew up in the 1st movie.
That afternoon we headed to Sbeitla, where we were going to stay for the night.I loved driving through small towns on the way and watching little kids wave and run after our bus.People have a very hard life in the Southern part of Tunisia, mostly because of the poverty and conditions of desert life.
Day 8 (Kairouan): We saw some more ruins in Sbeitla, but the best part of the day was visiting the mosque in Kairouan.This is the 3rd most important city for Muslims in terms of pilgrimages.I think Islam is a beautiful religion and I am so happy this trip gave me a lot of new insight into the Muslim religion.We also hit up another market, where they were very aggressive (apparently because Kairouan is one of the poorest cities in Tunisia) and saw some traditional rug making.I saw one that sells for $15,000 and it took 4 years to make.If you ever need a rug…Kairouan is the place.They are all handmade and gorgeous.We drove to Hammamet that night, a city near Tunis that is right on the coast.We smoked some hookah in the hotel, danced in the bar for a bit, and then went to a Latin Dance Club.I absolutely loved the music in Tunisia.They are big on dance music, sometimes in Arabic and some American music.I bought a CD labeled “Arabic Club Dance Songs.”It’s so danceable and that’s why I love it!
Day 9 (Hammamet): Today was a complete free day in Tunisia.The only one too.Got a late start but then me, Lindsey, Emily, Kristen, and Rachel walked along the beach for about an hour and half to the Medina, or local downtown where there is a market.This was by far my favorite market.I don’t know how many times people commented on my blue eyes and asked me if they were fake! Some even said, “You’re blue eyes break my heart.”Here they loved Americans just as much as the first market and the vendors used their famous last words of “No problem, I give you good price.”
Our last night was a lot of fun.Our professor and SLA’s (Student Life Assistants) took us out to Havana Night Club and bought us 3 rounds of drinks.All 70 of us were tearing it up on the dance floor and made some new Tunisian friends.A couple friends and I decided to try Oasis (a dance club that my Tunisian friend Ameen recommended to me on that luncheon one of the first days).Picture a dance club in your head (fog, dance music, strobe lights, VIP section).That was Oasis.We met some Tunisians and I got to use some French, which I didn’t realize how much I missed until this trip.It makes me want to dedicate myself to re-learning it.
Day 10: (Baslema Tunisia) All around, Tunisia was such a unique and wonderful experience.I am happy I decided to go because there was a time when I considered not going.I don’t know how I could have ever thought that!It is such a friendly and down to earth country.I was happy to see that as we traveled from the north to south to east to back north.I feel as though I got an idea of the country as a whole rather than one town.I like to say I experienced some many diverse situations on this trip (roughing it in the desert, living in luxury at 5 star hotels, meeting people in markets, learning about a new culture, eating delicious and exotic food, and meeting new people).I have to say that this trip was a highlight of study abroad experience as a whole.
I have been in Rome the past three weeks (despite the occasional day trip) and it has been wonderful! I feel like the city is becoming more and more familiar. It seems like people are jetting off every weekend to go somewhere new. But I feel like the beauty of Rome is that you can have adventures all day long as if you were traveling and then come home to your own bed at night! I still have trips planned (Tunisia, Spain, and Malta), but I like being in Rome just as much.
I have definitely experienced so many parts of Rome these past three weeks. I have had dinner in Trastevere (a neighborhood in Rome) a couple times. All times were wonderful. I had some delicious seafood pasta and some artichoke lasagna in the Jewish Ghetto. Also I have been keeping up with my gelato research and trying many new flavors. One of my favorite parts about Italy=the food.
Last Sunday I went to a Roma Soccer Game versus Catania. I thought football games were intense. Think again. These games are in the blood of the Romans. As we were running and trying to get to the game (because we were late and the one thing that Italians are on time for is soccer) we could hear echoing chants. These chants did not stop the whole game. In America at football games or even basketball games, people are encouraged to cheer by the announcers or halftime shows. There was none of that here. It seems like anything (such as announcers or halftime shows) would be too much of a distraction from the game. The stadium was packed with Italian men and their young sons. You can tell this way of life is ingrained in them at a very early age. Plus I picked up some soccer moves to use at my next game on Wednesday. Speaking of which, the gold team is currently 2-1.
On Thursday I went back to the Missions of Charity homeless shelter to volunteer. These sisters are amazing! They work hard everyday cleaning, cooking, and caring for the homeless men. All day long they have the biggest smile on their faces. They are patient, kind, and fun! They really do inspire me to stay positive about life. Also, the men at the homeless shelter are great. They are from all over the world but my favorite is a cute little man who came from Mexico. Apparently when he showed up to the shelter many years ago he had a beard, long hair, and a sombrero on. He likes to talk to me (in italian) but I really can not understand him. He talks quickly and mumbled because he doesn't have any teeth. But he is always complimenting me by calling me Principessa (princess).
On Friday, I spent the day in Rome by myself. It was much needed. I realized that besides when I sleep, I have gotten zero alone time since being here for a month and half. I decided to use that day for myself. It was so great! I went exploring near Piazza Navona, got a crepe with gelato in it, found a fabulous bead store, went to the Aushwitz-Burkenau museum, the Spanish steps, and on top of the Victor Emmanuel monument to overlook the city.
It was just a great day to let everything soak in. It has slowly been hitting me that I'm in Rome. Sometimes it seems more like another reality. But it's real and I love it!
I decided randomly on Friday to go to Naples for the day on Saturday. Some friends that I have not traveled with yet were going and I thought it would be nice to get away for the day. So me, Adri, Katherine, Joe, and Mariam woke up at 6 am and caught an 8 am train. These 6 am mornings seem to be a common re-occurrence. I think I have said it before, but I love taking trains through Italy. The countryside is beautiful. As soon as we got in we got some delicious Napoli pizza. I had a four cheese pizza and then the whole table split the Margarita pizza. I like the Margarita pizza the best but mine was still good. I can honestly say that was some of the pizza (and most original) pizza that I have ever had. We explored Naples, got some gelato, and then decided to sit by the sea. We just sat for so long, feeling content with this gorgeous view. To the left was Mount Vesuvius, in front were ships and sailboats, and to the left was a distant island and the coast of Naples. It was one of my favorite days.
I decided I wanted to put my feet in! So I climbed down the rocks to stick my toe in. As I am dipping my foot in, I see a massive wave coming towards me. Yes, I get drenched. Absolutely soaked. Well, I guess I got my feet wet. It was hilarious! I tried to lay in the sun to get dried for a bit, but really it was not happening. I ended up buying a new pair of jeans to ease my comfort. Such is traveling, you really never know what is going to happen next.
After exploring more of Naples and LOTS of walking we saw our same view from earlier in the day, but at night. I'm really happy I made it there.
Now it's time for midterms and getting ready for Spring Break. I will be leaving for Tunisia in 4 days! Until then I have two midterms, a paper, and my monologues to perform. Please come soon spring break!
After coming home from Venice, things did not slow down at the JFRC. On Monday night we had Karaoke night...an absolute blast! Me and some friends sang Hanson, Toto's Africa, and some Queen. It turned into a huge dance party in the cafe in the downstairs of the building.
Tuesday, I had class at the Pantheon and the Ara Pacis (an altar used to sacrifice to the Roman gods during ancient times). I love that class more and more every week.
Wednesday we had our second week of Calcio (soccer). Our school has a league. I was never a soccer fan but I love this! It get's so intense. People are constantly bleeding, pulling muscles, and some kid even broke his wrist...What! Our record is 1-1 right now, getting better every week! Go Gold!
On Thursday I started doing volunteer work at a homeless shelter run by the Missionaries of Charity. This organization was started by Mother Theresa. I will be going every Thursday helping to clean and cook for the homeless men. I'm interested in comparing this to the one that I go to in Chicago.
This weekend I went out dancing twice, both times great! It was nice being in Rome for the most part. Traveling is exhausting. Yesterday our school took a group of 25 kids or so to Pompeii. I really liked it! As an anthropology minor I really enjoyed seeing the excavating going on. Also the plastered bodies were crazy. It was actually very sad seeing those.
It snowed on Friday in Rome. It hasn't snowed in Rome for 35 years!
Also, I decided to go to Tunisia, Africa for spring break. It's through the school and the highlights are camel treking and camping in the Sahara desert. Sounds like a good time to me!
Happy Valentine's day! Hope everyone has a good week.
It's been awhile since I have last written so I will catch you all up to date! I moved into a new room (on a different floor in my dorm). Yay for no mold! Me and my roommate like our new room, although I'm sad that I no longer have a view of Rome...instead I have a view of the building's courtyard which is still beautiful!
By the way here is a picture of me and my roommate Maddie (she's awesome). She deals with my talking in my sleep habit just fine. It seems like everyday she has a new story to tell me about my slumbering mumbles. This picture was taken the night we went to a discotheque, which was a blast.
So last weekend we went to Venice for Carnavale. We spent Saturday through Monday there. I really have just one word for Venice. Charming. It was beautiful and the weather turned out to be sunny but a little chilly.
Highlights of the weekend: I spent the weekend with three great friends: Lindsey, Elizabeth, and Emily. We took a gondola ride, which is a very touristy thing to do but it was well worth it. Our Gondolier Marco has been giving rides for 25 years and his father and grandfather have all been in the business. We also went to Murano, an island near Venice that specializes in making glass. This is no ordinary glass, it was extraordinary! Glass makers were moved to this island to keep their glass making techniques a secret. We saw a demonstration of glass blowing, which was very cool. We bought some masks, had a Venetian dinner, and roamed around the city which was crowded with people in masks in costumes! It is basically their version of Halloween but it celebrates the beginning of Lent.
I ran into my friend Meghan! I seem to find her everywhere all over Rome and even in Venice!!! There was an opening ceremony, which turned out to be a play that we did not understand. It reminded me of the movie Hunchback of Notre Dame and the festival that they have. We also saw all of the Loyola people all around Venice, such a small world.
Venice is not easy to navigate! But the city is very walkable. Most of our two days there were spent walking and exploring. We visited San Marco Square and St. Marco's Church which was very elaborate and beautiful! On our last night we went to Campo Santa Margharita where they had a DJ called "Club Wah Wah." We met people from Venice, Bangladesh, Brazil, and Istanbul. After dancing and chatting we called it a night and got some sleep before our flight the next morning.
Here is an example of the costumes that people wore for Carnavale. I also saw superhero's, jellyfish, people from the middle ages, the Joker, and "kings and queens." Apparently there are many costume balls that people attend that go up to 900 Euro for dinner and a dance. Maybe someday??
Flying into Rome was great because I saw the Swiss Alps and the Colosseum from the air. I'm beginning to become more and more comfortable with flying with great views like that.
